Ask me (almost) anything

[LizzyM]

Is that for better or worse?

And Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Holidays!

Unintentionally funny is almost always bad.

Imagine this written with a straight face.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=285834

Often exceptionally arrogant and/or clueless and/or cliche ridden.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[LizzyM]

Hey LizzyM thanks for taking the time to do this.

I was a junior transfer (from a private school) to one of my state colleges and so most of my extracurriculars are 1-2 years long. Will medical schools note that although these activities aren't 3-4 years, I got involved in them essentially immediately after being at my new school?

yes.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi LizzyM,

Thank you for taking the time to do this.

I haven't done too well in Organic (B/B+) nor Stats/Calculus (B+/B). However, I have A's in Endocrinology, Human Genetics, Physiology, Biology II, Biology Lab, Biochemistry, General Chemistry I and II. I also have an upward trend in GPA - 3.56, 3.83, 3.94...Do you think admissions will frown on the B+/Bs in Organic?

Yes, but it is often forgivable.

How much does the journal and number of publications matter? For instance, I have four first-author publications in press/in preparation...one in Academic Medicine...do you think the admissions committee will take note of the prestige of the journal?

You can impress some of the people some of the time. We are such a diverse group that there are few journals that everyone knows by reputation. We are clinicians, basic scientists, social scientists, bioethics and health law specialists, etc.

If you were nominated or sponsored for the Rhodes from your school, should you state this on your application even though you won't know about the outcome until well into the Fall semester?

It's ok, as long wouldn't feel bad about being asked about it and having to say that you weren't selected.

I also gave a TED talk. Do you think adcoms will recognize the TED?

Some will, some won't. Be able to explain it in 15 seconds.

 

[PantherPride]

I have the option of taking one of my pre-reqs, most likely Physics 1/2, at a local college(not as prestigous as my university, but not a CC, and the class will undoubedtly be easier than if I took it at my uni) over the summer. Will top colleges look down on this and prefer I take all my pre-reqs at my uni?

 

[poppie910]

Silly question, but what happens come match day and a resident isn't matched anywhere? Are hopes of being a practicing md/do shattered forever, even though you already are a md/do? That would be a horrible circumstance I would think...

 

[samsunimomo]

Is W in a prerequisite class considered a deal-breaker in competitive schools? How many applicants have Ws?

 

[GoZags]

Is W in a prerequisite class considered a deal-breaker in competitive schools? How many applicants have Ws?

I had a W in Physics, re-took and got an A and A- in lecture and lab, respectively, and I've had interviews. No acceptances yet but just thought I would share that with you

 

[LizzyM]

I have the option of taking one of my pre-reqs, most likely Physics 1/2, at a local college(not as prestigous as my university, but not a CC, and the class will undoubedtly be easier than if I took it at my uni) over the summer. Will top colleges look down on this and prefer I take all my pre-reqs at my uni?

Yes.

 

[NickNaylor]

Yes.

It's Christmas!

 

[LizzyM]

Silly question, but what happens come match day and a resident isn't matched anywhere? Are hopes of being a practicing md/do shattered forever, even though you already are a md/do? That would be a horrible circumstance I would think...

Highly unusual for this to happen... the day before the match announcement, there is the scramble during which med schools fax & phone around to programs that did not fill. That way, everyone has an envelope to open and no red faces and empty hands.

 

[LizzyM]

It's Christmas!

Have you ever heard of procrastination? I should be facing the breakfast dishes.... and I will.

 

[samsunimomo]

Is W in a prerequisite class considered a deal-breaker in competitive schools? How many applicants have Ws?

Sorry, but I think you skipped over me... I would like some insight on this.

 

[LizzyM]

Is W in a prerequisite class considered a deal-breaker in competitive schools? How many applicants have Ws?

GoZags provided you with his personal experience which rings true:

I had a W in Physics, re-took and got an A and A- in lecture and lab, respectively, and I've had interviews. No acceptances yet but just thought I would share that with you

A W or two doesn't always register when I look through an application. If there are several every year, that's another story. A 4.0 gpa with Ws is different than a 3.89 or less with a W or two. (the old "protecting the gpa" trick - we're on to it).

 

[CougarMD]

I would just like to say that I have especially enjoyed the Batman portions of this thread.

Thanks Lizzy

 

[libraryismyhome]

Question about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

I know that PPACA has been passed by Obama, Senate, and House and upheld by the federal appellate court. But Supreme Court is going to discuss the constitutionality of Individual Mandate in March 2012.

What happens if justices rule it as unconstitutional?
Can physicians provide arguments to justices to prove that it is constitutional?
If the law is passed, can physicians in organizations like AMA provide ideas to revise and supplement PPACA in the future?

 

[CaliforniaAppli]

What is going through your mind as you interview someone?
Are you assessing every little detail about the applicant?
I can see that its supposed to be casual on the interviewee end, but what exactly is the interviewer thinking during the entire interview.

