Imagine You Could Design the PERFECT Applicant

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What would that applicant look like? Grades and MCATs we know would be high so we won't waste time with that, but what about all the other stuff? Be specific:

What would his work experience be like?

His shadowing experience?

What would his research be like?

From who would his LORs come?

What would his volunteer work be like?

Just describe the perfect applicant. Curious as to what your answers are.
 
Are you assuming the perfect applicant is male? (note: I'm not actually accusing you of sexist tendencies)
 
na, just nothing annoys me more than having to read "he/she" a dozen times because someone is trying to be politically correct.
 
True, **** political correctness. Plus anyone who got into med school is the perfect applicant.
 
You forgot to ask what the perfect applicant's race and nationality would be. People can argue and argue about exactly how much stuff like that counts for, but there's no denying that adding to a school's racial diversity counts for something, and so the perfect applicant would, by definition, be able to have that on his application in addition to all the other works and activities.

Im thinking someone like...an eskimo. Maybe a Somali ex-pirate

EDIT: I interpreted your thread title of what would he "look like" more literally than you probably intended 😀
 
Chevy Chase Fan said:
What would that applicant look like? Grades and MCATs we know would be high so we won't waste time with that, but what about all the other stuff? Be specific:

What would his work experience be like?

His shadowing experience?

What would his research be like?

From who would his LORs come?

What would his volunteer work be like?

Just describe the perfect applicant. Curious as to what your answers are.
Click to expand...

Funny, outgoing, and intelligent.
Great personality.
Ambitious and career oriented.
Enjoys art & nature as well as science & philosophy.
Looks great in blue jeans & a white tank top.
5'5"-ish
Dark Hair.
Nice butt.
Decent rack.

--What were we talking about again?

😕
 
Suncrusher said:
You forgot to ask what the perfect applicant's race and nationality would be. People can argue and argue about exactly how much stuff like that counts for, but there's no denying that adding to a school's diversity counts for something, and so the perfect applicant would, by definition, be able to have that on his application in addition to all the other works and activities.
Click to expand...
Well, let's try to keep it based on things we can control. Adding that the perfect applicant would be a black midget from Nigeria doesn't help me improve my weak points.
 
ok, ok. good call on the Nigerian midget, though.😛

The only thing I have to add to this thread (besides sarcastic comments) is that as far as volunteering, schools seem to love applicants who start their own non-profit charity organizations. The perfect applicant would probably have done that
 
s4_ApocalypseNowish_pic05.jpg


No problem.
 
True.

As far as what the perfect applicant's resume would like, I would say the following (I attempted to create the applicant that would be accepted at most schools):

- WORK: the applicant would probably have a paid research laboratory position or a medically-related job (EMT or something like that). Also, the student could be a TA.
- SHADOWING: lots of hours spread over a few different doctors with different specialties.
-RESEARCH: the applicant would have maybe 2 or 3 years of experience in a biological/medical lab (the same lab for all 3 years). Preferably, the applicant would have a couple of publications from this experience. A bonus would be if the applicant researched (and had a publication about) a social issue (maybe something about medical discrepancies between certain social groups).
- LORS: one from PI of lab, one from work supervisor, one from professor (maybe more?)
- Volunteer: a hospital-based one, a "serving the underprivileged one", and something of the applicant's unique interests.

However, I am only a lowly premed. It would be interesting to see what LizzyM would say.
 
4.0 and 40, for sure.

Founded a club in a hobby that is unique.
Supervisory experience in a job.
A science related job.
2-3 years of research with 2+ publications.
LOR from department head, well-known PI, and a well-known non-science prof.
Volunteering in a hospital for 2+ years.
Shadowed 4+ doctors for a total of 150+ hours.
Decent amount of non-scientific community service.

And to top it all off..

Accomplished musician/artist/whatever.
 
Stewie32 said:
True.

