Is it really not as difficult as it seems to get into Medical school?

[cortana431]

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...if an applicant has a 3.75+ GPA (C/ BCMP), 32+ MCAT, 100+ hours volunteering, 50+ hours shadowing, 2 years or more of research experience, writes at least a decent PS and secondaries, has decent or better recs, and is a solid interviewer? Could such an applicant count on getting into at least 1 medical school such as his/her state school(s)?After looking at various threads here this is what I've come up with.

 

[DAPI]

...if an applicant has a 3.75+ GPA (C/ BCMP), 32+ MCAT, 100+ hours volunteering, 50+ hours shadowing, 2 years or more of research experience, writes at least a decent PS and secondaries, has decent or better recs, and is a solid interviewer? Could such an applicant count on getting into at least 1 medical school such as his/her state school(s)?After looking at various threads here this is what I've come up with.

Yes. If all of that is true, the applicant has an excellent shot at his or her state school.

But, what you are missing is that it's not all that easy to score a 32+ on the MCAT, and therefor many students have a more difficult time than that. Along with other factors that hold applicants back is their GPA because of a bad first year or lack of EC's.

 

[theseeker4]

...if an applicant has a 3.75+ GPA (C/ BCMP), 32+ MCAT, 100+ hours volunteering, 50+ hours shadowing, 2 years or more of research experience, writes at least a decent PS and secondaries, has decent or better recs, and is a solid interviewer? Could such an applicant count on getting into at least 1 medical school such as his/her state school(s)?After looking at various threads here this is what I've come up with.

Pretty much, but schools applied to make a big difference as well. Someone with those stats should have no trouble getting in somewhere, assuming a good mix of schools, unless they are incredibly unlucky. People who do all of that and are still rejected, probably don't interview as well as they think they do.

 

[deleted127837]

You don't need nearly that much to get into medical school.

 

[CliveStaples]

Certainly as long as this applicant is from California, you would expect with a certain degree of confidence that they would be accepted to their state school. Their academics alone puts them in the top 20% of applicants in any state, and if they truly are a "solid interviewer" as determined by the school, then there shouldn't be much doubt about garnering an acceptance.

That said, I personally know a 3.75/33 who applied early/on time and it took him until this month to get and go to his first interview. I expect him to get in, but he still only has one interview and it's just very unusual. He's a good writer, so I know his essays aren't poor - sometimes it's just a crapshoot.

 

[sinombre]

Yes. If all of that is true, the applicant has an excellent shot at his or her state school.

But, what you are missing is that it's not all that easy to score a 32+ on the MCAT, and therefor many students have a more difficult time than that. Along with other factors that hold applicants back is their GPA because of a bad first year or lack of EC's.

Exactly. Basically, all of the things listed are easier said than done. You'd be hard pressed to consider accomplishing all of these things "easy."

 

[TheShaker]

I think it's the part of getting to that GPA/MCAT and going through the whole application process that is the real pain.

 

[Lollygag]

2 years of research might not even be necessary if they aren't applying to research heavy schools. And I think OP should add some kind of a leadership or teaching/tutoring experience, even if it's something really small or even if its just being involved in an activity where they clearly demonstrate leadership and ability to work with others would be important and that in itself could add some uniqueness to the application.

The person that the OP described sounds horribly cookie cutter and extremely boring. Theres tons of cookie cutters on SDN but there's usually at least some other activity they add in addition to the cookie cutter stuff that sounds interesting. But maybe that's just because I see so many amazing people on SDN that it's hard to picture anyone too typical 🙄

 

[Bangersandmash]

Based on GPA/MCAT alone, it would be a 70-80% chance. Likely? Yeah. Guaranteed? No.

 

[ClemsonFirst]

Yeah, that's a pretty boring application other than they finished their checklist. It's about what you make of the extracurriculars and being diverse in your ECs compared to others that gives you a better shot.

Just want to add, it's still not easy to get in. I tutor plenty of people who can barely pass classes, so getting a 3.75 is no easy feat for the general population all while keeping up with ECs, shadowing, research.

 

[cheesier]

I'm surprised people are saying that an app like that would be cookie cutter. 2 years of research is pretty impressive and way above average at most schools. But as for your question, once you've got a competitive application you are favored to get in, but most undergrads who want to go to med school for one reason or another don't end up with competitive applications. Getting a 3.75 while balancing ECs and then getting a good mcat is no small feat. Don't be overconfident.

