Anonymous Poster says said:
Did you have any fears going into the program? What was the biggest adjustment to going from grades to portfolio?? How would I know best If I could break away from the norm (being graded)?
Good question...
Yes - it was a big unknown. I had to have some faith that they, the adcom knew who I was (that I had been honest in my intentions and application), and knew what kind of person could succeed in the program. The biggest adjustment isn't the lack of grades, it is the portfolio system. I think it is important if/when you come for an interview to really try and understand and ask questions about the feedback system. I've been out in the "real world" and I am not gonna lie - it stung the first couple of times I received feedback from peers and professors I admired. Also, you learn quickly to sign your anonymous feedback to "keep yourself honest" because it makes you more careful in how you give others feedback. But rest assured - the process works.
How would you know if the program is right? I tell people flat-out:
Do
NOT come to our program is:
1) You live to set the curve in your classes
2) You love to compare grades with your buddies
3) You enjoy that feeling of knowing everything on the exam and not having to know anything else.
4) You cannot tolerate ambiguity from your professors (like expectations, vague questions, no syllabus, etc.)
And not related to this question but also
do NOT come:
5) Because you want the scholarship
6) Because you want to be associated with Cleveland Clinic
7) If you are sure you do not like research. Research is integrated into every aspect of your first two years. Almost every discussion includes recent research. This can be disheartening if you particularly do not want to know about the current theories or recent trials, or molecular mechanisms of a particular cell receptor.
...you will be miserable here if you do not heed my advice.