As far as what the perfect applicant's resume would like, I would say the following (I attempted to create the applicant that would be accepted at most schools):

- WORK: the applicant would probably have a paid research laboratory position or a medically-related job (EMT or something like that). Also, the student could be a TA.
- SHADOWING: lots of hours spread over a few different doctors with different specialties.
-RESEARCH: the applicant would have maybe 2 or 3 years of experience in a biological/medical lab (the same lab for all 3 years). Preferably, the applicant would have a couple of publications from this experience. A bonus would be if the applicant researched (and had a publication about) a social issue (maybe something about medical discrepancies between certain social groups).
- LORS: one from PI of lab, one from work supervisor, one from professor (maybe more?)
- Volunteer: a hospital-based one, a "serving the underprivileged one", and something of the applicant's unique interests.

However, I am only a lowly premed. It would be interesting to see what LizzyM would say.
Click to expand...

^ is me lol. Except I haven't taken the MCAT yet 🙁. Let's see how much being late will hurt me...
 
These all sound incredibly generic/"cookie cutter". 😴


I guess I've been hanging out on SDN too long...
 
the applicant must be recognized in some sport or something that no other premed does. being unique is key.
 
I think we've had one of these threads in the past. Everyone agreed that Obama might have the type of leadership the adcoms are looking for, not sure though.
 
His power level would be OVER 9000!
 
cfx said:
These all sound incredibly generic/"cookie cutter". 😴


I guess I've been hanging out on SDN too long...
Click to expand...

That about summarizes med school admissions.

Of course, the ULTIMATE candidate has a 2.8, 24, and a father with his own Fortune 500 company willing to give a generous donation.
 
JonathanMD said:
Funny, outgoing, and intelligent.
Great personality.
Ambitious and career oriented.
Enjoys art & nature as well as science & philosophy.
Looks great in blue jeans & a white tank top.
5'5"-ish
Dark Hair.
Nice butt.
Decent rack.
Click to expand...

Hey! That's me... except I have blond hair... do you think Adcoms will care?

I guess I don't have to worry about getting good grades from here on out!😀
 
Emikosma said:
Hey! That's me... except I have blond hair... do you think Adcoms will care?

I guess I don't have to worry about getting good grades from here on out!😀
Click to expand...

omgzzz u sayin you have a nice butt and [decent] rack?
😱😱😱 pics or it didn't happen!!!1!11!!

/creeper
 
Frazier said:
omgzzz u sayin you have a nice butt and [decent] rack?
😱😱😱 pics or it didn't happen!!!1!11!!

/creeper
Click to expand...

I'll have to decline for anonymity's sake. You'll just have to take my word for it😛
 
Suncrusher said:
ok, ok. good call on the Nigerian midget, though.😛

The only thing I have to add to this thread (besides sarcastic comments) is that as far as volunteering, schools seem to love applicants who start their own non-profit charity organizations. The perfect applicant would probably have done that
Click to expand...


so if i have this, i'm pretty awesome? 😀
 
GPA:

> or equal to 3.6 gets an interview...personality should dictates the rest

MCAT:

> or equal to 31/32 but this could be un/balanced by high or low GPA

What would his work experience be like?:

I definately would accept an applicant with any work experience versus 12+ volunteer/shadow experiences. Job description wouldn't really matter to me. It's more the work ethic and time management skills I'd want to see in a candidate.

His shadowing experience?

At least 12 hrs. in about 4-5 specialties (diversity is key: primary care, ER, rads, cardiology, etc.). Just have an idea of what you are getting yourself into 😛

What would his research be like?

I'm a little biased--I don't think it is absolutely necessary to have research experience to be a good MD candidate. Research for me would be like a "whoa, you get an extra gold star on your chart!" lol

From who would his LORs come?

1 letter from a science faculty member, 1 from a TA (I think they know their students better than most professors), 1 from a supervisor (work or volunteer), and 1 freebie from someone you think will write you a killer letter 😛

What would his volunteer work be like?

