GPA & MCAT vs. PS

[janedoe4]

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It's probably been asked before, but that just means you won't have to think very hard to reply:

What do you think gives one a better shot at secondaries/interviews--(a) stellar numbers (GPA and MCAT) with a generic/middle-of-the-road personal statement, or (b) middle-of-the-road numbers with a stellar personal statement? Sure, the ideal is to be outstanding at every turn, but we can't all be perfect (maybe some of you can, I don't know). Which would you feel more confident with, going into the application process?

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

I'd feel more confident with good stats, GPA and MCAT. I think the personal statement is extremely important (especially for non-trads). But I believe that the personal statement comes into play along with interview results when a final decision is being made about whether or not to extend you an offer. Most medical schools receive thousands of applications and there is just no way to objectively evaluate all those personal statements - I think GPA/MCAT weighs most heavily in thinning the herd to extend interview offers. My school, in fact, is very up-front about this: interview offers are based on a GPA/MCAT formula. My personal statement came into play at the interview and it was clear that my interviewers had read it very carefully.

 

[Will Ferrell]

It's probably been asked before, but that just means you won't have to think very hard to reply:

What do you think gives one a better shot at secondaries/interviews--(a) stellar numbers (GPA and MCAT) with a generic/middle-of-the-road personal statement, or (b) middle-of-the-road numbers with a stellar personal statement? Sure, the ideal is to be outstanding at every turn, but we can't all be perfect (maybe some of you can, I don't know). Which would you feel more confident with, going into the application process?

Getting secondaries won't be hard in either case.

It'll be easier to get interviews w/ stellar numbers.

It would be harder to get interviews w/ mediocre numbers & compelling P-Statement . However, if an interview is granted, they'll have a better shot of an acceptance (stellar PS = stellar ECs, life experiences = great interview material).

This is what I think I saw on SDN.

 

[dr.z]

Steller numbers at first.

 

[browniegirl86]

Numbers.

 

[star22]

Every school is different, but I'd rank everything in this order in terms of importance:
1. MCAT
2. Grades
3. Clinical experience/ECs/Interview/LORs
4. Essays

 

[relentless11]

To generalize, i would say that GPA and MCAT are the most important, and usually they are both equally important.

The personal statement may be more useful when you have two applicants with similar stats, or you're a non-trad as someone said, or there are some discrepancies that can't be addressed with transcript related material.

But I would be more confident if i had strong numbers AND a strong PS😉.

 

[sanche60]

I vote MCAT most important. While a good GPA is important as well, i think a high mcat+low gpa usually fairs better then a low mcat+high gpa. PS is important but I wouldnt put it anywhere close to either mcat or gpa. Just my opinion.