Did inside connections give you an edge?

[ohplease]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I thought it would make more sense to ask this question in this forum instead of the premed one since you guys have already been through the admissions process. How much do you think having an inside connection (strong or weak) played in your or your classmates' acceptance into top medical schools.

 

[felipe5]

not for me.......i had a good rappoir with a dean of admissions at a school that I did research at/applied to, along with a strong letter from an ex-adcom member, and a seemingly good interview to boot. Alas, I never got off their waitlist.

 

[ColoMD]

I thought it would make more sense to ask this question in this forum instead of the premed one since you guys have already been through the admissions process. How much do you think having an inside connection (strong or weak) played in your or your classmates' acceptance into top medical schools.

This is one of the biggest myths amongst pre-meds...that connections and being well-networked will help you get in. While it is a comforting thought to think you may have that added edge, decisions are made based on grades, test scores, personal statements, credentials, and interviews.

One of the most irksome things I have encountered in interviews is when an applicant drops names of faculty/staff/etc. at the school in an effort to boost their standing. If you aren't good enough to get in on your own, having a "connection" to anyone at the school won't help you.

 

[tigershark]

One of my classmates is the son of an influential surgeon that got his MD at our school. He constantly brags about how he got in with a 21 MCAT and crappy grades. The guy is a total jackass always talking about how he is coasting through clinicals counting on his daddy to get him a good residency spot in a very competitive field. While everyone else is running around doing scutwork this guy is walking around the wards playing a harmonica.

What's sad is this guy is probably going to get the residency he wants.

Connections can give you a huge edge.

 

[FowlersGap]

One of my classmates is the son of an influential surgeon that got his MD at our school. He constantly brags about how he got in with a 21 MCAT and crappy grades. The guy is a total jackass always talking about how he is coasting through clinicals counting on his daddy to get him a good residency spot in a very competitive field. While everyone else is running around doing scutwork this guy is walking around the wards playing a harmonica.

What's sad is this guy is probably going to get the residency he wants.

Connections can give you a huge edge.

its true; why do you think applications asked if you had a parent/grandparent/relative that went to the school on the secondary

if you're the offspring of an alum you definitely have an edge

 

[thackl]

This is one of the biggest myths amongst pre-meds...that connections and being well-networked will help you get in.

Actually, knowing the right people or being connected to a major donor/influential person will get you in will a substandard resume. There are one or two a yr (that we find out about) here at Tech every year.

 

[monstermatch]

I'm finding that no matter what you do in medicine theres always some insider you have to contend with. That stuff continues when you apply for residency too. Some schools are better about that than others tho, and you want to find a place that values merit above all other factors. Unfortunately, you'll never win if you're competition is the chairman's kid.

 

[stoic]

Do connections matter?

officially: most certainly not! it's absurb to even suggest it.

unofficially: absolutely.