How to choose an OOS School

[Okazaki Frag Grenade]

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When applying to OOS public schools, does geography play a role? For example, if one was hoping to stay around family, is it logical to apply to the OOS schools in neighboring states ? Or do schools not count that when evaluating OOS applicants?

Also, what counts as a tie to a state? Immediate family there? In-laws?

 

[DrHart]

I think geography plays a role. I've heard Chicago takes more kids from the midwest but it could just be a rumor. Definitely choose your OOS schools with OOS acceptance/matriculation in mind. Some state schools heavily favor in state students, while private schools take more OOS.
Not sure what "legally" counts as a tie to a state, but I would imagine if you live or have lived there, and if any members of your family (immediate or in-law) currently live there.

 

[JPA178]

Look on the MSAR for the number of OOS students interviewed and matriculated. If 20% of the class or greater comes from OOS, you can consider applying. Otherwise, it's not worth your time. Ties to a state means you grew up there or have close family that live there. In-laws, not so much from what I've heard.

Some public schools where you can safely apply OOS if your numbers are in-range include:
UVM, WVU, VCU, EVMS, USF, Iowa, Michigan, UVA, Ohio State, Arizona (both Phoenix and Tucson), SUNY Downstate, and Penn State. And Tennessee, but only if you are a resident of a neighboring state.

 

[Okazaki Frag Grenade]

Good to know! Thanks for the replies.

 

[ndafife]

I would limit OOS schools to just a few. And ties to a state is subjective and really depends on how you can write about it as well as the school. Remember the mission of most Public Medical Schools is to train doctors who will practice in that state. A connection is only as strong as you can make it seem.

Here is a table to look at. It creates a ratio of the % OOS matriculants to % OOS applicants https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/careers/act/gradstudy/health/guide/part2/appendix - not a perfect system, but it will tell you schools to definitely avoid.

Where are you from? Some public schools like Washington and North Dakota reserve spots for students from states like Montana/Wyoming/Alaska that don't have med schools

 

[Okazaki Frag Grenade]

.

 

[ndafife]

I'm in Tennessee, so there are a few good in-state schools here. I just wasn't sure if it was worthwhile to shoot for states like SC and VA. I know UNC has high standards for their OOS applicants. Thanks for that link though!

Virginia is definitely OOS friendly. SC/UNC may boil down to your connection, or how well you can sell your connection to the state.

 

[Goro]

Strongly agree. I'm sure the data is in AAMC somewhere, but I can't find it. perhaps the wise @gyngyn can help?

The Great Lakes schools seem to like people from neighboring stats, ditto the ones around the Midwest.

My advise is that the better your stats, the further you can cast your net. My own cutoff would be 15% of OOS, especially if you're from next door. I disagree with JA on what 'ties" mean. I don't think having your mom live in TX means you have ties, but if you lived there, or went to school there, that counts.

Keep in mind that U VA and U MI are top schools, so even if you're from IN or NC, for them, you'd better have the stats to make it there. Penn State is, perversely, a private school. They'll gladly take OOSers.

Look on the MSAR for the number of OOS students interviewed and matriculated. If 20% of the class or greater comes from OOS, you can consider applying. Otherwise, it's not worth your time. Ties to a state means you grew up there or have close family that live there. In-laws, not so much from what I've heard.

Some public schools where you can safely apply OOS if your numbers are in-range include:
UVM, WVU, VCU, EVMS, USF, Iowa, Michigan, UVA, Ohio State, Arizona (both Phoenix and Tucson), SUNY Downstate, and Penn State. And Tennessee, but only if you are a resident of a neighboring state.

 

[JPA178]

Strongly agree. I'm sure the data is in AAMC somewhere, but I can't find it. perhaps the wise @gyngyn can help?

The Great Lakes schools seem to like people from neighboring stats, ditto the ones around the Midwest.

My advise is that the better your stats, the further you can cast your net. My own cutoff would be 15% of OOS, especially if you're from next door. I disagree with JA on what 'ties" mean. I don't think having your mom live in TX means you have ties, but if you lived there, or went to school there, that counts.

Keep in mind that U VA and U MI are top schools, so even if you're from IN or NC, for them, you'd better have the stats to make it there. Penn State is, perversely, a private school. They'll gladly take OOSers.

I guess I wasn't specific enough on my definition of ties. Certainly if you have lived somewhere or went to school there that would constitute ties to the state. I've heard from various people that in-laws don't count for much though, correct?

Were there any other public schools you think would be worth adding? Those were just the public schools that I either applied to myself, or can remember being safe bets from various discussions.

 

[Goro]

No, neither do cousins or grandparents, nor siblings.
I've heard from various people that in-laws don't count for much though, correct?

U WI, U CT, IU. If one is ultra competitive (like LizzyM score of 75+), then you can add UCLA, UCSD, UCI and UCSD. Oh, don't forget U Toledo, U Cincy, Western MI, Oakland-Beaumont, UCF, FIA, FIU and USF Morsani.
Were there any other public schools you think would be worth adding? Those were just the public schools that I either applied to myself, or can remember being safe bets from various discussions.

 

[Okazaki Frag Grenade]

This is great advice everyone. Thank you!

 

[freemontie]

I would limit OOS schools to just a few. And ties to a state is subjective and really depends on how you can write about it as well as the school. Remember the mission of most Public Medical Schools is to train doctors who will practice in that state. A connection is only as strong as you can make it seem.

Here is a table to look at. It creates a ratio of the % OOS matriculants to % OOS applicants https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/careers/act/gradstudy/health/guide/part2/appendix - not a perfect system, but it will tell you schools to definitely avoid.

Where are you from? Some public schools like Washington and North Dakota reserve spots for students from states like Montana/Wyoming/Alaska that don't have med schools

Interesting find. I'm glad to see FL schools representin'. I want to be a florida redneck waving a double-barrel at potential OOSers to "git...git" 😀

 

[Vain Brother]

uconn is not very OOS friendly at all, iirc