Ask me anything

[BigRedZippo]

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BigRedZippo,


how are the admissions committee's on going abroad? is it looked vavorably upon? Does it depend on what you do abroad?
also, do you knwo if AMCAS counts the grades you get when you go abroad when calculating your GPA? (im sorry if this last question was already asked and answered or if it should be obvious).

Thanks,

It depends why you go- a semester in Barcelona chasing spanish girls and getting C's = bad. Going and exposing yourself to a new culture and doing well = good. I think the grades depend on undergrad school. Some require you to report your grades. Mine did not. If you get a chance and can fulfill all your academic, definitely try to go abroad. It's fun and you'll have something to talk about.

 

[BigRedZippo]

I have done some volunteering work in the hospital, about 8-10 months 4hrs/wk, and since it was not satisfying ( i did not do anything there) I quit. Now I am about to start volunteering in a center for abused children, being their mentor. At same time, I have been working 20-35hrs/wk,( 4 years in retail 🙁, and it will be one year in ER by time I apply to med school).Also, I have been doing research, it will be a year by time I apply to med school.Now I will start one more part time job as a assistant in surgical lab(training lab)for surgeons)
I have been really busy with just full load of school each semester and work that I could not do any extra stuff.It seems to me that I do not have enough of the experience in med field, and not much of extra stuff.Do I have reason to worry, or there is a way that admissions will recognise the fact that I have had a job that takes a lot of time.

Well adcomms want someone that knows what they're getting into. The research and all that is good- but you want to know what the day in and day out of medicine is really like. I think having VERY little medical experience could be a downside and I'd do my best to scrape up some. Find a doc and shadow 2-3 hrs a week and volunteer every other saturday and sunday in a hospital. Plus YOU may figure out you hate medicine, w hich is fine and saved you from a big mistake.

 

[silas2642]

Unless it was a totally life changing or application building extracuric, I wouldn't worry about it. I've never heard of it happening. Every has things that just don't pan out. Now, doing this PURPOSELY would be a bad thing...and while you probably wouldn't get caught, karma'll probably get you in the end.

On this note; I told a school that I was planning on doing research this fall, but it just didn't pan out for several reasons. One was that after I met with the professor running the lab and got a feel for what was going on, I knew I wasn't meant to be there; two, I owe everyone money and reallly need to work this semester in order to pay off my debt. If I get an interview, should I still go or will not fulfilling this activity completely blow my chances? Plus, I don't even know if I would want to go to this school even if they accepted me.

 

[silas2642]

I've got a hankering for some Doublemint Gum!! Just kidding, double posted because the dang computer said that it wouldn't post my original message. Stupid internet.

 

[BooMed]

Eh...grey vs. black isn't really an issue. I'd stick to dark colors: grey's/dark blues/or black. I mean cleavage/really short skirts and the like. You are fine with grey, trust me.

I wasn't worried, I was just shocked that everyone was dressed so... boring. 😛 I actually got complimented by one of the tour guides for not looking like everyone else, so it was all good.

 

[BooMed]

Why can't you delete double posts anymore?

 

[poof]

Is it absolutely necessary to shadow a doctor? Is it not enough to do volunteer work at a hospital or something?

 

[Spooner]

Does the Ph.D in Engineering (e.g. mechanical Eng.) degree make your app. stand out more than a MPH degree?

What about the published research paper in engineering, does it help?

Does age matter?

thanks.

 

[BigRedZippo]

On this note; I told a school that I was planning on doing research this fall, but it just didn't pan out for several reasons. One was that after I met with the professor running the lab and got a feel for what was going on, I knew I wasn't meant to be there; two, I owe everyone money and reallly need to work this semester in order to pay off my debt. If I get an interview, should I still go or will not fulfilling this activity completely blow my chances? Plus, I don't even know if I would want to go to this school even if they accepted me.

Well unless you bought it up and said you didn't follow through on it, it probably wouldn't ever come up. However, since it's on your app and it's medically related, i'm 100% sure someone would ask you about it. That maybe the time to say that due to circumstance, you coulnd't fulfill it because of _____ but instead you did _______. Honestly is the best policy.

 

[BigRedZippo]

Is it absolutely necessary to shadow a doctor? Is it not enough to do volunteer work at a hospital or something?

