Correlation, yes.
Because students who already strong academically and who gain admission to an elite school tend to have better test-taking and study skills, as well as excellent self discipline and goal-drive. Academically strong, highly self-motivated students will do well in every field they pursue, not just medicine.
Causation–definitely not.
Med school advising is very hit and miss–even at highly ranked undergrads and undergrads which are known for their robust pre-med program.
MCAT test prep is NOT a standard part of an undergrad pre-med program. This something a student needs to pursue on their own, whether it’s a formal prep class or self-study.
And rigor–again doubtful since
- even Harvard students complain that their coursework doesn’t adequately prepare them for the MCAT
- students from all sorts of academic backgrounds–including directional state Us, community colleges and lesser known rural SLACs end up in medical school–including top ranked medical schools.
Academics are only part of what makes a strong med school applicant.