Predicting and fostering success of American Indians in medical school.

Underrepresentation of minorities continues to be a significant problem for medical schools. Although schools are considering nontraditional selection factors in an attempt to redress imbalances in admissions, little is known about the criteria that predict success for minority students who enroll. American Indian medical students at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine were surveyed concerning quantitative and qualitative variables. They scored significantly lower than non-Indian students, but there was no difference in terms of traditional admissions criteria between the Indian students who withdrew and those who graduated. Students who withdrew were slightly younger, had more siblings, and had attended reservation schools. Problems noted by students included poor academic preparation, excessive family responsibilities, and encountering cultural misperceptions. An overview of these problems and recommendations for solving them are presented.