AAMC Surveys on Adcom Preferences
The following AAMC surveys show the list of various metrics, experiences, demographics and sources of applicant information that medical schools generally find to be important based on a priority scale.
Please take the time to carefully look into these tables to have a general understanding what schools are looking for.
2015 AAMC Survey
2013 AAMC Survey
Also note that the priorities (measured by mean importance ratings) are organized in a
descending order according to the above footnotes.
In regards to academics, both AAMC surveys illustrate the importance of doing well in classes and on the MCAT.
science GPA > MCAT total score > upward/downward GPA trends > cumulative undergrad GPA > performance in a post-bacc program
Curiously, the 2015 AAMC survey lists undergrad selectivity as of lowest importance, unlike the 2013 AAMC survey that shows differing medical school interpretations (i.e. for public schools, undergrad selectivity matters little, whereas for private schools, undergrad selectivity matters a lot). Generally, attending a competitive undergrad (i.e. HYPSM/Ivies etc.) may help for medical school admissions, but undergrad name doesn't excuse for poor GPA/poor MCAT. Likewise, attending a state school or subpar undergrad doesn't exclude you from medical schools.
For experiences, the priority ratings are
Healthcare experience > community service/volunteer experience > leadership experience >> research experience
Note crucially that
healthcare and community service experiences are required. Without these experiences, you cannot get accepted into any medical school. As
@Goro likes to say, "You need to show Adcoms that you know what you're getting into". The 2015 AAMC survey also lists physician shadowing as highest importance. Usually, 50+ hours of shadowing with experience in primary care settings is ideal.
@gonnif has pointed out that research experience is listed as medium importance (as noted in both AAMC surveys). So research is not a required component in a successful medical school application, although it's always good to have some experience understanding how the scientific method works.
