Is Rosalind Franklin a good medical school? Well, Rosalind Franklin may not be a famous medical school in terms of interest from a large portion of American students. Still, the school remains quite a choice for those who have been rejected by prestigious medical schools in the United States. In this article, we will explore all there is to know about Rosalind Franklin medical school and whether it is a good school.
Is Rosalind Franklin a Good Medical School?
Rosalind Franklin is clearly a low-tier medical school. However, the school has a reputation for accepting people with low MCATs believing they should have a chance at being medical doctors despite a little academic setback. Notwithstanding, Rosalind Franklin is very competitive and the school has an incredible match list system that’s unrivaled even among top-tier med schools.
While Rosalind Franklin may not have the reputation many would want for the medical school they attend, the school offers a chance to people who may be rejected by top medical schools because of their MCAT scores or GPA. However, this should not fool you as the school is quite competitive due to the large number of students that apply every year.
There are a couple of interesting points to note about the school and I have highlighted them under the pros and cons of Rosalind Franklin. If you are considering options for medical school and Rosalind Franklin comes up on your radar, I am optimistic these pros and cons will help you decide whether RFU is worth attending.
Pros and Cons of Rosalind Franklin Medical School
Every school, especially medical schools in the United States, has noble reasons why they are worth attending. In the face of these noble reasons, there are ignoble reasons as well. Rosalind Franklin is no different and if you are looking to attend the school, I will be highlighting some of the noble and ignoble reasons I found out while researching about the school.
Pros of Rosalind Franklin Medical School
- Exceptional match list system
- Decent medical program
- Exposure to virtual health technology
- Amazing scholarship opportunities and financial aid
- Extracurricular activities
- Diverse campus culture
- Inclusivity for students with disability
Exceptional match list system
Rosalind Franklin Medical School has a strong reputation for helping its students secure competitive residency positions. The school has a comprehensive support system in place to guide students through the residency application process, including workshops, mock interviews, and personalized advising. This support has resulted in an impressive match list for the school’s graduates, with students securing placements in top programs across the country.
Decent medical program
Rosalind Franklin’s medical program provides students with a strong foundation in the sciences and clinical skills. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, preparing students to be competent and compassionate healthcare providers. In addition to traditional classroom instruction, the program emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical rotations and simulation exercises.
Exposure to virtual health technology
The school has made a concerted effort to incorporate virtual health technology into its curriculum, recognizing the growing importance of telemedicine and other virtual care options. There are six Simulation Labs on its campus, creating a virtual health system where students have the opportunity to learn how to use virtual platforms to communicate with patients, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and deliver care remotely. This exposure can give students an advantage in the job market, as virtual health becomes increasingly important in the healthcare industry.
Amazing scholarship opportunities and financial aid
Rosalind Franklin Medical School is committed to making medical education accessible and affordable for all students. In 2019, the school offered over $9.5 million in assistance to 1000+ students. The school offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options, including need-based aid and merit-based scholarships. Students can also apply for external scholarships and loan forgiveness programs to help offset the cost of tuition and other expenses.
Extracurricular activities
Rosalind Franklin recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education and offers a variety of extracurricular activities to its students. These activities include student-run organizations, community service opportunities, and social events. Involvement in extracurricular activities can help students develop leadership skills, build their resumes, and connect with their peers.
Diverse campus culture
Rosalind Franklin is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The school values diversity in all its forms and is dedicated to promoting equity and social justice. The campus is home to students from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and the school encourages students to embrace and celebrate their differences.
Inclusivity for students with disability
Rosalind Franklin recognizes the unique challenges that students with disabilities may face and is committed to providing the necessary resources and accommodations to support their success. The school has a structure that works with students to develop personalized plans for accommodations and other needs.
Cons of Rosalind Franklin Medical School
Some downsides to Rosalind Franklin University make it less of an option for medical school. These are a few:
- No teaching hospitals
- Selective admission process
- Weather and climate concerns
- Low-grade campus location
- Expensive tuition and cost of living
No teaching hospitals
One of the major cons of Rosalind Franklin University is that the school is not affiliated with any hospital. Although students get hands-on experiences from a variety of community hospitals in Chicago, this presents a flaw in the quality of education and training students of RFU get.
Selective admission process
Even though it is believed that RFU accepts people with low MCATs and GPAs, the admission process at the school is highly selective, with only a limited number of applicants being accepted each year. Ideally, one would expect to get into RFU if they are top in their class but that may not be the case. I have seen exceptional students with brilliant MCATs and GPAs get rejected by RFU and accepted by Temple, Harvard, and Penn.
Weather and climate concerns
Rosalind Franklin University is located in North Chicago, which experiences cold and snowy winters. This may not be ideal for students who are not accustomed to harsh winter weather or who prefer a warmer climate. The weather conditions may also impact transportation and commuting, making it more difficult for students to attend classes or clinical rotations.
Low-grade campus location
The location of the Rosalind Franklin University campus may not be ideal for everyone. The campus is located in a lower-income area, which may not offer the same amenities or resources as other, more affluent areas. Additionally, the campus may not be as safe or secure as other campuses, which could be a concern for some students.
Expensive tuition and cost of living
Finally, one of the biggest cons of Rosalind Franklin University is the cost of attendance. Tuition and fees at the school are relatively high, and the cost of living in the North Chicago area can also be expensive. This may make it difficult for students to afford the cost of attending school, which could limit access to education for some students.
Is Rosalind Franklin Medical School Accredited?
Yes. Rosalind Franklin medical school is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and all its certificates and programs have been duly approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. This means every graduate of RFU is a certified medical doctor and can practice anywhere in the United States.
What is Rosalind Franklin Med School Known For?
Rosalind Franklin medical school is known for its residency match list system. The school has a unique reputation for achieving one of the best match listings for its students. Many believe that the Rosalind Franklin medical school match system could rival the top 20 medical schools in the United States.
Is Rosalind Franklin Medical School Hard to Get Into?
Yes. Rosalind Franklin medical school has an acceptance rate of approximately 2%. The school had 11,000+ candidates but accepted 194 students.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a prestigious medical school, Rosalind Franklin University may not be your choice. However, if you need a school that provides access to virtual tech, telemedicine, and support for students with a disability then RFU would be a great option.