<p>I realize that med school has already and is getting harder to get into because of the sheer amount of applicants and the limited spaces. However, given that I am to be a pre-med engineer, going to do lots of research (both independent and as work-study), do volunteer hours at hospitals and shadow doctors, get a pretty good GPA (around 3.7), and get mid-30 on my MCAT, are the chances of getting into a decent med school still slim? What about more prestigious med schools? Like WashU, Harvard, UPenn, etc.? Is the process comparable to the competitive college admissions process where everyone starts off with the great GPA, stats on tests, etc. and it's everything BEYOND that that makes you stand out? What things take more weight and give a greater assurance, if any? I've also heard that sometimes the process seems completely random.</p>
<p>Sorry for the spiel. I'm just trying to get this in perspective.</p>
<p>I love these "Do I have a chance if I get an amazing GPA, amazing MCAT score, and amazing EC's" questions. Of course you have a chance. It's the actual reality of getting 3.7's and 35's that's the problem.</p>
<p>In other words, it's not getting into med school once you have a 3.7 and a 35 that's difficult. It's achieving the 3.7 and 35. I'm sure everyone has big dreams going into college but they quickly learn that premed is a competitive, often cruel, process.</p>
<p>First of all, unless you're going to be worrying about doing research or thinking about doing an MD/PhD program, forget Harvard (#25 primary care from USNews) and especially WashU (not in top 50 primary care from USNews) as prestigious. Yes Harvard is top #25, but what schools do you think are ahead of it? They are mainly STATE schools! </p>
<p>Further, worrying about prestige of medical schools is an excercise in futility. All medical schools are good, and all are going to get you to that MD (ie passing boards). You should be worrying about just getting in SOMEWHERE, rather than if you're going to a "top" school. Yes, I'm going to Nebraska, which is tied with Iowa and Baylor at #11, but that wasn't my intent. I just happened to go to Nebraska for undergrad and applied b/c I was there. And as far as residency goes, yes there are some places that do have strong, nationally recognized programs, but a lot of competitiveness in the Match is due to where people want to live. Most people are so burned out on school and these sorts of petty arguements that they are looking at entirely different components of the programs...so in other words, your "prestigious" medical school can easily get lost in the mix.</p>
<p>As norcal said, with your supposed stats, then yes you'll get in. The thing is that you actually have to get those stats. The biggest wildcard is that MCAT score. A 35 is about 95th %ile...that's tough to get.</p>
<p>Yes it is hard to get into medical school, as there is only a 50% acceptance rate nationwide. There are no such things as safety schools, and most people only get one acceptance. Many people who get accepted had to apply two or three times before getting accepted. And I agree that a lot of times it seems like a total crap shoot, with many qualified people getting passed over for one reason or another.</p>
<p>I should point out that while I agree research scores aren't useful unless you're going into... well, research...</p>
<p>I think the primary care score probably isn't all that useful either. What most kids are interested in would be scores for certain types of specialties - most of which USNews doesn't compile anyway.</p>
<p>In other words, even if we should pay attention to the prestige of the school - which I agree we shouldn't - there are no listings for most of the things people are interested in.</p>
<p>His best point, however, is the whole, "Look, have fun getting into A school."</p>
<p>It's kinda cute though, reading all the high school seniors say, "so if I get a 40 on the MCAT and a 4.0 in a triple major, can I get into Harvard Med?"</p>
<p>great thread...just wanted to be a part of it....i hope the insane posts end after four people just told it like it is right now. </p>
<p>As a high school senior you should worry about getting through gchem and bio in college and then you can worry about other things like the MCAT because most ppl have high hopes and dont get past the first step and sometimes its because they were looking too far ahead and stumbled early.</p>
<p>I am a testament to shraf's statement...all HS seniors learn from them! haha...don't get ahead of yourself....i entered college thinkin "i just gotta get a 35 on the MCAT and a 3.7+ GPA and I should be alright and i just gotta ace my ochem classes"...and then SLAP RIGHT ON THE FACE when i got my exams back, hahaha...so i'm takin it slow now and hopefully things will get back on track...</p>
<p>I tend to look at Primary care as how well the schools actually produce clinicians. If a school is producing good primary care (which actually encompasses several residency/specialty types - peds, family, internal, OB/GYN) then it's likely their other non-PCP products are well trained as well.</p>
<p>You know, sorry that you guys have to deal with my naivete in this subject. We, high school students, sometimes just really need to get a hang of what is going on, discussing things so that we get a feel for what are possibilites for the future. I am merely trying to get a grasp of the entire situation, being entirely new to this. Bigredmed, I've also noticed your posts on others' threads and truly, as well, appreciate your truthfulness. Shraf and umardarr, thanks for giving me the heads up--I will take is slowly.</p>
<p>Chem II always provides a nice kick in the behind to throw people off track. High school students come in thinking straight A's, o I got that in hs it should be easy. WRONG. When you get into the classes that murder you no matter how much you study or how well you think you know the subject thats when playtime ends, and life begins. The so though easy 3.5 turns into how will I get one with C's.</p>