Choosing a Health
Professions School –
Finding the Best Match
Health Professions Advising Program
Informational Seminar Series
Trinity College
Developed by Bill Church – Spring 2009
Health Profession Schools Attended
by Trinity College Graduates
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Connecticut
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Boston University
Tufts
University of Massachusettes
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UMDNJ-RWJ
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Vermont
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University of Vermont
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University of Arizona
Arizona College of Osteopathic
Medicine
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Albany
Albert Einstein
Columbia
Mt. Sinai
NY Medical College
New York University
SUNY Downstate
University of Rochester
Washington DC
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Arizona
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New York
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New Jersey
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University of Connecticut
Massachusetts
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Georgetown
International Schools
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St. Georges/Grenada
Sources of Information
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Medical School Admissions Requirement
Individual School Webpages
HPAC Faculty
University of Massachusetts
School of Medicine
From AAMC WebPage
It's a process similar to choosing an undergraduate school (only much more
intense)
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I prefer a small or large school?
Do I like a large class or a small class?
Am I interested in a career in research, in clinical practice in academic medicine? While every
school offers opportunities to prepare for careers in all areas, the variety of curricular
experience varies from school to school. Try to select schools that fit best your career goals.
Which schools have a learning approach that emphasizes primary care, patient education,
prevention, and preparation for community practice? What schools have a teaching approach
that will work well for me?
What kind of financial resources will I need to attend medical school? What are the costs?
What types of financial aid are available at the schools I am considering?
Are the schools in a location that meets my needs?
Are the schools connected to a university or are they free-standing institutions?
Factors for Consideration
•Area of Service
•Location of School of Medicine – Urban, Suburban, Rural
•Type of physician you want to become – Academic or Practicing
•Student Organizations
•Level of Community Engagement – Optional or Required
•Living Amenities – On-campus dorms, apartments/condos,
subsidized rents
•Initiation of clinical exposure
•Lecture vs. Problem-Based Learning
•International service learning – Optional or Required
•Science Course Curriculum – Organ-based vs. Departmentalbased
Commitment
Track record reflecting a desire to serve the public through:
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Community involvement.
Volunteer service.
Tutoring.
Cultural activities.
Scholarly pursuits.
Committee Decision
Leave quantitative variables out of the final
decision as individual items of great
importance, and answer simple questions:
 How will this candidate contribute to and
benefit from the learning climate at your
institution?
 Will accepting this candidate be in line with
the mission and the values of the school?
Scoring the Application
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Scholarly activities
 Depth of involvement, independence,
productivity
Leadership and Honors in Service Roles
 Student government, ethnic centers, Peace Corps,
teacher
Originality and creativity
 Academic, service or artistic accomplishments:
innovation, legacy
Non-academic accomplishments or required work
 Sports, arts, business or other organizations
Barometer for Participation
in Any Extracurricular
Activity
Showing up
Showing up for a long time
Leadership
Advocacy
Innovation
Legacy
Why did you Choose Another School?
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Money
Clinical
Research
Location
Personal
Why Did You Choose Another School?
(URM)
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Money
Clinical Research Location Personal
Explicit Educational Goals
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To assure excellence in clinical medicine.
To develop effective communication skills with
patients, colleagues, and the public.
To promote leadership training in the various
branches of medicine.
To promote ethical and moral behavior, the
humane and caring practice of medicine, and a
sense of obligation to improve the health of the
public.
To promote cultural competency in the science
and practice of medicine.
To teach the skills necessary to sustain a lifetime
of learning.
Advice and Resources
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Consult the Medical School Admissions
requirements (MSAR)
AAMC Curriculum Directory
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Evaluate emphasis on research, clinical experience,
grades, student initiatives, flexibility…
Individual Medical School Websites and
Catalogs
Network with current and former students