i like heavy metal. do adcoms?

[derisivewords]

I have a question about adcoms. Are they typically rather conservative? I've gotten signals that they don't like "rebels" and "iconoclasts."

Here's the problem. I personally feel that I'm an unique character, although I'm concerned that admissions committees might not "like" those qualities that make me unique. That is to say, I like listening to heavy metal music alot, extreme metal even. I've written many reviews on it, started my own website where I was editor etc, designed the site, recruited reviewers, interviewed bands, etc. Also had a radio show where I was DJ. While it certainly may make me "stand out", I'm not quite sure if this is a good thing, given the stigma heavy metal music has in the general society. Should I bring it up to them in my application and interviews? I mean, if necessary I could spend hours, if not days, on why I like the music, and why I see connections between it and opera (of which there are many IMO), etc etc. Ugh.

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[THE instiGATOR]

I introduced Tool to the surgeon I shadow. He liked it a lot. I don't know if he's ever been on an admissions committee, but it's possible. I wouldn't worry too much. Just don't make the subject your main focus.

 

[Jessica]

I would be honest. Your expereinces sound like they would make you a unique member of any med school class, and they will make your application stand out. As long as your app is balanced with some more "conservative" or "traditional" characteristics (good GPA, MCAT, volunteering, research) I think that your unique qualities will help you. Granted, I know that there are some very conservative schools out there, and maybe some really old-school ad com members might be iffy.... but there are also some schools that really like more diverse, "different" type (not that your taste in music makes you an oddball) Just be yourself and good luck... in my opinion, a demonstrated interest in something outside the academic world can only help you (as long as its legal and stuff...)

 

[derisivewords]

I feel like I could sufficiently get the point across without talking about the more "controversial" elements of my music, i.e. Norwegian black metal or grindcore. Actually my big worry is some adcom guy is going to check out the site I currently write for (titled "Satan Stole my Teddybear", what a name) and see "all that". Not that I'm ashamed of my music, not at all. But I gotta be a little careful I realize.

 

[derisivewords]

I guess I could talk about how the lyrics to Carcass's "Symphonies of Sickness" got me more interested in medicine haha :

 

[BME All-Star]

If a med school is gonna reject you cause of the music you like, that's pretty f-ed up. Don't worry about it. It's not like telling them you like to bite pigeons heads off or blurting out "hey, didja know i'm addicted to porn?". Although that would be pretty funny.

 

[Sonya]

be careful of what you put on your page... adcoms may look at it... if there is material that's definetly objectionable, maybe make sure it's not obvious you wrote it (and hide info about you that will look bad to adcoms). I won't be suprised if a interviewer asks what the page is.

you can talk about it. but talk intellectual stuff, so they avoid the steryotypes of heavy metal music.

 

[derisivewords]

Easier said than done. I no longer run the site I used to run, and now I'm just a writer for this larger site. I can't go to the editor and ask him to "hide" the various and sundry things some adcoms might find objectionable (i.e. probably everything.)

 

[Sonya]

tell them recently you took the site down because you couldn't afford the domain and such, and so currentley they can't view it... but this is what you had.....

umm, just an offbeat idea... not to sure what you should do.

 

[goldie]

I was in rock bands for many years before deciding on becoming a physician, and it seems adcoms are more interested in discussing them than volunteering I've done, classes, etc. I'm getting an overall impression that most committees are looking for people with non-traditional backgrounds. So don't be afraid to talk about music, even if you think your tastes don't match. It's a part of you, don't be afraid of it.

 

[Triangulation]

Yeah, don't sweat it. The surgeon in my lab is auditioning for rock bands now. I think you'll find many strange tastes in medicine, it generally selects for different thinkers. I'm into metal myself, but that was kinda the norm where I grew up. No worries.

 

[Scooby Doo]

Originally posted by Sonya:
[QB]be careful of what you put on your page... adcoms may look at it... if there is material that's definetly objectionable, maybe make sure it's not obvious you wrote it (and hide info about you that will look bad to adcoms). I won't be suprised if a interviewer asks what the page is.
QB]••

Oh please...that's the biggest load of BS I have ever read on SDN.

Adcoms have much friggin better things to do than to look up a webpage for some dude who just interviewed and critique his writing.

Derisive, MOST DEFINITELY TALK ABOUT IT!
It will make them remember you and you will not have to talk about anything else! You will talk about stuff you like so you will totally be able to come across like an awesome speaker and it will be somethign completely unique most of these guys have probably not heard of so they will be genuinely interested in what you are saying and you WILL BE REMEMBERED!!!

Damn people are so friggin uptight here.
We need to start an SDN stretching forum..

EXCUSE ME!!! IS THERE A PROCTOLOGIST IN THE HOUSE????

SOMEONE HAS SOMETHING UP THEIR XXXX!!!!

 

[derisivewords]

I'll talk about it. I figure, if the interviewer has such an objection to my interests, then to hell with him/her. The last thing I need is an uptight, close-minded school.