Father is alumni of school

[thndrbrd]

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I have an interview coming up at the school my father received his M.D. from, and was wondering how much time I should spend discussing it as one of the main reasons that I am interested in their program. It's a great school so obviously I want to attend for other reasons as well, but I don't want to come off as feeling entitled or project that I'm taking advantage of my family connections to get an edge on the competition.

How much do you guys think being a 'legacy case' has on admissions decisions?


👍

 

[neusu]

I have an interview coming up at the school my father received his M.D. from, and was wondering how much time I should spend discussing it as one of the main reasons that I am interested in their program. It's a great school so obviously I want to attend for other reasons as well, but I don't want to come off as feeling entitled or project that I'm taking advantage of my family connections to get an edge on the competition.

How much do you guys think being a 'legacy case' has on admissions decisions?


👍

Depends on how much money he's donated. If it s the thndrbrd sr school of medicine the elephant is in the room. If its a fair amount they'll likely point it out. If its little or nothing then you pointing it out will likely elicit a smile and a congratulations.

 

[Narmerguy]

I have an interview coming up at the school my father received his M.D. from, and was wondering how much time I should spend discussing it as one of the main reasons that I am interested in their program. It's a great school so obviously I want to attend for other reasons as well, but I don't want to come off as feeling entitled or project that I'm taking advantage of my family connections to get an edge on the competition.

How much do you guys think being a 'legacy case' has on admissions decisions?


👍

Probably very little. I would mention it, but also realize that the school probably has a new Dean, different faculty, new research, different (more diverse) students from when your dad was there. The school will likely be aware that despite the name, the school your Dad attended and the one you will attend are very different places.

 

[LizzyM]

This might vary by school. What I see is that it might help you get an interview but then it is up to you because it may not be factored in when it comes time to make offers of admission.

So, your job in the secondary (if possible given the questions asked) and the interview is to cover what impresses you about the school and why you think it is a good fit for you. If you've had access to the last several issues of the alumni magazines then you should be able to get a good idea about the facilities, research endeavors, curriculum, community service projects, etc of which the school is most proud.

 

[Shenanigan]

I wouldn't bring it up unless it's a relevant part of your answer to a question or part of conversation. Most ask in the secondary if you have family ties to the school and your interviewer will know if it's in your file. Some schools automatically put you in a "legacy pool" so I think it would probably come off wrong if you said I want to come here because my Dad did.

Think of a way to frame it in a desire to have a similar education experience to become the same caring/(insert adjective)/good physician as your father. Something along those lines might be beneficial.

Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

I wouldn't bring it up unless it's a relevant part of your answer to a question or part of conversation. Most ask in the secondary if you have family ties to the school and your interviewer will know if it's in your file. Some schools automatically put you in a "legacy pool" so I think it would probably come off wrong if you said I want to come here because my Dad did.

Think of a way to frame it in a desire to have a similar education experience to become the same caring/(insert adjective)/good physician as your father. Something along those lines might be beneficial.

Good luck!

JUST FYI:

If it is the highest degree attained, the name of dad's school goes on the AMCAS application in the section about parents.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I don't see anything wrong with mentioning it, since you said that its a major reason why you chose the school. Just frame it in that (sincere) context and don't make it sound like you believe you are entitled to either the interview or a spot in the class. I interview applicants for my undergrad, and I appreciate when someone lets me know they are a legacy because it tells me that they likely know a lot about the school and have a sincere interest. I would hope med school interviewers are similar. You will still have to get in on your own merits, but adcoms likely won't question your interest in their school.

 

[Shenanigan]

JUST FYI:

If it is the highest degree attained, the name of dad's school goes on the AMCAS application in the section about parents.

Thanks for clarifying LizzyM. I forgot about that part of the AMCAS app, I submitted it a while ago. Some schools I applied to did ask explicitly in secondaries if you have any family ties.

On an unrelated note, I'm guessing you're the creator of the LizzyM score? I'm new to SDN and all these fancy rating scales/sites. 🙂

 

[mimelim]

It is funny, at HMS we didn't talk about my father going there, but Hopkins asked me, "So we see your father went to HMS, would you consider coming here over them?" I told them that my father told me that in his residency class at Brigham the best residents came from Hopkins. They got giddy after that.

 

[ChartaBona]

Just a minor grammatical note for your interview: the masculine singular of alumni is alumnus.

I wouldn't list it as your ONLY reason for being interested in the school, but it is a legitimate one. It should set you apart from equally qualified applicants, because you are more attached to the school, and have a higher likelihood of choosing their school if you had multiple acceptances.

I've only had one interview so far, (got accepted yesterday), and I think I spent a good bit of time on the "why us" question just talking about the city (Burlington, VT), as opposed to the school itself. I briefly mentioned the residency match lists, Step scores, and how the curriculum allowed for earlier clinical clerkships (March of 2nd year).

 

[An MD Hopeful]

Just be careful about it. I have a friend who wrote about his dad being a doctor in his personal statement. And one interviewer told him that it looks like he's just trying to become a doctor to be like his dad.

If you do mention it, then make sure to also mention other significant reasons why you want to go to that school.

 

[deleted393595]

It is funny, at HMS we didn't talk about my father going there, but Hopkins asked me, "So we see your father went to HMS, would you consider coming here over them?" I told them that my father told me that in his residency class at Brigham the best residents came from Hopkins. They got giddy after that.

I see what you did there 😉

 

[thndrbrd]

Thanks for the great responses and potentially saving me from embarrassment by using alumni wrong in the interview.