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How do you feel being a non-trad in this school? I see that CMU has lots of traditional applicants, and I'm wondering if you feel like you fit in socially with the class? That's one of my concerns :/
Also, do you feel CMU's unranked status hinders applicants when it comes to applying to competitive residencies?
My class had several non-trads, as does the current class. Your social activities will depend on how outgoing you are and how willing you are to hang out with members of the class. The first year I was a little isolated, by my own choice. I didn't go to gatherings, and I didn't study at school. The second year I made an extra effort to go to gatherings and study at school - and made some very dear friends that are a decade younger than me. We're all driven, highly intelligent, and compassionate people - age will only matter if you make it matter. Sure, there is some difference in maturity at times - but not enough to cause social isolation.
The first two years, which is arguably the most stressful, is unranked. You have the opportunity for honors in the clinical years, though the class is still unranked. We've had 100% match with both graduating classes so far, some graduates nabbing quite competitive residencies across the country. So, I'd say there's no issue with residencies. Your competitiveness will largely depend on your own performance, your own experiences, and your own Step scores... not a comparison with others in your class. I firmly believe the noncompetitive nature of CMed is what makes it as collaborative and healthy of an environment as it is.
Could you share when you were complete when you applied and what your timeline looked like? Do you think it would be too late to add CMU next week?
I honestly don't remember all of that, it's over 3 years ago at this point. I applied mid-season (pre-August) but have no idea when the completion status came through. I interviewed and was accepted in December (if I'm remembering right). As for your timeling, it largely depends on your own application. You likely do still have time, but you'll be a little behind the curve as far as application review. If you can afford it, and you like the school - go for it. It's not "too late" until after the applications are closed.
For this question: Please tell us about the most important volunteer experience you have had. What have you learned from this experience about service? 400 words
Do you know if it's okay to write about an experience that we did summer before college and freshman year that was not included in our primary? I didn't include it because I needed space for more recent activities (I'm a non-trad), but it was a pretty meaningful activity to me. Since the prompt says to talk about the most important one I've had, I'm wondering if this would fit...
If you have more to say about the "most important" activity, use that one. If you have a different one which has a large impact and was very important to you - use that one. I think the wording of this question tripped up quite a few people, so you will not be alone in this. I wrote about activities I had during middle school - so I don't think there's a timeline restriction. 🙂
Hope this helps, best of luck to you!!