Another Adcom, ask me (almost) anything

[hushcom]

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Members don't see this ad.

Has an interview ever made the difference in your experience when a committee is apprehensive about an applicant?

Absolutely. Some interviewers are very persuasive when they decide to go to bat for an applicant.

 

[sourdoughllama]

@hushcom any advice on how to get off wait lists?

 

[hushcom]

Have you ever tried to revoke someone's acceptance because of SDN presence or other internet sites?

Not in my experience, but never say never. The rule of "be nice or be anonymous" probably applies here.

 

[hushcom]

Would initial intentions for going back to school, such as exiting a failing career (or having completely messed up first college experience winding up with a very low level career) overshadow later experiences that provide more noble reasons to continue? While my initial motivations had to do with wanting a more prestigious and intellectually stimulating career, my interest in science and watching myself actually get out and do things in the community is giving this path a whole new meaning. I am really enjoying this journey and do not want to see my less than noble motivations for going back to school in the first place put everything after that in question.

I sometimes read personal statements that basically go "I started down the path to medicine for bad reasons, but then I learned the true meaning of Christmas and now my intentions are pure gold." While I appreciate the candor, it does not necessarily cast the applicant in the best light. I do, however, think it's possible to highlight your personal evolution in a positive manner and without being deceitful.

 

[hushcom]

@hushcom any advice on how to get off wait lists?

See post #24.

 

[Command]

.

 

[touchpause13]

If one were involved in queer activism/demonstrated leadership in the context of their queer identity, I think it's important to talk about it, if not in essays, then during interviews.

It's about personal comfort level. No one ever asked about it in my interviews but if they would have I would have outed myself. I just didn't feel comfortable bringing it up. Coming out is always difficult and interviews are high pressure situations as it is without dropping a bomb on the whole thing.

 

[hushcom]

What happens at the adcom committee round table when one interviewer says that an applicant did amazing, but the second interviewer says they bombed it?

Depends on who the interviewers are and why the alleged bombing occurred. Some committee members are very generous and want to accept a large proportion of the people they interview, others are much more selective. Some are definitely more skilled at teasing out useful information than others. I find the LORs are often helpful when the interview impressions are incomplete or conflicting.

 

[PreciousHamburgers]

It's about personal comfort level. No one ever asked about it in my interviews but if they would have I would have outed myself. I just didn't feel comfortable bringing it up. Coming out is always difficult and interviews are high pressure situations as it is without dropping a bomb on the whole thing.

I would be concerned that they might think I am still somewhat closeted and therefore it might represent some immaturity. Obviously if they detected that I was uncomfortable talking about it, they wouldn't ask about it. Thoughts?

 

[touchpause13]

I think it depends on the feel of the room and the school. If it's a religious school I wouldn't touch the topic with a 10 foot pole. In my interview for the school I'm attending I brought up LGBTQ issues without explicitly stating my orientation.
I disagree that closeted equals immaturity. There are a lot of factors at play of why someone is not out.

 

[snowflakes]

Depends on who the interviewers are and why the alleged bombing occurred. Some committee members are very generous and want to accept a large proportion of the people they interview, others are much more selective. Some are definitely more skilled at teasing out useful information than others. I find the LORs are often helpful when the interview impressions are incomplete or conflicting.

But don't most people have good LORs that sing their praises? Can you elaborate a bit on what a useful LOR would look like? Thanks again!

 

[Shaptown]

.

 

[PreciousHamburgers]

I think it depends on the feel of the room and the school. If it's a religious school I wouldn't touch the topic with a 10 foot pole. In my interview for the school I'm attending I brought up LGBTQ issues without explicitly stating my orientation.
I disagree that closeted equals immaturity. There are a lot of factors at play of why someone is not out.

Absolutely. But I think that it's a lot easier for you (us) to understand that than someone who does not think about it all the time. People tend to simplify things.

 

[touchpause13]

Absolutely. But I think that it's a lot easier for you (us) to understand that than someone who does not think about it all the time. People tend to simplify things.

True that. Hopefully applicants in the future won't even have to consider such things
👍

 

[medicalmnt]

How do adcoms feel about previously undocumented students?

If I were a DREAMer (undocumented student) until recently is there a way to talk about this without possibly running someone the wrong way, I know it is still a pretty touchy subject.
Freshman year GPA was around 3.1 and had no research/volunteer due to legal status, but now I've made huge strides in raising GPA and getting in exp. could I potentially use this as an advantage?

