Re: I don't quite understand Dr. Levine's previous comment!

Up to this point we have received 370 applications for our 6 residency positions at Columbia (if numbers hold out like the last 11 years we will eventually have ~500 applications). Only 3 of the 370 applications are from DO students but these 3 applications are reviewed just like the others as I have outlined in previous posts (USLME scores, medical school performance - especially 3rd year clinical grades, letters of recommendation, research experience, undergraduate performance).

I entered the entire text to give you some context, but I am more concerned with the bold comment.

I am surprised that this is even considered. I always thought that only medical school qualifications along with step 1 scores are most important. Past that I did not realize that undergraduate performance would be looked into as well. Do all programs look into this or only a few schools? Please do let me know. Thank you.[/quote]

You'll notice that I referenced undergraduate performance dead last on the list which is about where it ranks. That being said, however, if someone graduated magna cum laude and achieved significant accolades in college it is certainly worth noting as part of the overall picture. As this forum has demonstrated very well over the years, there is no "cook-book" recipe that will guarantee matching in this competitive specialty.

Instead, there are a number of factors which can positively or negatively influence the strength of your application and programs are simply trying to identify those students who will mesh best with their particular program.

I hope this addresses your question -

Good luck

wnl