2009-2010 Stanford Application Thread

[mdeast]

---

Members don't see this ad.

it's [email protected]

Thanks a lot!

 

[TheFreak]

Thanks a lot!

hey naijaba and mdeast - are LOIs supposed to go to dr. garcia or arturo? im going to have to get in on this action.

 

[Jolt21]

hey naijaba and mdeast - are LOIs supposed to go to dr. garcia or arturo? im going to have to get in on this action.

i was told everything goes to arturo. i thought he was the one that adds it to your file.

 

[Naijaba]

hey naijaba and mdeast - are LOIs supposed to go to dr. garcia or arturo? im going to have to get in on this action.

I addressed all of my updates to Arturo, but I'm sending a personalized letter to Dean Garcia. I'm going to send a brief Letter of Intent later on...but I'm not sure who to send that to, probably Arturo.

 

[mdeast]

I addressed all of my updates to Arturo, but I'm sending a personalized letter to Dean Garcia. I'm going to send a brief Letter of Intent later on...but I'm not sure who to send that to, probably Arturo.

I sent an update letter to Arturo and Greg Vaughn (with like activities/research updates). I'm gonna send my letter of interest/intent...whatever you want to call it...to Dean Garcia, but cc: to Arturo to make sure it's added to my file.

Apparently, it's Dean Garcia's job to move the waitlist...so he's the one you should be really trying to convince.

 

[TheFreak]

gotcha. thanks!

 

[mdquestion]

So I just got off the phone with one of my parents...and apparently one of her co-workers has an uncle who's a major PI at Stanford Med (physician-scientist). She told me to grab my resume/application and that if he liked me enough, he would probably be able to get me in off the waitlist...as long as I would absolutely commit to attending.

First, I find this unlikely that someone who doesn't know me could have any sway with getting me into a school and onto Dean's Garcia top-pile. Second, it just seems like a sort of back-door sleazy way to get in...and I'd rather just get in off of my own merits than my "connections".

I just told her I'd send him my resume and ask him for some advice rather than any sort of "help".

Thoughts?

 

[Naijaba]

So I just got off the phone with one of my parents...and apparently one of her co-workers has an uncle who's a major PI at Stanford Med (physician-scientist). She told me to grab my resume/application and that if he liked me enough, he would probably be able to get me in off the waitlist...as long as I would absolutely commit to attending.

First, I find this unlikely that someone who doesn't know me could have any sway with getting me into a school and onto Dean's Garcia top-pile. Second, it just seems like a sort of back-door sleazy way to get in...and I'd rather just get in off of my own merits than my "connections".

I just told her I'd send him my resume and ask him for some advice rather than any sort of "help".

Thoughts?

It really depends upon who the PI is and the structure of Stanford Med. If he has unusually strong power they may just take his word for it. However, I think the most likely situation is that they would ask him about how he knows you, and then you're in trouble if he says "he's my nieces' friend's son/daughter."

 

[alibai3ah]

So I just got off the phone with one of my parents...and apparently one of her co-workers has an uncle who's a major PI at Stanford Med (physician-scientist). She told me to grab my resume/application and that if he liked me enough, he would probably be able to get me in off the waitlist...as long as I would absolutely commit to attending.

First, I find this unlikely that someone who doesn't know me could have any sway with getting me into a school and onto Dean's Garcia top-pile. Second, it just seems like a sort of back-door sleazy way to get in...and I'd rather just get in off of my own merits than my "connections".

I just told her I'd send him my resume and ask him for some advice rather than any sort of "help".

Thoughts?

It's commendable that you won't take advatage of this, but I wouldn't be surprised if this PI has some sway over the admissions. Connections are a major deal at a school like Stanford (I know for a fact that it matters for undergrad). If I were you, I would still send it. It can't hurt.

 

[mdquestion]

It's commendable that you won't take advatage of this, but I wouldn't be surprised if this PI has some sway over the admissions. Connections are a major deal at a school like Stanford (I know for a fact that it matters for undergrad). If I were you, I would still send it. It can't hurt.

