Beard or no

[maybeDRmaybenot]

I wanted to know if I should shave or keep my beard. I got it trimmed (<5mm) and lined up by my barber yesterday. My picture in my secondary had a trimmed beard. The school is my top choice and in the south. I look much better and mature with the beard than clean shaven.

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[maybeDRmaybenot]

My brother is at the part of the schools student interviewers and he said it was fine, but his roommate who’s also a student said I should shave. I’m split so asking here for help to decide.

 

[deleted1025488]

Bro just do what makes you feel best. If someone rejects you based on A BEARD then you probably don't wanna be going there.

 

[gyngyn]

Shave.

 

[ThatSerb]

if i were you i would prob just play it safe and shave. you never know I guess what type of interviewer you will get

 

[Teletubby]

I wanted to know if I should shave or keep my beard. I got it trimmed (<5mm) and lined up by my barber yesterday. My picture in my secondary had a trimmed beard. The school is my top choice and in the south. I look much better and mature with the beard than clean shaven.

I too love my facial hair, however, I know people who absolutely hate facial hair and others are neutral to it. But no one I know hates people who are clean shaven. Thus, I shaved for my interviewers. I disliked it, but alas I can regrow it!

 

[maybeDRmaybenot]

Rip the beard. Imma shave.
Y’all right no reward high risk in keeping it

 

[deleted1053887]

We mustache you to shave to be on the safe side.

*finger guns for puns

Okay, I'll see myself out.

 

[baller34]

I debated this for mine but I shaved. Luckily enough it grows back in like a month. Either just make sure it looks clean or shave it

 

[Lamel]

For residency interviews at least almost half the men had facial hair, and it was mostly neatly trimmed. I don't think it matters as long as it looks neat enough.

 

[JimKimSlim]

Depends on how good it looks (at least for me)

 

[revaew]

My skin is horrible, so I had a beard in my interviews that was very well-kempt and it was not a hindrance. But ive been growing a full beard for like over a decade so it was not patchy or otherwise thin.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

So much is based on how well kept it is. If you are like 20/21 with a natural babyface, it might make sense to not look like you just came from prom. I was one of those people who looked way younger shaven so I got mine trimmed and kept it presentable.

David D, MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutors
Med School Tutors

 

[r2med]

Though not the same, this thread reminds me of one where the OP said s/he was an adcom and would reject any applicant not donning a double windsor!

To the OP, I think you have already decided to shave. Go with it. Do what will keep you happy and confident. Good luck with your top choice.

 

[NY_Med]

Had a beard for half my interviews and was shaved for half mine. Had a beard for my Vita, and was shaved for my interviews (at two MD schools; still pending decisions though). One of my current acceptances had a beard, the other acceptance I was shaved. I genuinely do not think it matters; just don't psych yourself out about it (and if you are going too I would just shave it).

Edit: That being said, one of my interviews I did have a beard during was LECOM... that may have been a mistake lmao, we will see.

 

[DNAJB6]

Shave.

 

[Orims]

Trimmed beard for all of my interviews and I don't think it has hurt me.

 

[r2med]

Shave. You'll have a mask on during the interview so I wouldn't worry about looking better with a beard.

Why mask?

 

[alm414]

Pandemic

I assume the interview is virtual and OP will be in their own home? I don't know if any schools are doing in-person interviews this cycle.

 

[r2med]

Pandemic

Why wear a mask for virtual?

I assume the interview is virtual and OP will be in their own home? I don't know if any schools are doing in-person interviews this cycle.

Correct

 

[DNAJB6]

Mea culpa. I forgot most schools were doing virtual interviews.