How to best answer this question?

[dudestheman90]

I

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[MaxillofacialMN]

I see you also applied to another professional program. Can you tell us about that and how you also came to apply to podiatry school?

-Let's say you also applied to dental or PT school or something else also, how can you best answer this question?

Also let's say you were asked...What would you do if you don't get into podiatry school this year?

If you don't get in: "I will apply again next year, and the year after that. I will take higher level science courses and ace them. I will shadow more pods, and do more volunteerism. Podiatry is my dream."

 

[Ferocity]

I see you also applied to another professional program. Can you tell us about that and how you also came to apply to podiatry school?

-Let's say you also applied to dental or PT school or something else also, how can you best answer this question?

Also let's say you were asked...What would you do if you don't get into podiatry school this year?

I would reply to that with: Let's be serious here...

 

[dudestheman90]

If you don't get in: "I will apply again next year, and the year after that. I will take higher level science courses and ace them. I will shadow more pods, and do more volunteerism. Podiatry is my dream."

Thanks for your reply but what if re-applying isn't an option. I kinda feel like that's basically telling them, oh it's okay for you not to accept me this year, i'll try again next year. Since your spending a lot of money on apps and traveling to interviews your obv. trying to get accepted now, not later. Esp. if your already enrolled in a professional program, a person can't simply drop what he's currently doing unless he get's an acceptance letter from a pod school.

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

Thanks for your reply but what if re-applying isn't an option. I kinda feel like that's basically telling them, oh it's okay for you not to accept me this year, i'll try again next year. Since your spending a lot of money on apps and traveling to interviews your obv. trying to get accepted now, not later. Esp. if your already enrolled in a professional program, a person can't simply drop what he's currently doing unless he get's an acceptance letter from a pod school.

Then you defer to what Ferocity said. Lol.

This question realistically won't get asked of you, but your best bet is to tell them that podiatry is your dream and that you will keep trying. This question isn't to determine whether or not they will get you next cycle but rather to see if you say, "Well, if I don't get in I'll probably apply to medical school which is my real dream." or, "I'll probably work for my dad at the bakery he owns. I love that place and it's always been a dream of mine to be a baker." Well then why are you applying to pod school? That question is not designed for them to see if they will skip you over, but rather to see what your heart desires.

 

[dudestheman90]

Then you defer to what Ferocity said. Lol.

This question realistically won't get asked of you, but your best bet is to tell them that podiatry is your dream and that you will keep trying. This question isn't to determine whether or not they will get you next cycle but rather to see if you say, "Well, if I don't get in I'll probably apply to medical school which is my real dream." or, "I'll probably work for my dad at the bakery he owns. I love that place and it's always been a dream of mine to be a baker." Well then why are you applying to pod school? That question is not designed for them to see if they will skip you over, but rather to see what your heart desires.

Thanks for clarifying. you make a good point. Now if your asked why have u considered podiatry if you applied to other professional programs what would you say?

 

[hughesn2]

"I would reply to that with: Let's be serious here" that gets you an immediate, "GET THE F**K OUT OF HERE" but funny anyways

Make sure that guy from the University of Michigan kid doesn't see this b/c he'll be a typical Wolverine and act like he knows everything and says some crap like "Find out the answer by yourself"

For the: "Why Podiatry" question, my answer is more past experience
--ANSWER I have been interested in the medical field ever since I was in middle school. But I first became interested in podiatry after I was diagnosed with Plantar fasciitis in 8th grade. I realized at this moment that the essential needs for a podiatrist. It occurred to me that since I had past acquaintances with some podiatrist that it would be great to get to know their profession over the years. Speaking with my podiatrist from back home and being a family friend he has graciously taken the time to help me ever since I became pre-professional. From what I have seen from him, it is a field that there is always more to learn. He continues to discover new state of the art technology in treatments and better ways to help his patients. The foot is one of the most important body parts that are neglected. Ever since 8th grade I have been much interested in the field of this healthcare compared to any other field of medicine.

For the question "D.O. vs. DPM"
---ANSWER: Like I have said previously. When I was diagnosed with Plantar fasciitis in both of my heels I realized that the specialist at my podiatrist’s office were the best at what they do. I feel as if spending 4 yrs to specialize in learning the most you can about the foot and ankle is a great need for the society. I have always been a passionate person and always want to help out anyone that I can. I believe that being a podiatrist shows more autonomy than an MD will use, in that you can make a diagnosis and act on it, including prescribing certain drugs. There is also the opportunity to specialize in areas such as diabetes, rheumatology, children and sports injuries. I have shadowed/worked under both titles and I have noticed that I believe that I know more about the field of podiatry. I can say that throughout college I have never wanted to be a D.O or MD over a podiatrist. In my eyes, many people do not. If someone goes into an MD or D.O.’s office with an ankle or foot injury they would most likely send them to us, a podiatrist, since they are specialized just in the foot and ankle. A graduate of podiatric medical school receives a doctoral degree of podiatric medicine, or a DPM. This degree certifies the graduate to be a complete and specialized physician of the foot and ankle.

