Well, unfortunately we're about 90% in state residents. Also, those that do get in from out of state tend to have graduated from schools like Vandy, Stanford, Yale, etc., and have MCATS in the higher ranges (ie at least 10's-11's). However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try! This school loves well rounded students, and my class is no exception.
As for me, I attribute my acceptances to having taken two years off after college. You asked which other schools I was accepted to, they were Wright State, OU, and OSU. My choice was based on a general good feeling I had here, plus a very happy student body, as well as the high academic standards at UC, compared to the others. Also this school is surrounded (literally) by five hospitals, including University, Children's (one of the best in the nation), Good Sam, Christ, VA, and also a Shriner's Burn Center. Basically you can't beat the resources we have available here!
As for me, during my time off I did four important things. 1. Was to take Physics II since I didn't take it in college, 2. was to take the Kaplan MCAT course and study intensely for three months (resulting in three 10's), 3. was to relax and enjoy the real world, and 4. The most important thing I did was spend 16 months working as a PCT (nursing aid) in a large hospital. This was the boost I needed, and taught me so many things about patient care, working with doctors and nurses, and so on. I could go on about this forever (see some of my older posts).
Anyhow, I hope that helps you out. I would suggest that everybody get some kind of hands on patient care experience before applying to med school. You'd be astonished to see how many of the people in my class have done just that. It is a trend I see continuing, as med schools begin to acknowledge that students who have had real medical experience before beginning med school, turn out to be better prepared for the clinical years of med school. And therefore become better clinicians after graduation. Good Luck!
