To Quote: Was anyone else NOT thinking about the economy when they chose medicine?!?
Yep, me. However, I understand stability - and that high school teachers DO put up with more. I only teach one class & think teachers are saints!
As far as the web based app goes, I think the thing that will cause a decrease is the lack applicant knowledge. If I hadn't been reading SDN, I would not have known what to do. For instance, I emailed one school to see how they were notifying applicants of completed apps. I got an angry reply that said "we'll send you a postcard." Well, gee, thanks. I don't have the postcard, and now I have to call you instead of you just sending an email that told me what I'm missing!
With AMCAS transmission of data, remember, some numbers are getting screwed up, so people that really would have made the first cut-off are rejected. I'd call that a web-based app problem. Not causing a significant decrease, I HOPE, but still a factor.
Also, the Anthrax scare in the mail, will cause some people to miss the deadline with transcripts this year. What a crappy way to have your pre-requisites, MCAT, and AMCAS time flushed down the toilet.
As for last year, I agree with the economical standpoint, coupled with the crap docs deal with. For this year, though, I think it'll be the economy, crap, AMCAS and Anthrax.
Another 2 cents (Although the first 2 cents was much more inspiring! I agree - I love medicine, too.)