The Ohio State College of Medicine and Public Health applicants are suggesting to the world of medicine that OSU is the place to be.
The number of applicants to the college has risen 14 percent from last year. In 2003, there where 3,293 applicants compared to this year’s numbers increasing to 3,803 applicants. Secondary applicants, those who have chosen OSU as a top choice or finalist, also have increased 29 percent with 1,989 for 2003 compared to 2,809 in 2004.
“This demonstrates applicants across Ohio are looking at OSU Medical School in a dramatic drive,” said Mark Notestine, assistant dean for admissions and records for the College of Medicine and Public Health.
The college is ranked 37th nationally according to the U.S. News World Report and has recently moved up to 14th out of all public medical schools, Notestine said.
“Students have great opportunities here at Ohio State. They have the ability to work with world-class researchers and have the ability to see everyday and exotic conditions,” said Gary Snyder, spokesman for the College of Medicine and Public Health.
“We are one sleeping giant in the field. It is on the rise with great education and great research,” Notestine said.
Rankings are not everything, Notestine said. Applicants also are also looking for cost, location and faculty.
“I am from this area, and I got a great feeling on my interview. I chose to come here because of the great curriculum and the great network of physicians,” said Erica Drennen, first-year medical student.
With seven other Ohio schools in the field, the level of competition has increased.
“We are starting to compete for the brightest and best students across Ohio, while competing on a national level. With this recognition, we are able to take the best students from across the world,” Notestine said.
Out of all applicants that apply, 700 were selected this year for an interview screening. For the 2004 class, 210 applicants were selected to attend. Notestine added this was the fourth largest class of any medical school.
“This college has a great teaching hospital with a great program. Doctors care for patients and help students learn,” Drennen said.