Not ABSOLUTELY, but it's better to do it. A big part of being a doctor is less the "grind" of volunteer work (ie pushing about patients, getting films) and the thinking aspect of managing patients. That and the paperwork. So go out and spend a few weeks shadowing some guy or gal. They'll give you insight into the field and you'll see what a doctor "does" everyday. That's invaluable.

 

[BigRedZippo]

Does the Ph.D in Engineering (e.g. mechanical Eng.) degree make your app. stand out more than a MPH degree?

What about the published research paper in engineering, does it help?

Does age matter?

thanks.

Yes for sure (on the PhD). Yes, anything published in a peer reviewed journal, especially stringent research helps. Shows you know about research, what it takes and how to get it done. There's nothing worse than some guy saying "Oh yeah I'm gonna publish 12 papers my first year of med school about RNA mapping" or some stuff.

Age matters, yes. It matters if you come off as whimsical and flighty. If you get a spot, sometimes 1-2% of an incoming class, in a med school- they want to make SURE you finish. Being 35 isn't bad when applying to med school. Being 35 and having done 1.5 years of law school, 3 years of a PhD, 2 months in the seminary, etc is bad (assuming you didn't finish any of them) as it shows someone that doesn't finish what they start. Have a good reason as to why you are changing careers, a good app, an excited attitude, and you can be 100 for all anyone cars. I don't know if i'm recalling correctly, but a few years ago there was a guy over 65 (i think) started at UTMB in Galveston, Texas, so it can be done.

 

[CCEMTP2DOC]

60 hrs/week?!?! That's a sh*tload. I only assume you meant 'per week' because 60 hours spread over 4 years is actually not a lot at all . . . actually, 60 hours a year only comes out to around 1 hour a week (I think I spend more time brushing my teeth per week than that).

LOL...Yes 60+ hours a week,.


Rob

 

[sit down lucy]

A bit of clarification on my first post in this thread as well as two more questions…

I realized that I wanted to be a doctor a bit late, and there were a few things that needed really urgent attention (like my GPA). Volunteering got a bit neglected. I will graduate this spring, and will spend next year (while I’m applying) working either with City Year or an organization that advocates on behalf of those traditionally underserved by heathcare.

So I guess my real question is this: does the fact that I haven’t been volunteering somewhere this whole time, but plan on devoting a year to service, look bad?

Secondly, getting to read applications sounds like a unique opportunity. How did you end up being one of the people to read them?

Your advice and thoughts are really appreciated.

 

[BigRedZippo]

A bit of clarification on my first post in this thread as well as two more questions…

I realized that I wanted to be a doctor a bit late, and there were a few things that needed really urgent attention (like my GPA). Volunteering got a bit neglected. I will graduate this spring, and will spend next year (while I’m applying) working either with City Year or an organization that advocates on behalf of those traditionally underserved by heathcare.

So I guess my real question is this: does the fact that I haven’t been volunteering somewhere this whole time, but plan on devoting a year to service, look bad?

Secondly, getting to read applications sounds like a unique opportunity. How did you end up being one of the people to read them?

Your advice and thoughts are really appreciated.

No it won't look bad, since hopefully you'll be doing it during your application cycle and can discuss it/reflect on it in essays.

Reading apps is fun. It's an interview process in and of itself at my school.

 

[BigRedZippo]

Guys and Gals...
sorry for the absence, it seems to be becoming the MO of many of my classmates and myself unfortunately.

The admissions season is in slowly winding down. Remember that:
1) Most places need to admit almost double their class sizes to fill.
2) Continued interest only helps you. Show it whenever you can.
3) At my school, we've accepted students as late as the 2nd week of class.
4) I know many people are getting disgruntled about not hearing back/being on hold/waitlisted without any communication. It is frustrating, but the process takes *time*. When we accept 200% the class size, believe me that it's not only on one day. It is a process over a few MONTHS.
5) Different schools do things different ways. At a friends school, the interviewers only have your essays and ECs. At some places they have your grades, MCAT, SAT, etc. Someplaces only give you a sci and overall GPA so trends aren't apparent. I say this as it seems hawkeye and I go to schools where what we get is different from the admissions office. If grades don't come up in an interview, you may think about NOT bringing them up.

