2017 Nontrad Applicants' Progress Thread

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Welp, I've got 11 secondaries in now, except I have to get a notary public to seal a form and then mail it in for one of them. So.many.hoops.

I think getting that one II that came in 2 weeks after I submitted the secondary for that school gave me the false impression that the rest of interview season was going to go like that, so now I'm panicking thinking that's obviously the only one I'm going to get if I haven't gotten any others yet.
 
beebreezy said:
Welp, I've got 11 secondaries in now, except I have to get a notary public to seal a form and then mail it in for one of them. So.many.hoops.

I think getting that one II that came in 2 weeks after I submitted the secondary for that school gave me the false impression that the rest of interview season was going to go like that, so now I'm panicking thinking that's obviously the only one I'm going to get if I haven't gotten any others yet.
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Every school has its own rhythm. one secondary i recieved within 2 weeks another within a week and the third 8 weeks after submission. It is a long season, dont let things you cant control get to you.
 
beebreezy said:
Welp, I've got 11 secondaries in now, except I have to get a notary public to seal a form and then mail it in for one of them. So.many.hoops.

I think getting that one II that came in 2 weeks after I submitted the secondary for that school gave me the false impression that the rest of interview season was going to go like that, so now I'm panicking thinking that's obviously the only one I'm going to get if I haven't gotten any others yet.
Click to expand...

Blah, Mercer made me do a notary public too, on a document to prove I was Georgia resident. Of course I am in Washington state at the moment so my notary says State of Washington on it even though I really am a Georgia resident. They swear up and down that it doesn't matter though.

Which School offered you an interview after 2 weeks. if you don't mind me asking?

I'm nervous about the interview thing too, I only have one invite, and I was super excited about that, but there are some people on here that have like 5. *Sigh*
 
wonder12 said:
Curious how you all approached the "What have you been doing since graduating?" questions on secondaries? My whole application is more or less describing what I have been doing since graduating since that was a long time ago! Maybe one day schools will reword this to accommodate for the non-trad. 😉
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THIS! So I may have sent an admissions office a question along the lines of, "For nontrads do you actually want us to try to explain everything we've done since college... or do you want a haiku?" I realize applying to medical school may not be the place for snark, but I hope I make someone at least smile while I pointed out the ridiculousness of their character limit.
 
cloud_wolfbane said:
Blah, Mercer made me do a notary public too, on a document to prove I was Georgia resident. Of course I am in Washington state at the moment so my notary says State of Washington on it even though I really am a Georgia resident. They swear up and down that it doesn't matter though.

Which School offered you an interview after 2 weeks. if you don't mind me asking?

I'm nervous about the interview thing too, I only have one invite, and I was super excited about that, but there are some people on here that have like 5. *Sigh*
Click to expand...
Edit. Sorry didn't realize you weren't asking me!
Edit. Sorry didn't realize you weren't asking me!
Wayne 2 weeks. I really think it's about fit. If you can spin your secondary essays to show fit it helps. Its either fit or numbers. It is still early in the cycle, some people haven't completed secondaries yet and interviews extend till after march. My first II was a DO school took three weeks. I also think you are lucky, lets be clear even recieving one II is an achievement. 40% of matriculants recieve one !
 
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Naruhodo said:
THIS! So I may have sent an admissions office a question along the lines of, "For nontrads do you actually want us to try to explain everything we've done since college... or do you want a haiku?" I realize applying to medical school may not be the place for snark, but I hope I make someone at least smile while I pointed out the ridiculousness of their character limit.
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I literally did a quick survey hitting up high points. I left out work or experiences that may not be pertinent for medical school. Honestly I hate writing so I am perfectly content with super short character limits. Less chance to piss some one off, let them focus on my polished primary.
 
libertyyne said:
Edit. Sorry didn't realize you weren't asking me!
Edit. Sorry didn't realize you weren't asking me!
Wayne 2 weeks. I really think it's about fit. If you can spin your secondary essays to show fit it helps. Its either fit or numbers. It is still early in the cycle, some people haven't completed secondaries yet and interviews extend till after march. My first II was a DO school took three weeks. I also think you are lucky, lets be clear even recieving one II is an achievement. 40% of matriculants recieve one !
Click to expand...
Lol im pretty sure more than 40% of matriculants receive an II.
 
cloud_wolfbane said:
Blah, Mercer made me do a notary public too, on a document to prove I was Georgia resident. Of course I am in Washington state at the moment so my notary says State of Washington on it even though I really am a Georgia resident. They swear up and down that it doesn't matter though.

