ashmer-

if you are a high quality student, have good mcats, have great grades, and are a people person, its not a problem getting in. obviously, state schools (some of which are outstanding) are more competitive because they cost less. however, that's not necessarily better. there are 7 med schools in chicago to apply to.

i have found that every applicant wants a contact @ med school. i have never seen that make a difference unless the applicant's family member is on staff at a university. although cronism is a ridiculous facet of the medical profession, at the unveristy and academic level it does not do squat for you (unless a family member donates millions to the school, etc).

some of us were lucky and did not go through this process in college; i watched many friends with below A averages and moderate to below average MCATs struggle for 2-3 years to get in; some eventually did, some didn't.

the more important question is, is 'why to you want to become a doctor?'

more important than that, is, "why do you REALLY want to become a doctor?"