Connection to Admissions Dean, strange situation

[Aegean1]

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[DrfluffyMD]

Roll with it. My med school class had at least 20 people who had significant personal connections and slightly below median stats. It was a top 20 school

 

[leagueofDravenMD]

Id roll with it, you yourself seem confident in the deans promise.

But wow, If I were in the deans shoes...... being the plug for my brother's best friend's family member? Wouldn't happen.


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[DrfluffyMD]

My GPA is more than slightly below their median, however the dean spent a lot of time addressing my concerns about it and basically waved it away.

Don't worry about it. Just apply there and you will be fine. It's just how to world works. As long as you have the MCAT you are fine.

 

[LizzyM]

Are you willing to roll the dice and end up not getting in anywhere and having to reapply in a later cycle? I think it all depends on how much risk you want to take.Do you feel lucky?

 

[DrfluffyMD]

Are you willing to roll the dice and end up not getting in anywhere and having to reapply in a later cycle? I think it all depends on how much risk you want to take.Do you feel lucky?

If his med school is anything like mine he should feel very comfortable about rolling the dice.

 

[Yorick]

Are you willing to roll the dice and end up not getting in anywhere and having to reapply in a later cycle? I think it all depends on how much risk you want to take.Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?

 

[DokterMom]

My GPA is more than slightly below their median, however the dean spent a lot of time addressing my concerns about it and basically waved it away.

Your GPA is clearly your weak spot. So if you've discussed that at length with the dean and s/he's strongly suggested you apply EDP anyway, then I'd go for it.

To get highly technical: "Said dean has informed me that if I get accepted and still decide to do the SMP I have to finish it."

What if you get accepted to SMP but then decide not to do it...? (Because you've been accepted EDP)

 

[DrfluffyMD]

Can you elaborate?

As I mentioned before, I've seen people gotten in from personal connections. They also have a hook (like your good MCAT) but personal connection allow slightly weaker app to be overlooked.

 

[DokterMom]

I've already gotten into the SMP, question is do I want to defer it for one year and roll the dice on this.



Hm..the thing is my GPA is below their 10th percentile. If I was within their usual range I wouldn't be as worried. But if I get through to interviews I fully expect to get grilled on my grades.

Yes, you will get grilled on your GPA. What's your story?

 

[Afp0731]

Is there any way you can contact him and ask for his advice? I don't see anything wrong with you telling him where your grades stand and asking for advice on whether you would be competitive or not.

 

[dr.Breezy]

Screw the SMP.Ffrom the context you provided you're a shoe in, yeah gpa matters but in this world it's all about that network.


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[When the Moon Forgot]

I have to concur with cj_cregg. Don't trust anything the admissions dean says, just like letters of interest or intent from applicants are usually (not always of course) taken with a giant grain of salt.

 

[Afp0731]

Lots of family issues towards the end of fresman year through Junior year. Very slow upward trend.



No offense meant but did you read the post?..He's aware of my GPA .

You said that he was informed of your MCAT and that he hadn't seen the rest of your app but you did not specifically mention that he was informed of your grades. I can see where you implied it now.

If he is aware of the entire situation, that's a tough call. His support may carry weight but decisions are made as a committee. There will always be committee members who are less than enthusiastic about admitting applicants because of connections.
Why not apply and do a one year masters program during the cycle? Worst case scenario is that you are better prepared when you begin med school. If you don't have great ECs, the dean is going to have a hard time convincing the committee that your MCAT and his relationship with you are alone sufficient for your acceptance. I was in similar shoes right after I graduated and ended up regretting my decision to just hope for the best.

 

[LizzyM]

I've already gotten into the SMP, question is do I want to defer it for one year and roll the dice on this.



Hm..the thing is my GPA is below their 10th percentile. If I was within their usual range I wouldn't be as worried. But if I get through to interviews I fully expect to get grilled on my grades.

If there are 100 people in a class, then 10 have a GPA below the school's 10th percentile. How low is not too low would be one question I'd ask if I were in your shoes. The school may be asking if you bring something to the table that would otherwise be missing.

 

[Endoxifen]

I'd role the dice, but have a backup plan ready. If you do, make sure you stay on that dean's radar. You don't want him forgetting about you come admission season.