<< Back to Newsletter For the past few years, we have received more than 6,500 applications from prospective students hoping to be accepted into one of the 170 slots available in the Feinberg School of Medicine's first-year class (M1). We could fill our medical school with students who have MCAT scores that are absolutely off the charts, but we take the campus interviews seriously and seek individuals who are well rounded and independent thinkers with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. The Class of 2014 has impressive MCAT and GPA scores, of course, but we purposely select students who have breadth and depth beyond their test scores. Some of our newest matriculants are already highly invested in medicine and research, but many come to us with a background in the humanities and other disciplines. This year's "freshman" class is more diverse than ever before, with origins in 14 different countries and with the ability to speak 24 languages, better representing the country's vast melting pot. Our incoming students have a range of interests that complement and enhance our campus community. Building community is an important part of medical school. At the end of August, the M1 class attended the Breakaway Retreat as part of Orientation Week to get to know one another. The societies recently held their second annual Society Olympics, which enabled a mix of classes and their mentors to interact through outdoor competitions, building team skills that are so important in medicine today. In addition, participating in groups like the Student Senate and 70 different social organizations provides students with opportunities to get involved, explore new interests, meet people outside their class, help others, and most of all, to enjoy the learning process as they develop the skills of a physician. I am confident that our newest group of medical students will help enrich and continue to build upon our culture and community as have those who have come before them. Best regards,
J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Vice President for Medical Affairs and Lewis Landsberg Dean | 
