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Do YOU want to get good grades? Do YOU want a competitive GPA?
Let me share some pearls of wisdom that helped me to do well in my classes and get a high GPA! First, there are two types of grade point average you need to be aware of. There is the science (sGPA) and the overall grade point average. A higher science average is looked at more favorably than a high overall average because they want to know if you have the intellectual capability to handle rigorous science classes. Whatever major you decide, there are specific pre-reqs that you need to take. From those pre-reqs, the sGPA is calculated. The overall grade point average is everything including the science grades. The basic requirements for applying to medical school are as follow: For AMCAS (MD / allopathic), you will need to have completed the following prerequisite: 1 year of Biology These are the basic requirements for applying AMCAS. of course, you can take more science classes, butthese are the bare minimum. For AACOMAS (DO / osteopathic), the requirements vary. In general, you need: 1 year of Biology If you need to calculate your G.P.A., but don't know how, click on the following link. There's a calculator on the website so you can crank out your grade point average right away. Also, I have uploaded some spreadsheets that will help you to better understand the breakdown of your grades. If you already decided you wanted to become a doctor before you went to college, then it is a good idea to pick the right major. Now, let me explain. There is no single major that is right. Rather, you need to pick the major that is right for you. What do I mean by this? You need to pick the major that you are interested in because the more you like the subject, the more likely you are going to do well in your classes, which will lead to a higher grade point average. Once you decide on a major, you need to plan it so that you will succeed in your classes. What do I mean by succeed? You need to get A's and B's. However, just because you get a C or worsedoesn't mean you can't be a doctor. It just means you will have work harder. The admissions committee understands that everybody has difficulty with certain classes, however, if you consistently get C's or below, there might be a bigger problem.
In general, if you want to get into an allopathic medical school, you will need an overall GPA of around 3.66. This is the average G.P.A. of those who matriculated into allopathic (MD) medical schools in 2008. If you're trying to get into osteopathic medical school, you will need an overall GPA of around 3.45 . This is the average G.P.A. of those who matriculated into osteopathic (DO) medical schools in 2007.
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