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The wait is over. MCAT scores are in!!!
For some of you, the outcome was a moment of relief — a score that met or exceeded expectations. For others, it felt like the floor dropped out. Either way, you’re now at the decision point that defines your entire application strategy: where to apply.
This is the part of the cycle where a surprising number of strong candidates go off track — not because they lack potential, but because they don’t have a strategy. They either overshoot or spread themselves too thin. And both paths tend to lead to the same outcome: rejection.
Let’s be honest: holistic review is real — but it’s not magic. Schools still have to get through tens of thousands of applications. That means they use hard metrics — GPA and MCAT — as the first screen. If your numbers fall well below their range, your story may never get read.
Yes, there are exceptions. Yes, some applicants beat the odds. But building your school list on the hope of being “the exception” is not a strategy — it’s a gamble. And an expensive one.
1. The “Long List” Trap
This applicant applies to 25, 30, even 40+ schools. The logic? Cast a wide net. The result?
This approach burns time, energy, and $2,500+ on apps that won’t lead anywhere. Worse, it leads to rushed, generic secondaries that get skipped over.
2. The “Long Shot” Trap
This applicant builds a list of elite programs — many of which are well out of range based on stats. Their hope? That personal background, mission alignment, or research passion will carry them through.
But here’s the truth: at most schools, holistic review begins once you’re already in the metrics range. Prestige schools in particular have deep applicant pools — and few reasons to bend the rules for someone they don’t already know.
These states are loaded with high-quality, high-competition public medical schools. They’re often seen as “safety” options by out-of-state applicants — which they are not. Every year, incredible candidates overestimate their chances in these states and waste precious time on schools they were never likely to be reviewed seriously by.
Here’s what we recommend at Asclepius Advising:
A targeted, realistic, mission-driven school list built around real fit and competitive positioning. That usually means:
This strategy:
If your MCAT underperformed, your cycle isn’t over. But you need to shift gears quickly — and work smarter from here on out.
At Asclepius Advising, we’re here to help you make the pivot with purpose. Our offerings include:
If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Most applicants reach this point and start second-guessing everything. That’s normal.
What matters is what you do next.
Schedule a personalized school list and secondary planning session
Learn more about our secondary support offerings
You have your score. Now let’s build your strategy.
For some of you, the outcome was a moment of relief — a score that met or exceeded expectations. For others, it felt like the floor dropped out. Either way, you’re now at the decision point that defines your entire application strategy: where to apply.
This is the part of the cycle where a surprising number of strong candidates go off track — not because they lack potential, but because they don’t have a strategy. They either overshoot or spread themselves too thin. And both paths tend to lead to the same outcome: rejection.
First, a Quick Reality Check: What “Holistic” Really Means
Let’s be honest: holistic review is real — but it’s not magic. Schools still have to get through tens of thousands of applications. That means they use hard metrics — GPA and MCAT — as the first screen. If your numbers fall well below their range, your story may never get read.
Yes, there are exceptions. Yes, some applicants beat the odds. But building your school list on the hope of being “the exception” is not a strategy — it’s a gamble. And an expensive one.
Two Common School List Pitfalls (That You Can Still Avoid)
1. The “Long List” Trap
This applicant applies to 25, 30, even 40+ schools. The logic? Cast a wide net. The result?
- 5 schools are actually aligned
- 10 could work with real time investment
- Another 5 are a stretch
- And 15–20 are total mismatches — by mission, metrics, or state bias
This approach burns time, energy, and $2,500+ on apps that won’t lead anywhere. Worse, it leads to rushed, generic secondaries that get skipped over.
2. The “Long Shot” Trap
This applicant builds a list of elite programs — many of which are well out of range based on stats. Their hope? That personal background, mission alignment, or research passion will carry them through.
But here’s the truth: at most schools, holistic review begins once you’re already in the metrics range. Prestige schools in particular have deep applicant pools — and few reasons to bend the rules for someone they don’t already know.
This Is Especially Crucial for Applicants in CA, FL, OH, NY
These states are loaded with high-quality, high-competition public medical schools. They’re often seen as “safety” options by out-of-state applicants — which they are not. Every year, incredible candidates overestimate their chances in these states and waste precious time on schools they were never likely to be reviewed seriously by.
The Smarter Path: Build a Successful School List
Here’s what we recommend at Asclepius Advising:
A targeted, realistic, mission-driven school list built around real fit and competitive positioning. That usually means:
- 5–7 strong-fit schools
- 6–10 additional schools where you have some leverage or alignment
- Inclusion of DO schools, especially if your MCAT was lower than expected
This strategy:
- Saves you thousands of dollars
- Lets you write better secondaries, faster
- Gives you a real chance at interviews — not just a hope
- Prevents burnout and decision fatigue down the line
If your MCAT underperformed, your cycle isn’t over. But you need to shift gears quickly — and work smarter from here on out.
What We’re Offering Right Now
At Asclepius Advising, we’re here to help you make the pivot with purpose. Our offerings include:
- School List Review Consults — We’ll analyze where you’re competitive and help you focus your list
- Advanced Secondary Support — Pre-drafting help, theme development, editing, and school-specific guidance
- Public Pathways Package — For applicants focused on CA, FL, OH, or NY public schools, we provide detailed, experienced guidance for their unique expectations and timelines
Take the Next Step
If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Most applicants reach this point and start second-guessing everything. That’s normal.
What matters is what you do next.
Schedule a personalized school list and secondary planning session
Learn more about our secondary support offerings
You have your score. Now let’s build your strategy.
