aspirer101

Let's say this was the general formula for a high school student in extracurriculars:
a lot on the gpa and classes + a lot on the test scores + essay/recs + ecs

So what is the for general formula for graduate admission for current undergrads?

Bigredmed

That's a pretty simplistic formula, and as such it's very similar for med school admissions.

You would have to add research, although that's not a requirement, and you'd deemphasize the importance of classes, GPA needs to be broken into Science and non-science, and you'd need a separate column in EC's to note clinical experience.

bluedevilmike

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/3886291-post9.html

apumic

As BRM said, it's going to be similar across fields and across levels at that level of generalization, but the devil's always in the details. UG admissions are generally more stats- and wholistically-oriented. Med school is probably the only post-BA/BS type of program where ECs outside the individual field to be pursued actually matter at all. Beyond college, it's all about your career preparation; as a result, schools want to know how you specifically fit with their program and their field. They no longer care that much about things like how you'll fit in the student body (obviously, if you totally don't fit, that's a different story and can have a huge negative impact on your admissions, but being a "great personality fit" doesn't really give you much in terms of bonus points).

As BRM said, I'd deemphasize classes; GPA matters per course-type (science vs non science in med school admissions); research is helpful for med school (critical for other grad school admissions); and fit with the program's goals matters a lot more.

anonymous550

Well, even for undergrad, that's a pretty strict formula. It definitely varies for the individual applicant. But, like people said, research is definitely important, as is shadowing and healthcare related volunteer activities. but med schools want to see diverse interests, so you would want to keep up any non medicine related interests like sports or music., etc. and MCATs would be important too..
theres not a "formula" though...

anonymous550

forgot to add: GPA is obviously important. I believe med schools look at both your overall gpa and science gpa, so while they both should be strong, you reallly should have a strong science gpa

Bigredmed

wow, way to read the posts directly ahead of yours and simply restate them. You're really insightful, 550.