So, I could not find a PLME Applicant discussion, so I made one!
If you want to, you can share:
So I have applied to Brown PLME RD. The reason I am applying to Brown PLME, is of course, for direct admission to med school as well as the open curriculum that Brown offers with hopes of majoring in molecular biology. I have applied to University of Michigan for EA and was accepted, as well as a bunch of other in state schools. I come from one of the top public schools in the country that has the IB curriculum and have a 3.94 unweighted gpa. My ACT score (31) on the other hand, is not so stellar but I have heard that PLME is one of the more “holistic” bsmd programs that emphasizes more on the essays and how you can present yourself. My extra curics are stellar with published research and podium presentation in a research society, lots of volunteering, board positions, placing in competitions like HOSA, founder of a research organization, organizer of fundraisers etc. If you are applying for PLME I HIGHLY recommend that you spend a lot of time to perfect the PLME and Brown prompts because you can turn the tides to your favor if you are lacking something. You don’t necessarily need ‘research’ to be accepted, but any experience like volunteering in the medical field will help. I also highly recommend that you get teachers to write you really good letter of recommendations (especially in the sciences or math), since they offer an outside perspective that admission officers really need (since there are no “formal” interviews like the other bsmd programs). If you have any other questions for me, hit me up with the PM, and good luck applying!
@Googlest, how did you manage to get involved in research as a high school student? The majority of BS/MD applicants have some form of research, but I am having a lot of difficulties with the minimum age requirements of university labs in my area, as professors do not wish to take on additional liabilities.
@logosoverpathosm depending on where you live, it may be difficult to get research experience if you limit yourself to your own geography. There are actually quite a few opportunities available if you just google & are willing to travel.
Many, if not most, are competitive and involve an application process with some even requiring an interview process that begins many many months before start dates. The research program my son participated in had students from several states involved and they basically had to find housing during their involved time.
Worst case, keep plugging away trying to find something locally. Open yourself to the possibility of not just jumping in on an established project, but perhaps even create your own & find someone willing to assist you. Enlist the help of your HS teachers in finding opportunities. Lastly, consider opportunities that aren’t just medically or purely ‘pre-med’ subject related research opportunities. Research is research and the processes involved on the bigger scope are the same even if it’s something like, as an example, population socio-economic demographics research. They all need to go through funding submittal processes, accounting, data collection, reporting, analysis, write up, publication, etc. Keep an open mind on research topics to involve yourself in. You can always craft essays & answer questions relating what you’ve learned from the experience to how it would apply to your collegiate pursuits. Don’t make the fatal error of thinking lab experience is the same as research experience; two different beasts that coexist in the same space 
Thank you very much for the advice! @jumbletumbles
@logosoverpathosm @Googlest @jumbletumbles Hi i applied RD too… I applied for this program because it is great opportunity to enter straight into med school. In my essays i focused on being Latino and wanting to change the neighborhood and the community I come from. I currently work in a research lab and am working on getting published. I have worked at this lab for the past 8 months where i have learned how to work with animals among other things. My interview went great as I had PI as an interviewer so we had alot to talk about. I work this lab everyday for about 5 hours a day (average). Im so nervous going into March