Medical School Applications And The Economy: Lessons From The Past

Some medical school clients who are applying for 2010 and 2011 have asked me if the current economic crisis will result in an increase of medical school applications (and increased competition). While I am not an economist, looking at previous trends helps predict the impact of our current economic situation.

As discussed in a New York Times (NYT) article written during the most recent recession in 2002, the only professional schools that are unaffected by recessions are medical schools. This is because a career in medicine requires a significant time commitment compared to other professions.

The AAMC reporter in 2003 indicated a 3.4% increase in applications (34,785 applicants) for the 2003/2004 academic year which was in part attributed to the economic slowdown at that time. There has been a steady increase in the number of medical school applications since 2002/2003 and 42,315 individuals applied for the 2007/2008 academic year.

Click Here to read the NYT article.

Click Here to read the AAMC article.

This is an issue that is being widely discussed right now amongst students and admissions committee members. I welcome your comments and thoughts on this topic.

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