selecting medical schools - harvard university...your state school(s) can be your best bet....
TRANSCRIPT
Selecting Medical Schools
Office of Career ServicesHarvard University
March 21, 2016
Goals Today
• Get you started Factors to consider Resources Case studies (not included on the handout)
The Process of Selecting
• ~146 total U.S. medical schoolsHow many schools to apply to?
• Campus visit after application
“I can’t distinguish between them.”
“What are the top medical schools?”“I’ll just apply to a lot and decide after I’m accepted.”
Understanding Rankings
Criteria for U.S. News
• Assessment methods appropriate?* (40%) Reputation
20% med school deans and senior faculty rate academic quality20% residency program directors select the 25 best med schoolsResponse rate ~40-50%
(30%) Research grants awarded (20%) Student selectivity (10%) Science/Clinical faculty to students ratio
• Real-life value?
*Academic Medicine, Vol. 76, No.10, October 2001
All Things Considered
Opportunities
Preclinical Years
• Grading system Traditional Pass/Fail Narrative evaluation Class ranking
• Teaching methods/Curriculum Traditional Lecture Teaching Problem- or Team-Based LearningOrgan-based versus Subject-based
• Classroom Technology
Preclinical Years
• Curriculum
• Flexibility• Clinical exposure
Clinical Years
• Most important factor• Timing and choices (e.g., flexibility of rotation
schedule)• Diversity of patient population• Number and diversity of affiliated hospitals• Level of autonomy
Location
Cost
• Type of assistance Loans, grants, state assistance, outside sources, merit
scholarships
• Annual budget
• In-state vs out-of-state tuition Interstate agreements (WWAMI) Residency definitions: Vary by state
• Financial aid
Gathering Information
Medical School Admissions Data
Medical School Admissions Data
School Websites
School Websites
Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)
• Purchase access to the MSAR website from the AAMC for $27.00 at https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/applying-medical-school-process/deciding-where-apply/medical-school-admission-requirements/
The MSAR includes entries for all U.S. medical schools
Sample school entry in MSAR
MSAR acceptance information
Alumni Evaluations
Sample Alumni Evaluation
Finding Balance
Top down approach Your state school(s) can be your best bet. Residency definitions vary by state –contact med schools directly
to learn more Don’t put any schools on the list just because you think you have
a high chance of getting accepted The number of schools can range from 14-40 schools If you plan to be out of the country while applying, put together a
longer list A good list has a good balance of very competitive schools,
match schools, and less competitive schools