 

[samsunimomo]

What do admissions think of prereqs through postbacs?

 

[LizzyM]

What do admissions think of prereqs through postbacs?

It gets the job done, particularly for career changers. What's not to love?

 

[k2on3hru]

Hey Lizzy,

Since you are still doing this...I guess i'll post some more questions.

1) I know you've said that you dont need to fill up all 15 slots and you've said that 6 is the bare minimum. What do you look for when it comes to extracurricular activities? I feel like most applicants will have similar ECs so if thats the case do you just look for numbers? and if two applicants have similar ECs and similar numbers...how do you pick which one to interview?

2) Other than making sure the applicant is what he clames to be on paper, what else do you look for? Im guessing personality...would you prefer interviewing someone who is very serious or someone who is a bit more friendly...maybe throws in a few jokes here and there? (I guess CaliforniaAppli pretty much asked the same question, but I kinda just want to know which personality is better)

3) Back to ECs, does cramming a lot of ECs to fill up slots during the semester before you apply look bad?

Thanks

 

[LizzyM]

What is going through your mind as you interview someone?
Are you assessing every little detail about the applicant?
I can see that its supposed to be casual on the interviewee end, but what exactly is the interviewer thinking during the entire interview.

What is the applicant's demeanor? Are they socially appropriate & making eye contact? Smiling and friendly? Easy to engage in conversation or is it like pullling teeth? Do they speak clearly, without filler? Is their vocabulary good and can they explain complex ideas in a simplified way for a non-expert? Is there an accent or other problem that makes it difficult to understand what they are saying?

Do they speak with sincerity or does it sound like a prepared, rehearsed script with no passion behind it? Are they rigid in their thinking? Are they flipflopping in an attempt to tell me what I want to hear? Do they bring up a negative comment about every topic raised?

And so it goes....

Are they arrogant, humble, self-effacing, or intense.

 

[LizzyM]

Question about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

I know that PPACA has been passed by Obama, Senate, and House and upheld by the federal appellate court. But Supreme Court is going to discuss the constitutionality of Individual Mandate in March 2012.

What happens if justices rule it as unconstitutional?

Then it will no longer be the law of the land. (Just as Roe v Wade voided state laws prohibiting abortion.)

Can physicians provide arguments to justices to prove that it is constitutional?

Yes, if the physician is also a constituional law expert.

If the law is passed, can physicians in organizations like AMA provide ideas to revise and supplement PPACA in the future?

Of course. Groups are always free to provide ideas for new laws or revisions of old laws.

 

[Stumpyman]

Does dual-enrollment in two colleges look bad? In my case, the courses I'm looking at are filled up and it'd be a bid relief to take them at a local 4-year institution.

Also, what number of transfers do you think is too many? I went from a CC to an average private school to a top 25. I didn't have any substantial reason to transfer that much, mainly just because my family was moving and I wanted to stay close by.

Thanks, and merry Christmas!

 

[LizzyM]

Hey Lizzy,

Since you are still doing this...I guess i'll post some more questions.

1) I know you've said that you dont need to fill up all 15 slots and you've said that 6 is the bare minimum. What do you look for when it comes to extracurricular activities? I feel like most applicants will have similar ECs so if thats the case do you just look for numbers? and if two applicants have similar ECs and similar numbers...how do you pick which one to interview?

I look for research because I'm at a top tier research school and that is something important to our Dean. I look for experiences of service to the poor, particularly the poor in the applicant's local region (either near school or near home). I look for at least one experience where the applicant was close enough to smell patients. And I look for applicants who have a little something more whether it is an interest in athletics, music, studio arts, journalism, a quirky hobby, etc.



Given that we pick far less than 50% for interview and given that it is always an up or down decision about each applicant individually, not head to head, I would bypass both cookie cutter applicants and look for people who have done something more interesting or who describe it in more interesting terms.

2) Other than making sure the applicant is what he clames to be on paper, what else do you look for? Im guessing personality...would you prefer interviewing someone who is very serious or someone who is a bit more friendly...maybe throws in a few jokes here and there? (I guess CaliforniaAppli pretty much asked the same question, but I kinda just want to know which personality is better)

What did the Genie say to Aladdin? "Be Yourself!"

As when you deal with patients, you'll need to take your cues from the person with whom you are interacting.

3) Back to ECs, does cramming a lot of ECs to fill up slots during the semester before you apply look bad?

Yes. But it isn't always a deal breaker.

 

[LizzyM]

Does dual-enrollment in two colleges look bad? In my case, the courses I'm looking at are filled up and it'd be a bid relief to take them at a local 4-year institution.

Also, what number of transfers do you think is too many? I went from a CC to an average private school to a top 25. I didn't have any substantial reason to transfer that much, mainly just because my family was moving and I wanted to stay close by.



