application picture

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blomar

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is this picture acceptable for applications (more specifically TMDSAS) or does it need to be more plain? it's cropped from a picture if you couldn't tell
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blomar said:
is this picture acceptable for applications (more specifically TMDSAS) or does it need to be more plain? it's cropped from a picture if you couldn't tell
xw56B.jpg
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Personally, I would just put on a shirt and tie and have one taken against a neutral background by a friend. Don't go through the trouble of having professional pictures taken, but I think you might want the picture to LOOK a little more professional. Probably won't matter, but considering how little effort it would take to get another picture, why not?
 
I put on a shirt and tie and went to CVS pharmacy and they took a great mugshot picture that I used for evreything, costs like 5 bucks.
 
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I like using photoshop and occasionally run around with my camera taking nice photos so I am probably looking at this from a slightly different perspective. That picture is very low quality and since you want to put your best foot forward you might want to get a picture taken in better lighting with a neutral background like previously mentioned.

Look at this image. If the building was trying to sell itself it is obvious that the second image is much better and would be a better choice to market the building. It is the same exact image with some edits to make it of higher definition. I am not saying you need a professional photo, but I would do something that at least looked like a normal photo instead of one with bad lighting and saturation that gives you an orange hue and slight blur along with female hair on your chest from some woman that was cropped. Your shirt also appears wrinkled.


caesarspalace-beforeafter.jpg

Please don't take my comments offensively. Like I mentioned, I use photoshop and I am an artist (hobby not professional) so I tend to look for things like this.
 
I would also use a more professional picture, but based on some of the pictures I've seen that have been used in applications this probably wouldn't be out of the ordinary. Many people use pictures that are relatively informal.

(sent from my phone - please forgive typos)
 
LupaCupcake said:
I like using photoshop and occasionally run around with my camera taking nice photos so I am probably looking at this from a slightly different perspective. That picture is very low quality and since you want to put your best foot forward you might want to get a picture taken in better lighting with a neutral background like previously mentioned.

Look at this image. If the building was trying to sell itself it is obvious that the second image is much better and would be a better choice to market the building. It is the same exact image with some edits to make it of higher definition. I am not saying you need a professional photo, but I would do something that at least looked like a normal photo instead of one with bad lighting and saturation that gives you an orange hue and slight blur along with female hair on your chest from some woman that was cropped. Your shirt also appears wrinkled.


caesarspalace-beforeafter.jpg

Please don't take my comments offensively. Like I mentioned, I use photoshop and I am an artist (hobby not professional) so I tend to look for things like this.
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This, for sure.

Of concern in the OP is that the photo is a) low-quality, b) taken in poor light, and c) very clearly cropped from a larger image. You don't have to take the super-boring passport photo route, but your image should present the best possible impression--just like the rest of your application.
 
NickNaylor said:
I would also use a more professional picture, but based on some of the pictures I've seen that have been used in applications this probably wouldn't be out of the ordinary. Many people use pictures that are relatively informal.

(sent from my phone - please forgive typos)
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yeah, it's not uncommon but I've heard adcoms comment on unprofessional pictures. it doesn't get your application canned, but they definitely notice.
 
Ummm... It looks like that pic was taken with someone's cell phone, posted on facebook, and you hastily cropped out the person with long hair standing next to you (except some of their hair). You just spent years preparing for the application process, take a few more minutes to put on a nice shirt and tie and take decent looking photo. As it's usually said: If you have to ask, you already know the answer.
 
blomar said:
is this picture acceptable for applications (more specifically TMDSAS) or does it need to be more plain? it's cropped from a picture if you couldn't tell
xw56B.jpg
Click to expand...

Can we make memes with your pic?
 
I was told by my advisor that ADCOMs don't mind if you're wearing casual clothing as long as you look reasonably well put together and presentable.

However after scrolling through this thread I'm kicking myself for not throwing on a tie. Although I can't imagine how awkward it would be if someone submitted a picture of them stone-facing it. My plan is win them over with my smile (that's about all I have working for me)
 
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BlueLabel said:
I was told by my advisor that ADCOMs don't mind if you're wearing casual clothing as long as you look reasonably well put together and presentable.

However after scrolling through this thread I'm kicking myself for not throwing on a tie. Although I can't imagine how awkward it would be if someone submitted a picture of them stone-facing it. My plan is win them over with my smile (that's about all I have working for me)
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Can't you just retake it? When do schools start asking for pictures and is that common practice or only a select few?
 
