Candidates from wealthy homes or urban areas are more advantageously positioned to qualify for medical school in Japan.

BackgroundDetermining the bracket of the economic situation to enroll in a medical school in Japan is an arduous task for medical schools and educational administrations.Methods and FindingsA nationwide cross-sectional survey was utilized with an original questionnaire to identify factors advantageous for high school students seeking admission in a medical school. We sent a letter and questionnaire to the teachers in charge of career guidance at 1,746 high schools in Japan.A total of 1,094 responses were obtained. Of them, 66.8% responded affirmatively to the statement, "It is difficult for students in economically disadvantaged families to enroll in medical school," while 42.0% responded affirmatively to: "Some students gave up on going to medical school because they could not afford it," and 61.9% responded affirmatively that "students living in urban areas are more likely to go on to a medical department."ConclusionsMany high school teachers in Japan believe that students from wealthy families and those living in urban areas have an advantage in advancing to medical school. Consequently, many high school students give up on going to medical school for financial reasons.