 

[PreciousHamburgers]

True that. Hopefully applicants in the future won't even have to consider such things
👍

Well, that's why we'll be on admissions committees...

 

[touchpause13]

You're darn right

 

[philosonista]

Hello!

Many thanks for lending SDN your time! I have a few questions, if you could so generously oblige to answer them.

1. I was wondering about how ADCOMS feel about a lighter course load while a student is studying for the MCAT, especially given the longer length and greater amount of covered material on the 2015 MCAT. At what point is a light course load too light?
2. How are ADCOM's planning to judge applicants on the basis of the new MCAT? I know this is a pretty vague question, so if this is too vague to answer, here's something more specific: are ADCOM's going to think of the new MCAT as harder, and therefore, accepting lower scores from applicants, or will they stick to the same standards (i.e. This person got a 35 on the new MCAT, so we'll judge that as we would a person who got a 35 on the old MCAT.)

Thank you 😀

 

[knv2u]

No. You do NOT get to pull that. You are not gay. You should not fake being gay to get into med school. That is unethical and messed up in the head.

Am I missing some subtext here? How do you know his sexual orientation?

 

[ærospallo]

Am I missing some subtext here? How do you know his sexual orientation?

Post #139:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/changing-name-for-urm-advantage.1055903/page-3#post-14926138

 

[LuciusVorenus]

Absolutely. Some interviewers are very persuasive when they decide to go to bat for an applicant.

For interviewers that only fill out a report and are not present at the meeting, is there any way for them to fight for an applicant or do they not know the outcome once their report has been submitted?

What proportion of interviewers are actually a part of the meetings at your school?

Thank you for all the answers 😍

 

[LuciusVorenus]

See post #24.

In that post you mentioned emailing the interviewers again? Is there a chance that might come off as annoying especially since I've heard it's the dean that makes all wait list decisions.

 

[hushcom]

In that post you mentioned emailing the interviewers again? Is there a chance that might come off as annoying especially since I've heard it's the dean that makes all wait list decisions.

The dean's role varies from school to school (some institutions do not even have admissions deans). A some (many?) places the committee is central to the creation and implementation of the wait list. Hence, although it is an outside shot, a small statement of continued interest might possibly play in your favor. I would only try this with my top choice, as believability is key.

 

[hushcom]

But don't most people have good LORs that sing their praises? Can you elaborate a bit on what a useful LOR would look like? Thanks again!

In reading LORs the term "good" is almost an epithet. You are correct, the vast majority are positive, but that does not necessarily make them equal or interchangeable. Exceptional LORs come from people who know the applicant well, and can give the praise a truly convincing level of detail and earnestness. At the other end of the spectrum are LORs that say "X took three classes with me scored in the top 12%. He always appeared engaged and expressed strong command of the subject matter when seeking clarification." That does not tell me anything I could not guess from his transcript.

Many LOR writers who know the game conclude with a final assessment, which can be informative when you know the lingo. Believe it or not, there are distinctions between being recommend plainly, highly, with highest enthusiasm, with enthusiasm, strongly and without reservation, etc.

 

[hushcom]

For interviewers that only fill out a report and are not present at the meeting, is there any way for them to fight for an applicant or do they not know the outcome once their report has been submitted?

They could always approach committee members directly to make an extra appeal, but I cannot think of an example of this happening. Usually when an interviewer is strongly supportive it's because the candidate is very strong and will likely get accepted regardless.

What proportion of interviewers are actually a part of the meetings at your school?

I don't know the proportion. Whatever it is, that number is very specific to our school and I don't think provides you or anyone else with useful information.

 

[hushcom]

What is your take on an applicant addressing hardship (prior substance abuse/dependence, subsequent economic hardship,etc.) and overcoming said hurdle. I think addiction is a very touchy subject in the profession of medicine, as these people will someday possess DEA#s. Is it a faux pas to mention it in a personal statement if you can sufficiently address why it would not become encumbering or a liability in your practice of medicine? Please elaborate on your thoughts, and as others have echoed, thank you for taking the time to do this.

Touchy is right. Check your PM.

 

[smallbiz2doc]

I'm in the process of filing bankruptcy due to debts unpaid for a few years after my divorce (so long that paying them now would not rescue my credit). Should I address this in my personal statement or leave it out? It was a situation I was thrown into, but I fear that this information might be uncovered somehow so I might need to answer for it.

 

[hushcom]

How do adcoms feel about previously undocumented students?

