<p>Qualifying for a program means they would pass the first round of admissions (at least), which also hinges on well-roundedness. Then the med school people have to like you in an interview, in addition to the PhD people. It doesn't mean they have the scores and research ability, hence, they only need to qualify for a PhD program. I think you misunderstand what they mean, as it is deliberately vague for the same reason all grad and med school stuff is deliberately vague (so when they accept or reject you, you don't really know why). If they med school people don't like you in your interview, you're not gettin' in - period. If you have great scores but write a crappy personal statement - you're not gettin' in, either. Etc. etc.</p>
<p>Case in point - our friend, graduated from UCSF w/ high GPA, great MCAT and GRE scores, Fulbright scholar, tertiary author on a paper with important doctor - got into PhD, denied MD. Her certainly "qualified," by your definition, but not by theirs. Qualifying is a tricky, vague term, designed to keep out the heathens by any means necessary.</p>