A 3.6 GPA falls right around the average GPA for students accepted to medical school. However, the requirements vary greatly between schools. While a 3.6 is likely good enough for many medical schools, especially less competitive state schools, it may be too low for top-tier programs. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at 3.6 GPAs and medical school admissions.
What is Considered a Good GPA for Medical School?
The average GPA for students accepted to medical school is around 3.7. However, there is a large range:
| Percentile | GPA |
|---|---|
| 90th | 3.8+ |
| 75th | 3.7 |
| 50th (Average) | 3.6 |
| 25th | 3.5 |
| 10th | 3.3 |
As you can see, a 3.6 puts you right around average. The middle 50% of accepted students fall between 3.5 and 3.7. However, over 25% of accepted students have GPAs above 3.8. The higher your GPA, the better your chances.
Is a 3.6 GPA Too Low for Top Medical Schools?
A 3.6 GPA may be too low for acceptance at highly competitive medical schools. For example:
- Harvard Medical School’s average GPA is 3.8
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s average GPA is 3.85
- UCSF School of Medicine’s average GPA is 3.8
- Yale School of Medicine’s average GPA is 3.9
At schools with average GPAs around 3.8-3.9, a 3.6 will put you well below average. You would need outstanding MCAT scores and extracurricular activities to compensate.
For most top 10-20 medical schools, you should aim for at least a 3.7 to be competitive. The higher the school ranks, the higher your GPA needs to be.
Is a 3.6 Enough for DO Schools?
Osteopathic (DO) medical schools tend to be a little less competitive than MD programs. The average GPA for DO acceptance is around 3.5. Therefore, a 3.6 should be fine for many osteopathic schools, even fairly competitive ones.
However, you still want to aim higher if possible. The average MCAT score for DO matriculants is 502. Aim for that or higher on your MCAT along with your 3.6 GPA.
Which Medical Schools Accept 3.6 GPAs?
While a 3.6 may be too low for top medical schools, it is a strong GPA for many state and lower-tier MD programs. Here are some examples of medical schools that accept students with GPAs around 3.6:
- University of Arizona College of Medicine
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine
- University of North Dakota School of Medicine
- Florida Atlantic University Medical School
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- West Virginia University School of Medicine
As a general rule, a 3.6 GPA is very competitive for state medical schools and less prestigious private programs. The key is to apply broadly to “target” and “safety” schools where your GPA is at or above the school’s average.
How to Get Into Medical School with a 3.6 GPA
Here are some tips for getting into med school when your GPA is on the lower side:
- Ace the MCAT – Score at least a 510, ideally 520+ to balance your GPA
- Get strong letters of recommendation from science faculty
- Apply to a mix of target and safety schools that align with your stats
- Show an upward GPA trend; focus on aceing advanced science courses
- Get involved in meaningful extracurriculars related to medicine
- Consider a post-bacc or SMP program to boost your GPA
- Apply broadly to increase your chances of acceptance
With the right strategy, you can still get into medical school with a 3.6 GPA. The key is targeting the right mix of schools and excelling in other areas of your application.
Should You Do a Post-Bacc Program?
Post-bacc programs allow students to take extra undergraduate courses to boost their GPA. They come in two main formats:
- Informal post-bacc – Take extra classes as a non-degree student at a local university
- Formal post-bacc – Enroll in an official program designed for pre-med career changers
Post-baccs can be great options if you need to boost your GPA above 3.6. By aceing upper-level science classes, you can demonstrate academic capability on par with your med school peers.
Some things to consider:
- Cost and time commitment – Post-baccs require 1-2 extra years
- School selections – Take advanced science classes at 4-year universities
- GPA goals – Target around a 3.7 cumulative GPA by the end
With strategic planning, a post-bacc can get you the GPA you need for medical school.
Should You Complete an SMP?
A Special Master’s Program (SMP) is a graduate-level program designed for students to demonstrate their academic capability. SMPs are intended for students who:
- Have already completed pre-med prerequisites
- Want advanced sciences courses to strengthen their transcript
- Need to prove they can excel in a medical school-level curriculum
The pros of SMPs:
- Rigorous courses like first year of med school
- Opportunity to show you can ace high-level sciences
- Many SMPs have linkages to medical schools
The cons:
- Very expensive – often $30,000-$40,000+ for one year
- You need to excel (3.7+ GPA) to benefit
- Doesn’t actually grant a degree
An SMP can be risky but also provide a big boost if you do well. They are best for students with a distinct upward trend who show capability despite a low initial GPA.
When Should You Apply to Medical School with a 3.6?
The traditional pre-med timeline is:
- Apply after your junior year once you’ve taken prerequisite courses
- Take a gap year to complete your bachelor’s degree
- Matriculate into medical school the fall after graduation
However, with a lower GPA, it may make sense to apply after senior year instead. Benefits include:
- More time to bring up your GPA
- Opportunity to show an upward grade trend
- Chance to retake classes and earn A’s
- Ability to complete a post-bacc or SMP
Applying later allows you to create the strongest application possible. Medical schools will see your improved academics.
Conclusion
A 3.6 GPA is below average but still competitive for many medical schools, especially less competitive state and private programs. To compensate, aim for at least a 510 MCAT along with excellent extracurricular activities.
If your dream is a top med school, consider a formal post-bacc or SMP to further strengthen your GPA. With smart planning and targeting of schools, you can still become a doctor with a 3.6. Persistence and demonstrating an upward academic trend are key.