Kiera Berger has a major in genetics and cell biology, a solid GPA and a score on the Medical College Admission Test that’s about average for science undergraduates.

She applied to 10 medical schools, and every one turned her down.

The University of Minnesota student had discovered a cold reality that’s striking many hopeful seniors this commencement season: The number of medical school applicants is increasing much faster than the number of openings, and being average isn’t good enough anymore. READ MORE

This story appeared on Page One of the Star Tribune on May 18, 2014.