context of the number of women enrolled in the
school, which likely is the major
consideration relevant to this entire issue.
Tables 6.1 and 9.1 can provide you with
this information for the preceding academic
year.
· Reputation. A school's reputation can,
to some degree, influence one's chances
for securing a residency. How important this
factor is depends on how competi-
tive the specialty is. The Dean of Students at a
medical school, upon request, may
be prepared to inform you as to the school's
residency placement for the last grad-
uating class. This data will allow you to
determine how many residency appoint-
ments of the school's graduates were secured at
prestigious training institutions.
· Attrition. A final factor that might
be of possible interest is the attrition rate at the
school. Nationwide, it has been calculated that
less than 3% fail to graduate for aca-
demic or other reasons. If you wish, you may
inquire from the Dean of Students
office about the attrition rate at his or her
school. But based on national statistics,
you can assume that once you gain acceptance
and enroll in medical school, the
odds are very much in your favor that you will
in due course be awarded an M.D.
degree.
After reviewing the above criteria, determine
which of them are most significant for
you. Obtain and take note of the data regarding
the issues of concern to you, then make
a determination of each school's suitability.
Prepare a prioritized list of schools, based
on the recommendations in Table 4.1 and use
this list when filling out your AMCAS
application.
Advice to Borderline Applicants
Your GPA and MCAT scores, as discussed earlier,
are the key factors impacting on your
chances for admission to medical school;
therefore, these two parameters should pro-
vide guidelines for future action.
· If you have potential acceptance-level
credentials, namely a GPA of at least 3.5
and 9s and 10s on your MCAT, then you should
definitely apply. This obviously
assumes that you have such attributes as
motivation, competence in science, and
a desire to serve others.
· If you are a borderline applicant,
having a GPA of 3.3 and 9s or less on your MCAT,
then your admission chances are uncertain or
precarious. Under these circum-
stances: (1) elect to apply to an increased
number of medical schools (see Table
4.1); or (2) consider postponing applying until
your academic record improves.
· If your science cumulative average is
weak (less than 3.3), taking some advanced
science courses and doing well (B+ or better),
will improve your position. Your
choice of courses clearly should be in an area
where you have already demon-
strated academic strength.
· If your MCAT scores are week (9s or
less), retaking the exam may be advisable.
This is valid only if you and your advisor
believe that the scores will definitely
improve. This can be done preferably in the
fall of your senior year (which
allows the preceding summer for test
preparation), or if necessary, in the spring
of your senior year; then apply soon after
graduation.
A borderline candidate should determine the
following:
1. Is your essay impressive enough? Does it
maximize your admission potential?
Find this out by getting an opinion from your
premedical advisor and/or an
English professor, then make any necessary
improvements.
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