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Runway Roundtable — Pre-Health & Medical School Applications Demystified (Virtual)

The acceptance rate for medical school applicants has been decreasing since 1974. Therefore, every year, students who apply for medical school face the real challenge of admission. According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), during the 2021-2022 admission cycle, only ~36% of students who applied matriculated into a medical school. Additionally, medical school demographics are constantly changing. Women’s enrollment remains at the forefront of medical school applications, comprising 56.5 % of all applicants but only 42.6% of matriculants (Women Academia Report, 2022).  Despite increases in diversity among medical school classes, gaps remain. Another great barrier students face during the application process is the high expectation for extracurricular experiences. A report by SortSmart revealed that students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds do not have access to the same experiences and opportunities as those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. When reviewing medical school personal statement examples, it is evident that those with parents who are physicians can secure excellent opportunities. Underserved students may be just as motivated and suitable to become physicians but with constant challenges and current admissions practices, the odds of success are not tipped in their favor. Let’s not forget that the rising cost of attending medical school may also deter many students from low-income counties from applying. This roundtable aims to discuss ways for undergraduates to better prepare for the application process and resources for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds pursuing medicine. This roundtable will also explore some best practices for pre-health students and recommendations for applying to medical school.

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May 17

Science Runway Discovery Day

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November 16

Runway Roundtable — Ever-Evolving: New and Exciting Careers in Healthcare & STEM (Virtual)