If I were a DREAMer (undocumented student) until recently is there a way to talk about this without possibly running someone the wrong way, I know it is still a pretty touchy subject.
Freshman year GPA was around 3.1 and had no research/volunteer due to legal status, but now I've made huge strides in raising GPA and getting in exp. could I potentially use this as an advantage?

When I get an application the student is either a citizen or permanent resident. I have no way of knowing about if someone was previously undocumented unless he/she discloses it in the personal statement or elsewhere. Even then I am guessing most would have been brought to the US as children, and therefore cannot be blamed for their prior status. Explaining it would be useful in accounting for the improvement in your record.

 

[hushcom]

I'm in the process of filing bankruptcy due to debts unpaid for a few years after my divorce (so long that paying them now would not rescue my credit). Should I address this in my personal statement or leave it out? It was a situation I was thrown into, but I fear that this information might be uncovered somehow so I might need to answer for it.

There is a thin line between explaining selected parts of your history and making yourself look bad. My primary concern would be finding out how bankruptcy/bad credit will affect my ability to get financial aid. I think you should still be able to qualify for federal loans, but contacting a med school's financial aid office may be extremely helpful in defining any unforeseen obstacles.

 

[hushcom]

Hello!

Many thanks for lending SDN your time! I have a few questions, if you could so generously oblige to answer them.

1. I was wondering about how ADCOMS feel about a lighter course load while a student is studying for the MCAT, especially given the longer length and greater amount of covered material on the 2015 MCAT. At what point is a light course load too light?
2. How are ADCOM's planning to judge applicants on the basis of the new MCAT? I know this is a pretty vague question, so if this is too vague to answer, here's something more specific: are ADCOM's going to think of the new MCAT as harder, and therefore, accepting lower scores from applicants, or will they stick to the same standards (i.e. This person got a 35 on the new MCAT, so we'll judge that as we would a person who got a 35 on the old MCAT.)

Thank you 😀

1. I don't hold it against anyone for having a light semester, although I would resist dropping below full-time status.
2. I believe the new MCAT is going to have a completely different scoring system, so as to remove the temptation to directly compare numbers. The MCAT has undergone more than a few significant revisions in the past, and I anticipate it will take a couple of years before people get familiar/comfortable with the newest one.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Thank you @hushcom for doing this!

1) Have you interviewed someone who was not under represented minority with a lower science GPA, say in the 3.0 range? If so, can they still be accepted with a good MCAT score (35+), acceptable cGPA (3.4) and good ECs? If someone was in this range, what would you recommend them to do if they still wanted to go to medical school?

2) Furthermore, is there a GPA "floor", where you guys won't consider someone with less than a 3.0 GPA?

3) How do you feel about Ws and audits? How many is too many in a 4 year time span? 4? 5?

4) Do you pay attention to the major of an applicant? Does it play a role in your decision, say a bio major vs a art history major? Many times a school will say they don't care about your major, but a chemical engineering major would have probably had a harder time in school than a non science major.

 

[James1992]

Do I need to disclose an underage drinking ticket on my application? Is this a red flag to adcoms? Is it something I should address in my personal statement?

 

[Iatro]

Is this person offering a LOR or are you thinking of soliciting help?

Offering. Why do you ask?

 

[DokterMom]

I'm in the process of filing bankruptcy due to debts unpaid for a few years after my divorce (so long that paying them now would not rescue my credit). Should I address this in my personal statement or leave it out? It was a situation I was thrown into, but I fear that this information might be uncovered somehow so I might need to answer for it.

Not Hushcom, and just my opinion, but I would not volunteer bankruptcy information in your PS. Your PS is your chance to sell yourself, and including negative information that early in the process would be putting yourself at unnecessary disadvantage. You will want to disclose negative information shortly before the point where it would naturally be discovered so you can control the 'spin' and explain your side of the story before prejudices and assumptions are made. I don't know when or even if your credit score would be required, though I would disclose a bankruptcy filing before your background check, since it's likely it will come up then. And Hushcom's advice to check into your ability to qualify for student loans is absolutely on target. No loans, no med school...

Personally, I'd consider a bankruptcy along the lines of an IA -- as cause for concern that an applicant is perhaps not managing his life well. That's the preconception I'd bring to the table, and one you'd want to be prepared to address.

 

[Doctor W]

Hi,
I am trying to enroll in 1st year english course in my university but its in online form. There are no other 1st year english courses with lectures in my university. So my question is: Would it be okay for me to take an online course in this case?

 

[yanks26dmb]

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback. Two questions...