or

As an undergraduate student, I knew that I wanted a career in healthcare, but I was not sure which aspect of healthcare would interest me the most. I shadowed several different doctors, including an internist, an otolaryngologist, and an orthopedic surgeon. I also shadowed a dentist and a pharmacist, and worked in a research lab with a microbiologist. I had lots of experiences with all kinds of healthcare professionals, but my decision to apply to podiatry school came after shadowing a podiatrist. It was truly a great experience. The podiatrist that I shadowed was the most willing of any of the professionals to have me come to work with him for a day. In fact, I ended up going back several times to see various procedures, including both clinical and surgical operations.

 

[hughesn2]

You could also just say that you needed a backup plan if Podiatry school didn't pan out. Even though the DPM people even know that Podiatry school is easier to get into than any other medical school

For the "If you didn't get accepted into Podiatry school" I would say something like:
--I would continue to take more science classes to further understand the human body and excel at my best at more classes. During this time I would engage in shadowing another podiatrist to further gain knowledge in the practice of Podiatry. I would continue to apply year after year since my dream (or something on that lines) is to become a podiatrist. I do not believe that quitting is a way to succeed.

Or something on this line.

And then your reply to the guy answering your question makes it sound like your reply would have to be "Lets be serious"

You shot down the only reply that makes sense. You are making it sound as if you go declined by a podiatry school then you probably couldn't get accepted by any other medical type schools.

You ask a question and then shoot down the only logical response one could actually give to an interviewer. So what was the point if you already knew that the only good response is something you would never believe in.

 

[hughesn2]

Thanks for clarifying. you make a good point. Now if your asked why have u considered podiatry if you applied to other professional programs what would you say?

Try not to lie, but think about what they want to hear. And if what they want to hear is opposite of what you actually believe then this profession is probably not for you.

Like I have said earlier: Say something like "Podiatry school is my first option, but if podiatry school does not fall through I would like to have a backup plan. But if I were to be accepted into podiatry school I would drop any other acceptances and go straight to podiatry, since it is my true calling"

I think that is an ok response, but even they know that DPM school is easier to get accepted than any other medical profession

I already knew this, But it kind of surprises me that DPM schools can somehow find out if you applied to other schools. I feel as if it should be confidential of where you have already applied to.

 

[Robert De Niro]

I see you also applied to another professional program. Can you tell us about that and how you also came to apply to podiatry school?

-Let's say you also applied to dental or PT school or something else also, how can you best answer this question?

Also let's say you were asked...What would you do if you don't get into podiatry school this year?

I received this question during my interview at Kent, although worded a tad bit differently, and I just answered it honestly. My answer was I've known for a while now I've wanted to become a physician, and up to about this past year thought the only way to accomplish this goal was to become a MD/DO. I have an older cousin that I looked up to during undergrad who is a DO, so I tried that route first. After I was unsuccessful in getting into a DO program, I applied to a Caribbean MD school as a back up and actually got in. Around the time the school notified me of my acceptance, I had come across podiatry and started to research more on the profession and schools. I then came to the decision podiatry was a better fit for me as a future physician, allowing me to balance my time between clinical and surgical cases, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, sports medicine. That led to me turning down my acceptance to the Caribbean, and pursuing podiatry.

I know it was a long answer but it was the truth, and in the end I think the admission committee appreciated the honesty. To the OP, I hope this is the response you were looking for!

 

[dudestheman90]

I received this question during my interview at Kent, although worded a tad bit differently, and I just answered it honestly. My answer was I've known for a while now I've wanted to become a physician, and up to about this past year thought the only way to accomplish this goal was to become a MD/DO. I have an older cousin that I looked up to during undergrad who is a DO, so I tried that route first. After I was unsuccessful in getting into a DO program, I applied to a Caribbean MD school as a back up and actually got in. Around the time the school notified me of my acceptance, I had come across podiatry and started to research more on the profession and schools. I then came to the decision podiatry was a better fit for me as a future physician, allowing me to balance my time between clinical and surgical cases, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, sports medicine. That led to me turning down my acceptance to the Caribbean, and pursuing podiatry.

I know it was a long answer but it was the truth, and in the end I think the admission committee appreciated the honesty. To the OP, I hope this is the response you were looking for!

