Assuming similar MCAT scores and other applicable experiences, are all GPAs created equal?
Automated pre-screening by (BCPM* and overall) college GPA and MCAT to decide which applications get read first by human readers won’t care.
Human readers may care. But they may not be familiar with every college’s course catalog, so they may not know whether you chose easier courses or harder courses. A reader may or may not have a subjective bias for or against your college’s perceived academic rigor. However, the following are typically thought to be viewed negatively:
- BCPM courses in the summer or at colleges other than your main undergraduate college (particularly community colleges; transfer students from community colleges are expected to take some upper level BCPM courses at their four year schools).
- Repeated courses (required to be marked as such on medical school application; note that repeats of AP credit may have to be marked as such -- see page 32 of https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fastly.net/production/media/filer_public/2d/5d/2d5d7c94-6b23-4edf-ab1b-d574221bf6e3/2019-amcas-applicant-guide.pdf ).
*BCPM = biology, chemistry, physics, math as defined at https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/course-classification-guide/ .
These threads may be of interest to you:
@ucbalumnus Excellent material, thank you! One of my kids is at a school known for grade deflation and it was really interesting to read the different perspectives.
The students are advised that the school rigor/reputation won’t make up for a lower GPA (and that they will need at least a 3.7), but we often meet well-meaning people who believe that just bc you attend this school, medical school admissions will be much easier.
Not the case! If anything, it may be more difficult due to the work involved in earning the necessary GPA. I will say though that one trade off is the amazing research and other applicable opportunities available to students at some of the colleges known for grade deflation, so they are at an advantage in that area.
Seems like GPA and MCAT are the two biggest quantifiers.