Hey Everyone!
Happy New Year!
Just chanced upon this forum and would like to contribute to it
I took my MCAT in June 2014, got my results in July (32), applied via the early bird application in September, got a slot for Applicant Day in October, and got my Acceptance Letter in November. I got the Financial Aid email 2 weeks back in December. Every thing happened so fast in less than a year, but it was a hectic one getting my Letters of Recommendations, studying for the MCAT and preparing for the interview while working at the same time.
I have a BSc(Pharm)(Hons). Graduated in July 2014. Only started research in Year 4 of my final year project. But I did it under a few renowned researchers who helped me to pen strong recommendation letters. I was also heavily involved in school activities, and my coaches and instructors helped me to pen letters as well. I would think that these letters hold quite a lot of weight, so choose who to write them wisely.
I think all in all, they want to see a well-rounded individual. One who excels in academics (as evidenced by your degree and the MCAT), research (as evidenced by your research experience) and extra-curricular activities (be it community work, sports, performing arts which should be long-term, not some ad-hoc activities). If you fall short in one, just make sure that another category is strong enough to balance it out. For me, I think I had a balance in all 3 categories. Not particularly strong in one, but neither weak in any too.
Applicant Day was probably a 5/10 on the stress-scale - it was rather easy-going. Don't be pressured to shout answers during the discussions (eg. Team LEAD) just because every one else is doing so. Instead, formulate some well-thought and structured answers that are succinct. Although the Ad Com says that everything else is not graded other than the interviews and essays, I'm pretty sure overall impression counts. So just participate like how you would in a normal classroom
As for the interviews, MD applicants like me would have 2 interviews. One should be a practicing physician (clue: look at the black Dr name tag they are wearing) and the other should be a scientist. I would think that their questions are nothing like the undergraduate Medicine interviews, but more of a get-to-know you session, and probably some of your opinions on hypothetical situations.
All the best for those who have yet to received your reply, or who are going for the subsequent Applicant Days!
For those who have accepted, see you in school soon