Yes thankyou, thats what i was looking for

 

[Robert De Niro]

Yes thankyou, thats what i was looking for

I don't mean to pry but I a little confused on your post history. A couple weeks ago you started a thread saying you are not pursuing podiatry anymore in favor for a research job in order to reduce contact with people, which is fine if that's what will make you happy. Then today you posted on another thread stating you applied to a handful of PA schools and would prefer that over podiatry, which again is great if that makes you happy. But now you started this thread on how to conduct yourself on what I am assuming would be an interview for podiatry?

Like I said I don't mean to pry but I'm just confused what you are trying to accomplish and what you want as a career (researcher, PA, or podiatrist?). I just gave what I considered a personal response to a question of yours, and I'm hoping my response is helping someone who truly looking for help, and not being received by some one who is "misleading" others on their true interest in Podiatry.

 

[whg342]

^ haha I'm a little confused as well. I just saw the OP's thread about not wanting to be a podiatrist, yet he's probably one of the most active users in the pre-pod forum.

 

[dudestheman90]

I don't mean to pry but I a little confused on your post history. A couple weeks ago you started a thread saying you are not pursuing podiatry anymore in favor for a research job in order to reduce contact with people, which is fine if that's what will make you happy. Then today you posted on another thread today stating you applied to a handful of PA schools and would prefer that over podiatry, which again is great if that makes you happy. But now you started this thread on how to conduct yourself on what I am assuming would be an interview for podiatry.

Like I said I don't mean to pry but I'm just confused what you are trying to accomish and what you want as a career (researcher, PA, or podiatrist?). I just have what I considered a personal response to a question of yours, and I'm hoping my response aided you in some way.

Oh, sorry i am working in a lab now until i start a professional program. the job is great but the pay isnt great, not bad, but it could be better. So i have to further my education so I can hopefully make a larger salary and the healthcare field seems to offer this. Yes, i did not intend on applying to podiatry if i got in to PA school. Yes, your response helped, thanks!

 

[Shinobiz11]

Make sure that guy from the University of Michigan kid doesn't see this b/c he'll be a typical Wolverine and act like he knows everything and says some crap like "Find out the answer by yourself"

The best answer is to search within yourself, and find out YOUR reason for pursing podiatry school.

If you can't make your own justifications for a huge decision like pursuing professional school, I think you should look into other fields. Don't ask other people why they thought pod school was/is right for them and copy pasta their responses. You should have your own goals and reasoning for pursing a career. You can't go off of others reasons for doing something. If you're not passionate about it and are just doing it because its the only post-grad school you got into, then just stop yourself right here and figure what you really want to do with your life. Also, like others said, you were saying a week ago how you don't want to deal with people anymore; sudden change of heart?

This has nothing to do with the University of Michigan. Please, I am not an elitist liberal punk like the the majority of the students in Ann Arbor. I actually go to the much-lesser known, Flint campus of the school. Forgive me if I was perceived as arrogant or rude in any of my previous posts.

 

[hughesn2]

The best answer is to search within yourself, and find out YOUR reason for pursing podiatry school.

If you can't make your own justifications for a huge decision like pursuing professional school, I think you should look into other fields. Don't ask other people why they thought pod school was/is right for them and copy pasta their responses. You should have your own goals and reasoning for pursing a career. You can't go off of others reasons for doing something. If you're not passionate about it and are just doing it because its the only post-grad school you got into, then just stop yourself right here and figure what you really want to do with your life. Also, like others said, you were saying a week ago how you don't want to deal with people anymore; sudden change of heart?

This has nothing to do with the University of Michigan. Please, I am not an elitist liberal punk like the the majority of the students in Ann Arbor. I actually go to the much-lesser known, Flint campus of the school. Forgive me if I was perceived as arrogant or rude in any of my previous posts.

Good! See! I like that answer!!!! I was just helping out. Listen to the Wolverine, GOOD answer...seriously

 

[rushrhees]

I see you also applied to another professional program. Can you tell us about that and how you also came to apply to podiatry school?

-Let's say you also applied to dental or PT school or something else also, how can you best answer this question?

Also let's say you were asked...What would you do if you don't get into podiatry school this year?

1. With regards to applying to MD/DO/DPT/DDS you always want to be honest, these people at these schools all know each other to some degree. If you are overtly asked as to if you applied to DDS/DPT or whatever you have to answer yes as if you are caught in a lie you have no chance of getting in. As to how to answer that question, you always want to say DPM is your primary choice. No professional school of any program will look well on if you tell them you are still testing the waters or using DPM as a back up, they want to know this is the one you want.
I would say "yes I applied to all as was looking into options, but further shadowing and research has shown me that DPM is my choice and I have since halted my DPT/DDS pursuits." There is nothing wrong with having a backup plan, and given that some schools take the DAT exam that is an overt statement in my mind we are fine with taking failed predental students.


As for a "What to do if you do not get in" I agree with the others, you keep shadowing, take more classes, bump the MCAT up and apply again as DPM is your thing and you are not giving up on it.