"What we do is re-evaluate the student, and inparticular, his or her weaknesses. We think abouthow to strengthen the student's application and were-think the application process," Gelberman says.
Depending on the student's area of weakness,Gelberman says, different strategies are adoptedfor "beefing up" the resume.
"If a student has had plenty of clinicalexposure, but is lacking in terms of `peoplecontact,' we might try a project for a year or twoto get that person in touch," Gelberman says.
But pre-meds seem, at least outwardly, to betaking it all in stride. "There's a lot ofcompetition," says Brian Saunders," but it'smostly what you make of it."
Others agree with Saunders, saying thatconditions aren't as bad as they seem.
"When viewed from the outside, [thecompetition] is probably a little exaggerated,"Chan says.
"Since the number of spots at medical schoolsis static, it makes things tougher," Bianchi says.
But whether or not these students get accepted,one thing is certain--more people are applyingevery year.
And with the increased competition in thepre-medical world, the road to med school isn'tgetting any easier.