 

[LifeTake2]

I think by-far the biggest risk is someone with those stats will decide they are worthy of a top-10 school; and make choices about where to apply that will affect their chances.

If you apply to solid schools with those stats, you are golden. Apply only to the top private programs and you could very well be very unhappy.

 

[ClemsonFirst]

I'm surprised people are saying that an app like that would be cookie cutter. 2 years of research is pretty impressive and way above average at most schools. But as for your question, once you've got a competitive application you are favored to get in, but most undergrads who want to go to med school for one reason or another don't end up with competitive applications. Getting a 3.75 while balancing ECs and then getting a good mcat is no small feat. Don't be overconfident.

The 32+ is pretty impressive. I think just how it was stated with volunteer, shadow, research and nothing else makes it seem cookie cutter. I don't know how many matriculants have 2 years experience, so that would be more impressive, but still the research checkmark.

What breaks an applicant from the cookie cutter mold is what you make of your ECs and how you portray that to med schools. This applicant should get in as long as the ECs were meaningful and you can do this by making it personal and, to an extent, out of the ordinary.

 

[cortana431]

The 32+ is pretty impressive. I think just how it was stated with volunteer, shadow, research and nothing else makes it seem cookie cutter. I don't know how many matriculants have 2 years experience, so that would be more impressive, but still the research checkmark.

What breaks an applicant from the cookie cutter mold is what you make of your ECs and how you portray that to med schools. This applicant should get in as long as the ECs were meaningful and you can do this by making it personal and, to an extent, out of the ordinary.

Thanks, I'm just heavily generalizing; obviously the volunteering could be long term at a nursing center or hospital with meaningful experience and/or their could be a poster(s) or publication thrown in with the research experience.



I understand much of what I said is easier said than done, but compared to successful applicants at top schools with 36+ MCAT and 3.85+ GPA and excellent EC's, , it doesn't seem that bad.

 

[DAPI]

Thanks, I'm just heavily generalizing; obviously the volunteering could be long term at a nursing center or hospital with meaningful experience and/or their could be a poster(s) or publication thrown in with the research experience.



I understand much of what I said is easier said than done, but compared to successful applicants at top schools with 36+ MCAT and 3.85+ GPA and excellent EC's, , it doesn't seem that bad.

Just noticed you're a freshman... Come back in 4 years and updates us on how 'hard' you think it is then

 

[ClemsonFirst]

Thanks, I'm just heavily generalizing; obviously the volunteering could be long term at a nursing center or hospital with meaningful experience and/or their could be a poster(s) or publication thrown in with the research experience.



I understand much of what I said is easier said than done, but compared to successful applicants at top schools with 36+ MCAT and 3.85+ GPA and excellent EC's, , it doesn't seem that bad.

It's doable. I will say that. If you are dedicated to the field and your GPA throughout your college career and are just a little lucky, you can do it. You don't need a 4.0 and 35 MCAT. These will make it easier, and the higher the better, but you are correct, you don't need to be a super genius to get in at an average medical school, just dedicated.

 

[circulus vitios]

It's hard. I have above average stats and mediocre ECs. I'm applying to 20 lower-tier MD schools and 10 DO schools this coming cycle. I won't be surprised if I'm rejected.

 

[Aerus]

...if an applicant has a 3.75+ GPA (C/ BCMP), 32+ MCAT, 100+ hours volunteering, 50+ hours shadowing, 2 years or more of research experience, writes at least a decent PS and secondaries, has decent or better recs, and is a solid interviewer? Could such an applicant count on getting into at least 1 medical school such as his/her state school(s)?After looking at various threads here this is what I've come up with.

Doing all that is a lot harder than it seems.

Also, don't underestimate the applicant pool. There are some incredibly bright, talented, and altruistic people out there. You're competing for limited spots against them. Interviewing is also another story that's very hard to predict. Some people who are confident in their interviewing skills may actually find themselves rejected because they appeared arrogant or overconfident.

I wish you the best to luck in your next 3-4 years. =)

 

[rkmoto121]

I remember thinking this same thing four years ago...

 

[Bluto385]

...if an applicant has a 3.75+ GPA (C/ BCMP), 32+ MCAT, 100+ hours volunteering, 50+ hours shadowing, 2 years or more of research experience, writes at least a decent PS and secondaries, has decent or better recs, and is a solid interviewer? Could such an applicant count on getting into at least 1 medical school such as his/her state school(s)?After looking at various threads here this is what I've come up with.

