Short answer: Scores do matter.
Long answer:
To give some historical perspective:
About 11-12 years ago, 1500 SAT /31 ACT was considered a safe floor. The competition was not as intense as now, and good essays could land you an interview.
About 5 years back, I believe the floor moved up to about 1540 SAT/ 33 ACT (though outliers with lower scores did get interviews).
I believe now the floor is 1560 SAT/ 34 ACT.
Yes, folks with lower stats may get interviews but they now appear to be outliers.
At some places (eg Penn State/Jeff this year), even valedictorians with near-full SAT scores were not invited for interviews.
This brings to other parts which are important to GET an interview:
-
your overall application, especially your essays
-
your LOR
(things you control/influence) -
A college’s mandate for the class mix
-
the reader reviewing your application
-
College’s need to manage their yield
-
number of students applying from your school
-
And your luck
The BS/MD application process is stressful and unpredictable.
But one thing every applicant must remember - this does not change who you are, your capabilities, your intelligence, your passions and how you will succeed in life.