This. I feel some should get off the high horses. Not everyone enter the medical field is Ghandi-reborn. Sure, having the ability to help those in distress, and to enable individuals to reach their potential in life without having it cut short by diseases/illnesses are nice and all, but it's hardly the whole picture. Some are in it for an interest in the craft, some for financial stability (notice I say stability here, not prosperity though its not uncommon at all, so hold your debate horses), interest in research on the newest treatment and the ability to be the one to implement treatments found...etc. Respect others for whatever reason they may wish to enter the profession, even if it conflicts with your own.
That being said, I apologize for calling those on high horses. I wanted to use this phrase for a long itme now.
who knows, OP may want to go to top tier school for its better research resources, better connections, harder competitions, etc etc. He could just want to go because he thinks the schools are tough and it'd be a life achievement to get in, who's to say to challenge yourself is not worthwhile?