Interviewing as a <10th percentile candidate

[rose403]

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So I was advised to apply to places mostly in the 25th-75th percentile for my GPA and MCAT unless I had some kind of "crazy story". However one school, a top 25, I was at the median for MCAT but less than 10th for GPA...but the secondary was free so literally the day of the secondary deadline (10/1) I decided to just throw in an app because why not. Well low and behold a short two weeks later (10/15) I received an interview unexpectedly for January. My question is now, how do I move forward to prove that I can be one of those <10th percentile candidates worthy of acceptance?


For reference I am a URM (Mexican), LizzyM 69, attend a top ten private undergrad.

 

[deleted993098]

All I can say if you're invited, you have a shot. If you're URM, talk about your experiences, they'll make you stand out.

I interviewed and was rejected at a school where I was above the 90th percentile. So stats aren't everything. You have a shot!

 

[Select All That Apply]

@rose403 i HaVe AlWaYs BeEn InTeReStEd In PrImArY cArE iN uNdErSeRvEd ArEaS tO hElP tHoSe LeSs FoRtUnAtE tHaN mE

 

[Dr panda]

@rose403 i HaVe AlWaYs BeEn InTeReStEd In PrImArY cArE iN uNdErSeRvEd ArEaS tO hElP tHoSe LeSs FoRtUnAtE tHaN mE

If OP has nothing to show for it, I doubt it would make any difference

 

[Goro]

So I was advised to apply to places mostly in the 25th-75th percentile for my GPA and MCAT unless I had some kind of "crazy story". However one school, a top 25, I was at the median for MCAT but less than 10th for GPA...but the secondary was free so literally the day of the secondary deadline (10/1) I decided to just throw in an app because why not. Well low and behold a short two weeks later (10/15) I received an interview unexpectedly for January. My question is now, how do I move forward to prove that I can be one of those <10th percentile candidates worthy of acceptance?


For reference I am a URM (Mexican), LizzyM 69, attend a top ten private undergrad.

As a URM, you don't have to do any selling. Just be yourself and be able to carry on a conversation.

And read this:

• Goro's Guide to Interviews
• Goro's Guide to YOUR Interview Questions (2018 edition)
• Interviews: the View From Behind the Curtain

 

[LizzyM]

Frankly, you have the MCAT. That shows you can handle the work. Some adcom members who are URM have alerted us to biases and prejudices that they experienced at undergrad institutions where they were not believed to be capable of doing great work. That has caused me to look at a lower GPA in someone like you, OP, who has a very good MCAT and say, "this might be someone we should interview". See Goro's comments above. Good luck!

 

[aldol16]

It really depends on your story. I'm guessing that they liked your story, which includes not only objective measures like MCAT and GPA but also subjective things like your life narrative, LORs, etc. So really emphasize your narrative and why that school fits in with YOUR story/goals/dreams.

With that in mind, don't get complacent. People don't enter interviews on the same rung of the ladder. Some are near the top and only have to climb a couple rungs more. Others have longer to go. You don't know where you are, but it's always best to play it as though you're near the bottom and need to rock the interview.

 

[Developer]

I was <10th percentile cGPA/sGPA for every MD I interviewed at. Go into your interview day knowing that the committee invited you there because they're legitimately interested in having you join their incoming class. Your academic metrics have already been evaluated by this point.

 

[bluepeony]

I was <10th percentile cGPA/sGPA for every MD I interviewed at. Go into your interview day knowing that the committee invited you there because they're legitimately interested in having you join their incoming class. Your academic metrics have already been evaluated by this point.

Did u do a SMP/postbacc?

 

[Developer]

Did u do a SMP/postbacc?

No SMP/formal post bacc. I did a 1 year DIY post bacc at a community college.

 

[give_me_candy]

I was <10th percentile cGPA/sGPA for every MD I interviewed at. Go into your interview day knowing that the committee invited you there because they're legitimately interested in having you join their incoming class. Your academic metrics have already been evaluated by this point.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you a URM applicant? I think I may have seen that in your signature previously. Not at all devaluing the rest of your application (14 II's are incredible, URM or not), but I do think it's a relevant consideration in this context.

 

[Developer]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you a URM applicant? I think I may have seen that in your signature previously. Not at all devaluing the rest of your application (14 II's are incredible, URM or not), but I do think it's a relevant consideration in this context.

I am, yes. I agree that it is relevant. However, OP also mentioned that they are URM which is why I shared my perspective on the topic.