To echo everyone else, what you are describing is "easy" only in the sense that with enough dedication and patience, there are many that are capable of accomplishing what you have listed. However, few are actually able to list these on their applications due to piss-poor work ethic, time management skills, etc.

 

[dsoz]

Remember, about half of the applicants to medical school DO NOT GET IN.

Having the 3.75/32 puts an applicant in the top 10-15% of all applicants, but not a guaranteed acceptance.

If that person gets cocky and only applies to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, John Hopkins, Washington U St.Louis, etc. then they are competing against everyone else that has a 4.0/35+. If they include "normal" medical schools like their state school they should be fine.

That is, as long as they are not totally cocky and arrogant about their stats. Stats may get the application noticed, but humility goes a long way with the ad-coms. Interpersonal skills are very important. I would rather have a caring physician that got into school with a 3.3/28 than a robot that blew away the competition with a 3.75/33.

Get to the point where you are talking about (3.75/32+ with all the ECs) then tell us that it is not that hard.

dsoz

 

[Aerus]

To echo everyone else, what you are describing is "easy" only in the sense that with enough dedication and patience, there are many that are capable of accomplishing what you have listed. However, few are actually able to list these on their applications due to piss-poor work ethic, time management skills, etc.

I liked the way you phrased it. 👍

OP, becoming president of the United States is also easy by this logic. All you need is 270 electoral votes. Sound easy right?

It's always easier said than done.

 

[hizziaips]

...if an applicant has a 3.75+ GPA (C/ BCMP), 32+ MCAT, 100+ hours volunteering, 50+ hours shadowing, 2 years or more of research experience, writes at least a decent PS and secondaries, has decent or better recs, and is a solid interviewer? Could such an applicant count on getting into at least 1 medical school such as his/her state school(s)?After looking at various threads here this is what I've come up with.

I think you're trivializing things quite a bit, OP. Consider that:

A. This GPA / MCAT combination isn't all that easy to attain for many people. (A score of 32 is roughly 85th percentile!)

B. With these stats and ECs, you'd have a very good chance of one or more acceptances if you apply wisely. However, take nothing for granted. How you portray your activities and how you conduct yourself in interviews is of paramount importance, as is where (and when during the cycle) you apply.

C. 57% of this year's applicants (give or take) will ultimately be rejected from every M.D. school to which they apply. Among them are doubtlessly many bright, talented, and motivated people. As others have said, we're competing with each other for a very limited number of spots, and it seems that the bar is raised every year. (Look at the steadily rising trend in average MCAT and GPA of matriculants over the past decade for one example of this.)

 

[ClemsonFirst]

Just to reiterate, the OP said it's not as hard as it seems. Maybe this idea came from an inflated image of what medical schools are looking for. The OP never said it was easy to get in; I just wanted to remind the OP that we are all top of our class to be in this situation and it takes lots of work ethic and dedication and there is no easy substitute.

You can have 3.75 and 32 MCAT and be accepted to many schools as long as all other parts of your application and interview are in good shape. If this is not as difficult as you thought, then good for you, OP. For some people, this is extremely difficult. The OP's post was a rather subjective statement.

 

[cheesier]

C. 57% of this year's applicants (give or take) will ultimately be rejected from every M.D. school to which they apply. Among them are doubtlessly many bright, talented, and motivated people. As others have said, we're competing with each other for a very limited number of spots, and it seems that the bar is raised every year. (Look at the steadily rising trend in average MCAT and GPA of matriculants over the past decade for one example of this.)

While true, if you have what the OP listed it becomes much less of a coin flip. Barring a bad LOR, late application, applying only to top schools, etc, you should get in.

 

[cortana431]

Ah, I understand. I think a significant portion of what I've said is mainly based on certain groups of students: mainly those with good work ethic, motivation, and some level of academic talent and not the overall pre med applicant pool. Much of what I'm saying has been from my own experiences this year so far: getting research positions and doing well enough in classes to get at least a 3.6+ GPA this semester, and probably, hopefully better in the future with better quality effort and also being a good test taker.

 

[Bluto385]

Just to reiterate, the OP said it's not as hard as it seems. Maybe this idea came from an inflated image of what medical schools are looking for. The OP never said it was easy to get in

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