Pre-Medical Students Preferences in School and Career

According to a recent Kaplan Test Prep survey of pre-medical students, just 32% say they plan to become primary care physicians after earning their MD, while 68% say they plan to become specialists (i.e. cardiologist, neurologist, anesthesiologist, etc.). Of the 68% who plan to become specialists, 86% say the main reason is "academic/personal interest;" only 2% cited "better salary," although specialists are known to make significantly more than primary care physicians.

71% of pre-meds in Kaplan's survey said that all other factors being equal, they'd be more likely to attend a three-year program than a four-year program medical school. shortening medical school by a year could save students as much as $50,000 in tuition and fees.

Source: Kaplan Test Prep