How Important are Medical School Rankings?

Medical school rankings often provide national comparisons of both research-oriented and primary care institutions. Schools are likely to be assessed with a host of criteria that ultimately measures their curriculum and perceived reputation. In addition, students may glean the school’s philosophy and a picture of the student body. Some data provided by school rankings, however, is misleading. Students may thus want to consider additional attributes, such as social structure and teaching methods, before making a medical school decision.

Throughout the United States and Canada, medical school is often a graduate program for those who have completed at least a four-year curriculum. In countries such as China and India, medical schools are usually accessible through undergraduate programs. The United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia often provide similar structures, but some schools have begun to offer graduate programs as well.

While the academic systems may not be identical across the globe, many medical schools have prestigious reputations and competitive environments in common. Standardized entrance exams, such as the MCAT, NMAT and UKCAT, are often used for the application acceptance process. In turn, however, a student is likely to apply at those institutions with the highest medical school rankings. Both parties thus often assess each other before making a formal relationship.

Medical school rankings may measure a school’s curriculum and perceived reputation. These rankings may also serve to compare two or more schools in relation to national standings. One school, for example, may be ranked lower than another in terms of overall quality. Often times, the criteria used for ranking medical schools include peer assessment, research activity, application acceptance rates and faculty resources. A comprehensive set of indicators is thus often considered.

In some cases, med school rankings may be indicators of a graduate’s expected success in medicine. For example, a medical student who graduates from a first- or second-ranked program may have an advantage when applying to residency programs. This may further influence his or her professional earning potential and credentials. Moreover, the medical education received may foretell how well a graduate will perform in the actual clinical setting.

In addition to the level of respect an institute commands within the industry, medical school rankings may provide other information as well. The philosophy of a school, for example, may help an applicant determine whether or not it is a suitable fit. Rankings are often provided for two different philosophies: research and primary care. In the United States, Johns Hopkins is largely known as a research facility, while the University of Washington focuses more on primary care studies. This information is likely to be useful for those considering medical school.

Additional data that may be gleaned from medical school rankings includes funding and anticipated student body numbers. Privately funded schools, for instance, generally receive more donations funding when their rankings are higher. Higher rankings may also lead to greater enrollment percentages and increased campus competition.

Not all of the data supplied by rankings, however, is quantifiable. A numerical list may be misleading in that it suggests a school ranked number 21 is superior to that of number 22. In reality, the differences may be minute, based on statistical data collected solely for the rankings list.

Medical school rankings should also be considered in the context of personal observations. It is quite possible that a school not ranked may be more ideal for a student’s needs than those facilities ranked in the top five. Medical schools often have different orientations concerning the type of physician they hope to educate. Speaking with an admissions representative may thus help a student decide if a school is compatible with his or her goals.

Rankings may also negate information concerning a school’s social structure. The prestige of a school, for example, may be important to some students, but others may be concerned with reputation. This is likely to reflect whether a campus is highly competitive, relaxed or somewhere in the middle. Such factors may ultimately help a student determine if the atmosphere is favorable.

Additional considerations should be given to a school based on alumni comments and the opinions of student advisors. Teaching methods, curriculum and the size of a school may also need a student’s attention. In this manner, school rankings are only part of the equation, with such tangibles as tuition fees, travel expenses and lodging options having equal weight.