For those starting the process/studying, remember that the GPA and MCAT are still very important and continue to factor into admissions decisions after the interviews.

I'll continue to answer any questions either here on in a PM. Although please don't send me your PS as I just don't have time to proof/edit a bunch. Sorry.

 

[swifteagle43]

lol

 

[BigRedZippo]

Thanks.

 

[pizan0]

I already made a thread for this question, but since you seem to be well-versed in adcom info:

What do you think is the best route for sending letters, intent letters, updates, etc to adcoms? Do they prefer hand-written letters? Or is typed and hand-signed the way to go?

what do you think?

 

[elhalish]

My interview is schedule for 2/21 and the notification date for everyone interviewed in February is 2/22. As far as LOI's or "Thank You" letters go, what do you think is the best way to get my msg out quick enough? I already sent them a LOI pre-interview, so do you think it might be over done if I sent one post interview as well?

I know my chances of being on a waiting list is pretty high, how often should I send in letters from that point? I know they offer spots once a month basically.

 

[superkiwi]

I do apologize if you (or someone else who actually views applications and works with admissions) have answered this elsewhere, but do schools you interview at get to see which schools you have applied to/interviewed at/been accepted to? If so, how does this affect you? In addition, do you know if applicants have filled out the AMCAS and AACOMAS?

Thanks for sharing your time with us like this! 😀

actually, a family friend sits on the board at one of the adcoms of a med school and she said that MD schools know which other schools you've applied to (i think because they get the whole AMCAS - including which schools you designate?) and there's a registry of which schools accept you. i don't know about the AACOMAS, though.

EDIT: whoops! i asked my mom for some more clarification - it looks like something got lost in translation before: the med schools don't know which specific ones you've applied to, but they do in time know which schools have accepted you. sorry about that!

 

[etown]

actually, a family friend sits on the board at one of the adcoms of a med school and she said that MD schools know which other schools you've applied to (i think because they get the whole AMCAS - including which schools you designate?) and there's a registry of which schools accept you. i don't know about the AACOMAS, though.

The Admin Dean at the school I just interviewed at told me that starting sometime in March he can see where else students his school has accepted have been accepted. They don't see where you have applied, but of course they may ask you.

 

[BigRedZippo]

I already made a thread for this question, but since you seem to be well-versed in adcom info:

What do you think is the best route for sending letters, intent letters, updates, etc to adcoms? Do they prefer hand-written letters? Or is typed and hand-signed the way to go?

what do you think?

Typed and hand-signed. Then follow up to make sure it was received (only ONCE, repeated calls will get you seen as annoying).

 

[BigRedZippo]

My interview is schedule for 2/21 and the notification date for everyone interviewed in February is 2/22. As far as LOI's or "Thank You" letters go, what do you think is the best way to get my msg out quick enough? I already sent them a LOI pre-interview, so do you think it might be over done if I sent one post interview as well?

I know my chances of being on a waiting list is pretty high, how often should I send in letters from that point? I know they offer spots once a month basically.

Send an immediate thank you letter to the committee. If you are sure that's the place you want to go, I think a letter of intent at the same time (but not the same letter as the thanks) directly to the Admissions Dean would be a great move. How often should you send letters? Rarely. The first one will probably be looked at and given credence...after that they'll usually get filed directly.

 

[BigRedZippo]

The Admin Dean at the school I just interviewed at told me that starting sometime in March he can see where else students his school has accepted have been accepted. They don't see where you have applied, but of course they may ask you.

This is what I have been told also. Usually this is only information for the Admissions Dean and coordinator- any student interviewers wouldn't have this.

 

[baja2oo2]

What do most med students do the summer after their first year?

Thanks for the chance to ask something I've been wondering about for a while!

 

[elhalish]

I am going to send in an Letter of Intent post interview. What should be included and what should be omitted? Should it be sent to the Dean or the Dean of Admissions? What is the best way to word it? Thanks!

 

[medicin]

A quick question about AMCAS: If I'm going abroad for my spring semester of junior year, and the abroad school wont be able to report my spring sem grades, and my AMCAS is sent out with 5 semesters of grades, does that put me at a disadvantage?

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

I mean cleavage/really short skirts and the like.QUOTE]

is just above the knee too short?

