Looks like new schools are popping up for both MD and DO. Just wondering if they are a lot easier to get into.
No, these schools will not be any easier to get into than other medical schools. In every case of a new school, the admissions and the administration are made up of people who have obtained their experience at existing medical schools. If you were not a competitive candidate for an existing medical school, you will not be a competitive candidate for a new medical school.
Also be aware that the academic averages (undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) have steadily increased every year thus candidates are have become more competitive not less. The average GPA/MCAT for a matriculant in 2004 (the last year that we have numbers was GPA 3.6 and MCAT 30. If the prevailing trend continues, these numbers either stayed even or went higher for the two years since then.
Now, as a re-applicant, you have experience. You know the deadlines, the procedures and in some cases, the interview systems. This gives you a slight edge. If you were previously unsuccessful in attaining medical school matriculation, you would be wise to figure out why you were unsuccessful and make the necessary changes. This is the major reason, many people are successful on the second time applying.
While the new schools are great and will help to alleviate the projected phyician shortages in the future, they are still conditionally accredited medical schools and will have the same requirements for admission, academic standards and quest for the most qualified students of their older counterparts.