I agree with Calisurfdoc. I visited with the deans of admissions for my top two med schools two years ago and benefited greatly. here's what you should do:
1) If possible, set up your meeting the year before you're actually applying. So, if you plan on applying b/w junior and senior year, plan on meeting with the dean the summer during your soph/ junior year. This is what I did and it worked out great because after our meeting I had an entire year to send update emails and continue building my relationship with the dean so by the time I actually applied the next year, the deans new exactly who I was.
2) When you actually meet with the dean, come prepared with a copy of your resume and (if applicable) abstracts of your current research project. Keep them in a bag with you just in case they ask for it that way you seem prepared. If they don't ask, then don't bother taking them out.
3) Know exactly what you want to talk about. Deans of admissions are really busy during summer months, so the worst thing you can do is waste their time. When I met with one dean, the only thing he said initially was "how can I help you?". Start off by telling him/her a little about yourself : your name, school, year, and your interest in said medical school. Later, tell him what you've done since you started undergrad... research, volunteering, shadowing, outside interests etc. Last, ask him how you can be a more attractive candidate. This is where he'll prob. want to know your stats (bust out that resume!). When I scheduled appointments, one dean said he'd speak to me for 15 mins. and the other said they'd squeeze me in for about 10-20 mins... we ended up having a lot to talk (and laugh) about and they both ran for over an hour!
4) Don't forget to be yourself! Show them that you're fun... smile, act cheery, and don't act like an over anxious pre-med who's foaming at the mouth to get in (even if you are!) lol. I talked about fishing and my triathlons during my meetings, and both deans wanted to know more, so i think this is where we really connected.
5) Afterwards, make sure you send them a thank-you email! Also, feel free to continue updating them throughout the year about new/ big things going on that are relevant to your application such as MCAT, awards, publications. This will not only allow them to remember you, but they'll be able to see your interest in the school.
My result: ACCEPTED. Both deans knew when my application was sent, gave me early interviews, and early acceptances. I chose my number one, and could not be happier!