 

[BigRedZippo]

What do most med students do the summer after their first year?

Thanks for the chance to ask something I've been wondering about for a while!

It depends. I won't lie- many do research to bolster the app (looking back after residency interviews I see how this helped others in many instances). Most who wish to keep their sanity do something else. I visited some college friends and tried to enjoy the last days of freedom. Usually the MS1 summer is the LAST "summer" vacation, ever. 🙁

 

[BigRedZippo]

I am going to send in an Letter of Intent post interview. What should be included and what should be omitted? Should it be sent to the Dean or the Dean of Admissions? What is the best way to word it? Thanks!

I posted something similar a few days back (search my name for the whole thing). The quick points are:
1. What you liked.
2. Why you'd fit (trump yourself *a bit*)
3. Any other factors (family, wive/husband, geography).

Send it to the Dean of Admissions and follow up with the coordinator to make sure it was received.

 

[BigRedZippo]

A quick question about AMCAS: If I'm going abroad for my spring semester of junior year, and the abroad school wont be able to report my spring sem grades, and my AMCAS is sent out with 5 semesters of grades, does that put me at a disadvantage?

Only if you were trending up in a major way. As long as your GPA is good and you don't take Organic II, Phys II and Bio II abroad, you'll be fine.

 

[BigRedZippo]

I mean cleavage/really short skirts and the like.QUOTE]

is just above the knee too short?

I don't think so. Too short skirts are like Justice Stewart's take on pornography: difficult to define but we all "Know it when we see it".

 

[LabMonster]

It depends. I won't lie- many do research to bolster the app (looking back after residency interviews I see how this helped others in many instances). Most who wish to keep their sanity do something else. I visited some college friends and tried to enjoy the last days of freedom. Usually the MS1 summer is the LAST "summer" vacation, ever. 🙁

A few 3rd years told me to run for the hills during the first summer - indeed to save my sanity. They said to enjoy yourself, unless you have a phenomenal research opportunity... Is that about right? Basically I'm asking if you know anyone whose match hinged on MS1 summer research...

 

[BigRedZippo]

A few 3rd years told me to run for the hills during the first summer - indeed to save my sanity. They said to enjoy yourself, unless you have a phenomenal research opportunity... Is that about right? Basically I'm asking if you know anyone whose match hinged on MS1 summer research...

Yeah, that's right. I don't think I met anyone whose match 'hinged' on the research during the MS1 summer- i think it's more one of those 'motivated people who would've done well anyway tend to be the ones that stuck around during summer and did research'. For me, the sanity was worth it. But that's only half of the story: if you have a support system close by your school (bf/gf, folks) and know how to relax, making a few contacts in a competitive academic department doesn't sound too bad now, does it?

 

[dulop]

So i've been accepted to Dartmouth and am waitlisted at Case Western, USC, and Vanderbilt. Vandy is my top choice, so i'll be pursuing that, but i'm still not 100% sure in my own personal rankings between Dartmouth, CWRU, and USC. First, what is your opinion in terms of which program will put me in the best position for a competitive residency and secondly, is it okay to send update letters, LOR's, etc to 3 different schools, even when ur not sure if u'd go to two of them if admitted? Thanks

 

[laboholic]

I posted something similar a few days back (search my name for the whole thing). The quick points are:
1. What you liked.
2. Why you'd fit (trump yourself *a bit*)
3. Any other factors (family, wive/husband, geography).

Send it to the Dean of Admissions and follow up with the coordinator to make sure it was received.

I need your help in determining if a letter of intent is right for me. My state school (where i also did undergrad and am doing research at now) is an awesome school, and I dont quite have their avg stats for acceptance. I interviewed back in october, and am in the final pool to be decided in march. I would give anything to go to this school, and I want my chances to be as high as possible. I feel like if i send a letter of intent i will look like i am desperately trying to land an acceptance.

Since I am very interested in doing the summer research programs and possibly applying for howard hughes or dorris duke after my second year, would it possibly be beneficial for me state something like this: "I have research connections here and would very much like the opportunity to continue my project during the summers of my med school career"? How would the dean and/or AdCom look at my letter?

Thanks!

