Differences between a good and a great school?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Wardens

Long arm of the law
15+ Year Member
20+ Year Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2002
Messages
340
Reaction score
2
I realize all the schools in the states are relatively good ones, but considering a doctor in a country full of good schools, what advantages do great schools provide? That is my general question, but more personally it comes down to a question of retaking the mcat if the answer to that question is that there are many advantages. I have a 29R (9,10,10) on the august mcat, am studying abroad for the year at a great university. I am considering retaking the mcats this year in august. I think aside from that I am a fairly strong applicant with some interesting e.c.s. (and a philo major . . . cmon favorable statistics!) I am interested right now in primary care/family practice, but that could change. Ultimately I'd like to teach.
First, what doors do top 20 or even 50 med schools open, and second, is it worth it to retake? Maybe I should be worried about getting in at all.
 
Some people consider 30 a magic number. I remember a statistical analysis someone with too much time did on this once, so you might want to search for that. That said, you can get into schools with a 29 just fine, if you have other stuff to back you up.

A "great" school offers you more opportunities in the future: better residency match lists and potentially better career prospects. At least, that's my take on it. If you want to be a doctor and prosper, you will do that at any school if you want to. If you want a prestigious residency or job, you are statistically more likely to be able to achieve that at a "great" school.
 
Top