admissions consultants

[EdgeTrimmer]

what percentage of applicants use paid consultants ( for college list or writing essays or interview prep)? I see more and more companies propping with current medical students and residents getting into this. How do ADCOMs view these?

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[Osteosaur]

I'd keep in mind there are more and more non-traditionals who are applying some years out of school, who may not have access to a premed adviser. Do your due diligence but the average premed probably won't need it. If you're 28 and trying to redirect its a bit different...

 

[907914]

I'd keep in mind there are more and more non-traditionals who are applying some years out of school, who may not have access to a premed adviser. Do your due diligence but the average premed probably won't need it. If you're 28 and trying to redirect its a bit different...

On this note I will add, a savvy non-trad should still be able to figure out everything they need from the internet for free. I had to plan for 2 years to return to school, SDN lurking got me there. Then these last two years (no premed advisors at my school) the Internet has been more than sufficient as well.

I personally would say admissions advisors are unnecessary but can have their place. They really don’t bring anything new to the table, they simply consolidate the information available into one place.

 

[Cornfed101]

I paid like $1400 for a package that included PS, AMCAS, some secondaries, and a mock interview. I think it was worth it. It is a drop in the hat in the grand scheme of things, and it has been helpful IMO. I wouldn't spend more than that though. I definitely don't think it's worth $3000+.

I found most stuff on SDN and reddit, but I was having a lot of trouble expressing my story. I agree that a standard premed doesn't need to pay for consulting. If you do decide to go with it then make sure and do your homework. I shopped around for a while.

 

[907914]

I paid like $1400 for a package that included PS, AMCAS, some secondaries, and a mock interview. I think it was worth it. It is a drop in the hat in the grand scheme of things, and it has been helpful IMO. I wouldn't spend more than that though. I definitely don't think it's worth $3000+.

I found most stuff on SDN and reddit, but I was having a lot of trouble expressing my story. I agree that a standard premed doesn't need to pay for consulting. If you do decide to go with it then make sure and do your homework. I shopped around for a while.

See $1400 to have all of that in one place Isn’t THAT bad. It is certainly easier than my “post every other week for 6 months asking for more people to edit my application.” Granted, I got a very polished application from like 25-30 peer reviews of it and it was free...but I had to go out of my way to find help as opposed to just all in one convenient and expert location.

 

[Cornfed101]

See $1400 to have all of that in one place Isn’t THAT bad. It is certainly easier than my “post every other week for 6 months asking for more people to edit my application.” Granted, I got a very polished application from like 25-30 peer reviews of it and it was free...but I had to go out of my way to find help as opposed to just all in one convenient and expert location.

And I definitely had other people look over my stuff for free. Definitely not 25-30 though

 

[907914]

And I definitely had other people look over my stuff for free. Definitely not 25-30 though

I needed an efficient outlet for my pre-submission neurosis. Having a relatively successful early cycle has really calmed that down tremendously.