Yeah, I was gonna send it to him and just see what he thinks. I haven't gotten much of the details about who he actually is. I'm a very proud person, and I don't think I could stomach the fact that I got into a school I didn't belong at because of connections. I feel like I'd rather earn it the old fashioned way, or just get rejected and avoid wondering if I wouldn't have been able to get in on my own.

But, maybe I won't feel so proud in 6 months....

 

[wolfiemd]

gee wiz..i really want to go here...i know i know "join the club" haha

 

[pressuredrop19]

Yeah, I was gonna send it to him and just see what he thinks. I haven't gotten much of the details about who he actually is. I'm a very proud person, and I don't think I could stomach the fact that I got into a school I didn't belong at because of connections. I feel like I'd rather earn it the old fashioned way, or just get rejected and avoid wondering if I wouldn't have been able to get in on my own.

But, maybe I won't feel so proud in 6 months....

I don't know anything about your background, and I don't want to sound condescending here or anything, but having been out in the job market/real world for the better part of a decade I can say that many, many people are hired on the basis of who they know. It's usually a wise move - there is only so much you can glean from an interview and resume so if there's somebody credible vouching for them, it goes a long way.

If med school acceptances are anything like hiring practices, which I suspect they are, I would go ahead and use that connection and definitely not feel bad about it. There's no sense in feeling ashamed of working your connections. Firstly, they wouldn't have interviewed you, let alone accept you, if they think you're unqualified and you're going to struggle there. But, if they're considering you and you're AMCAS doppleganger(s), a connection would probably swing the adcom in your into your column.

Secondly, you can bet your ass that most other applicants are using their own connections. So in some sense, it's a level playing field.

 

[mdeast]

I don't know anything about your background, and I don't want to sound condescending here or anything, but having been out in the job market/real world for the better part of a decade I can say that many, many people are hired on the basis of who they know. It's usually a wise move - there is only so much you can glean from an interview and resume so if there's somebody credible vouching for them, it goes a long way.

If med school acceptances are anything like hiring practices, which I suspect they are, I would go ahead and use that connection and definitely not feel bad about it. There's no sense in feeling ashamed of working your connections. Firstly, they wouldn't have interviewed you, let alone accept you, if they think you're unqualified and you're going to struggle there. But, if they're considering you and you're AMCAS doppleganger(s), a connection would probably swing the adcom in your into your column.

Secondly, you can bet your ass that most other applicants are using their own connections. So in some sense, it's a level playing field.

I'd be cautious but at least send it out. I asked an adcom member who posts on here about a similar question, and this is what she told me:

"I just interacted with a colleague whose daughter was on the waitlist at UCSF. He asked me the same question. My general answer (there is nothing you can do) was somewhat affirmed when he tapped into a connection he had on that campus. The connection refused to get involved, stating that, in essence, committees are put off by ex-parte communication.

We assume that everyone on the wait-list is committed. It actually does anguish us that we fill up before we even see some very desirable applicants. But we strive to be fair by not opening our wait-list rankings to "persuasion", for lack of a better term."

 

[Question123]

I disagree that using a contact is useless because I think it definitely is on a school by school basis. While I do think that if you were to call this person, most like the PI would ask to talk to you for a while (get to know you, etc) before committing to vouch for you. That being said, I think you should use whatever help you can get (and I'm saying this sitting on the waitlist w/ nothing).

As a poster above stated, in the world of jobs, people frequently use connections and there is no shame in it. I once was hired for an internship solely because an alumni of my college sport felt strongly about recruiting people from that sport (yes, this was weird to me, but I didn't say "thanks but no thanks"). This really is no different than another recommendation and from a person who is closely associated with the school, so there is really no shame in reaching out.

In the end, I would say asking to speak with him and possibly gaining a recommendation as a result can only help. I doubt admissions will look down on you for it especially depending on the method by which the PI talks to them. It can only help, so go for it. That being said, I'd make sure you are 100% committed to Stanford above all else because you dont' want some one to go to bat for you and then say, "well, thanks but no thanks"...

Good luck!

 

[naijaboi]

I would use whatever connections you have available. Chances are that it won't make that much difference on whether you get accepted or not. A school like Stanford would accept a person from the wait-list that is similar to the one who declined their acceptance offer.

