The BCPM GPA: Exactly Which Science Classes Count for Med School?

The BCPM Filter

When you apply to Medical School (MD) in the United States, you do not just send them your transcript. You must manually input every single class you ever took into the AMCAS portal and categorize it.

AMCAS then extracts specific classes to calculate your BCPM GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math).

This BCPM GPA (often just called your "Science GPA") is the most critical number on your application. If your BCPM GPA is below a 3.5, you will struggle to get into an MD program.

But classifying classes is highly controversial. What exactly counts as a "Science" class?

The Strict AMCAS Rules

AMCAS classifies courses based strictly on the primary content of the course, not the department that taught it.

Here is what ALWAYS counts toward your BCPM Science GPA:

Biology: Anatomy, Genetics, Neuroscience, Zoology, Microbiology.

Chemistry: Organic Chem, Biochemistry, Physical Chem.

Physics: Thermodynamics, Astronomy (if math-based).

Math: Calculus, Statistics, Biostatistics.

Here is what NEVER counts toward your BCPM Science GPA (These are classified as "All Other" - AO):

Psychology & Sociology: Even though these are on the MCAT, AMCAS classifies them as behavioral sciences. They do not boost your Science GPA.

Public Health: Epidemiology and Health Policy do not count.

Computer Science: Coding classes do not count as Math or Science.

Kinesiology / Sports Science: Often rejected as BCPM unless it is a hardcore, bio-heavy Physiology class.

The "Sneaky" Science GPA Boosters

If your Science GPA is lagging around a 3.4, you need to find easy classes that legally classify as BCPM.

Astronomy 101: Often taught in the Physics department, this is usually a very easy 'A' that counts as a Physics BCPM grade.

Introductory Statistics: Much easier than Calculus, but counts equally as Math under the BCPM umbrella.

Geology / Earth Science: Be careful here. Sometimes AMCAS accepts it as a physical science, but often it is rejected.

If you are unsure how AMCAS will classify a course, look at the syllabus. If 50% or more of the course content is hardcore biology, chemistry, physics, or math, you can legally classify it as BCPM and let AMCAS verify it.