Discrepancy between MSAR and COM site?

[SusGob711]

I have the 2009-2010 MSAR and the COM I am interested in publishes different information on their school's website. The MSAR published a 3.7 average GPA and the website cites a 3.5-3.6 GPA for their 2009 class. What gives for this difference and who should I believe? The GPA difference is not huge but I'd like to know what I'm up against, so-to-speak so I can plan accordingly.

 

[brooklynblunder]

MSAR shows median of accepted applicants

.edu admission site probably shows the matriculants

 

[metallica81788]

MSAR will always be higher. Those 40 MCAT people will get accepted everywhere, and every school claims them - but they only matriculate to one school.

Trust the schools' websites as a more accurate sample of stats, or just go with a lower estimate from the MSAR.

 

[LizzyM]

^correct.

The MSAR is a better reflection of those who will be interviewed and offered admission. The .edu site reflects the student body.

Schools often want to interview those whose stats are equal to or greater than the average of the current M1 class. (Some exceptions include unusual post-bac employment or volunteerism and other life experiences.)

 

[SusGob711]

Thanks everyone...that makes perfect sense. It seems that it would make more sense to include actual matriculant data in the MSAR. On average, how many "extra" seats do they offer? For example, if a COM has 150 seats, don't they ususally extend multiple, extra acceptances assumming some people won't accept...just curious

 

[LizzyM]

Thanks everyone...that makes perfect sense. It seems that it would make more sense to include actual matriculant data in the MSAR. On average, how many "extra" seats do they offer? For example, if a COM has 150 seats, don't they ususally extend multiple, extra acceptances assumming some people won't accept...just curious

Schools routinely make 2.5 to 3.5 offers for every seat that is to be filled. Some people even turn down Harvard, Hopkins, etc for a better fit elsewhere.