Medical School GPA Calculator: Calculate Science And Non-Science GPA
Medical school applications, especially AMCAS, require TWO GPAs: your science GPA, also called BCPM GPA, and your non-science GPA.
The science GPA includes courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math. Non-science GPA includes English, humanities, social sciences, and other academic courses.
This calculator separates your courses by category and shows you all three GPAs: overall cumulative GPA, science GPA, and non-science GPA. Use this to see where you stand for medical school admissions and to plan which courses to prioritize.
What is Science GPA (BCPM)?
Science GPA = BCPM GPA
BCPM stands for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math. This is what medical schools call your science GPA.
What counts as science:
- Biology: General biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology
- Chemistry: General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry
- Physics: General physics, mechanics, electromagnetism
- Math: Calculus, statistics, linear algebra
What does NOT count as science:
- Psychology (unless it is neuroscience or biological psychology)
- Sociology
- Computer science (varies by school, often “Other”)
- Kinesiology, nutrition (often “Other”)
When in doubt, check AMCAS’s course classification guide. They have specific rules for borderline courses, like psychology or computer science.
Your science GPA is critical because medical schools heavily weight it when making admissions decisions.
What is Non-Science GPA?
Non-Science GPA includes all non-BCPM academic courses.
What counts as non-science:
- English, literature, writing courses
- Humanities: history, philosophy, art, music
- Social sciences: psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science
- Foreign languages
- Non-science electives
What does NOT count:
- Physical education, health, wellness (usually excluded entirely)
- Pass/fail courses (do not affect GPA)
Non-science GPA matters too. Medical schools want well-rounded students. A 3.9 science GPA with a 3.0 non-science GPA raises questions about your ability to communicate and think critically outside STEM.
Ideally, both GPAs should be strong (3.5+).
Why Medical Schools Want Both GPAs
The science GPA indicates academic readiness for medical school. Medical school is heavily science-focused, with strong coverage of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Your science GPA indicates whether you can handle the coursework.
Non-science GPA shows well-roundedness. Doctors need communication skills, empathy, and critical thinking beyond science. Your non-science GPA shows you can write, analyze, and think broadly.
Both GPAs are reported on AMCAS. The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) calculates and reports BOTH your science and non-science GPAs on your primary application. Every medical school sees these numbers.
Red flags:
- High science GPA (3.8), low non-science GPA (3.0) → weak communication skills?
- High non-science GPA (3.9), low science GPA (3.2) → can not handle science rigor?
Balanced GPAs (both 3.6+) are ideal.
Competitive GPA Ranges for Medical School
Top-tier MD programs (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UCSF):
- Overall GPA: 3.8–4.0
- Science GPA: 3.8–4.0
Competitive MD programs (most US allopathic schools):
- Overall GPA: 3.6–3.8
- Science GPA: 3.6–3.8
Mid-tier MD programs:
- Overall GPA: 3.4–3.6
- Science GPA: 3.4–3.6
DO programs (osteopathic):
- Overall GPA: 3.2–3.6
- Science GPA: 3.2–3.6
Minimum to apply:
- Overall GPA: 3.0
- Science GPA: 3.0
A science GPA below 3.0 makes admission very difficult (consider post-bac programs or GPA repair).
These are averages. Some students get in with lower GPAs if they have strong MCAT scores, research, clinical experience, or compelling stories. But GPA is the foundation.
How AMCAS Categorizes Courses
AMCAS uses specific rules for categorizing courses:
BCPM (Science): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math courses as listed in the course catalog.
Non-BCPM (Non-Science): All other academic courses.
Other: Courses that do not fit (kinesiology, nutrition, some computer science).
Not included: Physical education, health, pass/fail courses.
Borderline courses:
- Psychology → Usually non-science (unless neuroscience track)
- Computer Science → Usually “Other” (not BCPM)
- Behavioral Neuroscience → Science (biology)
- Biostatistics → Math (science)
AMCAS recalculates your GPA from your transcript. Your school’s GPA may differ from your AMCAS GPA if your school uses different course grading scales.
Use this calculator to estimate your AMCAS GPAs.
How to Categorize Your Courses
Science (BCPM): If it is biology, chemistry, physics, or math in the course code (BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, MATH), it is science.
Non-Science: If it is English, history, psychology, sociology, or a foreign language, it is non-science.
Other: Kinesiology, nutrition, computer science, physical education → mark as “Other” (does not affect science or non-science GPA).
When unsure: Check the AMCAS Course Classification Guide or mark it as “Other.” The calculator lets you exclude “Other” courses from both science and non-science GPAs.
Accurate categorization gives you realistic GPA estimates.
FAQ: Medical School GPA Calculator
What if my overall GPA is high but my science GPA is low?
This is a red flag for medical schools. If your overall GPA is 3.7 but your science GPA is 3.2, medical schools may question your ability to handle science coursework. Consider taking additional science courses to raise your science GPA, or do a post-bac program.
Can I get into medical school with a 3.0 science GPA?
It is difficult but possible, especially for DO programs. You will need an excellent MCAT score (515+), strong clinical experience, and a compelling application. Many students with 3.0 science GPAs pursue post-baccalaureate programs to improve their scores.
Does retaking a course help my AMCAS GPA?
AMCAS counts BOTH attempts. Suppose you got a C in Organic Chem and retook it for an A, AMCAS averages both (B). Retaking helps, but it’s not a perfect fix. Some schools use the higher grade, others average.
What about post-bac or special master’s programs?
Post-bac programs can repair your science GPA. If your undergrad science GPA is 3.1, a post-bac with a 3.8 science GPA shows you can handle the work. Medical schools evaluate post-bac GPAs separately.
How is this different from the regular college GPA calculator?
The college GPA calculator distinguishes between major and non-major courses. This medical school calculator separates SCIENCE and NON-SCIENCE courses, as required by AMCAS. Use this if you’re pre-med.
What if I am a non-science major (English, history, etc.)?
You still need strong science prerequisites for medical school. Even if you are an English major, you must take biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Your science GPA will be based on those prerequisites.
When to Use This vs. Other GPA Calculators
Use this (medical school GPA calculator) when:
- You are pre-med and applying to medical school
- You need to see your science GPA (BCPM) and non-science GPA separately
- You are planning your coursework to improve your science GPA
Use the college GPA calculator when:
- You are not pre-med
- You need to track major vs. non-major courses (not science vs. non-science)
The line: this is SPECIALIZED for medical school admissions. The college GPA calculator is for general undergraduate tracking.
Medical schools require your science GPA (BCPM = Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) and non-science GPA separately. Enter your courses, mark each as science or non-science, and the calculator shows all three GPAs.
Use this to track your progress toward medical school admissions and to see where you stand competitively.