Admissions

Computer Requirements for Incoming Students

ComputersThe Boonshoft School of Medicine uses state-of-the-art technology in the teaching process and, therefore, all medical students are required to own a personal computer with the capacity for using computer-based instructional materials. All of the instruction materials will run under either the Macintosh or the Windows platform.

The school's Medical Education Technology Group and Office of Student Affairs use the Macintosh platform, and we provide support to our students using that platform.

General support to Windows users is provided by WSU Computing and Telecommunications Services (CaTS), but CaTS does not support specialized medical school applications. The decision whether to purchase a Macintosh or Windows-based computer must be made by each student.

Most students choose to have computers with wireless technology capabilities. Wright State has a campus-wide wireless network that is free to use and accessible by anyone with a WSU account user name and password. For more information about the "Wireless Zone" on campus, visit the CaTS wireless site.

If you do not already have a computer that you believe is suitable for medical school and would like to purchase a new computer, your financial aid budget may be increased by up to $1,500 on a one-time-only basis to pay for it. This may be done at any time during your four years at the Boonshoft School of Medicine. Contact the Office of Student Affairs, Financial Aid staff for more information.

During the 2012-2013 academic year (January 2013), it is anticipated that computerized testing will move from the computer labs into the lecture halls. At that time, students will need a laptop with wireless capability in order to take and review their exams.  Exam software is supported on Windows XP and above or Mac OS X 10.6 and above.

The university has made arrangements with Apple Computer to provide special packages of recommended equipment at favorable pricing to our students. You may review and/or purchase packages from Apple at its online web store for Wright State students, staff and faculty at the Apple Store for Education.

Students who wish to purchase Windows-based computers may do so from any vendor. Some discounts are available through CaTS.

Software and operating system upgrades

Wright State University also has special licensing agreements that allow us to distribute a wide variety of software programs to students and employees. Software is provided either free or at a minimal charge. Available packages include the Microsoft Office suite, Windows and MacOS operating system upgrades, McAfee virus protection software and much more.

Check out the WSU software licensing page for details.

Shopping Resources

These e-commerce sites on the web do not offer specific discounts to Wright State students, but they can be an excellent source of product reviews, technical notes and price comparison information. Remember, be extra cautious whenever purchasing items over the phone or the internet.

Last updated: May 10, 2012