Newer medical schools have higher acceptance rates, taking on students with lower average GPAs and MCAT scores.
The AAMC reported that the mean GPA of 20212022 matriculants was 3.74, and the mean MCAT score was 511.9. But it is possible to have a higher GPA/MCAT than a school's average and still not get into it. Incidentally, this is why your Work and Activities, Personal Statement, and Secondary Essays are so important. They show a whole person—and that's often what lands you an interview.
"Something we consider beyond an MCAT score and GPA is the balance of the class," a six-year medical school admissions veteran told us. "We look at personalities. Does this applicant have leadership qualities? Are they collaborative? Are they resilient? What unique perspective could they bring to our community? And frankly, is this a person who fellow students and faculty are going to want to be around for years?"
Don't underestimate seeming compatible with a school. Each campus is a close-knit environment. Research schools. Find your commonalities with each, express them in your essays and interview, and you could find yourself with an acceptance letter. Researching schools also helps you connect to a school that you're feeling iffy about—say, you don't love the location or were hoping to attend a smaller program. Knowing a program is aligned with your values and goals will allow you to stay open-minded.
It's never too early to reach out to us to start planning your medical school application. Check out our med school application tutorials (including content geared specifically to the preapplication process) here or get in touch here.
The AAMC reported that the mean GPA of 20212022 matriculants was 3.74, and the mean MCAT score was 511.9. But it is possible to have a higher GPA/MCAT than a school's average and still not get into it. Incidentally, this is why your Work and Activities, Personal Statement, and Secondary Essays are so important. They show a whole person—and that's often what lands you an interview.
"Something we consider beyond an MCAT score and GPA is the balance of the class," a six-year medical school admissions veteran told us. "We look at personalities. Does this applicant have leadership qualities? Are they collaborative? Are they resilient? What unique perspective could they bring to our community? And frankly, is this a person who fellow students and faculty are going to want to be around for years?"
Don't underestimate seeming compatible with a school. Each campus is a close-knit environment. Research schools. Find your commonalities with each, express them in your essays and interview, and you could find yourself with an acceptance letter. Researching schools also helps you connect to a school that you're feeling iffy about—say, you don't love the location or were hoping to attend a smaller program. Knowing a program is aligned with your values and goals will allow you to stay open-minded.
It's never too early to reach out to us to start planning your medical school application. Check out our med school application tutorials (including content geared specifically to the preapplication process) here or get in touch here.
