Individual meetings with admissions representatives/pre-application visit

[pepes1lv1a]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Has anyone else had one yet? If so, do you think it at all improved your chances with the school?


I'm an EXTREME longshot this year. I won't even go into my stats but let's just say I'm counting on a great MCAT score, solid clinical experience, and a strong personal statement...because my GPA is way below average.


I live near Rosalind Franklin University, and as far as MD schools, I think it's one of the only ones I have a chance at. I have a meeting scheduled with an "admissions representative" tomorrow. Has anyone else had one of these? If so, what kind of questions did you ask?

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

I have no idea, but I'm also curious if summaries of these meetings go "in your file" or are just for your benefit. I have met with admissions folks at a couple of schools and some of them seemed like they were sizing me up while others seemed like they just wanted to answer my questions and kick me out.

I think in your situation you should ask them straight up if you are a competitive applicant with your current stats and experiences. And if not, what do they recommend to get you there.

 

[gyngyn]

.

 

[1LuckyCookie4]

I did this at several schools and I think it definitely helped, even if only to have a contact in the office for future admissions questions/problems. I asked them what types of common mistakes they see ppl make on their app, what type of candidate they were looking for, and even brought a copy of my amcas for them to look over and give me early pointers. Ended up getting accepted at 3 schools this cycle and my stats are not high at all. Also I had a few phone meetings as well as face to face so dont be shy about setting up a phone convo. People were very receptive.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[pepes1lv1a]

Here is an update. I went for a meeting at Rosalind Franklin with an admissions "representative" who was clearly not an adcom member and probably not much older than myself. I explained a little bit about how I am a total longshot but absolutely determined to become a doctor, and though I know I might have to reapply, I'm applying this cycle anyway on the off chance I can avoid paying for an extra year of post-bacc classes. My main question was, what would it take for me to get accepted to RFU's MD program?

Her answer: Have you ever considered podiatry?
Me: No.
Her: Blah blah blah podiatry still a medical professional
Me: That sounds great but I am really not interested in anything but MD or DO
Her: Well, most people don't even know about it, but you should really consider it.Blah blah blah tell obese people with foot problems that they might have diabetes blah blah blah
Me: Thanks but I really just wanted to know what I needed to do to get into the MD program.


She proceeded not to answer my question but to tell me why I had no chance through statistics: x many applicants, y many interviews, z many acceptances. When I asked what sort of candidates they look for, she straight up told me there was nothing specific. At the end she asked "do you even want a tour still?"


I can't remember the last time I struggled that hard to not punch someone in the face. I knew that if I did it would probably come up in my interview though.

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

Ouch. That's painful. Now you know not to waste your money.

 

[polyatomic]

It probably depends on who you run into.

I was visiting some schools in NYC just to see if I wanted to live in the area. I ended up talking to a lady in the admissions office. She had NO idea what she was talking about. She stated that the average MCAT was 35.7 and that the lower bound for acceptances was a 35................

And she went on to state some other completely-off facts that I had already read up on the MSAR before.

Maybe it helps, maybe not. I can't imagine many people remembering me, especially when they're just looking at a packet of my statistics/activities.