Choosing the Right Medical Schools to Apply To
Understanding Your Profile and Chances
Assess Your Competitiveness
GPA: Overall and science GPA
MCAT: Total score and section breakdowns
Clinical experience: Hours and depth of involvement
Research experience: Publications, presentations, hours
Service/volunteering: Commitment and impact
Leadership roles and unique experiences
Personal background factors (disadvantaged status, underrepresented in medicine)
Create a Balanced School List
Reach schools: Schools where your stats are below their medians
Target schools: Schools where your stats match their medians
Safety schools: Schools where your stats are above their medians
Aim for approximately: 20-25% reach, 50% target, 25-30% safety schools
Key Factors to Consider
Academic Fit
Admission statistics: Average GPA and MCAT of accepted students
Curriculum style:
Traditional (2 years classroom + 2 years clinical)
Systems-based (organ systems approach)
Problem-based learning (PBL)
Pass/fail grading
Research opportunities and emphasis
Clinical exposure timing (early vs. later years)
Class size and student-to-faculty ratio
USMLE Step 1/2 pass rates and residency match success
Geographic Considerations
In-state vs. out-of-state acceptance rates
Regional bias in admissions
Location preferences:
Urban vs. rural setting
Climate preferences
Proximity to support systems
Cost of living in the area
Financial Aspects
Tuition costs (in-state vs. out-of-state)
Scholarship availability
Financial aid packages
Average student debt at graduation
Cultural and Personal Fit
School mission and values alignment with your goals
Student body diversity and inclusion initiatives
Support services for students
Campus culture and student wellness programs
Extracurricular and service opportunities
Career Outcomes
Residency match rates by specialty
Primary care vs. specialty focus
Research vs. clinical emphasis
Affiliated hospitals and healthcare systems
Research Resources
Statistical Resources
MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements)
AAMC school profiles
School-specific admission statistics pages
LizzyM Score calculator and related tools
Qualitative Resources
School websites and virtual tours
Student doctor network (SDN) forums
Reddit premed and medical school communities
Current students and alumni (reach out via LinkedIn or school ambassadors)
Pre-med advisors at your institution
Creating Your Final List
Strategic Application Approach
Apply to 15-25 schools total (depending on competitiveness)
Include state schools where you have residency
Consider DO schools if appropriate for your stats and goals
Apply to schools that value your unique attributes
Include mission-fit schools that align with your experiences and goals
Red Flags to Watch For
Extremely low out-of-state acceptance rates
Schools where you don't meet minimum requirements
New, unaccredited, or probationary programs (unless you understand the risks)
Poor match results or high attrition rates
Significant negative feedback from current students
Application Submission Strategy
Apply early in the cycle (June for AMCAS)
Complete secondary applications within 2 weeks of receiving them
Consider applying to one or two "dream schools" even if they're reaches
Don't apply to schools you wouldn't attend if accepted
Final Considerations
Be realistic about your chances and limitations
Quality over quantity in applications
Consider a gap year to strengthen your application if needed
Trust your instincts about fit and culture