Ohio University

Nationally, 45.3% of applicants to M.D. schools were accepted in 1999. Grades and MCAT scores are the strongest factors influencing acceptance. Although there has been a decline in the number of medical school applicants since 1997, the qualifications of accepted applicants have continued to rise. In 1999 the average matriculant to M.D. school had a GPA of 3.59 and close to 10.0 per section on the MCAT. Average matriculants to D.O. schools had an average GPA of 3.46 and 8.4 on the MCAT. If your grades and scores are not competitive, it is very risky to apply to medical school . Every applicant should explore some backup options. As an alternative plan, consider preparing for another clinically-oriented career, such as podiatry or chiropractic medicine. Some other possibilities include reapplying to medical school after postbaccalaureate work to improve your science knowledge and GPA, retaking the MCAT or pursuing graduate study in biology, biotechnology or public health.