How important are looks to getting an interview/getting accepted?

[flatearth22]

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So I see that a lot of secondaries ask you to send in a picture of yourself. Even for the ones that don't if you want to get accepted into the school you'll have to interview there...so I got thinking

How important exactly are looks to getting into med school? Say that you have 2 identical students in terms of GPA, MCAT, EC's, LOR's, interviewing ability etc. but one of the students is extremely good looking while the other is average. Does the better looking one get the nod? What about a good looking applicant vs. a hideous one?

For applicants whose stats are different could good looks make up an MCAT point or 2 or 0.1-0.2 GPA points and end up influencing the decision?

 

[iniquus]

For applicants whose stats are different could good looks make up an MCAT point or 2 or 0.1-0.2 GPA points and end up influencing the decision?

 

[NickNaylor]

The earth is round.

 

[Wolfman89]

inb4probationarystatus/

 

[startswithb]

Can't count for that much. Not accepted yet.

 

[UnassumingDude]

I've heard whispers of medical schools turning down qualified but obese applicants.

 

[Monocles]

I'm not on a medical school review board so I can't say, but if they want a photo then I'm sure it must count for something. Generally in life, attractive people tend to have an easier time with everything, so interpret that however you want, I guess.

 

[Mbeas]

The earth is round.

wait, what?

OP: would you consider yourself overweight?

 

[rhesuspieces]

My favorite hypothetical ever: If two students have the same GPA, MCAT, EC's, parents, ugrad institution, ethnic background, favorite ice cream flavor, and major, and student A has better [INSERT VARIABLE HERE], would he/she get picked over student B?

 

[jsh52]

So I see that a lot of secondaries ask you to send in a picture of yourself. Even for the ones that don't if you want to get accepted into the school you'll have to interview there...so I got thinking

How important exactly are looks to getting into med school? Say that you have 2 identical students in terms of GPA, MCAT, EC's, LOR's, interviewing ability etc. but one of the students is extremely good looking while the other is average. Does the better looking one get the nod? What about a good looking applicant vs. a hideous one?

For applicants whose stats are different could good looks make up an MCAT point or 2 or 0.1-0.2 GPA points and end up influencing the decision?

IMO-Looks do matter. I would argue which way it goes (whether it helps or hurts) depends on the person interviewing you. I interviewed a few years ago for one of the programs where you don't need an MCAT and you are accepted during your junior yr of undergrad (boy that narrows the list down for you SDNers) 🙄. Anyways-I actually had a cardiologist sit there and ask me what I was going to do about my family because it's the woman's job to raise kids. I actually made the mistake of saying I would only marry someone who viewed me (I was not married at the time) as an equal partner and would support me in all my professional endeavors, as I would for him. Anyways, the girl after me interviewed with him as well and he did not ask her that (she was kinda...unattractive...). Why else would he ask me that and not her? I mean maybe there is some other factor involved, but it was the most obvious thing that stood out. I mean he was obviously pretty sexist, but then he should have given her a hard time as well, know what I mean?

 

[lbzak]

IMO- Anyways-I actually had a cardiologist sit there and ask me what I was going to do about my family because it's the woman's job to raise kids.

Do you even have to answer that? I feel like that's a personal question.

 

[dpk211]

The denying obese people thing is fascinating. I didn't think you could do that.

 

[sgtbrushes]

[Good looks] isn't everything. It's the only thing.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Yeah you have to look like this or better to even get considered at Harvard

Good luck

 

[Frazier]

Yeah you have to look like this or better to even get considered at Harvard

Good luck

Would he have to enter his interview with the shirt unbuttoned? Or would the face and hair misted with fresh seawater suffice?

 

[dbeast]

Looks are important but they won't help as much as skills like strength and dexterity... Especially for the obstacle course portion of your interview day.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Would he have to enter his interview with the shirt unbuttoned? Or would the face and hair misted with fresh seawater suffice?