Thanks, and merry Christmas!

Moving up the rankings always looks good, especially if you maintain a good gpa after moving to a more highly ranked school. Dual enrollment is fine if both schools are evenly ranked. Going down market looks like you are trying to take a course at an "easier" school although the reality is that a course at an "easier" school might not be easier.

 

[poppie910]

So, to clarify; its looked at negatively if student take an upper level course by going to a cc, but not looked at negatively if they attend cc for two years, say, for an associate of arts and then transfer to a univ? Why is that?

edit: it appears you somewhat answered my question in your previous post. Thank you.

 

[LizzyM]

Merry Christmas, one and all!

Be sure to check out the Elf on my Shelf.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=877807

 

[vayntraubinator]

Merry Christmas, one and all!

Be sure to check out the Elf on my Shelf.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=877807

+1 ..very creative

Thank you for answering my questions!

 

[ThePardoner]

might as well take a shot, read the first two pages, if a similar question has been answered then do redirect me, thanks

I did not start off college too fresh. After three semesters I am sitting at a 2.7 GPA. So far the red marks on my transcript =

A C in chem 1, Chem 2, and Calc 1
A D in organic chemistry
B's in physic 1 and 2

is time for me to flat out give up hopes for applying to any medical school with a name in the US?

 

[LizzyM]

might as well take a shot, read the first two pages, if a similar question has been answered then do redirect me, thanks

I did not start off college too fresh. After three semesters I am sitting at a 2.7 GPA. So far the red marks on my transcript =

A C in chem 1, Chem 2, and Calc 1
A D in organic chemistry
B's in physic 1 and 2

is time for me to flat out give up hopes for applying to any medical school with a name in the US?

Please post this in the "what are my chances" forum.

 

[Pisiform]

Hey Lizzy .... Are you done with the dishes or still procrastinating? Thank you

 

[LizzyM]

Hey Lizzy .... Are you done with the dishes or still procrastinating? Thank you

What are you doing here? Putting off MCAT prep?

 

[Pisiform]

What are you doing here? Putting off MCAT prep?

I hope not. Lol Thanks for making me feel bad. I am going back to studying .... Foreveralone.jpg

 

[flatearth22]

Hey Lizzy .... Are you done with the dishes or still procrastinating? Thank you

She has wifi in the kitchen. Duh.

 

[Assaivivace]

Hey Lizzy,

I was a non-science major all through freshman year, and changed this past summer (I'm a sophomore now) I had a W from 2nd semester Freshman year, and 2Ws over the summer in Bio 2 and Chem 1 (I was taking bio and chem to catch me up) because my grandfather had a stroke and I needed to go home to help take care of him. Just got my grades for this semester.. A in Anatomy, but a C in Chem 1 and a C in Psychology, because of the strain of my problems at home. At the end of 2nd semester sophomore, I only have a 3.16

However, I know those grades didn't reflect my abilities in those classes, but I calculated that if I get straight As from here on out I'll barely scrape a 3.6 (3.7 if I'm lucky). Should I stay an extra year and retake that Chem and Psych grade, or will Medical Schools look positivity at an upward trend from here on out, even if that means being in the 3.6 range, especially since this is my first semester as a science major, and I was home schooled throughout high school (so no AP/Honors opportunities), and have some unique experiences (research next semester, taking Gross Anatomy, fluent in Spanish.

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

 

[plumhill]

Hello! Thank you SO much for doing this, and I hope you've had a wonderful holiday season thus far.

When you have multiple candidates from the same school, do you tend to compare them to each other, or consider them on their own merit? So, for instance if you have 10 candidates from X University, are you only going to offer a certain number interviews, even if all 10 are extremely strong candidates compared to the rest of the bunch?

 

[LizzyM]

Hello! Thank you SO much for doing this, and I hope you've had a wonderful holiday season thus far.

When you have multiple candidates from the same school, do you tend to compare them to each other, or consider them on their own merit? So, for instance if you have 10 candidates from X University, are you only going to offer a certain number interviews, even if all 10 are extremely strong candidates compared to the rest of the bunch?

Each comes up objectively On the other hand, if you see 5 or 6 students fro the same school and none of the have a gpa >3.6, it makes you think that there might be less grade inflation there than at some other schools.

When we get to know specific schools, we tend to know the most common volunteer gigs that those students have and seeing someone who hasn't done any of those things -- or anything else -- is not going to look good.

