No-name U BS, Big Name Post Bacc

[EMDream]

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What do you think, lets say you ahve a relatively high undergrad GPA (3.86) at no name U, but lack certain prereqs and then do a postbacc at say Columbia or Harvard extension with an equally impressive GPA. Do you think that will make up for going to a no name U and you can now apply to big name medical schools? I've heard its virtually impossible to get into the top 10 - 15 from a no name university.

 

[Singing Devil]

What do you think, lets say you ahve a relatively high undergrad GPA (3.86) at no name U, but lack certain prereqs and then do a postbacc at say Columbia or Harvard extension with an equally impressive GPA. Do you think that will make up for going to a no name U and you can now apply to big name medical schools? I've heard its virtually impossible to get into the top 10 - 15 from a no name university.

Isn't this academic inequity what the MCAT is supposed to solve? I'm not sure it matters where you go if you have a great GPA, great MCAT, and good interviews.

 

[EMDream]

Isn't this academic inequity what the MCAT is supposed to solve? I'm not sure it matters where you go if you have a great GPA, great MCAT, and good interviews.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be true from what I've gathered. I know mdapplicants.com isn't probably a very accurate gauge, but if you look at the top schools acceptances very few if any are from a unheard of undergrad, and if they are they are usually URM. It also is usually something people ask when you're wondering about your chances, "well what was your undergrad?" I was just curious if a post bacc big name would help. 😕

 

[dankev]

I think you may be a bit off base. There are certainly lots of people accepted from big name schools, but remember, they were already screened 4 years earlier. That doesn't mean you can't get into a great med school from Podunk U, you just need the same great grades and MCAT as anyone else (see Singing Devil's comments). Med schools love diversity. They have plenty of Ivy applicants. Don't be afraid to be a little different.

As far as mdapplicants, it's a fun site, but don't take it too seriously. It ain't no random sample.

 

[ko061]

Diversity is a big thing when it comes to deciding who they want with same stats. I know a bunch of people who are at harvard who went to state schools. I also know a bunch of people from MIT who didn't get into the top schools. MCAT and other qualifying factors really make your undergrad institution nameless, in my opinion!