But you never know. My PI's mentor is a big shot at HMS. He emailed him after I sent in my application (and the guy promised to review my app himself). I got one of the fastest interview invites on SDN. He also emailed him earlier this month to update him on my progress and impress on him my desire to attend. Considering my success in getting interview invites and acceptances unassisted, I cannot say that this connection made all the difference. But I don't know that it didn't.

Surely, having a well-regarded academician recommend you is a big plus, even commendable no? If he is willing to vouch for you, that means he finds something in your application (and personality) that he likes. I doubt that he will offer his help (and to advocate for you) unless he finds you worthy.

 

[FutureDoc17]

Secondly, you can bet your ass that most other applicants are using their own connections. So in some sense, it's a level playing field.

Completely false. I don't know which "other applicants" you referring to, but most of us have morals.

 

[Naijaba]

Completely false. I don't know which "other applicants" you referring to, but most of us have morals.

I think the extent to which you should "use your connections" is through LORs. If a person knows your well enough then ask him/her to write your a letter of rec, but if the person only knows you enough to make a phone call, then they are probably out of line in doing so.

 

[mdeast]

I would use whatever connections you have available. Chances are that it won't make that much difference on whether you get accepted or not. A school like Stanford would accept a person from the wait-list that is similar to the one who declined their acceptance offer.

But you never know. My PI's mentor is a big shot at HMS. He emailed him after I sent in my application (and the guy promised to review my app himself). I got one of the fastest interview invites on SDN. He also emailed him earlier this month to update him on my progress and impress on him my desire to attend. Considering my success in getting interview invites and acceptances unassisted, I cannot say that this connection made all the difference. But I don't know that it didn't.

Surely, having a well-regarded academician recommend you is a big plus, even commendable no? If he is willing to vouch for you, that means he finds something in your application (and personality) that he likes. I doubt that he will offer his help (and to advocate for you) unless he finds you worthy.

Wow, you got into Harvard with a 33, 3.3? That's ridiculous!

I also get you and naijaba mixed up all the time on this board. Your SNs are so similar.

P.S. I wish Arturo would reply to emails with something longer than "Your application been updated"

 

[bookfreak89]

Completely false. I don't know which "other applicants" you referring to, but most of us have morals.

Obviously, you don't know that. You shouldn't generalize just to make your point (or persuade mdquestion not to send in his resume, 😏 ). Just a thought.

 

[naijaboi]

Completely false. I don't know which "other applicants" you referring to, but most of us have morals.

How is networking immoral? Would it still be immoral if OP was looking for a job?

Wow, you got into Harvard with a 33, 3.3? That's ridiculous!

Hmm, I'll take it as a compliment. It was the longest shot, but I applied confidently hoping that my other qualities would make me desirable enough to interview.

 

[qmacca]

Hmm, I'll take it as a compliment. It was the longest shot, but I applied confidently hoping that my other qualities would make me desirable enough to interview.

Well, I will offer congratulations on the HMS acceptance! As an applicant through two cycles, I think a great number of applicants fail to understand the importance of confidence and poise that must come across in both the writing and the interview.

It came up somewhere on SDN that the prevalence of electronic filing had essentially eliminated the need to apply early. In a similar fashion, having a database of applicants levels the playing field and improves everyone's chances at an interview, which tended to favor those with high GPA/MCAT scores or mile-long resumes.

Once interviews begin, it's an entirely different season (a postseason, really). Applicants then become judged almost entirely by their presence, motives, sincerity and similarly intangible qualities. Sure, general knowledge and experiences count tremendously, but having a deeper understanding and personal awareness of why you do what you do is immense. It helps the interviewer or admissions committee judge your chances of success within the program and may be the determining factor.

That's why a wildcard team with a 84-78 record that barely made the playoffs has an equal chance of winning the World Series as the team that outright won their division. They wanted it more. And the Yankees can't win it every year (although I wish they would).

 

[Naijaba]

Well, I will offer congratulations on the HMS acceptance! As an applicant through two cycles, I think a great number of applicants fail to understand the importance of confidence and poise that must come across in both the writing and the interview.

It came up somewhere on SDN that the prevalence of electronic filing had essentially eliminated the need to apply early. In a similar fashion, having a database of applicants levels the playing field and improves everyone's chances at an interview, which tended to favor those with high GPA/MCAT scores or mile-long resumes.

