AAMC GPA/MCAT Calculator
GPA Calculation
Note: This calculator provides estimates based on AAMC statistics and trends. Actual admission decisions involve holistic review of many factors including essays, interviews, letters of recommendation, and personal experiences.
MCAT Scoring: Total score ranges from 472-528. Each of 4 sections ranges from 118-132. Average matriculant score is approximately 511-512.
Applying to medical school is a challenging journey that demands careful planning and realistic self-assessment. Two of the most critical components in your application are your GPA (Grade Point Average) and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) score. To help aspiring medical students evaluate their competitiveness and strategize their applications, the AAMC GPA/MCAT Calculator provides a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to estimate your academic standing, MCAT score conversion, and overall medical school acceptance probability.
This tool is designed to give you personalized insights based on your GPA, MCAT scores, additional experiences, and applicant profile. Whether you want to calculate your GPA, convert MCAT scores, assess your competitiveness, or get a complete application evaluation, this calculator offers a reliable and practical solution.
How to Use the AAMC GPA/MCAT Calculator
The calculator offers four main functions selectable via the Calculator Type dropdown:
1. GPA Calculator
- Enter your Overall GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Input your Science GPA (BCPM) which includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math courses.
- Enter your Non-Science GPA (AO) for all other courses.
- Specify your Total Credit Hours.
This helps estimate your academic performance breakdown relevant to medical school standards.
2. MCAT Score Converter
- Input your Total MCAT Score (ranging 472-528).
- Optionally enter scores for each MCAT section: Chemical & Physical Foundations, Critical Analysis & Reasoning (CARS), Biological & Biochemical Foundations, Psychological & Social Foundations.
The calculator converts raw scores into percentiles and evaluates your MCAT category.
3. Medical School Competitiveness
- Uses GPA and MCAT scores to estimate how competitive your application is.
- Accounts for applicant type (Traditional, Non-Traditional, Reapplicant, Underrepresented in Medicine).
- Provides an Acceptance Probability percentage based on academic credentials.
4. Complete Application Assessment
- Includes all above inputs plus additional factors: Clinical Experience, Research Experience, Volunteer Hours, Leadership Positions, Publications/Posters.
- Offers a holistic evaluation of your medical school application.
- Suggests recommended schools and tailored application strategies.
Example: Calculating Your Medical School Competitiveness
Let’s say Jane has:
- Overall GPA: 3.75
- Science GPA: 3.80
- MCAT Total: 518
- Applicant Type: Traditional
- Clinical Experience: 200 hours
- Research: 100 hours
- Volunteer Hours: 150 hours
- Leadership Positions: 2
- Publications: 1
Using the calculator:
- Jane inputs her GPA and MCAT scores.
- She selects Complete Application Assessment and fills in experience hours and other details.
- The calculator shows Jane’s GPA as Excellent, MCAT category as Excellent, and overall competitiveness as Highly Competitive.
- It estimates her acceptance probability at around 75%.
- Recommended schools include top 20 medical schools and MD/PhD programs.
- The suggested strategy is to apply to 15-20 schools, including reach programs.
Helpful Information About the AAMC GPA/MCAT Calculator
- GPA Scales: The calculator assumes a standard 4.0 GPA scale, widely used by U.S. medical schools.
- MCAT Scores: The MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528 with four section scores between 118 and 132. Average accepted matriculants score around 511-512.
- Applicant Types: Recognizes the different profiles including traditional recent graduates, non-traditional applicants, reapplicants, and underrepresented minorities in medicine, which affect admission chances.
- Holistic Review: While GPA and MCAT are important, medical schools consider essays, interviews, recommendations, and experiences. This calculator provides estimates, not guarantees.
- Use as a Guide: Ideal for self-assessment, gap year planning, or strategizing your application list.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between overall GPA and science GPA?
Overall GPA includes all courses, while science GPA focuses on biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses crucial for med school. - How accurate is the MCAT percentile estimate?
Percentiles are based on official AAMC data and reflect relative scoring among test takers. - Can this calculator predict medical school admission?
No tool can guarantee admission, but this calculator helps estimate competitiveness and acceptance likelihood. - What if my GPA or MCAT score is below average?
You can improve your chances with strong experiences, volunteering, leadership, or additional coursework. - Does applicant type affect acceptance probability?
Yes, factors like being underrepresented or reapplying can impact acceptance odds. - How should I use the recommended schools list?
Use it to create a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools. - Why do I need to enter clinical and research hours?
Medical schools value real-world experiences which enhance your application. - Can I use this calculator if I’m an international applicant?
It’s mainly based on U.S. standards but can give a useful rough estimate. - Does the calculator account for letters of recommendation?
No, letters and essays are not quantifiable here but are important in applications. - Is the calculator suitable for DO (osteopathic) schools?
Yes, but it mainly reflects MD school standards. - How often should I recalculate my competitiveness?
Update after new scores or experiences to reassess your application strategy. - Can this help with gap year planning?
Yes, it helps identify areas to improve during gap years. - What is a good MCAT score?
Scores above 510 are competitive; above 520 are excellent. - Can this calculator help with residency applications?
No, it’s designed for medical school admissions. - Where can I find more personalized advice?
Consult pre-med advisors, medical school admissions counselors, or mentors for guidance.