 

[LizzyM]

Hey Lizzy,

I was a non-science major all through freshman year, and changed this past summer (I'm a sophomore now) I had a W from 2nd semester Freshman year, and 2Ws over the summer in Bio 2 and Chem 1 (I was taking bio and chem to catch me up) because my grandfather had a stroke and I needed to go home to help take care of him. Just got my grades for this semester.. A in Anatomy, but a C in Chem 1 and a C in Psychology, because of the strain of my problems at home. At the end of 2nd semester sophomore, I only have a 3.16

However, I know those grades didn't reflect my abilities in those classes, but I calculated that if I get straight As from here on out I'll barely scrape a 3.6 (3.7 if I'm lucky). Should I stay an extra year and retake that Chem and Psych grade, or will Medical Schools look positivity at an upward trend from here on out, even if that means being in the 3.6 range, especially since this is my first semester as a science major, and I was home schooled throughout high school (so no AP/Honors opportunities), and have some unique experiences (research next semester, taking Gross Anatomy, fluent in Spanish.

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Repost this in "what are my chances". I'm really no expert in this sort of thing.

 

[Soilworkgmbh]

Hey Lizzy:

I have an "Alcohol Bystander" Institutional action that I cited on AMCAS honestly and was forthcoming about everything that happened. Have you ever seen a minor student conduct violation be a deal breaker for acceptance for an otherwise well qualified applicant / had a good interview?

 

[NeuralNetwork]

LizzyM,

What is your favorite aspect of SDN?

 

[LizzyM]

Hey Lizzy:

I have an "Alcohol Bystander" Institutional action that I cited on AMCAS honestly and was forthcoming about everything that happened. Have you ever seen a minor student conduct violation be a deal breaker for acceptance for an otherwise well qualified applicant / had a good interview?

No. Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

LizzyM,

What is your favorite aspect of SDN?

Knowing that I've helped someone achieve a goal.

 

[MiracleforMD]

I have a question. Do you ever get discouraged when a majority of a large group of pre-meds ask such incredibly idiotic questions?

 

[jesse120]

What do you think is a good stethoscope for a med student?

 

[Truzzi]

How do you believe the political landscape will affect the medical industry for physicians in the following years? Do you believe there will be a comparatively limited freedom and sharp decreases in salary? Do you think medicine will be nearly as a "secure" career route?

 

[LizzyM]

What do you think is a good stethoscope for a med student?

I'm not a clinician, perhaps a medical student or resident or attending lurking here will help LizzyM out with a response to the question, "What is a good stethoscope for a med student?"

also

Would you recommend your students to take or self-study Cell Biology, Biochemistry and/or Genetics before they start medical school?

 

[LizzyM]

How do you believe the political landscape will affect the medical industry for physicians in the following years? Do you believe there will be a comparatively limited freedom and sharp decreases in salary? Do you think medicine will be nearly as a "secure" career route?

I don't have a crystal ball so it is hard to say how things will be into the future. However, I do suspect that physicians' freedom and salaries will decrease in the decades a head and that medicine will be a less secure career route as physicians continue a transition from small businessmen to salaried employees of large corporations.

 

[mauberley]

What do you think is a good stethoscope for a med student?

Something inexpensive, but still of decent quality. I don't see a need for a fancy stethoscope right away that you'd be afraid of losing (and I definitely crave a Cardiology III). I see Littmans most frequently. The Classic II SE would be decent enough. You can get a better one when the need arises.

Of course, if someone else is footing the bill, by all means go nuts.

Would you recommend your students to take or self-study Cell Biology, Biochemistry and/or Genetics before they start medical school? Thanks

Whatever exposure you had to those topics from your prerequisites should be enough. If you don't consider yourself as being strong in those areas or being able to pick it up on the fly when school starts, it doesn't hurt to brush up on it.

 

[jesse120]

Something inexpensive, but still of decent quality. I don't see a need for a fancy stethoscope right away that you'd be afraid of losing (and I definitely crave a Cardiology III). I see Littmans most frequently. The Classic II SE would be decent enough. You can get a better one when the need arises.

Of course, if someone else is footing the bill, by all means go nuts.

Thanks, mauberley. I was considering buying the Cardio III (I'm buying it myself). There is obviously a substantial difference in price between the two you mentioned. Do you think there is a proportionately substantial difference in quality as well, i.e. is the Cardio III "twice" as good as the Classic II SE? Sorry if that's a stupid question, I'm just new to stethoscopes and want to buy one soon since I'm an EMT as well (the one I'm using currently is crap!).

 

[IlDestriero]

What do you think is a good stethoscope for a med student?

Welch Allyn Harvey Elite.

 

[mauberley]

Thanks, mauberley. I was considering buying the Cardio III (I'm buying it myself). There is obviously a substantial difference in price between the two you mentioned. Do you think there is a proportionately substantial difference in quality as well, i.e. is the Cardio III "twice" as good as the Classic II SE? Sorry if that's a stupid question, I'm just new to stethoscopes and want to buy one soon since I'm an EMT as well (the one I'm using currently is crap!).

I don't think there's a difference that we as medical students would be able to appreciate, at least not to warrant the additional cost. You'll get a lot of different opinions about that, though.