Top Ten Stats!

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JDAD

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Alright, this thread isn't about only top ten stats, but I assumed it would get more attention by giving it that title.

Here is the question: If you stats are at or above a schools posted averages, should you apply there? Assuming average EC's, average rec letters, and an average PS.


I know it isn't all about numbers, but when deciding to apply to schools, do you stand a chance at getting an interview to most schools where your numbers match up?

If you like the Curriculum, Location, type of students, cost, residency match lists, and history of the school, should you apply if your numbers match up? Can someone get into harvard with numbers that are exactly the same as their averages? Or do you need something spectacular?
 
So what you're asking is should you apply to schools that are really good and have a history of accepting people with stats that you might have or exceed?

The answer is most certainly no. These schools should have already contacted you, if they haven't then they don't want you.
 
Medikit said:
So what you're asking is should you apply to schools that are really good and have a history of accepting people with stats that you might have or exceed?

The answer is most certainly no. These schools should have already contacted you, if they haven't then they don't want you.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
I am confused. My question is: If you stats match up, should you apply? I am asking because I am sure that there are thousands of people with 3.9 and 35. Why do some get interviews at the best schools, and some do not? Assuming the EC's, LOR and PS are all equally good.
 
I would assume that the avg stats of the entering students should be roughly the same as those interviewed, maybe higher or lower. Basically, apply wherever you want to go. Don?t let avg stats prevent you from applying. Oh yea, use common scene. :idea:
 
OP-

Are you asking if you should apply to schools where your scores are equal to the average? If so, then OF COURSE.

Average is a blend of scores, right? So if the average is 35 MCAT, it's highly probable that some folks scored above and below 35. You, by having that average, fit in the mix somewhere.

If your question was just to break our balls, then you got me.

dc
 
Your assumptions that all people with a 3.X and 35 MCAT all have similar EC?s, LOR?s and PS?s is probably not correct. The reason that some get an interview while others are sent a Dear John letter is complex. Some people apply but withdraw pre-secondaries while others withdraw post-secondary. Some do not have the other rounding that the school is looking for.

If your stats match the average to a school and you want to apply then do so, you have a good chance with getting an interview.

Other then that I don?t know how to answer your question??
 
JDAD said:
I am confused. My question is: If you stats match up, should you apply? I am asking because I am sure that there are thousands of people with 3.9 and 35. Why do some get interviews at the best schools, and some do not? Assuming the EC's, LOR and PS are all equally good.

If I could tell you why some people get interviews and some don't, I wouldn't have to worry about financing my medical school education.
 
this a legitimate question shrouded with vagueness. the short answer to your real question is to apply to all those top ten schools, but make sure you add in another 10 mid range schools. 20 apps might seem like a lot, but if half of those schools are top 10 schools, then thats probably about right.
 
Unless you are a gunner just trying to graduate head of the class from the highest ranked school possible; don't worry about it. Yeah, it's fun to pay attention to the averages to get idea's about what could happen, but the bottom line to applying to schools is to find programs, locations, etc. that fit what you want. New Mexico and Duke are ranked very high. . . . but with two completely different attitudes (primary care vs. research).

My $.02 is to find all the schools you like, and apply to them. If you don't get in, you didn't lose anything by applying (except a million dollars in app fee's), and if you do get in- awesome. Don't be ashamed, either, if your stats are way above the averages at a school that is offering a program / curriculum that fits perfectly with the medical education you are looking for. Same token, don't avoid schools who's averages are way above what you are displaying- you never know, and averages are just averages.

Good Luck, pick schools where you would be happy to live and learn for 4 years.
-Vandyfox
 
I tried not to make it personal but this is the only way i can explain. I am applying this year, but taking the august MCAT. I want to get my apps in early, and I am trying to pick schools. I have a list right now, but it is very top teir heavy. Do I even stand a chance at these school? Who knows. I have a solid GPA, and I am working towards a great MCAT. I have picked a bunch of programs and locations that I am interested in and, pending my mcat, I hope to have numbers that are equal to all of them. My EC's are good, my lor are good and I am hoping my PS is good (not done that either).

The problem with me is that I will be applying as an out of state student to many schools. The majority of the "out-of-state friendly" schools are private and very difficult to get into.

Here is my current list:

Baylor
Duke
Wakeforest
Hopkins
Maryland
Vanderbilt
UPenn
UCONN
Harvard
Dartmouth
Colorado
All of my state schools which are TEXAS
UBC and a few Ontario schools - I am from Canada

Is that balanced enough?
 
im pretty much in the same situation as you, but my advice to you is chill.

dont worry about not getting into an out of state school, it may happen or it may not. you are a texas resident and will most likely get into a texas school if you have a solid gpa and a "great MCAT".

fyi, if you attend maryland, uconn, colorado, or even wake over a texas school, you are making a gigantic mistake.
 
JDAD said:
I am confused. My question is: If you stats match up, should you apply? I am asking because I am sure that there are thousands of people with 3.9 and 35. Why do some get interviews at the best schools, and some do not? Assuming the EC's, LOR and PS are all equally good.

Sorry, but if you have a 3.9 and a 35, I am going to have to put you on my "Jealous of.." list and so I can't help you out.

Johnny 😀
 
Thats the thing, I am a reside in Texas, I moved to texas for employment purposes, I have lived in Texas for four years, I have a texas bank account, I have a texas drivers licence. I even attended HS in Texas for half a year, but I graduated from HS in Canada prior to, I just attended HS in Texas to play baseball. I am engaged to a girl who lives in Texas. Even after all of that, i am not classified as a Texas resident because I have a F1, international visa. That means I will be applying to all of the schools in Texas, but I will be applying as a non-resident. That hurts me a LOT.

I picked UCONN, Wake and Maryland because I like the location and they are impartial to international students. My dream school in UTSW in Texas and that is where I want to go. I picked Colorado because I want to live there, but they aren't friendly to out-of-staters and I am not sure if I can afford 65K for the first year. Actually, I know I can't. But I am still going to apply because I belong in the mountains.

Also, I do not have a 35MCAT. I have yet to take the class. The more I study, the more I realize how difficult this test is. Everyday I become more and more humble. That doesn't mean I don't plan on doing well though 😀

The reason I am stressing is that I am not a resident of any state. I can't count on getting into a Texas school because I am not a Texas resident.
 
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