Match Me: Asian Male, NY, 11th grade

Competitive applicants to MD/PhD programs will have undergrad research (hopefully some publications and/or abstracts), along with all of the other standard premed activities (volunteering, clinical, shadowing, etc). Know that you’ll need top MCAT scores (>514) and a GPA >3.7 to be competitive.

So going to a college/university where you can keep your grades high is imperative. CS and engineering majors are known for having deflated grades. So keep that in mind. I would argue that going to a smaller liberal arts college where you can get high grades, and get a big scholarship would be an advantage.

It sounds like it will be tough to get into an Ivy+ level college given historical trends at your HS. You might also consider a strategic ED1/ED2 application next year. Save the ED for colleges where you are solidly in the contention, as the early application will tip you over the edge.