Cost. Cost. Cost. Fit. In that order.
But if you want to scrutinize details–
- 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. - grading system for clinical rotations. (High Honors/Honors/ Pass/Fail, H/P/F. P/F)
- length of dedicated study time allowed for STEP exams
- 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) - what support services are offered to students (tutoring, free subscriptions to study aids-- like uWorld- given to students, availability of counseling/therapy, etc)
- does the teaching hospital have in-house residencies in the specialties your D is interested in pursuing
- does the faculty have reputation for mentoring med students
- health insurance–can the student use the parent’s health policy or must they purchase one through the school
- for OOS publics, will the school allow the student to switch to in-state residency after the first year.
- cost of housing/cost of living
- 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.