Since there are so many diverse opportunities you can really learn a lot about a person by seeing what they commit themselves too. I don't care what it is---making gingerbread men for shut-ins for all I care---tell me why you love it and why I should care too.

PERSONALITY: as simple as it sounds...just be genuine and I'd listen to what you have to say
 
No gunners, no nauseating douche bags... everyone else accepted...
 
2.0 GPA, 21 MCAT, no clinical experience, no research, no volunteerism

I would like that applicant to matriculate, do well, and go on to be a good doctor and show everybody that you don't need all that crap to do a good job.
 
SusGob711 said:
GPA:

> or equal to 3.6 gets an interview...personality should dictates the rest

MCAT:

> or equal to 31/32 but this could be un/balanced by high or low GPA

What would his work experience be like?:

I definately would accept an applicant with any work experience versus 12+ volunteer/shadow experiences. Job description wouldn't really matter to me. It's more the work ethic and time management skills I'd want to see in a candidate.

His shadowing experience?

At least 12 hrs. in about 4-5 specialties (diversity is key: primary care, ER, rads, cardiology, etc.). Just have an idea of what you are getting yourself into 😛

What would his research be like?

I'm a little biased--I don't think it is absolutely necessary to have research experience to be a good MD candidate. Research for me would be like a "whoa, you get an extra gold star on your chart!" lol

From who would his LORs come?

1 letter from a science faculty member, 1 from a TA (I think they know their students better than most professors), 1 from a supervisor (work or volunteer), and 1 freebie from someone you think will write you a killer letter 😛

What would his volunteer work be like?

Since there are so many diverse opportunities you can really learn a lot about a person by seeing what they commit themselves too. I don't care what it is---making gingerbread men for shut-ins for all I care---tell me why you love it and why I should care too.

PERSONALITY: as simple as it sounds...just be genuine and I'd listen to what you have to say
Click to expand...

Bravo!!!
 
SusGob711 said:
GPA:

> or equal to 3.6 gets an interview...personality should dictates the rest

MCAT:

> or equal to 31/32 but this could be un/balanced by high or low GPA

What would his work experience be like?:

I definately would accept an applicant with any work experience versus 12+ volunteer/shadow experiences. Job description wouldn't really matter to me. It's more the work ethic and time management skills I'd want to see in a candidate.

His shadowing experience?

At least 12 hrs. in about 4-5 specialties (diversity is key: primary care, ER, rads, cardiology, etc.). Just have an idea of what you are getting yourself into 😛

What would his research be like?

I'm a little biased--I don't think it is absolutely necessary to have research experience to be a good MD candidate. Research for me would be like a "whoa, you get an extra gold star on your chart!" lol

From who would his LORs come?

1 letter from a science faculty member, 1 from a TA (I think they know their students better than most professors), 1 from a supervisor (work or volunteer), and 1 freebie from someone you think will write you a killer letter 😛

What would his volunteer work be like?

Since there are so many diverse opportunities you can really learn a lot about a person by seeing what they commit themselves too. I don't care what it is---making gingerbread men for shut-ins for all I care---tell me why you love it and why I should care too.

PERSONALITY: as simple as it sounds...just be genuine and I'd listen to what you have to say
Click to expand...

I have to agree. This is a pretty great description 👍
 
SusGob711 said:
GPA:

> or equal to 3.6 gets an interview...personality should dictates the rest

MCAT:

> or equal to 31/32 but this could be un/balanced by high or low GPA

What would his work experience be like?:

I definately would accept an applicant with any work experience versus 12+ volunteer/shadow experiences. Job description wouldn't really matter to me. It's more the work ethic and time management skills I'd want to see in a candidate.

His shadowing experience?

At least 12 hrs. in about 4-5 specialties (diversity is key: primary care, ER, rads, cardiology, etc.). Just have an idea of what you are getting yourself into 😛

What would his research be like?

I'm a little biased--I don't think it is absolutely necessary to have research experience to be a good MD candidate. Research for me would be like a "whoa, you get an extra gold star on your chart!" lol

From who would his LORs come?

