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I just wanted to create a new discussion on this topic as I think it is important to understand. It can save you a lot of time and money if you strategically select schools.
I am not an expert on this topic, nor do I claim to be, However, I do have some logical information about it that may help others in their selection process. Any further feedback is welcome.
I found this link: Medical School Chance Predictor | Prospective Doctor from Prospective Doctor and it got me thinking. If your stats are less than stellar and you get advice to simply "apply broadly", take a minute to consider HOW to apply broadly. Even if your stats are stellar, this information can be useful. According to the Prospective Doctor link, you should categorize your schools as follows:
Another important factor in selecting your schools to apply to, is to identify which of your chosen schools select Few, Some or Most out of state students (aside from applying to your state schools).
Let me know your thoughts/opinions on this topic.
I am not an expert on this topic, nor do I claim to be, However, I do have some logical information about it that may help others in their selection process. Any further feedback is welcome.
I found this link: Medical School Chance Predictor | Prospective Doctor from Prospective Doctor and it got me thinking. If your stats are less than stellar and you get advice to simply "apply broadly", take a minute to consider HOW to apply broadly. Even if your stats are stellar, this information can be useful. According to the Prospective Doctor link, you should categorize your schools as follows:
- Far undershoot : This means that these schools are numerically too low to be considered a “safety school.” Medical schools that are too far beneath your target range may reject you on the basis that they don’t want to waste an interview spot on an applicant that they feel will be going to a higher tier school. In essence, a school’s interviews spots are precious to them in order to fill their class; a lower tier medical school will not interview a bunch of overqualified applicants and run the risk of not filling their class with enough acceptances. Apply to these sparingly.
- Undershoot : Like with a “far undershoot,” these schools are numerically below your target range, and you run the risk of running into some of the same issues as the “far undershoot” schools.That being said, these schools are more appropriate for spreading some of your applications to, especially if you feel weak in some of the other areas of your application. Apply to a small handful of these.
- Target : This range is your sweet spot. You have the best chance of getting accepted into a medical school when your range more closely mirrors the range that they accept. There are no “safety schools,” and being overqualified for other schools is not necessarily an advantage. Apply to more of these.
- Reach : These are the schools that you are still in contention for, but your success will rely more on the other strengths of your application. Apply to a small handful of these.
- Far Reach : These schools will rely upon massive compensatory strengths in your application for you to have any candidacy. Apply to these sparingly
Another important factor in selecting your schools to apply to, is to identify which of your chosen schools select Few, Some or Most out of state students (aside from applying to your state schools).
Let me know your thoughts/opinions on this topic.
