This is interesting. One of the big sources of stress for students in pre-professional programs is that ever-present question, "will I get into med school?" The anxiety isn't unfounded since the national average for acceptance to medical school alone is 47%. Imagine how surprised (and pleased) students in the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics were when they learned that 100 percent of those who applied for medical school, dental school, veterinary school and physician's assistant school were accepted. "It was a great year for our applicants," said Dr. Chris McNair, dean of the school, "we had some exceptional students this year." I've never known Dr. McNair to have a penchant for understatement, but that's an acceptance rate at least double the national average (and three to four times when you add the acceptance rates for all of the disciplines).

I understand the hestitancy in blowing the school's own horn; there is the danger that prospective students will think they are guaranteed placement by coming to HSU. That's true anywhere. But, the folks at Holland must be doing something really, really well, because even exceptional students need outstanding undergraduate credentials to get into the medical disciplines. Congratulations to our pre-med (soon to be med) students! That's just remarkable!