Average MCAT Score and GPA for Medical School

Your GPA and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores are significant factors in medical school admissions.  The admissions committee uses these scores to evaluate your academic potential and readiness for the rigorous curriculum of medical school. The average MCAT score for medical school matriculants in the 2023-2024 cycle was 511.7. The average GPA was 3.77.

However, it’s important to note that these are just averages and do not guarantee admission into medical school. Admissions committees also consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and interviews.

Still, a competitive GPA and MCAT score definitely puts you in a strong position when it comes to securing an acceptance. In this article, we’ll discuss the role of GPA and MCAT scores in the admission process and take a look at the average GPA and MCAT scores for medical schools.

Why Do Medical Schools Care So Much About GPA and MCAT Scores?

We know you’re so much more than your numbers! A higher MCAT score doesn’t determine how talented of a doctor you’ll be. So, you might be wondering why GPA and MCAT scores hold so much weight in medical school admissions. 

Predicting Academic Success

GPA and MCAT scores have been shown to correlate, to some extent, with academic performance in medical school. High scores suggest you have strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as the foundational knowledge and skills to handle rigorous coursework.

Your GPA, in particular, matters because it is a cumulative representation of your grades over the course of your undergraduate career. 

Furthermore, a consistently high GPA across semesters demonstrates a candidate’s ability to perform well time and again, manage their time effectively, and handle stress—qualities essential for success in medical school.

Standardized Comparison

Undergraduate schools may vary significantly in grading standards and course rigor. Therefore, MCAT scores are meant to serve as a neutral, standardized metric that [are supposed to] level the playing field. It allows admissions committees to compare applicants from diverse backgrounds and educational institutions.

What is a Good MCAT Score for Medical Schools?

Unfortunately, there’s no single magic number when it comes to either GPA or MCAT scores. The best scores depend on a number of factors.

1. The Specific Medical Schools You’re Targeting

Highly competitive programs at top medical schools understandably draw applicants with stellar academic records. The average GPA and MCAT scores at these schools will be significantly higher than those at other schools.

Generally, MCAT scores above 511 are considered competitive for most schools. However, if you want to be above average, a score of 515 or above will put you in the 90th percentile, which will look great on your application!

Aiming for that top score? Discover how to get a guaranteed 515+ MCAT score!

2. Your Overall Application: Medical schools look at the whole picture. Excellent stats can sometimes offset other weaknesses. However, a strong GPA and MCAT alone won’t guarantee admission.

Apart from GPA and MCAT scores, schools consider other factors like:

• Extracurricular activities
• Research experience
• Volunteer work
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Interviews

Further Reading

💪 How to Make Your Experiences As a Pre-Med Count for Your Medical School Application

🤓 Do You Need Research Experience for Medical School?

✉️ How Many Letters of Recommendation Do You Need for Medical School?

⭐️ Download Our Free Ebook To Learn How To Become a Top Med School Applicant

Average GPA and MCAT Scores for U.S. Medical Schools

Let’s take a look at some national trends before we go into each medical school.

Median MCAT and GPA Scores for Applicants  (2023-24 Admissions Cycle)

• Average Total MCAT Score: 506.3
• Average Science GPA: 3.54
• Average Cumulative GPA: 3.64

Median MCAT and GPA Scores for Matriculants  (2023-24 Admissions Cycle)

• Average Total MCAT Score: 511.7
• Average Science GPA: 3.71
• Average Cumulative GPA: 3.77

As per data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), acceptance rates from the 2021-22 through to the 2023-24 admission cycles:

• High GPA (3.79+) and High MCAT (517+): 82.9%
• High GPA (3.79+) and High MCAT (514-517): 75.3%
• High GPA (3.79+) and Low MCAT (494-497): 18.5%
• High MCAT (517+)and Low GPA (2.80-2.99): 32.3%

Clearly, it is very possible to apply to medical school with a low GPA and get accepted, but your MCAT score will need to be competitive!

Average GPA and MCAT Scores (Individual Medical Schools)

*Public medical schools | NR: Not reported | ^Out-of-state | OOS: Out-of-state | IS: In-state

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Using Average GPA and MCAT Score for Medical School as Benchmarks

Every year, there are students above and below a medical schools average that secure an acceptance. Average MCAT scores for medical schools are useful and informative, but how do you use them without obsessing over them? 

Establish a baseline. See where your current practice MCAT exam scores fall in relation to your target schools. This gives you an idea of whether you’re competitive at a glance before you take the official test and how you can strategically improve your odds.

Strategies to Improve Your GPA and MCAT Scores

If you’re realizing that you might need to boost your GPA or MCAT scores, don’t worry. Try these strategies to help you maximize your success.

Improving Your GPA

1. Strategize Your Course Load: Balance challenging science courses with less intense electives to maintain a high GPA.
2. Seek Academic Support: Utilize tutoring, study groups, and faculty office hours to reinforce understanding.
3. Retake a Course: If your undergrad offers grade forgiveness and you meet the eligibility criteria, it may be worth retaking one or multiple prerequisite courses to boost your GPA.
4. Post-Baccalaureate Programs: Post-baccalaureate (post-bacc) programs are designed to help students prepare for medical school coursework while also increasing their competitiveness as an applicant. 

Boosting Your MCAT Score

1. Create a Study Plan: Design a comprehensive, but balanced, study schedule covering all sections of the MCAT, giving extra attention to weaker areas. Create one for free using the Blueprint MCAT Study Planner!
2. Take Full-Length Practice Exams: Every good MCAT study plan will include regular full-length practice tests under test-like conditions. And don’t skip the review process! 
3. Stay Healthy and Manage Stress: It’s easy to fall into an MCAT rut. However, ensuring adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular breaks allow you to stay mentally and physically sharp during preparation.

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