Which School offered you an interview after 2 weeks. if you don't mind me asking?

I'm nervous about the interview thing too, I only have one invite, and I was super excited about that, but there are some people on here that have like 5. *Sigh*
Click to expand...
Yep, it was Mercer. I actually just mailed my notarized form yesterday and submitted my secondary I think Thursday, and I just opened my email to a II invite today. These Georgia schools seem to really be on top of things because the II I got 2 weeks post-secondary was MCG. I'm sure your next invite is just around the corner like mine was! As for the Washington thing, I'm sure it doesn't matter. They understand life is complicated and people move around.
 
beebreezy said:
Yep, it was Mercer. I actually just mailed my notarized form yesterday and submitted my secondary I think Thursday, and I just opened my email to a II invite today. These Georgia schools seem to really be on top of things because the II I got 2 weeks post-secondary was MCG. I'm sure your next invite is just around the corner like mine was! As for the Washington thing, I'm sure it doesn't matter. They understand life is complicated and people move around.
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Oh I hope your right, because I did a secondary for MCG too. The pathologist I used to work for went to MCG and really liked it. She also highly recommended the cheaper in-state tuition 😛 . She always griped that Emory wouldn't take her as a student, but she ended up being their lead pathologist for 15 years after graduating from MCG. *fingers crossed*
 
Do some schools send IIs via some sort of automated process? I submitted my secondary at a school on Thursday, received an email that my file was complete yesterday, and got a II invite today. I always thought a II meant you had a pretty good shot at getting in, but there's no way someone had a chance to really review my application in a couple of days over the weekend, I would imagine?
 
cloud_wolfbane said:
Oh I hope your right, because I did a secondary for MCG too. The pathologist I used to work for went to MCG and really liked it. She also highly recommended the cheaper in-state tuition 😛 . She always griped that Emory wouldn't take her as a student, but she ended up being their lead pathologist for 15 years after graduating from MCG. *fingers crossed*
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Yeah, MCG is really great. They're not the best at marketing themselves, but the campus is mesmerizing, and students regularly get top-notch residencies.
 
Soooo directly ahead of my first interview, I think I'm completely over thinking interview attire. I get that I could read all 50 pages of attire questions over in the main thread- lol- but was hoping y'all could shed some light as fellow careered up folks 😉

My question is, should I just be thinking of this as job interview attire and presentation? For a mid level type of position? Jacket and blouse? Clean and conservative? Conservative make up, neat hair?

Or should this attire be even more elevated than how we typically present at a job interviewt?
 
sammiesings said:
Soooo directly ahead of my first interview, I think I'm completely over thinking interview attire. I get that I could read all 50 pages of attire questions over in the main thread- lol- but was hoping y'all could shed some light as fellow careered up folks 😉

My question is, should I just be thinking of this as job interview attire and presentation? For a mid level type of position? Jacket and blouse? Clean and conservative? Conservative make up, neat hair?

Or should this attire be even more elevated than how we typically present at a job interviewt?
Click to expand...
I would check out the first page of Women's Interview Attire #4. All of the suggested guidelines are on the first page and super helpful!
 
I followed most of the guidelines on that page, but not all. For instance, I feel confident and authoritative enough in a blouse with a large print, with a very high-end but more casually shaped bag than they like, and in shoes of two slightly different types of shoes (flats they might consider "too casual"because of their fabric but I think are fine and heels for the interview portion with a subtle snakeskin pattern and shine). I think as a non-trad who has experience having to present yourself as "appropriate and professional," which is really the goal, you have a little more play than a 23 year old.

