Election Criteria

The ΑΩΑ Chapter at the University of Minnesota Medical School is a medical honor society that recognizes academic excellence. Selection of members is based on objective criteria primarily measuring academic performance. The top one-sixth of each class is elected (approximately 35 students) to ΑΩΑ. Election occurs at two different times, during February of the third year, and then again during October of the fourth year. Approximately one-fourth are selected as "Junior AOA" in the spring of the third year and the remainder as "Senior AOA" in fall of the fourth year.

Junior ΑΩΑ

Election is based upon points earned during the first two years, USMLE Step I scores, and grades in required clinical rotations¹ through the fall semester of third year. Students must complete at least two required clinical rotations by the end of fall semester to be considered. A clinical "grade point average" is used so that no individual is disadvantaged for taking fewer required rotations. The required courses taken on RPAP also count. For junior election, the formula heavily weights the basic sciences and the USMLE Step 1. A total of 150 points are awarded for each of the first two years, based upon the total points earned for each year. Whoever gets the highest number of points each year gets the full 150 points. Everyone else gets a percentage of 150 equal to the percentage of their point total relative to the highest score. This is true for students who originate in Duluth as well as those who begin in Minneapolis. Thus the top student from Duluth and the top student from Minneapolis will each get the 150 points allocated for the year. In addition to the 300 points awarded for preclinical performance, the formula also includes the actual Step 1 score, and points awarded for clinical performance. For junior ΑΩΑ 100 points are allocated for clinical performance.

Senior ΑΩΑ

Election is based upon points earned during the first two years, USMLE Step I scores, and grades in required clinical rotations¹ through summer semester of the fourth year.Four required rotations must be completed by this time in order to be considered. Overall, the clinical grades carry more weight for election of the Senior ΑΩΑ members. The formula for selection of senior ΑΩΑ only differs in the number of points awarded for clinical performance. For senior ΑΩΑ 400 points are allocated for clinical performance.

MD/PhD students

Finally, selection of MD/Ph.D. students, or students who decelerate is completed at the time they matriculate through the clinical years. Every effort is made to ensure that election into the ΑΩΑ Chapter at the University of Minnesota Medical School is based upon accurate data and objective criteria.

1. Ambulatory Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Medicine I and II, Neurology, Obstetrics-Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Surgery. Surgery subspecialties are not applicable for AOA eligilbity because they are graded pass/fail.