...

 

[connie95]

Hi Hushcom, thank you for doing this! I was wondering...would you consider these following PSYC classes as BCPM? 1. Brain and Behavior (all about the nervous system, action potentials, anatomy etc.) and 2. Physiological Psychology Lab (dissecting an animal brain and identifying its parts.

To me, it seems like a lot of science is involved but I looked at the AMCAS course classification guide and Psychology comes under Behavioral Sciences, not BCPM =/ If I listed these two courses as BCPM, do you think it would be accepted?

 

[hushcom]

Thank you @hushcom 1) Have you interviewed someone who was not under represented minority with a lower science GPA, say in the 3.0 range? If so, can they still be accepted with a good MCAT score (35+), acceptable cGPA (3.4) and good ECs? If someone was in this range, what would you recommend them to do if they still wanted to go to medical school?

Why is the sGPA low? If it's because of C's as a freshman/sophomore and A's in upper level courses as a junior/senior then it shouldn't be much of an issue. If it's due to a bunch of B's it can be a bit more concerning, unless you are at a notoriously difficult undergrad. A high MCAT can mitigate a lot of the perceived risk of taking someone with a low sGPA, so that would definitely play in your favor. If that's the hand you hold right now then that's the hand you will have to play. About the only thing you could add would be some semesters of high quality post-bacc work.

2) Furthermore, is there a GPA "floor", where you guys won't consider someone with less than a 3.0 GPA?

If your cGPA is less than 3.0 you need a post-bacc of some sort, end of story. I am not saying people don't get in with <3.0's, but it's somewhat foolhardy to assume you will have success.

3) How do you feel about Ws and audits? How many is too many in a 4 year time span? 4? 5?

Sometimes there are a string of W's in one semester which relate to some sort of personal tragedy. Those are forgivable. Otherwise I get concerned when I see more than ~2, and it's much better if they happen during freshman/sophomore year. I can make some allowance for those who transfer from CC to a 4-year university, but by the time you are a junior you should have figured out the undergraduate game.

4) Do you pay attention to the major of an applicant? Does it play a role in your decision, say a bio major vs a art history major? Many times a school will say they don't care about your major, but a chemical engineering major would have probably had a harder time in school than a non science major.

I pay attention to major because it may tell me something about the applicant. Also, our goal is to choose people who we think will make good physicians, not to choose people who won't have a hard time in med school.

 

[hushcom]

Do I need to disclose an underage drinking ticket on my application? Is this a red flag to adcoms? Is it something I should address in my personal statement?

You'll have to do better than that.

 

[hushcom]

Offering. Why do you ask?

My first impression was that you were asking for a belated LOR, which I would not recommend. But if the person is offering one it changes the calculus a bit. In that case I would say go ahead, there is really no downside.

 

[hushcom]

Hi,
I am trying to enroll in 1st year english course in my university but its in online form. There are no other 1st year english courses with lectures in my university. So my question is: Would it be okay for me to take an online course in this case?

This sounds like a strange university, but if online is all you have then online is all you have.

 

[hushcom]

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback. Two questions...

I'm a non-trad, wondering if I should even bother applying to MD. My cumulative GPA is pretty bad; 3.0. My science is a 3.6. My last 120 hours is a 3.5. Finally, my post-bacc is a 4.0. As an X-factor, I graduated 8 years ago, and have since successfully founded an internet start-up in the health/wellness industry and currently serve as CEO. This is my full-time job and what I've been doing for the past 5 years. Is there any chance for someone like me?

Yes, your last 120 hours + a 4.0 post-bacc looks good. Your cGPA might get you screened out a some schools, but others will give you more of a look. Being the CEO of an internet start-up in the health/wellness industry may play to your favor or against it, depending on the details. If you were selling cosmeceuticals, for instance, don't expect a lot of love.

Second, I have a "friend" who wanted me to ask this one.......would one run-in with the law, involving pot and fake ID ~13 years ago seriously hinder someone's chances? Further, there was never any conviction, as "friend" was given youthful offender since this was a first-time, non-violent offense, and adjudication was withheld. Part two of this question - friend's lawyer has advised not to even bother disclosing since the record for youthful offender cases are sealed, but friend doesn't want to give the impression that he is dishonest - advice?

AMCAS asks about convictions. No conviction = do not disclose. Even if your friend did have to disclose, a 13 yo pot/fake ID beef without adjudication is about the biggest legal non-issue I can think of.