As far as general level, it's business formal, like you would present to a judge in a courtroom or give a presentation to a CEO of a large company - suits are pretty much required, as are business shoes. Conservative makeup and neat hair are appropriate.
 
sammiesings said:
Soooo directly ahead of my first interview, I think I'm completely over thinking interview attire. I get that I could read all 50 pages of attire questions over in the main thread- lol- but was hoping y'all could shed some light as fellow careered up folks 😉

My question is, should I just be thinking of this as job interview attire and presentation? For a mid level type of position? Jacket and blouse? Clean and conservative? Conservative make up, neat hair?

Or should this attire be even more elevated than how we typically present at a job interviewt?
Click to expand...
It seems like the common theme of advice is when in doubt take the conservative option.also be neat . Apparently adcoms can be really judgey.
 
I have noticed a variety of attire worn by women. At one of the interviews 90% of the women were in pantsuits in navy blue, black and gray. At the other it was 90% black skirt suits. Two women wore printed blouses. Many wore shells and many button down shirts. Some wore flats, other pointy heels but no heels above 3". I saw somebody who had a bit of edgy style but still a suit and neat. I think adcom a must understand that a lot of students don't have the resources to purchase the perfect suit. I also always wonder if the suit choice is somewhat representative of the application content.
I would agree that going with the conservative side of your style is better. But looking visibly uncomfortable in your attire by following every guideline in my opinion is not a positive.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
amber80 said:
I have noticed a variety of attire worn by women. At one of the interviews 90% of the women were in pantsuits in navy blue, black and gray. At the other it was 90% black skirt suits. Two women wore printed blouses. Many wore shells and many button down shirts. Some wore flats, other pointy heels but no heels above 3". I saw somebody who had a bit of edgy style but still a suit and neat. I think adcom a must understand that a lot of students don't have the resources to purchase the perfect suit. I also always wonder if the suit choice is somewhat representative of the application content.
I would agree that going with the conservative side of your style is better. But looking visibly uncomfortable in your attire by following every guideline in my opinion is not a positive.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
I always felt women have it though when it comes to dressing for stuff like this. There are Soo many different permutations for women's clothing. For men it's pretty simple: Suit, tie. Done.
 
libertyyne said:
I always felt women have it though when it comes to dressing for stuff like this. There are Soo many different permutations for women's clothing. For men it's pretty simple: Suit, tie. Done.
Click to expand...
You're way underthinking this. What color shirt? What color shoes? What style of shoes? What color tie? Solid or pattern? Which knot? Pocket square? What fold? Should I go with the classic, "match your socks to your pants," or the more stylish option of matching it to my shirt or tie? Does the metal on my belt match the metal on my watch and my tie clip? Is this tie clip overkill? Maybe if I go with a more subdued pocket square fold...


Seriously, though... I've always looked at it the other way around. Women have it easier because they have so many options.
 
Someone gave me this BEAUTIFUL red jacket that I really want to wear to an interview with black pants and a black blouse underneath, but everyone on SDN seems to think color anywhere besides the blouse is always a no-no. I think I'm going to do it anyway if I get any interviews post-acceptance somewhere else. I think it looks much better on me than my black and navy jackets and is perfectly professional-looking, especially since the collar is black and it's worn with black pants rather than being a Hillary Clinton-style monochromatic suit.
 
hurtem&healem said:
You're way underthinking this. What color shirt? What color shoes? What style of shoes? What color tie? Solid or pattern? Which knot? Pocket square? What fold? Should I go with the classic, "match your socks to your pants," or the more stylish option of matching it to my shirt or tie? Does the metal on my belt match the metal on my watch and my tie clip? Is this tie clip overkill? Maybe if I go with a more subdued pocket square fold...


