MD Medical School GPA Requirements (2026)

Official AMCAS Benchmarks for Allopathic Medical School Admissions.

For students applying via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), understanding the distinction between your Cumulative GPA and your BCPM GPA is vital. Allopathic (MD) programs use these numbers to gauge your readiness for the high-intensity medical curriculum.

1. The BCPM GPA vs. Cumulative GPA

The BCPM GPA is your "Science GPA" as defined by AMCAS. It includes every undergraduate course classified as:

  • Biology (Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy, etc.)
  • Chemistry (General, Organic, Biochemistry, etc.)
  • Physics (Algebra or Calculus-based)
  • Mathematics (Calculus, Statistics, Biostatistics)
Note: Unlike your university transcript, AMCAS does not use "Grade Replacement." If you retake a course, both the original grade and the new grade are averaged into your AMCAS GPA.

2. 2026 MD Matriculant Averages

The following data represents the mean scores of students who successfully matriculated into U.S. MD programs for the current cycle:

Category Avg. Science (BCPM) GPA Avg. Cumulative GPA
Successful MD Matriculants 3.82 3.88
All MD Applicants 3.53 3.64
The "Competitive Gap" +0.29 +0.24

Source: AAMC 2025-2026 Facts Table A-16.

3. Competitive Tiers for MD Programs

While a "perfect" GPA isn't required, falling within these ranges helps determine your school list strategy:

  • Top 20 Research Programs: Typically expect a 3.90+.
  • Competitive State MDs: Generally look for a 3.75 - 3.85.
  • Holistic Range: Many MD schools will interview candidates with a 3.50 - 3.70 if they demonstrate a strong upward trend or an exceptional MCAT score.

4. What If Your GPA is Below Average?

Admissions committees use Holistic Review. They don't just look at the final number; they look at the journey. A student who struggled freshman year but earned a 4.0 in their last 60 credits of upper-level science is often viewed as more prepared than a student with a flat 3.6.

Pro Tip: Use our Science GPA Calculator to isolate your BCPM courses. If your science GPA is low, planning a Post-Baccalaureate year to add 15-20 credits of "A" grades in science can drastically change your AMCAS profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a competitive BCPM GPA for MD schools?

For the 2026 cycle, a BCPM (Science) GPA of 3.82 or higher is the national average for successful MD matriculants.

Does AMCAS round GPA?

Yes, but only to the hundredths place (two decimal places). AMCAS uses standard rounding rules: if the third decimal is a 5 or higher, it rounds up. For example, a 3.675 will be verified as a 3.68, whereas a 3.674 will remain a 3.67. Note that AMCAS will not round a 3.49 up to a 3.50.

Do med schools see transfer grades?

Yes. You must submit transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended. AMCAS will calculate a verified grade for every course, regardless of whether the credits transferred to your primary degree-granting school.

Does AMCAS count Math in the Science GPA?

Yes. The AMCAS BCPM GPA includes all Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics courses. This includes statistics, biostatistics, and all levels of calculus.

What is the difference between an MD applicant and a matriculant GPA?

There is a significant "Competitive Gap." While the average applicant has a 3.53 Science GPA, successful matriculants average a 3.82.

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