URM, a very sensitive subject

[Ciardeme]

Okay, i know i will get a lot of flack for this statement. (I am even suspecting to be called a racist, which could not be farthest from the truth. I could care less if you are black , white, red, blue or purple.) But here is the question. Why are whites and asians considered an academic risk if they have a low MCAT, but other URMs are not considered an academic risk? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

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[Nikki]

I once asked a person on an admissions committee why minority applicants are screened/reviewed separately from the rest of the applicant pool, often by the same person and in this conversation, this person mentioned that studies have shown (I don't know exactly what studies) that even though some minorities may be admitted with lower scores that there is no coorelation with how they perform in medical school. Basically, he was saying that they are just as competitive as their other classmates.

I honestly don't know if they look at non-minority applicants with lower test scores as a risk, but seeing other applicants with higher scores overshadows someone with a lower test score. Basically, someone with a higher score has more to offer as an applicant. You occassionally see or hear about people coming in with low test scores if the rest of the application is super tight (ie. they have something to offer), which makes me think that a lower score doesn't necessarily mean risk in their eyes. A lower score means this student might have less to offer.

A minority with a lower score has
1) added diversity to the class (you may argue the necessity of this, but studies have shown that students as a whole learn better and are happier in more diverse environments)
2) minorities are more likely to practice in underserved areas, something else they are able to offer.

 

[none]

ANYONE with low scores is an academic risk. The thing is, URMs offer the very likely possibility of more practicioners in underserved areas. Others don't, statistically. Thus, the potential benefits outweigh the very present risks.

 

[Nikki]

I think it depends what you consider a low score. 25-27 in my opinion is not really an academic risk even though it may be considered really low compared to some people with 35+ MCAT scores. Whereas a minority will probably have no problem getting admitted with these "low" scores, a non-minority applicant will think their chances are slim. Medical schools aren't going to accept anyone that they don't think can graduate (ie they can't be that much of an academic risk). If the goal in admiting minority applicants is to make minority doctors that will serve underrepresented communities, they must have faith in their ability to graduate and become a doctor.

 

[Sarena]

While I agree with Nikki's assertion that admissions committees believe URM's are more likely to practice in underserved areas, I also believe that it shows admissions committees recognize that it takes more than above average MCAT scores to make a good physician. Additionally, studies have shown standardized testing is not necessarily accurate in assessing the knowledge and abilities of minorities, who generally score lower on these tests due to cultural biases inherent in the tool.

I seriously doubt that any med school would admit a student they considered to be a "risk." The stakes are much too high for this to happen. You can be assured that any URM you meet in medical school has the necessary qualifications to become successful and proficient practitioners.

I wish you well in your quest to become a doctor.