Hi SDN, I was just wondering which schools are known to put an emphasis on GPA/MCAT as opposed to EC? Is there a way I can tell by looking at the MSAR?
It really depends on what your ECs are. If you have none, no US school is going to look past it. If you are weak, it depends on how weak. Many schools might look at your app for the standard ECs and then put more weight on your GPA. What are your ECs so we can better answer the question.
Hi SDN, I was just wondering which schools are known to put an emphasis on GPA/MCAT as opposed to EC? Is there a way I can tell by looking at the MSAR?
I'm very interested in this as well. As far as I know, WashU has the biggest "Stat *****" reputation, but I'd really like to know if there are any others.
WashU, UChicago, UMich, UVA, and Ohio State are examples of a few schools w reputations for focusing more on stats and less on ECs. UMich however, has been trying to be "more holistic" lately.
Great EC's will not override bad stats, but they can certainly take an "average" applicant to a candidate for admission. On the same token, higher stats can make up for weaker EC's.
Save yourself the trouble and apply to schools that won't stress you out TOO much. Meaning don't apply to schools where everyone not only has a 3.8+, 35+ MCAT, but has also published work on possible cures for cancer, IF you are not already there. 🙂