Getting into medical school -- what really matters?

Median GPA for a top 10 school should be in the 3.7+ range, with exceptionally high grades in prerequisite courses such as
biology | behavioral science |
organic chemistry | demonstration of writing skills |
inorganic (general) chemistry | calculus |
physics | social sciences |
biochemistry | general chemistry |
humanities |
2. A high MCAT score
You can read a bit more about it here, but the basics are as follows -- A score of 25.2 puts you at the 50th Percentile. A score of 31.6, one standard deviation from the mean, corresponds with the 84th Percentile, and a score of 38, two standard deviations from the mean, corresponds with the 99th Percentile. For a top school, you'll want to be in the 85+ percentile, ideally 90+.
3. Great volunteer and clinical work
Show distinction by focusing on a particular area of practice -- show initiative by scouring local hospitals and nursing homes for good opportunities. Most of all, show that you have a human side -- that you are not just a brain on stilts.
4. Shadowing experience
Shadowing is a great chance to build up your bedside manner, get to know how a real doctor operates, and have some experience dealing with patients -- all of which matters a lot to top medical schools.
5. At least one research experience (much more if you plan on applying for an MD/PhD)
Top medical schools want to take students who already know they like medicine and want to pursue it as a career, and lab experience helps show that you have thought things through. Having trouble finding a good opportunity? Check out this link for some tips.
6. A demonstrated interest in liberal arts and broad coursework
Fun fact -- philosophy majors have a higher acceptance rate to medical school than biology majors! Part of this is a simple numbers game, but mostly this has to do with relatability -- after all, bedside manner counts for something, and no teacher wants to spend four years training a school full of technocrats.
So there you have it! The six most important factors in determining whether that coveted 'admit' will be yours. Get to cracking those books and chasing down those volunteering opportunities -- and don't forget to take a break and have a sandwich every once in a while!
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