OP,
Once you get multiple acceptances you will have gone on several interviews already. The interviews will play a key role in guiding your decisions. When you actually step foot on a campus, your outlook on that school will change depending on how you react with the students, faculty, and even the residents of the area. While all of the above things are important (cost, location, board scores, etc.) you also need to feel "at home." I know it sounds cliche, but you are going to be spending at least 4 years (and maybe 8-10 years depending on residency) in this area. You need to make sure you can fulfill your goals and needs outside of school as well and make sure you fit in with your classmates. Also, look into if the area is somewhere where you can see yourself raising a family (if you want to).
Like I said prior, I do feel board scores are important. However, I think that if you have a level head and can study hard, you can pull good board scores at ANY medical school. I have not started medical school yet, however I am sure the school can make it easier for you to get access to study materials and have a more rigorous curriculum, which could ultimately facilitate you in getting higher scores. Overall, it's YOUR drive and determination that are going to get you high scores and that good residency placement.
Price is important as well, but remember to look into the entire picture here. A school that is 50k a year may be cheaper OVERALL than a school that is 40k a year. Why? Cost of living. For example, there is a school in Arizona that has a tuition over 50k, but living in Arizona is much cheaper than a lot of the U.S. So when looking at cost, look at cost of living and tuition as a whole.
Location. I dont think I need to expand on this much. If you are from California and don't like the snow and can't deal with it for 4 years, don't move to Iowa. It's common sense. Personally, I am from California and haven't lived anywhere else, so moving somewhere else (Kansas City for me) for four years is going to be exciting for me because I would like to experience life somewhere else.
I hope you have good luck this cycle! Honestly though...don't worry about "ranking" schools till you ACTUALLY have an acceptance in hand. Go to all your interviews until you have a letter that says "congratulations!" Once you get that letter, then you can pick and choose which interviews you would like to attend and which you can cancel. Good luck!
