While we are on the topic. We had a very humbling experience too with the whole BS MD process. My Son has 2330 SAT (1600 M + R, One sitting) , 36 ACT (Once), SAT Subject Math 800, Chem 800, NMF, 4.0 UW GPA. USABO Semi Finalist. 2 + Years of research, 400 + Hours of Medical Shadowing ( Was not possible to get more Medical experience with 2 full summers of research). Plus Varsity sports and decent Volunteer exp.
We are from TX. Looking at the OOS medical school expeses decided to apply only 2 out of state. UPitt and NU HPME and in Texas Baylor/Baylor, Rice Baylor and UTSA FAME.
Baylor / Baylor got selected for first round of medical event which is not an interview, but rejected for final interview.
UPitt / NU HPME / FAME rejected pre-interview.
Not much hopes on Rice Baylor with the way things went so far.
So GPA might matter, but looks like test scores are not a big factor if you are in the range.
The only other factors are LOR’s and Essay. LOR’s from school, we have not seen, but must be decent. Has very good recommendation from the doctor he shadowed. Essay’s I thought were decent. He got them reviewed by teachers for grammar and flow.
We have not taken any external professional help. I dont know if that was a mistake. My reasoning was he has the best scores, research, 2 years of Dual Credits and that would carry him. These are high school kids focussed on STEM. Not English creative writing majors. I sure thought their work would carry more weight than how well they could express their passion. Essays are totally subjective. Other metrics are more objective measures and totally done by kids without any external help like essays. NOt sure what else could have prepared my son well or what advise I could have given.
Based on the forums, each and every one is extremely qualified. BS MD is extremely competitive.
We should have casted a wider net by applying for more schools, but looking at expense and Texas being cheap and having medical seats reserved for residents, we were prepared to go traditional route. So no regrets there.
So lessons learned from my perspective.
1. Get the best GPA and scores atleast in the middle of the required range. Dont have to stress if they are not the top.
2. Get good research experience and Medical experience
2. Apply to as many schools as possible if you want to have good chance of interviews.
3. Most important, just be prepared for rejections and be ready for traditional route and dont second guess on what else could have been done. Just follow the process and hope for the best.
In spite of the rejections I am glad we went through this journey. It prepared us well for traditional route. Congrats to all those who already reached their destination and good luck to all those who are still waiting.
I like to thank @Roentgen @texaspg @GoldenRock @Empire007 and many other parents/students who so selflessly guide future students even though their kids admissions were done.
I have written this long post, just to give another perspective.
PS: He got rejected from WUSTL too. Bummer. We have not shown any special interest like campus visit or communicating with the admissions officer. Looks like demonstrated interest is big part for WashU. Also like @GoldenRock said, I read somewhere too they are concerned about their yeild and appears to be giving admission to those they think will join. My son has friends who got into MIT, DUKE and Likely’s from other Ivy’s who got rejected from WUSTL. 