Regional Preference--what exactly is it?

[ockhamsRzr]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi,

Been lurking for awhile reading many useful threads. A bit of background: I'm a Umass/Boston Grad (poliSci and English BAs, 10 years ago) with little prep in the hard sciences. As a result I'm enrolling in the Harvard PostBacc premed program in the spring with the obvious intention of fulfilling prereqs and applying to DO (and/or) MD programs.

My first question with regard to DO programs is that I've noticed many schools offer a regional preference to appliants. When I spoke with UNECOM (I live and have family and real estate in Boston) they definitely mentioned that I would be given preference as a New Englander.

Does anyone know exactly what this preference boils down to? Is it quantifiable like 25mcat/3.0gpa for residents versus 30/3.5 for non-regional appliants? Or is it more marketing based in an attempt to get more folks closer to the school to apply to/consider the school as opposed to other DO programs around the country.

Thanks in advance!

Ock

 

[DD214_DOC]

The DO I spoke with mentioned that certain schools either have seats reserved for people from a certain region (meaning you're competing against a much smaller number) or will admit someone with similar or lower stats because of their region over someone with similar to higher stats.

 

[docbill]

Usually state schools have to assure a % of the class is from that state.. other schools don't have such strick requirements... however they prefer to get people from the area... that in reality are most likely to stay and practice in that region. Make sence... and makes for good relations with the state. LECOM and NSUCOM are private schools (not state schools) but they have lower tuition (slightly) for those who are from in state.... maybe they get tax exemption or some kind of deal they arranged ahead of time. Whereas VCOM, I believe state on their application and website that they will choose people from that region... even though they are a private school.

 

[missyb]

docbill is correct about VCOM, they do definitely take a higher percentage of applicants from VA, NC, WV, KY, TN and they are more lenient on those individuals. I am from Iowa and got in there and I know that there are a few others from all over the country. There is no difference in tuition no matter where you are from.