*** 2020-2021 Medical Applicants and Their Parents

@UMD2021_2023

Cost. Cost. Cost. Fit. In that order.

But if you want to scrutinize details–

  1. P/F vs graded MS1-2 classes
    1a) if P/F, is it true P/F or are grades used in the Dean’s Letter to rank students.
  2. grading system for clinical rotations. (High Honors/Honors/ Pass/Fail, H/P/F. P/F)
  3. length of dedicated study time allowed for STEP exams
  4. rotation sites (Will your student have to travel to or live at distant sites during their 3rd & 4th years?)
    4a) if they will have to travel, how is it determined which sites a student is assigned to (lottery, volunteer basis, arbitrary assignment)
  5. what support services are offered to students (tutoring, free subscriptions to study aids-- like uWorld- given to students, availability of counseling/therapy, etc)
  6. does the teaching hospital have in-house residencies in the specialties your D is interested in pursuing
  7. does the faculty have reputation for mentoring med students
  8. health insurance–can the student use the parent’s health policy or must they purchase one through the school
  9. for OOS publics, will the school allow the student to switch to in-state residency after the first year.
  10. cost of housing/cost of living
  11. safety of the area around the teaching hospital since your D will be coming & going from the hospital at all odd hours of the night during clinicals.
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