Seriously, though... I've always looked at it the other way around. Women have it easier because they have so many options.
Click to expand...
I have to disagree.
To answer your male clothing questions:

Color shirt: White
Color shoes: Black or brown what ever is cleaner
Color of tie: Any without cartoons
Solid or pattern : who cares
Knot: Who cares
Pocket square: too formal
Fold: too formal
Socks: Who cares
Belt: Clean
Watch: dont wear it
Tie clip: Dont wear it


Women's clothing
Just by introducing additional alternative variables like heel size, skirt length, skin shown, purse, makeup, nails the complexity goes up exponentially. More decisions means more chances to make mistakes and higher level of fatigue in making all the decisions. Also society tends to be harsher critics of women and their clothing. An example was when a news caster wore the same coat for an entire year yet his co-anchor who was a woman was constantly the topic of conversation and criticism for clothing related issues during that time. Wearing a suit everyday for work i just wear whatever comes together that morning even for interviews and dont expend a lot of energy or time on it. I can see how that would be drastically different for a women.
 
Totally disagree! Light colored shirt, like with a dark blue suit go with a robins blue shirt. White looks awful. Shoes and belt have to match, and cognac or similar colors are good. The first thing I noticed and I'm not much of a fashion person (I literally live, work and lounge at home in scrubs) - was some of the awful shoes people were wearing, and the couple people with very ill fitting suits

Tie can be lots of colors, and pindot is the way to go. I can't stand solid, looks like highschool prom. Knot should be a half Windsor or full, depending on collar spread and neck size. No pocket squares, socks can be whatever, belt needs to match shoes, watch can be something unobtrusive, and tie clip is whatever you feel like.

Whatever people say, psychology says they will judge you by first impression and looks are a part of it. One of my interviewers actually made it a point to comment about my shoes because he was wearing the double monkstrap version of them.

I think rather than details however, looking clean and professional is key, and that can be accomplished a variety of ways. Being comfortable in what you are wearing is important too. If you never wear a suit, wear a few times before your interview. Wearing it for the first time when your going in is gonna only make you more uncomfortable and nervous. It's stupid that it matters, but some places it does. Often your being interviewed by older physicians, and that have a different perspective on looks, and you have to keep that in mind


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
mavric1298 said:
Totally disagree! Light colored shirt, like with a dark blue suit go with a robins blue shirt. White looks awful. Shoes and belt have to match, and cognac or similar colors are good. The first thing I noticed and I'm not much of a fashion person (I literally live, work and lounge at home in scrubs) - was some of the awful shoes people were wearing, and the couple people with very ill fitting suits

Tie can be lots of colors, and pindot is the way to go. I can't stand solid, looks like highschool prom. Knot should be a half Windsor or full, depending on collar spread and neck size. No pocket squares, socks can be whatever, belt needs to match shoes, watch can be something unobtrusive, and tie clip is whatever you feel like.

Whatever people say, psychology says they will judge you by first impression and looks are a part of it. One of my interviewers actually made it a point to comment about my shoes because he was wearing the double monkstrap version of them.

I think rather than details however, looking clean and professional is key, and that can be accomplished a variety of ways. Being comfortable in what you are wearing is important too. If you never wear a suit, wear a few times before your interview. Wearing it for the first time when your going in is gonna only make you more uncomfortable and nervous. It's stupid that it matters, but some places it does. Often your being interviewed by older physicians, and that have a different perspective on looks, and you have to keep that in mind


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
We can argue about the impact of being impeccably dressed has for men, however the whole point was women are in a more complex universe with exponentially more ways to **** up.
 
libertyyne said:
Color shirt: White
Color shoes: Black or brown what ever is cleaner
Color of tie: Any without cartoons
Solid or pattern : who cares
Knot: Who cares
Pocket square: too formal
Fold: too formal
Socks: Who cares
Belt: Clean
Watch: dont wear it
Tie clip: Dont wear it


Women's clothing
Just by introducing additional alternative variables like heel size, skirt length, skin shown, purse, makeup, nails the complexity goes up exponentially. More decisions means more chances to make mistakes and higher level of fatigue in making all the decisions. Also society tends to be harsher critics of women and their clothing. An example was when a news caster wore the same coat for an entire year yet his co-anchor who was a woman was constantly the topic of conversation and criticism for clothing related issues during that time. Wearing a suit everyday for work i just wear whatever comes together that morning even for interviews and dont expend a lot of energy or time on it. I can see how that would be drastically different for a women.
Click to expand...

