Medical technology senior Kania Adams wants to be a doctor.
So does physiology senior Jennifer Myers.
But a study to be released today by the Center for Equal Opportunity says that Adams, a black student, may have an easier time being admitted into MSU’s College of Human Medicine.
The two-year study analyzed the admission of in-state students to five state medical schools, including the College of Human Medicine.
Results show more than 3,500 nonblack students were rejected from the colleges, despite having better test scores and grades.
“I’m terrified,” said Myers, who is white. “I’ve tried to do some internships, and a lot of them are for minorities only. (The study) makes me less worried, because at least people are looking into it.”
But Adams said a policy favoring minorities is necessary and helpful, though she worries people will assume her race admitted her.
“People do look down,” she said. “But if you don’t prove yourself, you won’t make it through school anyway.”
The medical school study also focused on schools in Georgia, Oklahoma, New York and Washington.
Reported data alleges MSU has given preferential admissions to black and Hispanic applicants, but not Asian applicants.
Christine Shafer, assistant dean for admissions, declined comment Wednesday and referred questions to university spokesman Terry Denbow.
Denbow also declined comment.
“The pronouncements from many of the medical schools over the years have been that they too are looking to ensure that there is a predetermined racial and ethnic mix,” said Roger Clegg, general counsel for the center. “We were disappointed by the results, but not surprised.”
By analyzing admissions data provided by the schools, the 88-page report is to be officially released this afternoon in Washington, D.C.
Clegg said center officials would rather see race and ethnicity information removed from applications than have it determine who will attend. Center officials hope to see voluntary changes to admissions policies, but will push for legal action if necessary.
“I think it’s fine for medical schools to look at criteria besides grades and tests - past performance, leadership, experience,” Clegg said.
“But one thing that medical schools should not be looking at is skin color.”
But Zack Lemon, a white chemistry junior applying to the college, said he thinks the college should show some races preferential treatment - even if it isn’t his race.
“We need a diverse set of doctors for a diverse set of people,” he said. “All through education and society there is discrimination. If we can give someone an extra push, I say go for it.”
