Medical schools, like individuals, differ in many aspects-in size, in infrastructures, in philosophies, in faculties, in programs, and in the types of the students they get. There are around 125 medical colleges in the U.S., and it is a challenge to select the best college.

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	Harvard Medical School is the best for studying research.

Choosing a medical college is not based entirely on one's personal desires; students' grade point averages, SAT scores, and other academic merits can be important to the admission process. As medical schools vary significantly, it is important to strike a balance between the best schools and one's needs and professional interests.

The knowledge that Harvard Medical School is the best for research, the University of Washington for primary care, and the University of California for assisting students with grants or scholarships can be useful when selecting an appropriate medical school from the huge repertoire of options.

Selection Criteria

Students seeking medical degrees usually have varying professional objectives. To achieve their long-term career goals, students must select the right schools with utmost care. Researching the following factors will ensure that their choices meet their criteria:

Academic Program
Time when students begin clinical experiences
Availability of medical school courses
Size and focus of the program
Number of the credit hours students must complete
Elective offerings
Instruction and evaluation systems

Institution's Profile
Institution's strengths and specialty programs
Student-faculty ratios
Ratio of full-time to part-time faculty
Research opportunities
Type of institution—public or private

Student Population
Number and merits of students
Admission procedures
Students' attitudes
Diversity of culture

Campus Life
Academic facilities
Housing and hostel facilities
Extracurricular activities
Student support services

Geographic Location
Availability of amenities
Hospital affiliations
In-state vs. out-of-state considerations and cost differences
Opportunities to study elsewhere
Social and cultural activities in the area

Fees and Financial Aid
Tuitions and fees
Books and supplies
Living expenses
Financial assistance

Other Miscellaneous considerations
Placement records
Early decision programs
Special or joint degree programs
Deferral policies
Opportunities for global experiences

Application Strategies

To maximize the chances of acceptance to one or more medical schools, it is critical to think strategically and practically about the schools to which one applies. At the time of applying to medical colleges, students should consider the following points:

• If academic medicine is your career, give more weight to the school's reputation.


• Don't apply to schools you are not likely to attend if admitted.


• Apply to a broad range of schools.


• Evaluate your competitiveness as an applicant.


• Reconsider applying to schools where acceptance is not realistic.


• Make sure that you are eligible to apply.
  

Useful Resources

The following resources can assist students in their searches for ideal medical colleges:

• Medical school admission requirements


• AAMC Curriculum Directory (http://services.aamc.org/currdir/start.cfm)


• Medical school marketing materials


• Minority Student Opportunities in U.S. Medical Schools (MSOUSMS) (http://www.aamc.org/students/minorities/resources/msousms.htm)


• Campus visits


• Discussion with senior students and faculties

On the net:

Selecting a Medical School
web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/medschool.pdf

Medical Schools
edu.ericae.net/medical-schools.htm

Planning to Get into Medical School
www.studentdoc.com/medical-school-plan-2.html

Choosing the Right School
www.csu.edu/premed/choosingtherightsschool.htm

Selecting a Medical School
web.mit.edu/career/www/preprof/medapply.htm

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