PreMed Program

Choosing a School

There are over 140 medical schools within the United States, each one of them offers something unique. In order to determine which school fits you best, examine some of the main differentiating factors.

Prestige

Of the 140 U.S. medical schools, only a handful of them are well known. These top schools carry much in the way of prestige. In choosing your school, keep in mind that prestige and reputation do not necessarily translate into a superior education. Remember that many prestigious schools are renowned for their research orientation: if you plan a clinical career, these schools may not be right for you.

Education Style

There is a movement among many medical schools to educate using a theme or system based approach during the first two years instead of a conventional medical school education. Some medical schools have adopted a pass/fail system to promote cooperation and minimize competition. Try to determine which style would suit you best when choosing schools.

During the third and fourth years, you will receive clinical experience. Each medical school is affiliated with a distinctive collection of hospitals. If you have a specialty in mind at this time, this may help you narrow your list of possible schools to attend.

Facilities

Some medical schools are associated with universities and allow their students access to these facilities. Other medical schools are free standing and may have less to offer. Each offers a different atmosphere. Interview sessions usually accompany a tour of the school's facilities. Take advantage of this time to explore the school and its amenities.

Cost

Medical schools can be categorized as public and private in terms of cost. Generally speaking, public schools within your state of residency cost about half that of private institutions. Another factor to consider is the cost of living in the area. This amount might offset a lower tuition and raise the total price of attendance beyond your means.