Need help interpeting MSAR wording on National median vs School median,

[ShakaChaka]

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National Median refers to data derived by including MCAT scores from all accepted applications and does not include duplicate scores from individuals with multiple acceptances. The national median for each individual test section remains identical when calculated using duplicate scores or a single record from an accepted applicant, except in the case of the national median for the Total MCAT Score, which is 33 when derived using duplicated scores.

1. Should I look at National Median or School Median to get a better idea of my competitiveness?

2. What does "does not include duplicate scores from individuals with multiple acceptances."
A: I think it means, from people who reapplied and got accepted twice that had different mcat scores??

3. What does this mean ,"The national median for each individual test section remains identical(????) when calculated using duplicate scores or a single record from an accepted applicant, except in the case of the national median for the Total MCAT Score, which is 33 when derived using duplicated scores."

So confused... This is worst than verbal reasoning.....

 

[Goro]

For the individual school, use the school median
1. Should I look at National Median or School Median to get a better idea of my competitiveness?

No, it means it doesn't include all the applicants (say, someone has was accepted to both Harvard and Yale, but matriculated into Yale).

2. What does "does not include duplicate scores from individuals with multiple acceptances."

A: I think it means, from people who reapplied and got accepted twice that had different mcat scores??

In this case, the numbers are the same if you look at Yale matriculants, vs all the people who were accepted to all med schools.
3. What does this mean ,"The national median for each individual test section remains identical(????) when calculated using duplicate scores or a single record from an accepted applicant, except in the case of the national median for the Total MCAT Score, which is 33 when derived using duplicated scores."

The moral of the story is: the median GPA for med school matriculants is ~3.7 and MCAT = 31. Your mileage may vary, depending upon what one school you look at.