How to begin filtering MD schools

[NeuroKidd]

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Howdy!

I'm at the point in the pre-med process where I'd like to begin looking at MD schools and trying to narrow down the list of schools to which I may end up applying. Any tips, advice or suggestions for how to go about doing it? Is there some website where I can see relative rankings of schools? How can I evaluate which schools would be appropriate reach, reasonable and safety schools given my predicted stats for when I begin sending out applications?

I expect to have a >3.9c/s GPA and a mid/upper thirties MCAT score. I am capable of filtering with my own interests in mind (rural v urban, here v there, curriculum etc.), but how can I go about creating a list of what schools may be "stat-appropriate" for me?

Thanks!

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

I am capable of filtering with my own interests in mind (rural v urban, here v there, curriculum etc.), but how can I go about creating a list of what schools may be "stat-appropriate" for me?

http://www.washington.edu/uaa/gateway/advising/downloads/gpamcat.pdf

 

[fizzle]

Howdy!

I'm at the point in the pre-med process where I'd like to begin looking at MD schools and trying to narrow down the list of schools to which I may end up applying. Any tips, advice or suggestions for how to go about doing it? Is there some website where I can see relative rankings of schools? How can I evaluate which schools would be appropriate reach, reasonable and safety schools given my predicted stats for when I begin sending out applications?

I expect to have a >3.9c/s GPA and a mid/upper thirties MCAT score. I am capable of filtering with my own interests in mind (rural v urban, here v there, curriculum etc.), but how can I go about creating a list of what schools may be "stat-appropriate" for me?

Thanks!

Check out the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR). It contains average GPA and MCAT scores for every US allopathic school. You can buy it or find it at a library.

 

[Siverhideo1985]

👍 Buy the MSAR

 

[MilkmanAl]

👍 Buy the MSAR

...and take a practice MCAT before trying to project your score. Big rookie mistake. 😉

 

[Siverhideo1985]

...and take a practice MCAT before trying to project your score. Big rookie mistake. 😉

I projected my MCAT score to be 17...I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[Handy388]

http://www.washington.edu/uaa/gateway/advising/downloads/gpamcat.pdf

average score at wash U never cease to amaze me.

 

[JJMrK]

Try this: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527971
plus the MSAR.

 

[PlatinumPenny]

I also look at the ratio of OOS who applied vs. OOS who interviewed. Anything below 5% was automatically cut out. Anything between 5-10% I looked to see if the school had anything I was interested in (i.e. location, program etc) is not then I cut it out as well. Hope that helps

 

[mmmcdowe]

Howdy!

I'm at the point in the pre-med process where I'd like to begin looking at MD schools and trying to narrow down the list of schools to which I may end up applying. Any tips, advice or suggestions for how to go about doing it? Is there some website where I can see relative rankings of schools? How can I evaluate which schools would be appropriate reach, reasonable and safety schools given my predicted stats for when I begin sending out applications?

I expect to have a >3.9c/s GPA and a mid/upper thirties MCAT score. I am capable of filtering with my own interests in mind (rural v urban, here v there, curriculum etc.), but how can I go about creating a list of what schools may be "stat-appropriate" for me?

Thanks!

1) Take the MCAT
2) Then decide. You can not predict your score, even with a dozen practice tests. Some people score higher, some people score dead on, and a lot of people score lower.

If you really feel like you want to have it all ready, try doing this.

First decide how many schools you want to apply to. Then by the MSAR. Then make school lists based on a range of MCAT scores. For example, maybe have a list of schools to apply to if you get above a 35, between 30-34, and 29 and below. I personally only made two lists, but that's just me. The lists can have some schools that overlap, but this will at least be helpful.

Also, remember to convert all A+s to As when calculating your GPA>

 

[chad5871]

I also look at the ratio of OOS who applied vs. OOS who interviewed. Anything below 5% was automatically cut out. Anything between 5-10% I looked to see if the school had anything I was interested in (i.e. location, program etc) is not then I cut it out as well. Hope that helps

A caveat to this is, if you really LOVE a school but they have a low OOS acceptance rate, apply anyway. Maryland's OOS interview rate is around 4%, and the OOS acceptance rate is 2.6%. I was advise by several people not to apply, but because it was one of my first choices in schools, I decided to apply anyway, and I ended up with an acceptance there!

 

[julyjones]

Also keep an eye out for what classes and recommendations the schools require and make sure you'll fulfill them so you don't waste time and money on secondaries.