How to Choose a Medical School in 2022 

Campus Life -  You are going to be spending 4 years of your life in this institution, and while academics will be the most important part of your time there, you must also consider some other aspects of your life in medical school. Is this school famous for its diversity and inclusion programs? Or maybe the medical school housing options are some of the best in the country? Perhaps they have great student support structures that can help you through the difficult stretches of classwork or rotations? 

Be Realistic About Your Profile -  As you are reviewing schools’ profiles, keep in mind your own. You have to be realistic about whether you would be a good fit for the schools to which you apply. The second step of how to choose a medical school is reflecting on your own background and experiences in comparison to the schools’ you are interested in. 

GPA and MCAT -  Meeting the minimum GPA and MCAT requirements set by the school is not enough. To have a chance for acceptance, your GPA and MCAT score must at least match the GPA and MCAT set by the previous matriculating class. 

Coursework -  Most schools do not have any strict requirements when it comes to your major in undergrad, but most programs will have a list of medical school prerequisites that you must complete to be an eligible candidate. Make sure to check the school’s website or MSAR for required and recommended coursework.  

Student Profile -  In addition to meeting the stats set by your peers, you must also look at their experiences and background. In MSAR, this information is clearly indicated in a chart. You can see what kind of activities are most valued by your schools of choice because you will see what kind of candidates tend to be accepted. Let's say you do not have quality premed research experience. 

Overall, In-state, and Out-of-state Admissions Rate -  While low medical school acceptance rates should not determine whether you choose to apply to schools or not, you should know what kind of competition you’re up against. A low admissions rate signals that the school is competitive and gives you an idea of your own chances for acceptance. 

Location and Residency Status -  In a recent AAMC poll, 44% of polled students indicated that whether the school is in-state or out-of-state is the most important consideration when it comes to the school’s location. This distinction determines both the medical school tuition you will be paying and your admissions chances. 

Cost and Financial Aid -  This next consideration in choosing a medical school is closely connected to our previous section. Public schools are some of the cheapest medical schools for in-state students, but tuition fees for out-of-state students in public schools are comparable to private schools’ tuition. 

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