Yeah, just apply and see what happens.
If you're not ranked top half, probably try other programs to clerk at.
If you're in the top third or half in the class rank, maybe try applying for less popular months (not Oct/Nov/Dec)?
Dum dums and smart smarts go to every pod school... every year.
There is no point to try to justify why you may have done better where underachievement is more common.
How would you have done in MD school class rank, then? 😆
So either way, if you get the month at that program - or elsewhere, just prep and do well... no point in whining.