A few thoughts on Charting outcomes data:
1) Remember that this data ONLY incorporates people who got at least one interview in that field and subsequently ranked it. ERAS and NRMP are different programs and this data only comes from the latter. All the people who applied and got nothing aren't even counted.
2) You're absolutely right to note that you get no individual data. Obviously the people matching tough fields with oddly low numbers in one place are making up for it elsewhere.
That said, after interviewing candidates this year, I was quite blown away by their apps. Everything ranged from solid to stellar to holy crap is this person even human. Honestly, if I had seen these individual apps as an MS1, it would have probably freaked me out.
And thoughts after being on the other side of the table this year:
1) For really competitive fields (whatever they are when you apply) you need everything to be solid. Great numbers are a given.
2) You cannot really pad ECs like you did for med school. Yes you need to do stuff so your app isn't the only one that fits on a postcard, but none of that will stand out. It won't help you, though its complete absence can stand out negatively.
3) Research is important. Do stuff. Good stuff. Turning out good work is something that definitely gets noticed. Turning out no work is bad.
4) ECs that get noticed at his level: Div 1/professional athletes, distinguished military careers, founding your own company, bigtime jobs (the kind that pay 6-7 figures), high level performing artist(performing places people have heard of), etc. Essentially, these are things you can't just check boxes for, they require you actually did/do something really substantive. They do NOT compensate for s---ty numbers. Nobody wants to work with a *******.
5) Letters: you need really REALLY good ones. From well known people. Better if they are accompanied by personal phone calls and emails.
6) Reputation: make sure you build a good one. people will definitely do their due diligence about you. They will google everything they can and call anyone and everyone they know who may know you, especially if you're someone being seriously considered. This includes your classmates and people above and below you. From this day forward, people will always vet you, so leave a positive impression on people.
I think it's good to think about this stuff now so it doesn't surprise you in 3 years. Just don't let it consume you. Focus on the task in front of you, which right now is getting your life and mind in order to start school this summer/fall. Then focus on your first exam. Then the next. Lather rinse repeat. Once you find your stride, start adding in research and whatnot and by then you're off to the races.
Good luck!