I would personally suggest entering the room with the top two buttons undone and slowly unbuttoning the rest during the interview. I would also recommend bringing a bottle of fresh seawater to mist yourself throughout the day and a portable background of the sea to wheel around behind yourself.

 

[BushidoBrown]

Remember when I said I would troll you last? I lied.

 

[Frazier]

I would personally suggest entering the room with the top two buttons undone and slowly unbuttoning the rest during the interview. I would also recommend bringing a bottle of fresh seawater to mist yourself throughout the day and a portable background of the sea to wheel around behind yourself.

You are a master. 😎👍

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

Let's just say that despite my low GPA, I fully expect interviews at every school that requests my picture. I'm going to take the picture in my best fireplace pose, and with the most seductive look possible.

 

[deleted357625]

Let's just say that despite my low GPA, I fully expect interviews at every school that requests my picture. I'm going to take the picture in my best fireplace pose, and with the most seductive look possible.

lmao

 

[Geneticist]

Why are pictures required...? And do you think they'd be upset if I put subliminal messages in the pic?

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Let's just say that despite my low GPA, I fully expect interviews at every school that requests my picture. I'm going to take the picture in my best fireplace pose, and with the most seductive look possible.

Will it look something like this?

 

[rhesuspieces]

Will it look something like this?

Or this?

 

[deleted357625]

Or this?

or my avatar pic..

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

Steve Byrne describes the pose. Up to about 1:15. This is how I will break the ice:the fireplace pose.[YOUTUBE]nTqbeuHVBwk[/YOUTUBE]

 

[deleted357625]

Steve Byrne describes the pose. Up to about 1:15. This is how I will break the ice:the fireplace pose.[YOUTUBE]nTqbeuHVBwk[/YOUTUBE]

1:33 guaranteed acceptance

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

1:33 guaranteed acceptance

That's what I do when they trash talk my GPA..."You watch your mouth" (kicks legs).

 

[slatermd]

Will it look something like this?

Or this?

Rookies.

Probably this:

[YOUTUBE]j7e_igiPIUI[/YOUTUBE]

 

[HakeeMD]

So I see that a lot of secondaries ask you to send in a picture of yourself. Even for the ones that don't if you want to get accepted into the school you'll have to interview there...so I got thinking

How important exactly are looks to getting into med school? Say that you have 2 identical students in terms of GPA, MCAT, EC's, LOR's, interviewing ability etc. but one of the students is extremely good looking while the other is average. Does the better looking one get the nod? What about a good looking applicant vs. a hideous one?

For applicants whose stats are different could good looks make up an MCAT point or 2 or 0.1-0.2 GPA points and end up influencing the decision?

I suppose looks could play a factor (albeit small) since the interviewer makes some assumptions about you based on the way you carry yourself during the interview, which could include your physical appearance. For example, if you're dressed sloppily or aren't reasonably well-groomed, the interviewer might assume you lack some element of professionalism leading to a less than glowing evaluation.

But I wouldn't worry about it. This thread is kinda silly.

 

[BushidoBrown]

If it even has the possibility of helping you out, why wouldn't you try to look your best when you interview?

Damn you people obssess over some seriously stupid ****

 

[addo]

didnt bother to read the whole thread, but has anyone said yes yet?

 

[SilentSoldier]

I'll take your spraying mist of sea water and raise you a rolling around in the sand look ala

This is the look of an Harvard Medical School Student if I do say so myself.

 

[CougarMD]

This thread is making me realize that my photos from J.C. Penney where I was smiling, with my chin resting on my fist, might have been the deal breaker....

 

[Torr]

I wonder why people keep asking these questions. If people say "yes" looks matter. What are you planning to do about it?

Figure everyone tries to look as nice as possible for pics and interview regardless.

This thread is making me realize that my photos from J.C. Penney where I was smiling, with my chin resting on my fist, might have been the deal breaker....

Nah, I think it's classy

 

[TooMuchResearch]

I'd vote no. That little pic over there on the left is actually of me.