Interviewing with dread locks

[Buddhasmash]

I have dread locks. Will this hurt me during the interviewing process?

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[WeAreNotRobots]

I have dread locks. Will this hurt me during the interviewing process?

have you ever been interviewed for school/work by anyone with dreadlocks? have you known or ever been treated by a doctor with dreadlocks?

if not, then i would get a re-do.

i'm not saying that there aren't any doctors/professionals out there with them, just that they are a tiny, tiny minority. also, you don't know how someone might interpret them. if it's part of your identity and you feel strongly about the style or what it may represent, then keep them, but i would recommend taking the more conservative/neat/professional approach in this process whenever possible.

just my opinion, though. i also would like to hear others weigh in on this.

 

[SFO-IST]

it depends on how you're pulling them off. Some people can look immaculate, sharp, and professional with dreadlocks. As long as you can pull off that, then it's doable. It may be a plus for some people and a minus for others.

However, if you give off an "alternative" vibe with the dreds, this will be a negative. Medicine school admission is a conservative game. I don't mean this in terms of politics, I mean in terms of decorum and behavior. Everything about you should exude professionalism. The guy interviewing you should be able to say that s/he can see you as their children's doctor.

Good luck.

 

[TooMuchResearch]

I have dread locks. Will this hurt me during the interviewing process?

Unless you're a Rasta, cut them. Your "different than the rest" hair should not be a distinguishing feature of your interview. You can always grow the hair back...maybe. You won't be the first person cutting off 5-10 years of hair to get accepted.

 

[Catalystik]

it depends on how you're pulling them off. Some people can look immaculate, sharp, and professional with dreadlocks. As long as you can pull off that, then it's doable. It may be a plus for some people and a minus for others.

However, if you give off an "alternative" vibe with the dreds, this will be a negative. Medicine school admission is a conservative game. I don't mean this in terms of politics, I mean in terms of decorum and behavior. Everything about you should exude professionalism. The guy interviewing you should be able to say that s/he can see you as their children's doctor.

I've seen it pulled off with waist-length braids by a guy student who kept them through med school and successfully matched into a residency. But everything SFO describes as necessary was true of him.

 

[apumic]

As has been said, it's about looking professional. If your dreads look professional, then sure, it's probably doable for interviews. Keep in mind, however, that some hospitals may not allow their staff to have dread locks while on duty. I know I can't think of any healthcare personnel at the hospitals where I've worked that have had dread locks. A quick Google search turns up a few court cases where someone was prevented from working due to a hospital's grooming policy and their dread locks.

 

[emericana]

I have dread locks. Will this hurt me during the interviewing process?

Dreadlocks = marijuana in the minds of pretty much everybody.

Not saying that you smoke (and i am not implying that smoking pot is a bad thing either) but if you have dreads that is the impression that you give off. There is no reason to go into an interview shooting yourself in the foot. Cut them off.

 

[coldweatherblue]

I know a resident with "dreads". She is from Nigeria and while her hair is in the dreadlock style, her dreads are small, tightly woven and obviously professionally done. def not ratty massive dreads you see on rastas (fwiw i'm a huge fan of reggae/roots so i have nothing against dreads..). She looks totally professional and was a great resident. It's all about how you can present yourself. honestly though I think it works better if you're not a white-boy haha. white dudes with dreads always kinda look like they wanna be rasta and that's probably not the impression you make on med school interviews.

 

[NickNaylor]

I think that as long we you look professional and portray yourself well you won't have a problem. If your dreads are all over the place, smelly/nasty, and you come off as strange, they'll probably hurt you. Remember, you have to have a professional aura about you. Making sure you have that is.absolutely key.

 

[Buddhasmash]

Thanks for the replies and advice, guys. I'm just a freshman, so I have some time to decide. I'll probably try to tame them and go for the "professional dreads" look. If it looks like it'll be a problem, I'll cut them.

 

[studmuffin]

dude chop those things off you'd be an idiot to walk into the interview w/ dreads. Just sayin.

 

[alopathik]

dude, keep your dreadlocks. i agree with what has been posted above - if you can look professional then dreads won't hurt.

i think it could also be a huge advantage. you walk in with dreads and people automatically profile you, but if you respond phenomenally during the interview they'll be pleasantly surprised.

seriously, don't listen to these gunner pre-meds. be yourself!!!

 

[venacontracta]

dude chop those things off you'd be an idiot to walk into the interview w/ dreads. Just sayin.

I wouldn't have put it so bluntly, but I agree.

Right or wrong - if you show up to interviews with dreadlocks some people will come away with a negative impression of you based on your appearance. You put in years of hard work to develop a strong application and get to the point where you're interviewing. Why risk blowing it over something like this? Get a short, conservative haircut for interview season.

 

[Barcu]

dude chop those things off you'd be an idiot to walk into the interview w/ dreads. Just sayin.

Thank you. I was reading through each response, and I was getting increasing shocked as most people seemed to suggest that dreads could possibly be okay.

When do dreads look professional? Seriously. Maybe it's the dreads I've seen (and I've seen quite a few where I go to school) but no one I've seen with dreads looks like anyone I would trust with my life. I may be able to make an exception for people who come from a culture where dreadlocks may be ok (someone mentioned a resident from Nigeria). But if you are American, no dice.

