Reddit is an absolute gold mine of information for pre-meds. But making your way through it all in search of the good stuff can be time-consuming. Luckily this series does that for you!
In this article, we’ll be looking at Reddit’s opinion on how best to get into Stanford Medical School.
Why? Because sometimes the real-talk of Reddit is a lot more reliable (and actionable) than that put out by big med school admissions teams and the like.
Hopefully, you can find some pointers to help you best prepare.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Before we get started you may want to check out my other article in the how to get into medical school Reddit series here. There’s plenty of unique info there!
How to Get into Stanford Medicine: Reddit’s Best Tips
1. You need a “wow factor”
If you have a wow factor (cool and unique non-trad job, TFA/peace corps, Rhodes scholar, etc) and a very strong academic history at a good undergrad school then I’d go for it. If not, I’d save the cash.
u/anonymous
You can read about Stanford Med’s exact admissions policy on the FAQ section of their website.
2. Focus on research
Stanford really really likes research and publications. If you’re not research heavy the odds are against you.
u/BananaSplits_79
I’ve got lots of articles on the importance of research in med school. Be sure to check out one of my favorites below.
Related: How Many Hours Of Research For Medical School Is Best? (Explained)
Stanford doesn’t explicitly state anything about needing research in their admissions policy but they do have one of the biggest research schools in the country.
It’s also home to the esteemed Stanford Medical Scholars Research Program.
3. Be a leader in research
Stanford: I was admitted here, and “research” is an understatement. They are specifically looking for people who want to be leaders and innovators in biomedical research…extra points if you have a background in biotech or engineering. A fair amount of their graduates choose to not go into residency.
u/Ccw07
If you need any further clarification, Stanford doesn’t just want research. They want you to be a leader and innovator!
Extra points for choosing a difficult STEM undergrad too.
Related: What’s The Easiest Pre Med Major?
4. Studying for undergrad at Stanford can definitely work in your favor
The initial screen [for admissions] is based solely on a calculated score that involves GPA, MCAT and the strength of your undergrad school. It goes something like 3 points for a GPA of 3.8 and above, 2 points for 3.6 to 3.8, 1 point for 3.3 to 3.6. 3 points for MCAT of 36 or above, 2 for 32-36, 1 for 30-32. 3 points for Cal, Stanford or other ivy league/top tier schools, 2 points for mid tier schools, and 1 point for lower tier schools and Cal state schools (CSU, not UC).
u/kipuck17
Admittedly this information is from 2012 so is probably outdated but there are still big rumors that top-tier schools like Stanford still operate this way.
5. Have a strong narrative (show a commitment to your community)
My stats [for Stanford acceptance] were 511, 3.8cGPA + 3.8 sGPA. I had a strong research background, I almost went to grad school. 2 publications, both in a high-impact journal. 1 was co-author, more in-prep but wetlab publications take forever. In addition, I think I had a strong narrative. I’m first-generation, low income (FGLI) from an underrepresented minority (URM) with a commitment to give back to my community that reflected in my essays and in my extracurriculars. I think having a strong narrative and passion really matter in your application.
u/Okamii
So get involved in volunteering in the community as early as possible. And get those personal statements and essays checked!
6. Consider Stanford’s Medical Scribe Fellowship (if you have cash to burn)
Part of me wants to say they’re scamming desperate well-off pre-meds. But part of me feels like the program will be a huge benefit to some because Stanford doesn’t talk to anyone outside of their system. In my experience you literally can’t even offer to work for free without some sort of connection, and if you’re in the area that’s the place that has a ton of good opportunities for your extracurricular needs, especially people in their gap years. You know you’re smart when people offer to work for free, but you know you’re powerful when people would pay to work for free.
u/anonymous
Most pre-meds aren’t a fan of the cost of Stanford’s $7,500 Medical Scribe Fellowship program. But as to whether it could help an application? There is some suggestion it might!
Final Thoughts
Obviously, getting into Stanford, given the competition, their prereqs and the low admissions rate, is super tough.
But hopefully, the quick tips above might give you a little something extra to think about in terms of your potential preparation.
And if you do indeed get lucky, beat the odds, and actually get through to interview, make sure you watch this YouTube playlist of Stanford doctors discussing why they went into medicine.
It could really help!
If you found this article useful, you may enjoy the following:
Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.