1 letter from a science faculty member, 1 from a TA (I think they know their students better than most professors), 1 from a supervisor (work or volunteer), and 1 freebie from someone you think will write you a killer letter 😛

What would his volunteer work be like?

Since there are so many diverse opportunities you can really learn a lot about a person by seeing what they commit themselves too. I don't care what it is---making gingerbread men for shut-ins for all I care---tell me why you love it and why I should care too.

PERSONALITY: as simple as it sounds...just be genuine and I'd listen to what you have to say
Click to expand...

Remember that the OP asked for the PERFECT applicant. While you have described a good applicant that will probably get accepted to a good number of schools and rejected at a few others, this is not the perfect applicant.
 
Narmerguy said:
Remember that the OP asked for the PERFECT applicant. While you have described a good applicant that will probably get accepted to a good number of schools and rejected at a few others, this is not the perfect applicant.
Click to expand...

what if he was also a ninja?
 
I'm going to try to avoid use of pronouns, if I fail and use a gender specific one, just assume it can refer to anyone.

Work experience? : At least one to two years of working full time (or equivalent), ideally in a supervisory role. Research or Teaching would be best, but almost any job has something worthwhile it can bring to the table.

Shadowing experience? : Enough to know the daily life of a doctor. Maybe 2 or 3 specialties at least one being surgical.

Research be like? : A few years, if the applicant ran their own experiment even better. At least one publication or presentation.

From who would his LORs come? : Two or three science professors, at least two non-science professors, a PI, at least two volunteering (one clinical, one non-clinical). Maybe an MD or DO too. If an employer letter could come, that might be useful. Yes, I'm big on letters.

What would his volunteer work be like? : Both clinical volunteering and non-medical volunteering. The non-medical could be anywhere, but I would prefer something that makes the applicant stand out like work with a community they really wanted to work with or do something different.

I would also look highly on some teaching or tutoring, some leadership positions (professional organizations would be ideal), and a few interesting hobbies. Unfortunately, I would have them max out their activities list. LOL. I would also like them to prove they are unlikely to offend patients who are different from them.
 
So I'm the only one that would want to have Rambo at my school? I mean, come on, it's freaking RAMBO!
 
Trollol said:
Gross Hermione Bikini Pic
Click to expand...

I am scarred for life. This was worse than Harry's happy trail.

Edit: I'm referring, of course, to this picture:

Harry%20Potter%204.JPG
 
Last edited:
Evergrey said:
I am scarred for life. This was worse than Harry's happy trail.

Edit: I'm referring, of course, to this picture:

Harry%20Potter%204.JPG
Click to expand...

That's not that bad. Even Harry Potter has the right to grow some fur. The bikini pic is...Chris Hanson-worthy.
 
Oh man, easy.

Acedemics: 4.0 (from Oxford), 45T (on their first and only MCAT), has a PhD in Infectious Disease from Johns Hopkins and has a M.P.H. from Harvard

LORS
- One letter from the UN Secretary General describing how you single handedly saved 5 million lives in Africa by devising a new way to treat polio
- One letter from the President of your college, describing how you graduated with a 4.0 while taking 40 credit hour semesters and graduating in one year (while volunterring 20 hours a week somehow)
- One letter from the chairman of AMCAS, explaining how you actually got a 56 on your MCAT, but the computer can only display a 45 as the highest score

Misc
- In your first year of undergrad, you discovered stem cells
- You are female, born in Somalia and your parents abandoned you. You lived in total poverty, and then you had a kid when you were 14 years old, but you educated yourself and made it to Oxford only using sheer will and hope.
- You spent the summer of 2007 working for Obama and you devised his entire political campaign.
- While in college you joined the army as a medic. You saved over 4,000 NATO soldiers with your skills and then you single handedly defended against a major terrorist attack on your base, even though you were a medic with no combat training.
- You hold the world record for Guitar Hero's "through the fire and the flames"


Am I missing anything?
 
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