GPA and Dental School Admissions
Grades
As admissions standards for medical school have become more
competitive, it is clear that grade-point average has become more
important to those who review applications for medical school. Over
the past few years, the average overall GPA of students accepted
into medical school has ranged between 3.40 and 3.47. The science
GPA of recently accepted students has been approximately 3.41.
Grade-point average, however, is not the only criterion for
acceptance into medical school. Admissions committees also consider
course loads, types of courses taken, and extenuating circumstances.
Remember that one low grade won't necessarily eliminate you from the
running. You shouldn't let the pursuit of an outstanding GPA make
you too timid to take some challenging courses.
Most importantly, we encourage students to strive for excellence,
while recognizing that the attainment of high grades is only one
important facet of educational success. Grade-point average is
important. Medical schools use it as a basic, preliminary way of
evaluating applications (along with the MCAT). You should plan a
schedule of classes which you can complete at a satisfactory level,
and if you aren't doing well in a course, talk with advisers and
faculty, who will help you assess the situation.
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