Medical School Acceptance

You got your medical school acceptance and now you have options when it comes to medical school admission.

By applying early and to a broad range of schools you are faced with the best problem ever, where to attend medical school.

Of course, with over 130 allopathic medical schools there are many options available but you can narrow your choices systematically.

Let’s begin by considering what most pre med students find most important when deciding about medical school entry.

Top 10 Reasons for Attending a Specific Medical School

1. Location of School
2. General School Reputation
3. Teaching/Curriculum
4. Ability to Place Residents
5. Cost to Attend
6. In-State School
7. Community Experience
8. Faculty Mentorship
9. Student Diversity
10. Financial Support Offered

Although it may seem overwhelming trying to decide about your medical school acceptance just remember each school will do an equally well job of giving you the basics to become a doctor.

Since this is the case, you will find more personal reasons will determine your medical college admission decision.

Location is the top factor for deciding which only makes sense. If you didn’t already know many advisors will say attend a medical school which is close to home because you have a built in support system.

Plus, if you need an escape from academics to see family it is much easier if you’re within driving distance rather than being separated by hundreds of miles and an expensive flight.

Two Conflicting Views

My anesthesiologist mentor would say, “all allopathic medical schools grant the M.D” so medical school rankings and reputation would not be as significant as some would have you to believe.

Personally, I think the reputation has more to do with the perceived value of your education and where you can go once you complete medical school.

A rheumatologist from Johns Hopkins was rather blunt when it comes to admission to medical school, “Go to the best medical school you can get into, because it will open a lot of doors for the rest of your career!” This doctor makes a very valid point especially if you are planning on going into a competitive medical specialty.

For some residencies it comes down to whether the residency director knows the Chair of the Department at your medical school. Obviously, simply knowing someone won’t get you in the door but it adds weight to your application during the match (nrmp) process.

A rheumatologist from Johns Hopkins was rather blunt when it comes to admission to medical school, “Go to the best medical school you can get into, because it will open a lot of doors for the rest of your career!” This doctor makes a very valid point especially if you are planning on going into a competitive medical specialty.

For some residencies it comes down to whether the residency director knows the Chair of the Department at your medical school. Obviously, simply knowing someone won’t get you in the door but it adds weight to your application during the match (nrmp) process.

Medical School Curriculum

You really want to focus on your learning style and the teaching format of a particular medical school.

There’s a huge difference in being in lectures for several hours each day versus working independently and meeting with a small group of your classmates.

What about medical school grading?

Typically, if you attend a medical school where they use letter grades that means the learning environment will be much more competitive than a school that is pass/fail.

I am sure at this point you can see there are many aspects which you must consider before finalizing your medical school acceptance. My advice is rather simple:

• follow any gut feelings
• be realistic in your expectations
• speak to as many people as possible
• know the pros/cons of attending.

Finally…

Be happy you have your medical school acceptance because there's a pre med who only wishes they were in your shoes.