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How Medical Schools (especially MU) Choose Their Students:

A Summary of Essential Issues

Grades. Demonstration that you are able to do well in science courses is a must. Generally, students with overall GPA's less than 3.5 and science GPA's less than 3.4 are at a disadvantage. For the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s 2009 entering class, the average undergraduate GPA was 3.79 and the average science GPA was 3.75 (the national means of students accepted to medical school were 3.68 and 3.62, respectively).

MCAT Scores. For most schools, generally good performance (8 or above) is expected. MU's Entering Class of 2009 posted the following MCAT averages: 10.4 for Biological Sciences, 9.6 for Physical Sciences, and 9.8 for Verbal Reasoning (national averages for students accepted to medical school were 10.2, 9.8, and 9.3, respectively). It is also important that the MCAT scores reflect the GPA. While there are many good reasons for discrepancies, a student with high grades and low MCAT scores (or vice versa) can expect to be asked to explain the discrepancy at an interview.

Activities. Strong candidates for medical school have spent time in community or university service. Physicians need to have a good sense of community responsibility, and activities that reflect this make you a more competitive applicant. Involvement in student organizations, student government, religious or charitable organizations strengthens an application to medical school. Any leadership role you played in these organizations is evaluated favorably. Research experience is a positive factor (it is required of applicants for combined MD/PhD programs or programs that emphasize research in the medical curriculum). Employment may also be considered a strong positive.

Letters of evaluation. Letters of evaluation can be a critical factor in the selection process. You should make every effort to get letters from individuals who know your work first hand. The Admissions Committees wish to hear from professors who can inform the Committee’s knowledge of your accomplishments and potential. You are therefore encouraged to establish relationships with professors during your sophomore and junior years. Most schools ask for a letter from the Premedical Advisory Committee that prepares a composite document from several faculty assessments. Additional letters from community organizations or from an employer are usually helpful, especially if the employer can relate something of your compassion, sensitivity, etc. Students applying to osteopathic programs are strongly encouraged to have a letter of support from an osteopathic physician. Letters from political officials or from family friends and relatives are generally not helpful and may be a detriment. Students benefit from letters reflecting substantive relationships.

Interview. While it is understood that a 30-minute interview does not always represent you perfectly, this exchange gives the medical school a chance to assess your interpersonal skills and to ask about inconsistencies in your record. During most interviews, you are allowed to discuss aspects of the scholastic or extracurricular activities record that might not be well represented in the standardized application document. Additionally, the interview is a time for you to evaluate the institution in preparation for making a final selection decision. Students should not be overly modest, but should be proud of their accomplishments and relay that to the interviewers. It is important to be unaffected and sincere. Your health professions and academic advisors can help you prepare for interviews.

Medical schools are selective in offering interviews to applicants. A student applying to eight medical schools may receive six interviews, three interviews, or perhaps only one. Interviews may be individual or panel. They may be structured or informal; open or closed file. Your interviewer may be a member of the faculty, a student, or in some cases, you may have an interview with both. The Honors College has helpful information on interview techniques. Ask your advisors for tips on interview techniques and strategies. You may also want to check with MU’s Career Center.