admin You’re a pre-med student, or maybe you’re still in highschool and all you see on blogsites and Instagram posts and even on the lips of teachers and friends is the dreaded three words: Med school GPA. There’s a reason why everyone is talking about it, and why you should pay attention to it too, if you want to wear that white coat someday and you’re sure that med school is for you.
Why is everyone talking about Med School GPA and why should you care? Here’s why.
1. The National Average is High
While medical schools nowadays like to look at candidates in a wholistic way, meaning you as a person- your character, your volunteer and service experience, your passion for healthcare and learning, the fact is that while entrance averages may differ from school to school, each school looks at how well you have performed throughout your years of prior study, especially as reflected in your Grade Point Average. In the US where you need to have 4 years of study prior to entrance, the national average for accepted med school applicants is a 3.7, with a 3.64 science point standing. Without that, getting in get’s more difficult and complicated.
2. GPA may determine whether you get an interview or not
Many times, even when you have a brilliant overall application, GPA forms each school’s specific cut off point. In fact GPA and MCAT scores many times have the highest qualifying weights of all the criteria assessed during the application process. Even before you get that acceptance letter, your school of choice will call you for an interview to see if you are a good fit for their institution. A good GPA gives you that foot in the door you need, and from there, all you need to do is go in and remind them why you’re great!
3. It may provide an indication of how well you will do in Med School
This one is a bit tricky, because grades do not demonstrate your value as a person. However, the volume of information one learns in the short 4 years of medical school will necesitate a person who is ready, able and resilient. Your school GPA- especially your science course GPA, may help medical school interviewers to have an idea of your readiness.
If you are concerned, and you want to know how you can improve your GPA, or try to start out on the right track, there are lots of things you can do. Check out some youtube learning channels that can help you get ready for exams, or influencers that can give you tips. Also, you can get to know what academic requirements schools in the US and abroad are looking for here.
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How do you keep tabs on your GPA? Let us know in the comments! Remember to follow us on Instagram @medcuteonline. See you next time!
Where there is a will, there is a way.