For years, medical school admissions have been heavily focused on academic performance—students with high GPAs and top MCAT scores were considered the most competitive applicants. However, as medicine evolves, so do the qualities sought in future physicians. Today, medical schools use a holistic review process to assess applicants beyond their numbers, considering factors like clinical experience, leadership, service, and research.

At AcceptMed, we help applicants understand how to strategically balance strong academic performance with impactful extracurricular activities. This article will break down how holistic review works, how medical schools evaluate both academics and experiences, and how students can craft a well-rounded application that stands out in today’s competitive admissions process.

1. Understanding the Holistic Admissions Process

Medical schools no longer admit students based solely on GPA and MCAT scores. Instead, admissions committees consider a variety of factors to determine which applicants possess the qualities necessary to become a great physician.

Key Components of Holistic Review

• Academic Excellence (GPA & MCAT Scores)
  
  • Ensures applicants can handle the rigorous curriculum.
  • A strong upward trend in GPA can compensate for early academic struggles.
• Clinical Experience & Patient Exposure
  
  • Demonstrates understanding of medicine beyond the classroom.
  • Confirms an applicant’s motivation for pursuing a medical career.
• Community Service & Leadership
  
  • Shows commitment to serving others—a core value in medicine.
  • Leadership roles highlight the ability to manage teams and make an impact.
• Research & Scientific Inquiry
  
  • Develops critical thinking skills and contributes to medical advancements.
  • Particularly important for research-focused medical schools.
• Personal Attributes & Life Experiences
  
  • Assessed through personal statements, secondary essays, and interviews.
  • Reflects qualities like resilience, empathy, and communication skills.

Medical schools aim to build a diverse, well-rounded class of future physicians who bring different perspectives, experiences, and leadership styles.

2. How GPA and MCAT Fit into the Holistic Review Process

Why Academic Metrics Still Matter

• GPA and MCAT serve as a baseline filter—students who fall below a school’s threshold may not be considered.
• Competitive applicants typically have:
  
  • GPA: 3.7+ for MD programs, 3.5+ for DO programs.
  • MCAT Score: 510+ (with top schools expecting 515+).
• Some medical schools use screening algorithms that automatically rank applicants based on their academic metrics.

However, a perfect GPA and MCAT score alone will not guarantee admission if an applicant lacks clinical exposure, leadership, or service experience.

3. The Weight of Extracurricular Activities in Medical Admissions

Why Extracurriculars Matter More Than Ever

Admissions committees use extracurriculars to assess:

• Commitment to medicine – Clinical experience confirms an applicant’s genuine interest in the profession.
• Ability to work with diverse populations – Community service and leadership demonstrate interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and research ability – Research experience highlights an applicant’s ability to think critically and contribute to medical advancements.

The Most Impactful Extracurriculars

1. Clinical Experience (Patient-Focused Activities)
   
   • Examples: Shadowing, medical scribing, working as an EMT, volunteering at hospitals.
   • Recommended Hours: 100–150+
2. Research Experience (Scientific Contributions to Medicine)
   
   • Examples: Lab research, clinical trials, publications, poster presentations.
   • Recommended Hours: 200+ (especially for research-heavy schools).
3. Community Service & Leadership (Demonstrating Service to Others)
   
   • Examples: Volunteering in free clinics, mentoring, leading student organizations.
   • Recommended Hours: 150+
4. Personal Passions & Unique Activities (Making an Applicant Stand Out)
   
   • Examples: Music, sports, entrepreneurship, advocacy work.
   • Shows well-roundedness and individuality.

What Medical Schools Want to See in Extracurriculars

• Depth over breadth: Long-term commitment to a few meaningful activities.
• Leadership & impact: Taking initiative and creating change rather than just participating.
• A clear connection to medicine: Experiences that demonstrate a true passion for healthcare.

4. Creating a Balanced Application

How to Strategically Manage Time Between Academics and Extracurriculars

1. Freshman & Sophomore Year
   
   • Focus on building a strong academic foundation (GPA).
   • Begin exploring clinical and volunteering opportunities.
2. Junior Year
   
   • Take the MCAT after preparing thoroughly.
   • Strengthen leadership roles in extracurriculars.
3. Senior Year & Application Cycle
   
   • Use personal statements and secondary essays to connect academics and experiences.
   • Prepare for interviews by discussing impactful experiences.

Medical schools are no longer just looking for students with perfect grades and test scores—they want future physicians who are leaders, problem-solvers, and compassionate caregivers.

To maximize your chances of acceptance:

• Maintain a competitive GPA and MCAT score.
• Gain meaningful clinical, research, and leadership experience.
• Craft a compelling personal statement that ties these elements together.

A well-balanced application is what ultimately leads to success in medical school admissions.