Your top button is unbuttoned... this is unacceptable to the rich and honorable culture inherent to medical education.
 
I threw a tie and button down on for mine and had CVS take a passport style photo.

I wouldn't use yours, too casual. It's probably not the big of a deal, but why not just do it again?
 
armybound said:
it's easier to remember someone by their face than by their name
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They also use it to verify that the person who shows up for the interview is the applicant, which is why some schools dont ask for a picture unless u get an II. It also helps interviewers pick you out of the waiting room crowd.
 
Terrible picture. You look like you're in the club or something, and you can definitely see a person standing next to you. Just take a neutral picture with a tie.
 
Fivo said:
Can't you just retake it? When do schools start asking for pictures and is that common practice or only a select few?
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I already submitted on TMDSAS, there is a section on the primary. I have not applied on AMCAS so I can't tell you about how non-TX schools (and Baylor) do it. I guess we are kind of in our own little world down here, in some ways.

Seriously though, I'm really not too worried about my picture. There's always room for improvement but in that regard I think I am okay.
 
AestheticGod said:
Terrible picture. You look like you're in the club or something, and you can definitely see a person standing next to you. Just take a neutral picture with a tie.
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Not terrible brah. You mirin' his jack3d chest fibras?
 
Blais said:
Your top button is unbuttoned... this is unacceptable to the rich and honorable culture inherent to medical education.
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:laugh::laugh:

OP- you don't need professional headshots taken, just put on a tie and go down to a UPS store and pay $5 for the passport style headshot against the wall. They'll take a couple and let you pick the best one of the set (at least, they did for me).

I wouldn't go with the one you selected just due to the black background and your black hair... it washes everything out.
 
okay...thanks to everyone with the serious responses. I'll use a different picture. My main reason asking was because the only explicit requirement on TMDSAS was that it showed a clear view of my face...I am not currently in the country right now and it is a bit of a hassle for me to go get a picture taken, but clearly it is something I should take the time to go do...so I will. Thanks again 👍
 
I photoshopped the crap out of my pic to make it look like it was a professional one although it was just me in my computer chair. If you know someone who is good with photoshop it doesn't take much time or effort to make it look legit.
 
I didn't feel like going through the effort of a new photo, so I had just cropped a photo of me standing on a mountain. In retrospect, I should have just gone the walgreens method and gotten "passport" photos.

But, in the end, it didn't make a difference, and I didn't have any comments about it.
 
blomar said:
okay...thanks to everyone with the serious responses. I'll use a different picture. My main reason asking was because the only explicit requirement on TMDSAS was that it showed a clear view of my face...I am not currently in the country right now and it is a bit of a hassle for me to go get a picture taken, but clearly it is something I should take the time to go do...so I will. Thanks again 👍
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It doesn't matter...have someone take head/shoulder shot of you with their camera against a neutral background. That way it doesn't matter what the heck you're wearing. This is exactly what I did.

Nobody cares about these pictures. It's just so people remember who you are.
 
Duuuuude.... were we supposed to include a picture in the AMCAS app? lol

I didn't even notice a designated spot to upload a picture
 
blomar said:
okay...thanks to everyone with the serious responses. I'll use a different picture. My main reason asking was because the only explicit requirement on TMDSAS was that it showed a clear view of my face...I am not currently in the country right now and it is a bit of a hassle for me to go get a picture taken, but clearly it is something I should take the time to go do...so I will. Thanks again 👍
Click to expand...

If you own a decent digital camera or even a relatively current smart phone, just put on a nice shirt (tie if you have one with you) and have someone take your pics standing against a blank wall. No need to get passport style photos if you're 4000 miles away.
 
wow I feel dumb. in my apps last year I just cropped out a pic of me from one of my facebook profile pics. live and learn I suppose
 
Oxygen206 said:
I photoshopped the crap out of my pic to make it look like it was a professional one although it was just me in my computer chair. If you know someone who is good with photoshop it doesn't take much time or effort to make it look legit.
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It is easier than most think..never trust an online picture of someone
1330858555_Photoshop_doctor_gag.jpg
 
How does the picture taking work at CVS and the like?

I think I'd rather do it at home with my own camera to get the facial expressions right and then take the pictures to get develop later.

