More minorities apply and enroll to med school: minority enrollment in U.S. med schools surges

University Business, Dec, 2004

Black and Hispanic enrollment in U.S. medical schools has increased by two and a half percent and eight percent, respectively, since 2003. These figures were released by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Hispanic enrollment gains were especially noticeable among the Mexican-American male population, with 200 new enrollees compared to 156 last year.

In addition, the number of applicants (including minority applicants) also grew considerably. Almost 36,000 individuals applied to medical schools in the 2004-2005 school year, a 2.7 percent increase over last year's figures.

Black and Hispanic applicants contributed to the rise with 2.3 percent and 2.5 percent increases respectively. These statistics reflect the first admissions cycle since the U.S. Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in 3une of 2003. AAMC president Jordan J. Cohen said that he has been encouraged by these gains in minority enrollment but that "there is still much work to be done."

Applicants, Accepted Applicants, and First-year
Enrollees (Matriculants) to U.S. Medical Schools, 2004

                                            Accepted
                              Applicants   Applicants   Matriculants

Hispanic   Mexican American        810          403           377
           Puerto Rican            505          290           282
           Cuban                   144           84            80
           Other/Multiple
           Hispanic               1086          464           435
Non-       Black                 2,803        1,160         1,086
Hispanic   Asian                 6,732        3,231         3,093
           Native American
           (incl AK)               106           53            48
           Native Hawaiian/
           Pacific Islander         39           11            11
           White                21,023       10,959        10,338
           Other                 1,454          727           669

Total                           34,702       17,382        16,419

Source: AAMC