 

[BigRedZippo]

So i've been accepted to Dartmouth and am waitlisted at Case Western, USC, and Vanderbilt. Vandy is my top choice, so i'll be pursuing that, but i'm still not 100% sure in my own personal rankings between Dartmouth, CWRU, and USC. First, what is your opinion in terms of which program will put me in the best position for a competitive residency and secondly, is it okay to send update letters, LOR's, etc to 3 different schools, even when ur not sure if u'd go to two of them if admitted? Thanks

All three are excellent schools and will prepare you well for residency and after. How well you do at each is stictly a function of your own hard work and dedication, but none of those schools will KEEP you from any residency at any program in any field. On the trail this year I saw a number of people from these schools landing great interviews in a competitive field. Frankly, I'd choose based on location- LA is certainly different from Cleveland and both are different from Hanover. WHere would you prefer to live? Let that guide you.

Yes, it's fine to send updates to three schools, even if you don't end up going. They don't know that, and when they figure it out, you should have an acceptance.

 

[BigRedZippo]

I need your help in determining if a letter of intent is right for me. My state school (where i also did undergrad and am doing research at now) is an awesome school, and I dont quite have their avg stats for acceptance. I interviewed back in october, and am in the final pool to be decided in march. I would give anything to go to this school, and I want my chances to be as high as possible. I feel like if i send a letter of intent i will look like i am desperately trying to land an acceptance.

Since I am very interested in doing the summer research programs and possibly applying for howard hughes or dorris duke after my second year, would it possibly be beneficial for me state something like this: "I have research connections here and would very much like the opportunity to continue my project during the summers of my med school career"? How would the dean and/or AdCom look at my letter?

Thanks!

I think that's fine...although "research connections" sounds like you are trying to pull some strings. I'd just state something like: 'having had excellent research experiences in the Department of _______, I found the academic focus of _(school)__ to be a very good fit for me and would hope to continue my current research in the future.' Hopefully you'll have a strong LOR from that research PI and this will help you.
If it's Iowa you're talking about, it's an excellent school. And remember, averages are just that (although usually not strict means).

 

[KAI1927]

Coming from an admissions point of view, how would you regard Tulane and its future as an academic institution. Their are some who beleive that the re-building process will ultimately create an unique opportunity for med students and medicine in general, while others feel that think Tulane will be negatively impacted in the future. Also, what is your general opinion on Tulane's match history. Thanks for your time.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Send an immediate thank you letter to the committee. If you are sure that's the place you want to go, I think a letter of intent at the same time (but not the same letter as the thanks) directly to the Admissions Dean would be a great move. How often should you send letters? Rarely. The first one will probably be looked at and given credence...after that they'll usually get filed directly.

Oh oh, now I'm worried because I sent my thank you notes to the people who interviewed me, and IN the note I stated that if I was accepted I would absolutely attend... Now from what you're saying, I should have written that in a separate letter to the Dean directly?

 

[BallnGlove]

I am a fourth year undergraduate and have always wanted to pursue a career in medicine;however, my GPA is around a 3.1 and I am planning on taking the MCAT in April. Based on practice tests..I should get between a 29-31 on the MCAT, not including any studying that I plan on doing. Am I a qualified applicant? I work ~30hrs/week at a local hospital so I have experience and have a broad background in both science and non-science classes. My GPA has steadily increased over the past 6 semesters but the mistakes I made at the beginning are really weighing the GPA down. I would love any suggestions that you may have.

 

[place]

I think that's fine...although "research connections" sounds like you are trying to pull some strings. I'd just state something like: 'having had excellent research experiences in the Department of _______, I found the academic focus of _(school)__ to be a very good fit for me and would hope to continue my current research in the future.' Hopefully you'll have a strong LOR from that research PI and this will help you.
If it's Iowa you're talking about, it's an excellent school. And remember, averages are just that (although usually not strict means).

Should a letter of intent be directed to the dean or to the AdCom or Both?

 

[BigRedZippo]

Coming from an admissions point of view, how would you regard Tulane and its future as an academic institution. Their are some who beleive that the re-building process will ultimately create an unique opportunity for med students and medicine in general, while others feel that think Tulane will be negatively impacted in the future. Also, what is your general opinion on Tulane's match history. Thanks for your time.