 

[hushcom]

Hi Hushcom, thank you for doing this! I was wondering...would you consider these following PSYC classes as BCPM? 1. Brain and Behavior (all about the nervous system, action potentials, anatomy etc.) and 2. Physiological Psychology Lab (dissecting an animal brain and identifying its parts.

To me, it seems like a lot of science is involved but I looked at the AMCAS course classification guide and Psychology comes under Behavioral Sciences, not BCPM =/ If I listed these two courses as BCPM, do you think it would be accepted?

I honestly do not think it matters one way or the other.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Yes, your last 120 hours + a 4.0 post-bacc looks good. Your cGPA might get you screened out a some schools, but others will give you more of a look. Being the CEO of an internet start-up in the health/wellness industry may play to your favor or against it, depending on the details. If you were selling cosmeceuticals, for instance, don't expect a lot of love.



AMCAS asks about convictions. No conviction = do not disclose. Even if your friend did have to disclose, a 13 yo pot/fake ID beef without adjudication is about the biggest legal non-issue I can think of.

Thanks so much for your feedback.

 

[hushcom]

Thanks so much for your feedback.

For reference, our business is mobile media. We've developed a way for health/fitness/wellness professionals to improve their revenue and user/clientele base while drastically reducing costs for the consumer. Without being too specific, we've essentially created a marketplace that is more advantageous to individuals on both sides of supply/demand spectrum.

Additionally, we created a non-profit segment of the business that aims to provide health and fitness guidance to low-income and disabled individuals.

Sounds like a worthy set of endeavors which should serve you well. Good luck.

 

[James1992]

You'll have to do better than that.

Could you please elaborate? I received it two years ago and I've matured a lot since then. The rest of my application is fine. I just don't want past mistakes to haunt me.

 

[brood910]

I don't formally rank them, as they are all necessary but not sufficient and none of them stand without some further scrutiny. If you have a low-ish GPA in a hard major at a tough school with some extenuating circumstances but kill the MCAT then that looks really good. If your sGPA is low but your cGPA is high that gives me pause. If your MCAT score is 5VR 14PS 15BS that give me serious pause. I say "it depends" a lot because it really does depend.

Hm..
Let's say I am an applicant for your school.
sGPA: 3.8
cGPA: 3.9

Double majored in bio and psych.

Good extracurricular activities.

MCAT: (Didnt take it yet, but let's assume) 14/8/11

Would this "8" on verbal give you pause as well?
I was born here, but I moved to Korea when I was 2.. and then I came back when I was 15. (I have US citizenship)
Does this fact "help" my low verbal score?

Also, do you have any biases towards people with foreign accents?
I have a strong Korean accent..

 

[Shwin36]

Thanks so much for sticking with this hushcom. Your advice so far has been very helpful.

I want to ask about how a committee will view an applicant who attended a 4-year university but was dropped because of failing grades. I was unsure about my career path and lacked the drive to do well in school. Since then I attended 2 years at a community college and then graduated from a 4-year. I maintained a 4.0 throughout CC and graduated with a 3.7 from the 4-year. I have a 33 MCAT and I have years of EMS experience and volunteer experience as well as other paid EC's to help pay for school.

My question is, will a committee write off my application because of my string of poor grades at my first school or will they try to look more at the upward trend that followed? Also do you have any suggestions for how to portray my dismissal and return to school in as positive a light as possible.

Thank you very much

 

[chillinillinkillin007]

what's your opinion on double majors and a low gpa? also, what about repplicants?

 

[hushcom]

Hm..
Let's say I am an applicant for your school.
sGPA: 3.8
cGPA: 3.9

Double majored in bio and psych.

Good extracurricular activities.

MCAT: (Didnt take it yet, but let's assume) 14/8/11

Would this "8" on verbal give you pause as well?
I was born here, but I moved to Korea when I was 2.. and then I came back when I was 15. (I have US citizenship)
Does this fact "help" my low verbal score?

I prefer to answer questions about actual MCAT scores rather than speculative ones, but an 8 VR is not a deal breaker with me, especially if the rest of the app is solid. I do think ESL candidates are at a bit of a disadvantage there.

Also, do you have any biases towards people with foreign accents?
I have a strong Korean accent..

I assume you mean bias against people with foreign accents. A lot of medical practice involves verbal communication with patients and other practitioners, and if your accent is so strong as to seriously impede this communication it would probably be seen as unfavorable. I work with many doctors for whom English is a second language, and if you think your accent is a problem I would advise seeking resources to help diminish it.