In our last post, we discussed the reasoning behind applying to a large number of medical schools. Now, we'll walk you through what else you should know about the school selection process, starting with a real biggie.
Apply to a bonkers number of schools. For the 2021-2022 cycle, the average applicant applied to 18 schools, according to the AAMC. We typically recommend 25 to 35 schools. If you have the resources (and an MCAT score below 510), it's not a terrible idea to apply to even more. The average medical school acceptance rate is 6.5%, according to a 2020 U.S. News & World Report survey of 121 ranked schools. (The acceptance rate between schools runs the gamut from barely 2% to around 20%.)
Apply to every state school in your state. If you're going to apply to a state school outside of your state, that school should matriculate at least 25% of their students from out of state, à la the University of Vermont and University of Iowa.
Consider newer medical schools, which have higher acceptance rates and take on students with lower average GPAs and MCAT scores. The AAMC reported that the mean GPA of 2021-2022 matriculants was 3.74, and the mean MCAT score was 511.9.
Your scores are important, but they are not everything. It is possible to have a higher GPA/MCAT than a school's average and still not get into it. Incidentally, this is why your Work and Activities, Personal Statement, and Secondary Essays are so important. They show a whole person—and that's often what lands you an interview.
"Something we consider beyond an MCAT score and GPA is the balance of the class," a six-year medical school admissions veteran told us. "We look at personalities. Does this applicant have leadership qualities? Are they collaborative? Are they resilient? What unique perspective could they bring to our community? And frankly, is this a person who fellow students and faculty are going to want to be around for years?"
Don't underestimate seeming compatible with a school. Each campus is a close-knit environment. Research schools. Find your commonalities with each, express them in your essays and interview, and you could find yourself with an acceptance letter. Researching schools also helps you connect to a school that you're feeling iffy about—say, you don't love the location or were hoping to attend a smaller program. Knowing a program is aligned with your values and goals will allow you to stay open-minded.
Related: Choosing Allopathic (MD) Programs: Take a Broad Perspective