THE STUDENT ADMISSION TO MEDICINE (SAM) PROGRAM - FIRST STEPS TOWARD THE PAPERLESS PROCESSING OF MEDICAL-SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

The processing of applications for medical school is often time-consum ing and costly, given the large number of applicants and the relative scarcity of positions. Modern computer technology can be used to allev iate the laborious task of processing applications. At the University of Calgary (UofC), the admissions process has been streamlined through the use of the Student Admission to Medicine (SAM) program. The curre nt application procedure is largely paperless, using a computer data e ntry program that is mailed out to applicants for input of required in formation. The diskettes are downloaded on a database that converts gr ades of UofC standards. The database is then used to assist with the a dministrative details, statistical analysis, and reporting of results. SAM has made admissions processing more efficient and flexible. This paper describes SAM and its successful implementation in the Universit y of Calgary Admissions Office.