You probably think a four-in-hand is an acceptable knot, too. Pleb.

You could apply that same logic to women's clothing, remove all their options, and come up with an equally as boring outfit for every one of them to wear.
 
I mean I am interviewing for medical school not America's next top Model school.
 
NonTrad16 said:
Clip-on bow tie. That spins. Appropriate and recommended for any gender.
Click to expand...
It would spin non-stop for him
carlson.jpg
 
NonTrad16 said:
Clip-on bow tie. That spins. Appropriate and recommended for any gender.


Congrats!
Click to expand...
Lol I know youre just joking but I feel the need to say.....
NO CLIP-ONS! EVER!!
May as well show up to interview in a tshirt with a printon suit. No class in clipons...
 
chrisjh said:
Lol I know youre just joking but I feel the need to say.....
NO CLIP-ONS! EVER!!
May as well show up to interview in a tshirt with a printon suit. No class in clipons...
Click to expand...
no body knows you are wearing a clip-on unless youtell them. No one knows you are going commando unless you tell them.
 
libertyyne said:
no body knows you are wearing a clip-on unless youtell them. No one knows you are going commando unless you tell them.
Click to expand...
There are very few clipons, in my opinion, that arent obvious..... i can almost always tell if someone is wearing them, and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Of course that may just be an aquired skill lol. During my time in the marine corps I saw countless people get their asses ripped open by a pissed off gunny or a BC who caught them wearing one. And then the whole squad gets disciplined for allowing them to wear one. You get pretty good at spotting them and policing your own.
The price of a peacetime drawdown lol.
 
mavric1298 said:
Totally disagree! Light colored shirt, like with a dark blue suit go with a robins blue shirt. White looks awful. Shoes and belt have to match, and cognac or similar colors are good. The first thing I noticed and I'm not much of a fashion person (I literally live, work and lounge at home in scrubs) - was some of the awful shoes people were wearing, and the couple people with very ill fitting suits

Tie can be lots of colors, and pindot is the way to go. I can't stand solid, looks like highschool prom. Knot should be a half Windsor or full, depending on collar spread and neck size. No pocket squares, socks can be whatever, belt needs to match shoes, watch can be something unobtrusive, and tie clip is whatever you feel like.

Whatever people say, psychology says they will judge you by first impression and looks are a part of it. One of my interviewers actually made it a point to comment about my shoes because he was wearing the double monkstrap version of them.

I think rather than details however, looking clean and professional is key, and that can be accomplished a variety of ways. Being comfortable in what you are wearing is important too. If you never wear a suit, wear a few times before your interview. Wearing it for the first time when your going in is gonna only make you more uncomfortable and nervous. It's stupid that it matters, but some places it does. Often your being interviewed by older physicians, and that have a different perspective on looks, and you have to keep that in mind


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

You need to look like you would look at a job interview. Unfortunately not everyone has the means or frankly the understanding of the finer points of fashion to buy a taylor fitted suit coupled with italian leather shoes. People have different tastes and expectations surrounding fashion and clothing. There fore dressing like "you" would dress for job interview is key. If you are wearing something and like you said feeling self concious or uncomfortable in it the interviewer will pick up on it.

Do you really think a person from a lower SES background will be wearing the same shoes as the attending conducting the interview?