If you're at CVS, can you look at your photo before they print it and do possible retakes or is it a one and done kind of thing?
 
Fivo said:
How does the picture taking work at CVS and the like?

I think I'd rather do it at home with my own camera to get the facial expressions right and then take the pictures to get develop later.

If you're at CVS, can you look at your photo before they print it and do possible retakes or is it a one and done kind of thing?
Click to expand...

You just walk in and ask for a passport style photo. They will take it, ask to see it before it is printed. Have them retake it of you don't like it.
 
1289 said:
wow I feel dumb. in my apps last year I just cropped out a pic of me from one of my facebook profile pics. live and learn I suppose
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i also feel like an idiot. i just gave them a picture of me in a t shirt lol

anyway op, i think schools that ask for pictures give guidelines. i remember reading something about a light background and having your face visible.
 
I don't think a lot of you realize that the admins in medical schools are human beings, and like all human beings, they WILL judge people by the way you look. So don't go half-ass on a picture and sacrifice even a chance..i mean cmon, i'm pretty sure there's a lot of people who would fix up pictures on photoshop for FUN.

Yes, they shouldn't judge someone by how they look...well, this isn't a perfect world.
 
To the OP, your current photo is blurry, poorly cropped and of unusual dimensions. Will it affect your application negatively? Most likely, no. But it definitely won't help it.

Short answer: Take another, dedicated photo.

Short, lazy answer: Go to a pharmacy/FedEx/etc and take a set of passport photos.

Long answer:
Find a white or off-white background in a very bright area with indirect lighting. For example, if it's outdoors on a sunny day, choose a wall on the shaded side of a building. If it's an overcast day, then any white/off-white wall will do. If it's indoors, use a flash that is ideally pointed upward towards a white cieling. You want a bright source of light to prevent camera shake and get a sharp photo, but not a direct light to the face, which would cast harsh shadows. Diffuse light is best.

Take few shots of the mid-torso and up. After taking the photo, open up a photo editing program (Photoshop, Gimp, whatever) and crop out a square that contains your shoulders up to a few inches above the head. Your nose should be near the middle of the square. If you do it right, this crop should still be quite high resolution. Save a copy of this photo. It can be used for applications that need digital copies uploaded/emailed. Size down as necessary.

Still within the photo editing program, duplicate this square five times. Tile the six squares 3-across, 2-down. It should look similar to this, but higher dimensions. Those of you following along will realize this is the proper dimensions for a standard 4x6 photo. Save as high quality JPEG and/or TIF.

Bring to a local pharmacy with a self-service photo kiosk. Make 1 4x6 print of this photo. Cut out each square. You now have 6 standard 2"x2" standard passport-size photos for about 30 cents. These can be used for applications that require an actual physical photo.

I did this for my volunteer application, all my med school applications, an application my MS2 friend needed (not sure what it was for), my own passport and my father's passport. Please note that passport guidelines are a bit more stringent about head positioning, so take their guidelines into consideration if you're planning to use it for passport purposes.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/pptphotoreq_5333.html
 
thoughts on using a tasteful picture from graduation? i tend to get a deer in the headlights look from taking dead on pics like in passport/license photos (i literally look like a serial killer in my drivers license and get ridiculed by bouncers constantly)
 
You're still going to get part of her face when you crop her unless you're going to have little more than your own face showing.

Just take a new one, it's cheap and easy.
 
MedPR said:
I'm considering doing something like this too. I have a shirt/tie on in the picture, but it's kind of dark.
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Ya I just cropped my girlfriend out of a facebook photo where I was dressed fairly well. It's what the cool kids do.
 
I think the pic is fine imo, I did the same thing, I just cropped a picture where I was dressed nicely
 
Can I just use a picture of me in my graduation gown?

EDIT: If I go to CVS, can I have them e-mail me the picture? I don't have a scanner at home.
 
TheMightySmiter said:
WTF, OP, take your picture off a public internet messageboard.
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lol! this was totally my first thought when I saw this thread, but no one else seemed alarmed so i didn't know if I was overreacting haha
 
Most of us can be considered trustworthy. I mean we're going to doctors amirite?
 
kpcrew said:
Most of us can be considered trustworthy. I mean we're going to doctors amirite?
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Yeah but only if we don't accidentally the whole thing
 
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