Once interviews begin, it's an entirely different season (a postseason, really). Applicants then become judged almost entirely by their presence, motives, sincerity and similarly intangible qualities. Sure, general knowledge and experiences count tremendously, but having a deeper understanding and personal awareness of why you do what you do is immense. It helps the interviewer or admissions committee judge your chances of success within the program and may be the determining factor.

That's why a wildcard team with a 84-78 record that barely made the playoffs has an equal chance of winning the World Series as the team that outright won their division. They wanted it more. And the Yankees can't win it every year (although I wish they would).

This is a well-stated post, but sometimes I wonder if HMS interviews for HST are that important. Maybe I'm egocentric, but I was very talkative, happy, polite, and confident at my interview and I wasn't even wait-listed. The rejection letter also implied that they received 900 applicants (as compared to the usual 700), and that they "just couldn't accept me" based upon the numerical caliber of the other applicants.

As further evidence to this fact, I haven't seen one SDN member with < 3.8 having been accepted to HST this year. I feel rather cheated out of a few hundred dollars worth of airfare because I prepared tremendously and was left with nothing. Again, maybe it's just egotism, but I said to all my friends and family every day since the interview "if I'm not at least wait-listed, then harvard just waist-ed my time." End of bitter comments : )

No matter, though...I still love Stanford more hahaha!

 

[mdeast]

This is a well-stated post, but sometimes I wonder if HMS interviews for HST are that important. Maybe I'm egocentric, but I was very talkative, happy, polite, and confident at my interview and I wasn't even wait-listed. The rejection letter also implied that they received 900 applicants (as compared to the usual 700), and that they "just couldn't accept me" based upon the numerical caliber of the other applicants.

As further evidence to this fact, I haven't seen one SDN member with < 3.8 having been accepted to HST this year. I feel rather cheated out of a few hundred dollars worth of airfare because I prepared tremendously and was left with nothing. Again, maybe it's just egotism, but I said to all my friends and family every day since the interview "if I'm not at least wait-listed, then harvard just waist-ed my time." End of bitter comments : )

No matter, though...I still love Stanford more hahaha!

I was one of the those 900 applicants and didn't even get an interview. So don't feel too bad 🙂 My HST essay was still probably the best one I've written this whole process...I was so proud of it and excited about the prospect. But alas, I think my numbers were also too low.

Stanford seemed way friendlier than I ever imagined Harvard being, so I'd probably be happier if I ended up there anyway.

 

[naijaboi]

I was one of the those 900 applicants and didn't even get an interview. So don't feel too bad 🙂 My HST essay was still probably the best one I've written this whole process...I was so proud of it and excited about the prospect. But alas, I think my numbers were also too low.

Stanford seemed way friendlier than I ever imagined Harvard being, so I'd probably be happier if I ended up there anyway.

I know people with lower numbers than naijaba who got into HST. Like the Dean of University of Michigan said, compiling a medical school class is like a jigsaw puzzle - everyone has to be different and they have to fit together.

If student A is similar to student B (and most candidates are similar) in their ECs, involvements, life story, etc, then you take the highest stat candidate. If you are somewhat of a "freak" like me, then you are already a lone candidate - and are competing mostly against yourself. You'll have to prove that you fit in. This is why the PS is so important.

I hope you get into Stanford and Upenn. You have been making it sound so good, now I am slightly regretting canceling my interview.

 

[Naijaba]

I know people with lower numbers than naijaba who got into HST. Like the Dean of University of Michigan said, compiling a medical school class is like a jigsaw puzzle - everyone has to be different and they have to fit together.

If student A is similar to student B (and most candidates are similar) in their ECs, involvements, life story, etc, then you take the highest stat candidate. If you are somewhat of a "freak" like me, then you are already a lone candidate - and are competing mostly against yourself. You'll have to prove that you fit in. This is why the PS is so important.

I hope you get into Stanford and Upenn. You have been making it sound so good, now I am slightly regretting canceling my interview.

You're right, I guess the bummer is not knowing what kind of "fit" the school is looking for before you go in.

 

[LSU Gladiator]

Hey Guys, any clue how much Stanford does to help the students from super-low income families? PM me with figures, if you know em!

