Medical Is yield protection real?

[GoSpursGo]

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I've seen many users post about rejections from mid to low tier schools being due to "yield protection". I always assumed that med schools didn't really need to do this and that it was something applicants used to give themselves an explanation for a)the fact the app cycle leaves one with so many unanswered questions or b) things besides stats that are lacking in their applications. The more I see it referenced in the forums though, I'm wondering if it is in fact a legitimate thing that schools reject students who they don't think will go there.
I was rejected pre-II or am still on pre-II hold at 6 schools where my GPA/MCAT were at or above their 75th percentile according to MSAR. Meanwhile I was interviewed and waitlisted at 1 T20 and waitlisted with decision pending at 4 other T30-T50 schools.
I applied to 21 schools, 4<T20, 8 T20-50, 9 >T50.
As I'm preparing for reapplying, I'm thinking about how to reshape my schools list and wondering if "yield protection" is something I should think about.
Thank you!!

In general, no, I don't think "yield protection" per se is a thing. But it is possible that you failed to convince them through your application that you were a good fit for their school--it isn't all about stats. And if they have a finite number of interview slots (even when virtual interviewing), it just doesn’t make sense to spend a slot on someone they perceive as not seriously being interested in coming or who doesn’t seem like a good fit.

More likely, something else in your app felt "off" to them. Either subpar secondary essays (maybe you weren't as invested in polishing them for these "lower tier" schools?), or some of your activities (like research?) that were attractive at more competitive schools weren't as much of an asset at these other schools.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

If you apply to a school and they feel like they are a backup due to your essays being crap + your scores WAY too high...maybe they wouldn't see you as a good fit for their program.

 

[Goro]

I believe that it's real, but not in your case.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Admissions professionals are always concerned with yield. I don't know what yield protection looks like for everyone but we want to be efficient when making offers and scholarships.

Part of it is the importance of mission fit which can exclude many students who clearly don't. Most gunners like to go for research schools so the community service schools won't be good fits. Is that yield protection? Maybe.