Hi Maebea — thank you for the reply.
Just generally, I am trying not to make my list all top 20 programs and to have a more balanced list.
Specifically, my area of research interest is in neuro-oncology (GBM & DIPG space, etc.). I chose Tri-I because of its affiliation with MSKCC (I also have minor ties at MSKCC) and Einstein because it's a great MD/PhD program that has slightly lower stat averages than other excellent programs.
Hopkins and WashU both actually have great programs/labs in my field, but I felt like Hopkins' MCAT median/percentiles were less forgiving than other top schools (Yale has a slightly higher median but a slightly lower 25th percentile, for example). While I think WashU would be a good fit professionally, I'm not exactly psyched to live in St. Louis if I am being honest, which is why it's in the maybes section. This, coupled with having a balanced and not exceedingly long list is why I have made some of the choices that I made. However, I am curious if people think it's still too top heavy or if I should expand the list in general or if they think I'll be fine with the list as is.
Thanks!
