Bad GPA? Here are your options for applying to medicine in Australia

Applying to medicine is confusing enough, and it's even harder when your undergrad GPA isn't what you'd hoped. Every university weighs GAMSAT and GPA differently, so it's important to understand how your GPA affects your application.

How universities use GPA and GAMSAT

Some universities only use your GAMSAT score to decide who gets in, while others use a mix of GAMSAT and GPA. If your GPA is below about 6.3 to 6.5, your options start to narrow, because a lot of programs use GPA to separate applicants with similar GAMSAT scores.

For example:

• Even universities that mainly look at GAMSAT may still use GPA to rank applicants.
• With a low GPA, getting an interview or an offer can be really hard, even with a strong GAMSAT.

Why GPA matters

GPA can be tricky because it's built up over several years. Even if you get high distinctions in your final year, lower marks from earlier years can still hold you back. That's why you should:

• work out your current GPA with a tool like the GEMSAS GPA calculator (or my free calculator)
• check with GEMSAS directly if you've done overseas study, an exchange or postgrad coursework, because some subjects may be counted differently

Improving your GPA while you're still at uni

If you're still doing your undergrad degree and your GPA isn't competitive yet:

• Focus on getting the best marks you can in the subjects you have left.
• Think about putting your GPA ahead of the GAMSAT for now. Raising your GPA takes time, while a strong GAMSAT is easier to work on later.
• Remember the GAMSAT runs twice a year, so with good prep you can improve your score fairly quickly. My courses can help with that.

Options after you graduate

If your GPA is already locked in and isn't competitive for the universities you want, you still have options.

Postgrad study

• A Masters: a Masters by Research can earn you bonus points at some universities.
• An Honours year: some universities give bonuses for research, which strengthens your application.
• A Graduate Certificate or Diploma: for example, Notre Dame's Graduate Diploma of Health and Medical Sciences guarantees you an interview if you do well.

A PhD

• Some universities will accept a strong PhD (counted as a GPA of 7) in place of your undergrad GPA.
• Keep in mind it's a big time commitment, and doing a PhD is stressful.

Another bachelor's degree

• A second degree in the right subject can lift your GPA and strengthen your application.
• Pick subjects you know you can do really well in, ideally ones that also build skills you'll use in medicine.

Balancing GPA and GAMSAT

If you have a lower GPA, you've got a choice to make:

• Focus on your GPA. Get the best marks you can in your remaining or extra study so you become competitive.
• Focus on the GAMSAT. Aim for universities whose GPA cut-off you can meet and let your GAMSAT score do the work. Be warned, though: if your GPA is under 6, you really need to aim for 80 or above.

Lots of students who didn't plan their undergrad around medicine, me included, have had to make these kinds of sacrifices. It can feel overwhelming, but taking extra study seriously doesn't just help your application. It also builds skills that will make you a better doctor down the track.

Final thoughts

A low GPA doesn't have to end your plans for medicine, but it does mean you need to plan carefully. Start by working out where you stand with the GEMSAS calculator, look into postgrad or extra study, and put some targeted work into your GAMSAT.

Plenty of people get into medicine the long way round, through a second degree, a Masters or a really strong GAMSAT. What matters is making informed decisions and using all the resources you can.

As always, email me at hello@gamsattutorials.org if you have any questions.