I'm an IN resident. The thing is that I haven't really considered many other schools. Part of me wants to think that a 4.0 in biochemistry trumps a slightly subpar MCAT and that I should apply EDP at IUSM anyway. I plan to talk to an advisor about this, but I thought I'd get some opinions online first. Thank you for your replies in advance.
If you are an IN resident, it may change things. Sure, a 29 MCAT is somewhat on the weak side, but a 4.0 in a discipline like Biochemistry is not an easy accomplishment either. However, what about students from IN with a 4.0 in an equally difficult science major, with substantively higher MCAT scores than you? I would be inclined to think that, they would get preference over you for EDP.
The major thing I would address though, is that it is not wise to only apply to one school. Do you want to go to IU so greatly that you would prefer not to go to medical school at all if you couldn't get in? You may not get in for EDP, but you may have a strong shot at the regular pool, should they defer you to the general applicant pool. The thing is, though, that there are no guarantees in this game. A strong MCAT and a Strong GPA can get you close to one, but still, no guarantees. That is why it is generally encouraged to apply to several schools.
I know someone who graduated from an Ivy, double major in physics and biochemistry, graduated summa cum laude, DESTROYED their mcat, several publications in translational research, and still did not get accepted....after 2 cycles! They would make an amazing doctor, and I hope they do eventually succeed in getting to medical school, but the point is that despite being well rounded and an academic rock-star, this still did not guarantee them admission.
So, what happened? Did they bomb their interviews? Was there something on their application that was a kiss of death career-wise? Not likely. A very personable, cheerful, outgoing person, and an upstanding citizen who's sage wisdom and values are to be admired, I hold much doubt that there were any flukes on their app. Where they went wrong, was, this person, only applied to 8 schools each cycle. They weren't all top 10, or top 25 - an even balance of mid and top tier schools....and they didn't get accepted. Now, initially, I was worried, because my stats are nowhere near the same level as my friends, and if he couldn't get in with that kind of merit, how in my right my could I think that I would get into medical school? Well, this concern of mine was abolished when I found out how few schools they were applying to.
With stats like yours, I am not sure that "apply broadly" is necessarily the soundest of advice, but I would strongly encourage you to give thought into applying to at least 10 schools. IU is a great medical school, and lots of people want to go there - this means competition. You have an amazing GPA, obviously, but you may find much disappointment if you bulldoze forward with your plan to apply only to one school, don't get accepted (EDP or regular cycle,) and then consequently have to postpone your medical career by another year.
If you have strong ties to Indianapolis, or whichever city the campus you would indicate interest in for on your application is in, you can probably make a VERY convincing case for yourself, assuming everything else is tip top (shadowing? Volunteering? Clinical experiences? motivations? Research? Leadership?)
Again, my post suggests a lot of "ifs", but then again, thats the application process inherently.
Best of luck to you.
