<p>Maybe random isn't the right word, since after all, I'm sure the admission committees had good reasons for selecting who they did...</p>
<p>But as the decisions rolled for my undergrad schools, I noticed how I was, as expected, admitted to UCs (numbers driven), while turned a way from some top privates (seemingly more random).</p>
<p>I think the frustrating thing about those top colleges I was rejected from, is that I have no idea why. Really, it makes sense why they have to turn down so many people, considering they get many more qualified applicants than they can take in, so qualities like race start to play a factor. </p>
<p>But now I'm thinking ahead to med school admissions: I've read at times that it's a very numbers driven process. So does this mean admissions is easier to predict?
As in, if you're the numerically highest student at your college (assuming it's above average) and given that you've done the expected ECs, will you be in good shape towards getting into a top med school? As in, if you excell within your local academic sphere and show your capabilities on the standardaized MCAT, is it nearly enough?</p>
<p>Or, are there again far too many applicants for the decision to be remotely predictable (as in undergrad)? If so, why do many call it a numbers driven admission process?</p>
<p>I apologize if my question is mind numbingly naive. I don't know any better. Teach me :)</p>
<p>Med school admissions is even harder to predict because the acceptance rates are much much lower. Out of the top 50 med schools, around 40 of them have acceptance rates lower than 10% and the other 10 are usually public schools. </p>
<p>You need stand out EC’s to get into top med schools just as you need stand out EC’s to get into top colleges. Harvard rejects tons of applicants with 2300+ SAT scorers. Heck, from look at the decision threads, Cornell even rejected a lot of the 2300+ SAT scorers. Clearly, there was some other aspect of their application that prevented them from getting in. This is the same with med school admissions. </p>
<p>Whereas for college admissions, you can expect to get into your state schools and less competitive private colleges if you have the numbers, this is not so with med schools. Many mid-tier med schools will reject you if your numbers are too high. So, it’s possible to have outstanding stats but not get accepted to low and mid tier med schools. I, for example, couldn’t even get an interview to UC Irvine Med School with a 3.9+ GPA and a 37 MCAT, muchless an acceptance…and I’m a CA resident. </p>
<p>It’s numbers driven in that you must have the numbers or your application could get easily tossed. But, there are other factors that ultimately go into the admissions process.</p>
<p>I can certainly see how stand out extracurriculars are important with such stiff competition. Just as with undergrad admissions.
But I felt the even more unnerving thing about my recent experience applying, was knowing that many factors are out of one’s hand. As in, colleges are trying to make a well balanced student body that may or may not need the skills and experiences you are presenting. In this way, it’s not totally a meritocracy (although if you display amazing talent, you are certainly a more palatable candidate).</p>
<p>Are med school adcoms also concerned about a “well balanced” class, though? Do they look at things like race and variety in the ECs? Or is it more of a meritocratic process? </p>
<p>Thanks for the hella quick response norcalguy.</p>
<p>Absolutely, even more so than with undergrad. Med school graduating classes are generally around 120-170 people so balance is even more important. Med schools definitely like a diversity of races, undergrads, backgrounds, talents, etc. And, you’re right, many of these things are out of your control.</p>
This is why a 3.5 is considered competitive if you’re black, and considered mediocre if you’re Asian, right? (because of the difference between average GPA’s of various racial groups)</p>
<p>…(in a whisper)…The bait has been placed carefully in the anti-affirmative action trap. Let’s see if the naive prey can resist. Meanwhile, back at the Winnebago, Marlin mixes a toddy…today on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. ;)</p>
<p>Shraf is right if you are from a state other than California, and if your goal is to get into a medical school of some kind. Standards are higher otherwise.</p>