Learn How Medical Schools Weigh GPA, MCAT
Applicants who have struggled with their course grades often wonder if a strong enough score on the MCAT will help offset a less-than-stellar GPA in medical school admissions. The answer depends greatly on the circumstances.
First, why is there such emphasis on the MCAT? The test has been used for decades now as a standardized evaluation of your knowledge base in key scientific areas and cognitive skills in preparation for medical school. Its power is backed by years of research suggesting that scores on the test serve as a predictor of how well you will do in medical school. Many equate high board scores with a high-quality medical education -- an assertion that's common but open for debate.
If a high MCAT score catches the attention from admissions officers, then they will begin to ask a number of questions about your grades. We look at the rigor of your major and your undergraduate institution -- albeit a minimal factor -- and trends in course performance since you began college, along with where your strong grades were versus your weaker ones.
[Get medical school application tips from the experts.]
You may want to spend some time in your application explaining any circumstances that may have led to lower grades. If such explanations illustrate your ability to overcome difficult circumstances, we consider this is a plus on your application.
Another resource is your college's prehealth adviser. For many years, I have received recommendations from advisers letting me know about applicants' struggles and how they have overcome them. An important aspect of this is their assessment of your current readiness for medical school. It also provides us with a neutral assessment from someone who has known you for a period of time and can attest to your suitability for medical school.
[Follow a three-month MCAT study plan.]
If your grades aren't as competitive as you'd like, the rest of your application must be superb. Your essays, health-related experiences, service experiences and leadership activities need to stand out.
In the end, if your academic record is still hindering your potential acceptance, look into postbaccalaureate or graduate degree programs that are designed specifically to boost your academic credentials for medical school. There is a directory available from the Association of American Medical Colleges.
For some medical schools, a strong MCAT score may not be enough to compensate for a low GPA. But over the years, I have encountered a number of medical schools that will look beyond those numbers to find high-quality applicants. Don't immediately exclude yourself from contention. Do some research into your schools of interest and ask questions about how you might stack up.
[Here are five things to do after you've taken the MCAT.]
Find out if schools are willing to share the range of GPAs and MCAT scores of accepted students. Also, look into other criteria that the school has an interest in looking at and see if they fit your interests. For example, if a school has a strong interest in placing graduates in rural communities and this is an area you'd like to pursue, I would recommend that you apply to that school.
Finally, speak to someone at your prospective choices if someone is available. A lot of misinformation about the admissions process circulates that is either inaccurate or outdated.
In the end, a great MCAT score can help -- but it is not a cure-all for your application. Medical schools are looking for great students. Somewhere along this path, you must show them that you are capable of handling the many hours of hard work ahead of you.
Mike Kennedy is director of admissions at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