Tulane has always been an excellent academic medical center and will always be. However, I think there's a *lot* of flux right now- with residents and students in different states, the rebuilding of charity, and possibly a much diminished patient population in the area. I'd say the next year or two will be very telling for Tulane, but I'm certain it will be back to its former glory. The only issue is the growing pains with rebuilding. While this may not be an issue for a basic science class, I think the clinical rotations maybe slightly weaker for the next year to three (remember, this is my own personal opinion and the reality may turn out completely different).

As far as I know, Tulane tends to match well. This year I think many students had issues given the loss of their records in NOLA, but generally they do well.

 

[BigRedZippo]

Oh oh, now I'm worried because I sent my thank you notes to the people who interviewed me, and IN the note I stated that if I was accepted I would absolutely attend... Now from what you're saying, I should have written that in a separate letter to the Dean directly?

Well the issue is that sometimes the admissions office forwards thank yous to the interviewers and may not even read them in the office. Telling Jimbo, MS3 that you'd go to his school for sure may not help that much. I'd get a letter out to the Dean of Admissions soon.

 

[BigRedZippo]

I am a fourth year undergraduate and have always wanted to pursue a career in medicine;however, my GPA is around a 3.1 and I am planning on taking the MCAT in April. Based on practice tests..I should get between a 29-31 on the MCAT, not including any studying that I plan on doing. Am I a qualified applicant? I work ~30hrs/week at a local hospital so I have experience and have a broad background in both science and non-science classes. My GPA has steadily increased over the past 6 semesters but the mistakes I made at the beginning are really weighing the GPA down. I would love any suggestions that you may have.

I'm worried that the GPA may keep you out even with a good MCAT and experiences. Talk to your pre-med advisor and ask for honest feedback regarding post-bac, taking an extra year in undergrad, or applying with your app the way it is. Given the state of admissions at the moment, a 3.1 could hurt your chances a great deal.

 

[BigRedZippo]

Should a letter of intent be directed to the dean or to the AdCom or Both?

Doesn't really matter. I personally wrote "Dean and Members of the Committee of Admissions" i think.

 

[Gut Shot]

BigRedZippo,

How do you feel about the Med School Admissions Process = Load Of Crap thread on this forum?

Thanks.

 

[jm03]

I've always been interested in dentistry and medicine..although medicine has always been my top choice over dentistry. But my advisor scared me by telling me that dental schools will not care about my C+ in organic II as much as medical school would, so she got me to thinking that my only chance is dental school, even though i have a 3.68 GPA and im working on getting a high score on the organic chemisty/ general chem part of the MCAT/DAT...the problem is, however, that my school has an application process with the Health Committee and I have already submitted my application as pre-dental, but I want to go to medical school. I just recently talked to a person on the admissions board of a top ten school, and he told me to apply to both medical and dental school, with dental school being my back-up. But, my question is, should i tell my school and is this a good idea in the first place/will it hurt my chances of getting into medical school?

 

[Orthodoc40]

Well the issue is that sometimes the admissions office forwards thank yous to the interviewers and may not even read them in the office. Telling Jimbo, MS3 that you'd go to his school for sure may not help that much. I'd get a letter out to the Dean of Admissions soon.

Okay that makes sense. One of my interviewers is on the committee, though, and the woman who did our orientation session before interviews told us to mail thank you letters to the admissions office, they would forward them to the interviewers and the interviewers then return them to be included in our files. Would that change your advice? Unless you state otherwise, I'll plan to write the Dean tonight.

Other question, while I'm at it. My MCAT scores were low. Low enough that I was surprised to be interviewed. Interviews are open file at this school, but neither interviewer had my file with them. Neither brought up my scores, and I didn't get the sense at any point in the interview that it was a good time to bring them up. So now, the committee meets, and I'm guessing someone is going to say, "So, what's the story on these scores?" but no one will have anything to say about it. Say something in the letter of intent, or leave it out?

 

[doctor detroit]

I am a bit confused with internships. So, I understand what residencies and fellowships are. I thought that the intern years was the first year of residency, but I've seen CVs where people had different hospitals listed for internship and residency. Can you please explain this to me?

Also, if I go internal medicine, does that mean 1 year of internship and 3 years of residency?

Thanks for your help.