This is no longer true. Read https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-big-pharma-is-targeting-chinas-deadliest-diseases-1499252401
Let’s face it – the only guaranteed career path after graduation is physician. The majority of those premeds have no clue whatsoever what is involved. It is just a fashion word. (my favorite example https://fox61.com/2017/04/20/two-connecticut-students-get-accepted-to-a-list-of-ivy-leagues/ , I am really curious how they are doing on their premed journey) For a large number of people, reality quickly sets in. So you feel lucky you got into some great school you don’t even know why? If you are premed, you are likely to feel sorry for your decision to go there a year later. I would say the backup route is to go to a school where you feel you have the best chance to be a top student. (but if you are above 2nd standard deviation and you are not at a top school, you choose the wrong school.)