<p>Quote of Elleneast a couple of the D's friends with 40+ MCAT scores and unbelievable transcripts got in fairly early and got in everywhere.</p>
<p>I do believe (I worked as an attending in a state medical school for couple of years, not associated with admission process though), if a candidate has superior performance in MCAT and transcript, other experience, such as extensive volunteer work become less important. However, getting 40+ MCAT score is not easy.</p>
<p>^^I agree with susan4's assessment and mentioned the friends of my daughter as the exception rather than the rule.^^ </p>
<p>What I was trying to get across - and did not do a very good job of it - is that, from my observation and having been told by a number of friends in med school admissions at highly ranked schools, many people get into med schools with credentials that are very good, but not perfect. You hear of the gods and goddesses of the MCAT and their results because they are so remarkable but the terrific and talented (with their below 40 MCAT scores) can have their day as well.</p>
<p>Just so folks don't get nervous reading about people with 40 on the MCAT, I believe a 40 or great would put you in the top 1% of everyone who takes the test (around a few hundred a year). The average MCAT at most of the top 20 medical schools is closer to 35, and the average MCAT of all matriculating medical students is around 30.</p>
<p>This is an MIT site showing stats of MIT applicants to med schools and law schools (generally it is hard to get high GPA from MIT)</p>