 

[mdeast]

Hey Guys, any clue how much Stanford does to help the students from super-low income families? PM me with figures, if you know em!

Stanford does really well on the financial aid end of things (80k average debt at a private school is practically unheard of). If you're in a super-low income family, you'll probably qualify for the maximum grant amount: $10,000k/quarter. Or $30k/year the first two years and $45k the last two years (2/3 tuition scholarships). The rest should be covered by low-interest stafford loans, and I think Stanford has additional internal loan programs available to a small group of students. I'm not sure how living expenses will be paid for.

Coupled with the Med Scholars/Traveling Scholars Program (12k/quarter up to 6 quarters), up to 7k/quarter to be a TA during your second, third, or fourth year, and the 13 quarter max for paying med school tuition...I think you'll be in a great financial situation, very comparable to any state school.

Heck, if you did a year of research for Med Scholars...you get each quarter....15k tuition- 10k grant - 12k scholars grant = $0 tuition and 7k given to you for living expenses. That's awesome!

 

[oze]

gah - I'm trying to keep my hopes up for an outright acceptance but I'm already thinking of what to write in my LOI....le sigh...

 

[mdeast]

gah - I'm trying to keep my hopes up for an outright acceptance but I'm already thinking of what to write in my LOI....le sigh...

Good luck!

 

[mdeast]

Anyone else read about the match list this year. It's freaking ridiculous!

http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2010/march/match-0322.html

http://deansnewsletter.stanford.edu/archive/03_22_10.html#2

Only 90 applicants...but 7 in Derm, 7 orthopaedics, 6 rads, 6 opthamology. That's pretty darn impressive. Look at the programs they got into as well!

About 75% of students matched in California or Massachusetts. But there were 15 state represented.

 

[pelliper]

gah, waitlisted

 

[oze]

gah, waitlisted

hey, still got a shot! when did you interview?

 

[Question123]

hey, still got a shot! when did you interview?

Just a head's up to anyone who is writing an update post interview or decision. I wrote one to Dean Garcia and he writes back, so it gives some level of confirmation beyond "its been added to your file" that it has been seen. Goodluck!

 

[oze]

Just a head's up to anyone who is writing an update post interview or decision. I wrote one to Dean Garcia and he writes back, so it gives some level of confirmation beyond "its been added to your file" that it has been seen. Goodluck!

Did you snail mail one to Dr. Garcia + staff or just Dr. Garcia?

 

[mdeast]

Did you snail mail one to Dr. Garcia + staff or just Dr. Garcia?

I think email is preferred. I'm interested to hear. I was gonna maybe cc: arturo. Actually have mine written up...editing it to send out later this week. I'm so nervous about it! Haha.

But it's good to hear Dean Garcia acknowledges you.

 

[wolfiemd]

i was contemplating putting the lyrics to that grease song that goes "you're the one that i want" at the end of my letter...i wonder how they would've taken that..

 

[Naijaba]

Just a head's up to anyone who is writing an update post interview or decision. I wrote one to Dean Garcia and he writes back, so it gives some level of confirmation beyond "its been added to your file" that it has been seen. Goodluck!

That's great! Somehow it made me feel warm and tingly inside...and I haven't even sent my letter yet hahaha...just knowing that he'll respond.

 

[StanfordStudent]

Hey all!! Just coming back from Finals/Spring Break, and thought I'd come on here and see how people are doing! Congrats to all accepted, and good luck for those on the waitlist or just interviewed! And for those rejected, I'm sorry the letter was so crappy, I'll let them know to see if we can at least make it more appreciative of the time/effort it took to apply and your accomplishments, but I hope you are happy in the places you did get in! 😍 Lemme know if people have any questions, I went through a few posts though and tried to pick out a few:

meh - I'm interviewing the 23rd - I dont think they'd invite us just to interview for a waitlist spot.

They would absolutely not interview for a waitlist spot, the turn around will be much faster though, so you might actually hear before second look (though I don't know how much in advance, hopefully it won't be too tight to make arrangments to come out)

Does Stanford actually have an official MD/MBA program? I don't see it on the website as an official program, but it does have the phrase "Students may venture to other Stanford schools to obtain an MBA or a JD."

