<p>“If one can truly display these skills through different types of ECs and a great LOR, who is going to deny, say, a 30 MCAT”
-most (all?) top 20s. Very limited choice. If one wants to pursue their choice, it is highly advisable not to shoot yourself in a foot and have high stats. It is NOT a bad idea at all to have 4.0 / 35 (believe me, I have a real example of it, it is very rewarding to have these stats) and IN ADDITION, everything else is amazing. However, some schools will definitely cut you automatically without looking at your additional amazing everything else, guarantee, probably more true that even just 3 years ago, since competition is up every year. So, do not talk yourself down, it is futile waste of time, talk yourself up, up to 4.0 and 35, it is NOT a waste of time, it is the ONLY thing one should do if planning for Med. School ( and have everything else at amazing levels)
Another good advice - do not argue with anybody who advises you, just listen, if you want to follow, do so, if not, then do not. Again, you are going against your own self by arguing with people who give you advice that is solicit4ed by none other but YOU. And more so, do not argue with people who just share their experiences and nothing else. I said “nothing else” becuase all these other “else” you can find on the internet, there is no point in repeating it here.<br>
Agian the goal of 4.0 / 35 is a perfect goal. You might not reach it, but it is a very good idea to have this goal, period.</p>