Not that it matters,but I wear a suit everyday. I would not expect a person I am interviewing to have an astute fashion sense. I interviewed a candidate for a mangerial level job who was coming out of a blue collar position. I didnt dock points from his interview because he was'nt wearing an armani suit that was fitted by his tailor. That is crazy and unreasonable. I did however get a bad impression of him when he refused to answer a question correctly or had no humility when I asked him about a process that he worked on.
 
chrisjh said:
There are very few clipons, in my opinion, that arent obvious..... i can almost always tell if someone is wearing them, and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Of course that may just be an aquired skill lol. During my time in the marine corps I saw countless people get their asses ripped open by a pissed off gunny or a BC who caught them wearing one. And then the whole squad gets disciplined for allowing them to wear one. You get pretty good at spotting them and policing your own.
The price of a peacetime drawdown lol.
Click to expand...
I joke, no one should ever wear a clip on- Last time I wore one was in third grade.
 
Some of the fashion choices I have seen on the interview trail have been surprising, to say the least. Unbrushed hair, skin tight pants, v-cut shirts, bright purple flats, CAPRI PANTS! I don't think these decisions are based on SES..just common sense.
 
Some can be both. If you haven't had any exposure to an environment where you see people in business formal wear except when they walk to work, then you may pull your information from a lot of sources that may lead you down the wrong path, or at least a less conservative one. Unbrushed hair and capris don't fall in that category, but I can see a person whose sense of "lawyer wear" comes only from The Good Wife thinking a v-neck shell, bright shoes and even a skinny-cut pant falling into business formal wear. They're pulling these ideas from TV and magazines and how suits are displayed to sell, and all three of those things show up a lot.

I like to think I wouldn't have made that same mistake at 21, 22 and 23, but it's a lot easier to say now that I'm well after the fact.
 
mavric1298 said:
Totally disagree! Light colored shirt, like with a dark blue suit go with a robins blue shirt. White looks awful. Shoes and belt have to match, and cognac or similar colors are good. The first thing I noticed and I'm not much of a fashion person (I literally live, work and lounge at home in scrubs) - was some of the awful shoes people were wearing, and the couple people with very ill fitting suits

Tie can be lots of colors, and pindot is the way to go. I can't stand solid, looks like highschool prom. Knot should be a half Windsor or full, depending on collar spread and neck size. No pocket squares, socks can be whatever, belt needs to match shoes, watch can be something unobtrusive, and tie clip is whatever you feel like.

Whatever people say, psychology says they will judge you by first impression and looks are a part of it. One of my interviewers actually made it a point to comment about my shoes because he was wearing the double monkstrap version of them.

I think rather than details however, looking clean and professional is key, and that can be accomplished a variety of ways. Being comfortable in what you are wearing is important too. If you never wear a suit, wear a few times before your interview. Wearing it for the first time when your going in is gonna only make you more uncomfortable and nervous. It's stupid that it matters, but some places it does. Often your being interviewed by older physicians, and that have a different perspective on looks, and you have to keep that in mind
Click to expand...

James Bond can't believe a person could be so silly

34de65f81ec858d158460885c85444da.jpg
 
sunshinefl said:
So aside from a couple pre-interview holds/EFI/pools, I have no news. No rejections, no interviews. Just existing.
Click to expand...
No news is better than bad news.
When were you complete, what does the rest of the app look like etc. It is too early to say anything realistically. Hold tight until late November.
 
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gribear said:
That is so exciting!!! Congrats! Where at?!
Click to expand...

EVMS. I'm super lucky that the city we're stationed in for the next five years has a med school. And since I was accepted this cycle, the husband will get out of the Navy the same time I graduate med school. Then he can follow me around for residency.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Dr. Jan Itor said:
EVMS. I'm super lucky that the city we're stationed in for the next five years has a med school. And since I was accepted this cycle, the husband will get out of the Navy the same time I graduate med school. Then he can follow me around for residency.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
Any idea if they still do spouse aid for school? I know its not a lot, but while I was in they were still offering a couple grand a year for spouse education.....
 
Dr. Jan Itor said:
Just popping in to say I was accepted to the school to which I applied EDP. Too bad my husband is still deployed and we can't celebrate.
Click to expand...

Can't imagine how excited you must be! What are you going to do with yourself for the next 10 entire months or so?

Must be so nice to be done with the cycle this early. I would guess most of us will be stressing out until May 🙁
 
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