just curious

[clevertooth]

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I wondering people with what kind of stats don't get interviews? Lets say if there are 7,000 applications to a school, only about 10% get interviews (around 700) If people say 30 and 3.5 should get you in somewhere, then there must be alot of people applying with 25 and 3.0 or something along those lines? I'm assuming atleast 50% of those people have those kind of stats out of 7000. I thought schools only let you apply if you have a realistic shot of getting into med school.

 

[PublicEnemy]

I don't think there's that many people applying with stats that are that low. I definitely don't think its 50%. Remember, even all the people with 3.5's and 30's aren't getting interviews at every school they apply to. For an average of 15-20 applications, even well qualified people pull between 5-6 interviews. The numbers get spread around like that. Somewhat random actually, sometimes its just based on the numbers, sometimes its based on something they see in the app, some potential or something. The AMCAS site actually has a breakdown of stats for applicants and matriculants:

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/start.htm

Remember, if you have stats that should get you in somewhere, doesn't mean you'll get an interview everywhere. But basically, the 3.5, 30 is just a general guideline that you're likely to get in somewhere provided that you have good ECs, LORs and that you apply to a diverse array of schools.

As far as letting you apply, most schools will send you the secondary no matter what. Its $$$ in the bag for them. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have a chance or that they'll even review it if you don't meet certain pre-screen cut-offs or requirements. However, there are several schools which will reject you pre-secondary if they deem that you're not competitive.

Anyways, hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[jlee9531]

school interview people that they think will attend their medical school and do well at their medical school. they want people that fit their philosophies...not just the person with the highest grades.

they are trying to train doctors...not mass produce cars.

 

[clevertooth]

I mean undergrad schools discouraging some applicants...

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

It's also worth noting that many of those who are accepted with very low stats are URMs.

 

[jlee9531]

I mean undergrad schools discouraging some applicants...

they just dont wanna look bad. thats all.
but as for the student...they can still go on and apply and see what happens.

and by the way... a 3.5 30 doesnt mean you will get in somewhere.

 

[clevertooth]

obviously, 30 3.5 is not a guarantee...

but its mind boggling to think that 90% of decent applicants dont even get interviews..that is scary

 

[jlee9531]

thats because it seems 90% of the decent applicants all look the same.

 

[clevertooth]

yeah that is my question then, how can those 10% separate themselves from the 90%?

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

Blowing up the death star.

 

[jlee9531]

yeah that is my question then, how can those 10% separate themselves from the 90%?

dont think anyone can give you a good answer to that. 😉
but here it is...each school is looking for a certain type of applicant...

you have the research schools, the primary care schools and the schools that have an equal mix of both. you gotta first pick schools that you relate well to. if you are strong in research, then you should apply to those schools. do everything you can to express your interest and passion for that school in the secondaries if they give you the opportunity.

 

[jlee9531]

obviously having good grades and test scores and excellent ECs wont hurt to help you get to the interview stage....and once you get there...thats where you gotta make it happen and set yourself apart from the other applicants.

but even if you have lower grades like i do, a well rounded application and an expressed passion of why you want to go to medicine/or that school will only help you out even more.