Applying to Medical School with a Low Science GPA
The process of applying to medical school is stressful. Applying with a low science GPA can make the process even more nerve-wracking. For over five years with the UC Davis School of Medicine Postbaccalaureate Program, I specialized in helping students with low numbers apply successfully to medical schools across the country. In my last year with the program, 100% of the students whom I assisted received acceptances. I learned many valuable lessons from this experience.
If you have a low science GPA, you basically have two options – push off applying to med school or move forward with your application, taking certain precautionary steps.
You should consider waiting to apply to med school if:
This is the number one reason why many students will receive a rejection from medical schools. If you have a decreasing trend and you have already graduated, I recommend that you complete postbaccalaureate coursework to create an increasing trend by taking upper division biological science courses, most similar to the level taught at medical school. I have written and published a book, The Definitive Guide to Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureate Programs, about all the different types of postbac programs as well as alternative paths to medical school.
Retake any courses in which you received a C-, D or F for a higher grade as soon as possible to demonstrate your improvement as a student. I recommend making this step your priority, if you have already graduated. It is best to retake the same classes, if at all possible. If not, you can take equivalent courses. [Read: Boost Your GPA for Med School Acceptance]
If you have a C every quarter or semester without consistent improvement, this can be a red flag. It’s best to take a full course load of all science classes and maintain a strong GPA before you apply.
Selection committees are looking for evidence that you are ready for medical school. It’s a terrible experience when a student is asked to leave a medical school.
It’s painful for three reasons:
If the criteria listed above don’t describe you, to be successful in applying with a low science GPA, consider the following strategies:
Many students are accepted into medical school every year with below average numbers. In fact approximately half have below average numbers and science GPAs. It’s better to have an impressive record of service and to demonstrate the ability to overcome any obstacle than to have perfect scores.
The challenges you have encountered have helped you build character. Often, the students with lower numbers have the most heart and the most commitment.
Accepted can help! Explore our Medical School Admissions Consulting Services for individualized guidance – we can assist you in creating an admissions strategy that works for your unique situation.
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Alicia McNease Nimonkar worked for 5 years as the Student Advisor & Director at the UC Davis School of Medicine’s postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and other health professional programs. She has served Accepted’s clients since 2012 with roughly a 90% success rate. She has a Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric as well as Literature. Want Alicia to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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Source: Accepted.com
Applying to Medical School with a Low Science GPA
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