It is crazy to believe that two years ago I was applying to medical school and had absolutely no idea where I was going to end up. I never thought I would get to choose where I attend medical school, nevertheless interview and get accepted into multiple medical schools. In the process, I learned the importance of believing in yourself and keeping your options open because it is easy to underestimate yourself. I chose where to attend medical school based on many factors, which I have listed below. Note there are many ways to rank your choices, but the most important factors are up to your discretion.
- Location: For someone who has not left the vicinity of Columbus, Ohio, location was an important factor when it came down to my final decision. I wanted a place that was close enough to home that I could visit if I needed that quick trip back home.
- Board Scores: I was accepted into two very new medical schools. I loved both of the medical schools, but unfortunately, they could not provide me the numbers of board scores and specialties of students due to newness of the schools. This is not a bad thing by any means, but I just felt more comfortable knowing the statistics.
- Interview Day: This actually made a bigger impact on my decision than I had initially thought it would. During your interview day watch how current students talk about the school and their energy. That could potentially be you in one year. Do you like the way the students talk about the school? Do they seem happy? When you interview at a medical school realize that you are not the only one being interviewed. You are interviewing the school, staff, and current students as well.
- Gut Decision: Ultimately it came down to which one made me feel like I can see myself going here. As cliche as it sounds, listen to your gut. The medical school of your choice is where you will spend some of the most tough days and nights. It is where you will meet some of your closest friends who go through this long, but humbling journey with you. Choose a place that makes you feel most at home.
