<p>And you don’t think doctors are outlying data points? Without sounding too arrogant, doctors are among the smartest, most hardworking, and most driven people in the population. Simply being the mean won’t get you into medicine.</p>
<p>At one of my recent interviews, I was asked about my background. I talked about growing up in the city and attending inner city schools (obviously I didn’t grow up in Cupertino or California). In fact, the school I attended had an API of 300+ and had to be shut down by the district due to severe underachievement. But, I explicitly said that I considered my background an advantage. In fact, it was my answer when I was asked: “What are two things you wouldn’t change about your life?” It made me realize I didn’t want to be like everyone else. I didn’t want to settle for what my school had to offer. I took the initiative, went to the library, read books, and learned stuff on my own outside of school. And I credit where I am today to the fact that I couldn’t afford to be complacent.</p>
<p>The past is done. But, don’t use it as an excuse. Medical schools are looking for unique individuals, not people who are looking to fall in with the norm.</p>