I have this feeling I'm going to have to apply separately and be judged based on my business experience rather than just sneaking my way in via the MD joint degree route 🙁

Unfortunately you do have to apply separately, but there is a joint program where it only takes 1 year additional to get your MBA, and then the second year is worked into your electives. Although you can't sneak in, I will say the med student acceptance rate so far is 100%, and I'm actually thinking of applying and terrified I'll be the first person ever to be rejected, but I think that figure at least shows how competitive you will be applying and you will not be only considered for business experience.

I was wondering if any current students might be able to comment on the quality of clinical education at Stanford. What's Stanford hospital like...how does it compare to other places you've worked as a pre-med, etc.? The one thing I didn't really get a good sense of from the interview day was really what the places where students dp most of their rotations are like. Energetic, crazy atmosphere, or kind of sleepy, subdued in comparison to urban hospitals? Professors really into teaching med students, or more concerned about residents?

Hopefully a 3rd/just matched 4th year will come on and answer with more authority, but in the meantime, I'll just say there is a huge focus on clinical education here starting even in the first year. I myself am heavily involved in the free clinic, and also have learned a lot of clinical skills that I didn't think we'd learn so soon. We just started pediatric exams today. From what I hear, med students are much higher on the totem pole at Stanford than other places, and students rotating through sometimes feel bad for the residents because of how much focus is put on med students. In terms of the atmosphere, I really can't comment on that, but would just like to point out that the population that Stanford serves is much larger than most urban areas because the county is so large, so I doubt it is subdued.

I hope I didn't miss any questions that might be helpful for a current student to answer, but if I did, feel free to PM me or repost it. Hope to see some of you guys at second look!!! I'm busy planning a party for you guys (so if you're not wasted, or for those that don't drink, just drunk off of fun and happiness of being at Stanford, then you have me to blame).

 

[mdeast]

Hey all!! Just coming back from Finals/Spring Break, and thought I'd come on here and see how people are doing! Congrats to all accepted, and good luck for those on the waitlist or just interviewed! And for those rejected, I'm sorry the letter was so crappy, I'll let them know to see if we can at least make it more appreciative of the time/effort it took to apply and your accomplishments, but I hope you are happy in the places you did get in! 😍 Lemme know if people have any questions, I went through a few posts though and tried to pick out a few:



They would absolutely not interview for a waitlist spot, the turn around will be much faster though, so you might actually hear before second look (though I don't know how much in advance, hopefully it won't be too tight to make arrangments to come out)



Unfortunately you do have to apply separately, but there is a joint program where it only takes 1 year additional to get your MBA, and then the second year is worked into your electives. Although you can't sneak in, I will say the med student acceptance rate so far is 100%, and I'm actually thinking of applying and terrified I'll be the first person ever to be rejected, but I think that figure at least shows how competitive you will be applying and you will not be only considered for business experience.



Hopefully a 3rd/just matched 4th year will come on and answer with more authority, but in the meantime, I'll just say there is a huge focus on clinical education here starting even in the first year. I myself am heavily involved in the free clinic, and also have learned a lot of clinical skills that I didn't think we'd learn so soon. We just started pediatric exams today. From what I hear, med students are much higher on the totem pole at Stanford than other places, and students rotating through sometimes feel bad for the residents because of how much focus is put on med students. In terms of the atmosphere, I really can't comment on that, but would just like to point out that the population that Stanford serves is much larger than most urban areas because the county is so large, so I doubt it is subdued.

I hope I didn't miss any questions that might be helpful for a current student to answer, but if I did, feel free to PM me or repost it. Hope to see some of you guys at second look!!! I'm busy planning a party for you guys (so if you're not wasted, or for those that don't drink, just drunk off of fun and happiness of being at Stanford, then you have me to blame).

Any idea on waitlist movement this year? Is second-look weekend packed with acceptees?

 

[StanfordStudent]

Any idea on waitlist movement this year? Is second-look weekend packed with acceptees?

No clue about waitlist movement, sorry. It is 1) really early to tell probably, and 2) they wouldn't trust me with such information anyhow because I'd come blab it on SDN ;-).

