I understand what you're getting at, but having below average stats is not "fine". I do not want current pre-meds to get the wrong idea and aim for mediocrity because they believe a 3.2 and 25 is good enough (as your post suggests). Of course it's possible to get accepted, my stats weren't great and it worked out for me, but not everyone is so lucky. One should always strive for the best stats possible and try to be an above average applicant. The admissions game is a bit random at times, and the best way to improve your chances of acceptance is by having good stats.
Also, just because the minimum may be 2.75 and 20 does not mean people with those stats, or stats slightly above that, frequently get in. The average matriculant has a GPA and MCAT score much higher than that.
Okay, I am going to say this then I am not going to respond to this thread anymore because I don't want to get banned or anything. You are on here, talking about, aiming high and you didn't go back to make your application strong yourself. You can't be a hypocrite and tell other premed students what to do and you didn't bother to do it yourself.
Having a 3.2 GPA and a 25 MCAT is not below average
. Okay, so you want to be above avereage applicant, get in, and then what? Nothing because it would not matter. Are you going to get a medal? Honorary stats or somethin? No.
Also, you don't want to give premeds the wrong idea that if you have high stats, you are guaranteed to get in because it's not. There are people who had perfect scores in fact, the dean told us (when I went for my interview) said he rejected a guy with perfect scores and he was proud of did that. Also, my post does not suggest to aim mediocrocy. I said that was okay. I never said mediocrocy was okay so don'ti put words in my mouth please. Another thing, you don't want to DISCOURAGE premed students who may be non-traditionals and can't go back. Also, who's to say that a peson is not trying to aim high by having those stats? I agree, aim high but, some people have issues in life you know (Sickness, working a lot, etc,) and thank god in DO schools, you can explain discrepancies. Also, they look at the whole package because being a doctor is not all about scores. You have to make sure you have people skills too and a lot of people who are so called "mediocre" have those skills and will succeed too.
I got in with a 3.25 GPA and a 28 MCAT and I am proud of that. I know people will knock it down, yell at me and tell me to take that crappy exam again and apply to bigger and better schools but I don't care and I don't want to(in which I believe will have no relevance whatsoever on how I do in medical school! That exam is joke! It's dog and pony show. I took it without studying because I didn't have time because I had to work to support my family, and go back to Japan for a bit. That Kraplan class did jackhizzle for me). I refuse to waste another year of my life and waste $7,000 or more in the making because of fear and thinking about what people say. Who cares what they say, if I were to listen to them, I would not be in today. I got in, that is all that matters. I am not doing this process again!!!!
But hey, whatever you want. The important thing is getting in. No one cares or knows what your stas are when you get in. Who cares. You are in the same situation as someone who got in with a 4.0 GPA and a 45 MCAT. It wouldn't matter after that. My older sister is in her second year and a lot of her teachers told her as long as you pass, that is all that matters anyways. This is not undergraduate, this is medical school. You are competing against no one but yourself.
Also, like the person said above me, if you feel that way, don't give up and post pone your applications and improve your scores. Medical schools want you to quit. Don't give up! Do what you think is best for you. (^*^)
