What exactly do medical schools look at?

Question

Well, okay, I know that they look highly upon your MCAT scores and GPA, but what would a really good Medical School look at otherwise? I'm guessing extra-curricular's, research, volunteering, medical-job shadowing, a good personal essay, possibly a minor in another subject. Am I on the right track? And med school students or near applicants that can help?

Answer 1

You are on the right track. Volunteer as much as you can and be committed to learning. Make sure you stay true to who you are; it is easy to spot a fake. Example: spending hours doing volunteer work at a nursing home but showing that you really couldn't stand being there. Stay positive. Stay focused.  

Answer 2

Category        ----          Minimum          -----        Average

GPA                -----             3.0                -----        3.7

MCAT               ----              21                 ----          30

Shadowing           ----       1 day              ----           3 days

Volunteer/Service -------3 hrs/week for 3 months ------- 4 hrs/week for 4  years (no typo)

Clinical Exposure ---4 hrs/week for 2 months---4 hrs/week for 3 months

Research ---------4 hrs/week for 2 months ------4 hrs/week for 3 months

Leadership Positions----1 in past 3 yrs---3 for 3 months each in past 4 yrs

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I got this information from: http://medschoolready.com/app/default.as...

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