In terms of second look, I have no idea if it is packed. I think typical attendance every year is around 60 people, so we're planning for the same. People were asked to RSVP by April 1 so numbers aren't final, but no one has given me a signal that it is atypical. I know we're also competing with I think Wash U and Hopkins second looks. Though I'm not sure what would bode better for waitlist. I would think high second look attendance since that means more people aren't sure and are in the place to pick between 2 or more schools (or would it be low, because that means people aren't considering Stanford anymore). Who knows ;-).

Either way, hang in there! There will undoubtedly be some waitlist movement. Good luck!!!!!! I really like it when people who has Stanford as a first choice come here. It helps instill school pride ;-).

 

[loomis]

I was wondering if any current students might be able to comment on the quality of clinical education at Stanford. What's Stanford hospital like...how does it compare to other places you've worked as a pre-med, etc.? The one thing I didn't really get a good sense of from the interview day was really what the places where students dp most of their rotations are like. Energetic, crazy atmosphere, or kind of sleepy, subdued in comparison to urban hospitals? Professors really into teaching med students, or more concerned about residents?

hi there, i've written about this in previous threads (just search under my username) but take home message...the clinical training was terrific for med students. you see a variety of pathology in both big tertiary places (stanford) as well as down and dirty community hospitals (valley) and private bread and butter community (kaiser). many top hospitals are more resident/fellow focused and don't really care much at all about the annoying med student who will slow the whole service down 🙂 not so at stanford (where i can proudly say as med students we put many a surgical service to a grinding halt with our long winded presentations....and the residents/attendings were so patient with us and took it in stride) i think the big thing with stanford is that med students do a LOT more than the average med students at other hospitals (well i can only speak for the mgh/brigham/hms system). as a med student i was able to do lots of procedures and actually "owned" my patients my third year compared to the third year med students that i've seen at my institution for residency. ** caveat is that 4th year as a subi, most hospitals will have you doing much more so that's not unique to stanford at all. i felt like something was really wrong in the universe because i was able to get an outstanding clinical education while enjoying the bay area and having a great quality of life. i was at stanford the days of all pass/fail though so i don't know how things change with the new grading system. but overall.... i sometimes wonder what the hell i was thinking leaving the stanford bubble! 🙂 good luck!
-a former drinker of the stanford kool-aid.

 

[mdeast]

No clue about waitlist movement, sorry. It is 1) really early to tell probably, and 2) they wouldn't trust me with such information anyhow because I'd come blab it on SDN ;-).

In terms of second look, I have no idea if it is packed. I think typical attendance every year is around 60 people, so we're planning for the same. People were asked to RSVP by April 1 so numbers aren't final, but no one has given me a signal that it is atypical. I know we're also competing with I think Wash U and Hopkins second looks. Though I'm not sure what would bode better for waitlist. I would think high second look attendance since that means more people aren't sure and are in the place to pick between 2 or more schools (or would it be low, because that means people aren't considering Stanford anymore). Who knows ;-).

Either way, hang in there! There will undoubtedly be some waitlist movement. Good luck!!!!!! I really like it when people who has Stanford as a first choice come here. It helps instill school pride ;-).

Yeah, maybe I should have sounded more cheerleader-y on interview day...cause my friends can attest that all I talked about last June was how awesome it would be if I got into Stanford. Everyone on interview day seemed to doubt I wanted to attend because I've spent most of my life on the East Coast...despite my persistent efforts to move to the Bay Area since graduating from college 2 years ago.

I had been thinking Penn might be my first choice a few weeks ago (and I do love it here), but in writing my letter to Dean Garcia I was reminded of my absolute love affair with Stanford. Thanks for the luck! I know I'll need it 🙂

 

