The "random" factor

[orion333]

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Been thinking about the often detailed and well-reasoned criteria applicants use to decide where to apply and wanted to mention something that my sage premed advisor pointed out: there is an element of randomness in the admissions process.

This is why, although I applied mostly to schools that matched my stats, I went ahead and reached for the stars on about a quarter. Part of the randomness has to do with what you have to offer that none of their other accepted applicants have, even if that quality isn't particularly unique. For example, the school may realize that they accepted 65% guys and need more women or that too many students are from California or too many athletes. You don't necessarily have to be a five-armed juggler, just in low supply among a particular school's acceptance pool.

 

[Overmjnd]

just in low supply among a particular school's acceptance pool.

IE URM status

 

[RadioCure]

IE URM status

Oh boy 🙄

 

[Suenya]

There's a huge element of randomness. I applied very widely, and I got roughly the same percentage of interviews as schools I applied to among the "top", highly competitive, average, and less competitive schools as schools I put on my application. I have no idea why some chose to interview me and others didn't.

 

[searun]

You can never have too many athletes in your med school acceptance pool. But I do get your comment about too many Californians.

 

[fizzgig]

now i know what i need to set me apart... i want to be a five-armed juggler... aaahhh that made me lol.

 

[slowbutsteady]

IE URM status

geez, just shut up. shut the F up.