<p>I am a junior at a really good high school. I have been maintaining my grades, all As other than 2 or 3 Bs. My GPA is about 3.93, but at our school (we run on a decibel system), so I am in the top 20%, not the top 10%. To be in the top 10%, our gpa needs to be above 3.97. I am part of CSF and FHS at school, but am not in any leadership positions. I have been volunteering at a local ER for the past 3 years and I will have about 300 hours by the time I graduate. I have not done any research over these years. However, I have asked two of my teachers (who are said to write very good rec letters) to write for me, and both of them agreed. They both know me very well and I think that they will write amazing letters for me. Do I have a chance to get into a 7-year med program? Or is there anything else I can do now to improve my prospects?</p>
<p>Hard to know as standardized test scores will likely make a difference too. The good programs are very competitive and are also looking for geographic, economic, racial and ethnic diversity. It is helpful to have a specific well-developed area of interest in which you are developing leadership. It is helpful to have faced and overcome adversity. Research in a lab only helps. I work in a med school and when I meet residents who have come from these programs, I almost always say “wow” when I read their credentials and story. You have to ask yourself, do I have a “wow” story. That said, you can always apply, and most will consider you for their traditional undergraduate school too. </p>