[mdeast]

hi there, i've written about this in previous threads (just search under my username) but take home message...the clinical training was terrific for med students. you see a variety of pathology in both big tertiary places (stanford) as well as down and dirty community hospitals (valley) and private bread and butter community (kaiser). many top hospitals are more resident/fellow focused and don't really care much at all about the annoying med student who will slow the whole service down 🙂 not so at stanford (where i can proudly say as med students we put many a surgical service to a grinding halt with our long winded presentations....and the residents/attendings were so patient with us and took it in stride) i think the big thing with stanford is that med students do a LOT more than the average med students at other hospitals (well i can only speak for the mgh/brigham/hms system). as a med student i was able to do lots of procedures and actually "owned" my patients my third year compared to the third year med students that i've seen at my institution for residency. ** caveat is that 4th year as a subi, most hospitals will have you doing much more so that's not unique to stanford at all. i felt like something was really wrong in the universe because i was able to get an outstanding clinical education while enjoying the bay area and having a great quality of life. i was at stanford the days of all pass/fail though so i don't know how things change with the new grading system. but overall.... i sometimes wonder what the hell i was thinking leaving the stanford bubble! 🙂 good luck!
-a former drinker of the stanford kool-aid.

Thanks! That was very helpful. The only thing I could complain about interview day was that I really didn't get a chance to get that question answered. All the students were M1 and M2s, Greg Vaughn didn't seem to have a good perspective, and my faculty interviewer was new and hadn't really taught medical students yet...so I never really got a good sense at how good the 3rd/4th year training was.

Gosh, i post on this thread too much. lol.

 

[oze]

Gosh, i post on this thread too much. lol.

😀

naaaahh

at least you have insightful things to say

I just go "ZoooooMMMGG Stanford!!!!!!!!1111"

 

[wolfiemd]

😀

naaaahh

at least you have insightful things to say

I just go "ZoooooMMMGG Stanford!!!!!!!!1111"

eloquent in its brevity, oze

 

[hanjg]

Are they done with interview invites? I had read that they were ending invites earlier than in the past. If so, I need to close this book. 😉

 

[mdeast]

Are they done with interview invites? I had read that they were ending invites earlier than in the past. If so, I need to close this book. 😉

Pretty sure next week is the last week of interviews, so barring any strange circumstances, I'd say interview invites are probably over.

 

[hanjg]

Well, then. My reject letter is probably in the mail. Thanks.

 

[LSU Gladiator]

Hopefully a 3rd/just matched 4th year will come on and answer with more authority, but in the meantime, I'll just say there is a huge focus on clinical education here starting even in the first year. I myself am heavily involved in the free clinic, and also have learned a lot of clinical skills that I didn't think we'd learn so soon. We just started pediatric exams today. From what I hear, med students are much higher on the totem pole at Stanford than other places, and students rotating through sometimes feel bad for the residents because of how much focus is put on med students. In terms of the atmosphere, I really can't comment on that, but would just like to point out that the population that Stanford serves is much larger than most urban areas because the county is so large, so I doubt it is subdued.
QUOTE]


On my interview day, it seemed as though many of the clinical experiences at Stanford involved non-english speaking patients and translators. Is that the case? Do you think a non-spanish speaking medical student would be benefitted in this environent as much as if he were to spend his clinical clerkship years at, say SFGH?

 

[mdeast]

Hopefully a 3rd/just matched 4th year will come on and answer with more authority, but in the meantime, I'll just say there is a huge focus on clinical education here starting even in the first year. I myself am heavily involved in the free clinic, and also have learned a lot of clinical skills that I didn't think we'd learn so soon. We just started pediatric exams today. From what I hear, med students are much higher on the totem pole at Stanford than other places, and students rotating through sometimes feel bad for the residents because of how much focus is put on med students. In terms of the atmosphere, I really can't comment on that, but would just like to point out that the population that Stanford serves is much larger than most urban areas because the county is so large, so I doubt it is subdued.
QUOTE]


On my interview day, it seemed as though many of the clinical experiences at Stanford involved non-english speaking patients and translators. Is that the case? Do you think a non-spanish speaking medical student would be benefitted in this environent as much as if he were to spend his clinical clerkship years at, say SFGH?

While I think it's helpful, its definitely not required. I'm sure Stanford has a medical spanish course just like every other medical school if you're interested...but yes there are translators, and you'll pick up a little spanish regardless just by being around patients so much. I'm hoping to organize a trip to Spain this summer on the pre-medical school endless vacationing...I'm really rusty and hope to get my own Spanish back no matter where I end up for school.

On another note, sent my letter to Dean Garcia this morning. How long does it take for him to reply back? So nervous about this waitlist, I'm guessing I should really just put Stanford out of my mind. But I just loved it so much.