Every December, we receive a flurry of calls from high-achieving applicants with the question above. Many are understandably distraught… they ask us: “where did I go wrong?”

A 520+ MCAT and a 3.9+ GPA place you among the top applicants in terms of academic metrics. However, these numbers alone do not guarantee interview invites. Admissions committees evaluate candidates holistically, considering various factors beyond grades and test scores.

If you find yourself wondering why your application hasn’t translated into interview offers, here are some key areas to consider. These are not exhaustive and, in many cases, there are individual-specific reasons, but we hope that the below helps you.

When it comes to crafting the AMCAS personal statement, many medical school applicants fall prey to common misconceptions that can hinder their ability to stand out. Let’s address these misconceptions and provide actionable advice for writing a personal statement that resonates with admissions committees.