What tier of schools should I look at?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>I'm planning to apply to medical school within the next year or two, to possibly both MD and MD/MBA programs. Taking two-three years off after undergraduate to work and just be in the "real world".</p>

<p>I went to a Top 5 Small Liberal Arts College with serious grade deflation, here are all of my stats:</p>

<p>Major: Molecular Biology (High Honors)
Minor: Chemistry
Overall GPA: 3.65
AMCAS GPA: 3.75
Major GPA: 3.92
MCAT: 35 (12 V, 12 B, 11 P)</p>

<p>Clinical shadowing/volunteer at JHU, Cornell Weill, 5 months in the NHS (London)</p>

<p>2.5 years undergraduate research, one first author paper in Development.
Post-grad research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)</p>

<p>My grades aren't super great for med school admissions. I did well in my major, have done a lot of research, and have most of the volunteer/clinic experience. Also have business experience related to international trade/domestic contracting and generally would like to end up as a physician who practices but also manages and changes how healthcare is delivered.</p>

<p>What type of schools should I be reaching for?</p>

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<p>MCAT's well-balanced. GPA's solid. ECs are amazing! I'd say you're a good candidate for a Top 20, assuming you have a socially acceptable personality. [Don't get too arrogant]</p>

<p>Are you @ Weill Med Center now? PM me, because you sound strangely familiar...</p>

3

<p>Tier doesn't matter.</p>

<p>You need to pick a variety of schools and not limit yourself to top tier schools simply because you'll be competitive at them. Doing so greatly increases your odds of being one of those "well I know someone who got a 35 but didn't get in anywhere" stories.</p>

<p>I'd also clarify that your <em>research</em> experience is great. Assuming you're telling us everything, your "EC's" are lackluster - you haven't mentioned any other organizations you're involved in, no leadership experience, other employment history, etc. You'll need to spin your business experience into how that will make you a better physician.</p>