Results from Kaplans 2003 April MCAT Survey
Kaplan surveyed 1,632 Kaplan students who took the April 2003 MCAT* on issues ranging from how many med school applications they intended to submit to what motivated them to become a doctor, and they got some intriguing results.
37.2% of respondents were more worried about med school interviews than any other part of the application process
More respondents said they felt surgery appealed to them more than any other specialty (17.6%)
42.3% of respondents said they felt a strong bedside manner was their strongest asset in being a good doctor
28.3% of respondents said they didn't decide to become a doctor until they got to college, but 33.7% said they made the decision before entering high school (21.5% in elementary school and 12.2% in middle school)
67.4% of respondents said they have medical experience in a clinical or research / academic setting
81.1% of respondents said they would at least be reasonably willing to work in a geographically undesirable location in return for free medical education
When asked what most impacted their decision to become a doctor, 36.1% of respondents chose "love of science / medicine."
Click here to see the complete Survey of pre-med students by Kaplan.
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