You want to eliminate any factors that could potentially lead an interviewer not to accept you. Whether unfair or not, dreadlocks send a horrible message. This is one of the easiest problems to fix.

Sorry OP. I think it might be time to kiss those dreads goodbye.

 

[ILikeDrugs]

Don't let the man hold you down. Keep your dreds.

I'm not sure if this guy is a real doctor though. It's a stock photo. 😀

 

[WhizoMD]

Thank you. I was reading through each response, and I was getting increasing shocked as most people seemed to suggest that dreads could possibly be okay.

When do dreads look professional? Seriously. Maybe it's the dreads I've seen (and I've seen quite a few where I go to school) but no one I've seen with dreads looks like anyone I would trust with my life. I may be able to make an exception for people who come from a culture where dreadlocks may be ok (someone mentioned a resident from Nigeria). But if you are American, no dice.

You want to eliminate any factors that could potentially lead an interviewer not to accept you. Whether unfair or not, dreadlocks send a horrible message. This is one of the easiest problems to fix.

Sorry OP. I think it might be time to kiss those dreads goodbye.

does anyone else find this post insanely funny/sad? Or is it just me.....

 

[NickNaylor]

Thank you. I was reading through each response, and I was getting increasing shocked as most people seemed to suggest that dreads could possibly be okay.

When do dreads look professional? Seriously. Maybe it's the dreads I've seen (and I've seen quite a few where I go to school) but no one I've seen with dreads looks like anyone I would trust with my life. I may be able to make an exception for people who come from a culture where dreadlocks may be ok (someone mentioned a resident from Nigeria). But if you are American, no dice.

You want to eliminate any factors that could potentially lead an interviewer not to accept you. Whether unfair or not, dreadlocks send a horrible message. This is one of the easiest problems to fix.

Sorry OP. I think it might be time to kiss those dreads goodbye.

Wut

 

[Barcu]

does anyone else find this post insanely funny/sad? Or is it just me.....

Wut

Sorry for the rant.

I am making some assumptions about the OP that are unfair.

But my experience with dreads have been from white hippies that do not bathe. They do not look professional at all. But, at the same time I'm sure they are not even trying to look professional, so maybe I'm wrong about dreads.

To me, it just seems like a risk that is not worth taking. It seems stupid to have personal appearance play a factor in deciding if someone gets in or not. But look at all the advice we've been given about looking professional, and the threads about suits and facial hair and everything else. Personal appearance matters, and it plays a role. It takes one semi-conservative interviewer and your acceptance goes out the window. Take that chance if you would like, but it just seems crazy to do so.

 

[circulus vitios]

I automatically discredit any white kid with dreadlocks before he/she even talks.

 

[Buddhasmash]

I need to say a few things:
I don't smoke marijuana.
I shower every day, usually twice, and I wash my hair each time.

 

[venacontracta]

I need to say a few things:
I don't smoke marijuana.
I shower every day, usually twice, and I wash my hair each time.

None of which matters if you get a conservative interviewer who assumes that you smoke and otherwise act unprofessionally simply because of your hair. This isn't about truth, it's abut perceptions.

 

[Buddhasmash]

None of which matters if you get a conservative interviewer who assumes that you smoke and otherwise act unprofessionally simply because of your hair. This isn't about truth, it's abut perceptions.

The only way to change perceptions is to challenge them, though. When people start to see examples of people with dread locks who aren't stoners and who do bathe regularly, those perceptions will start to change.

I do see your point, though. Perhaps I'll hack them off prior to the interview, then grow them back out during med school. 🙂

 

[Barcu]

The only way to change perceptions is to challenge them, though. When people start to see examples of people with dread locks who aren't stoners and who do bathe regularly, those perceptions will start to change.

That's admirable and all, but is it worth a medical school acceptance? That's the issue here. It is certainly unfair, but you have to jump through a few hoops to achieve what you are going for.

 

[Buddhasmash]

That's admirable and all, but is it worth a medical school acceptance? That's the issue here. It is certainly unfair, but you have to jump through a few hoops to achieve what you are going for.

Thus the second part of the post you neglected to quote. 🙂

 

[sideways]

Some will like you better for them, some will outright reject you because of them. If you want in, you stand a statistically better chance conforming yourself to the ideals of the latter group. Yay medicine!

 

[Barcu]

Thus the second part of the post you neglected to quote. 🙂

I read the whole quote, and I still have the same response.

A med school interview is a really short time to convince the interviewer you belong at the school. That is why appearance is emphasized so much on these threads. You want to make a good impression. You do not have time to convince someone that you are actually different than what your appearances suggest. You are there to convince them you deserve to be a doctor.

If you want to try and change perceptions in your daily life, go for it. But a med school interview is not the best place to do this. Worse yet, you could be unnecessarily putting your future at risk. As many have noted, one conservative interviewer could be a deal-breaker.

The decision is ultimately up to you. In this whole, long process, I have learned that the most successful applicants address the NUMEROUS factors that could mean the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. Professional appearance at the interview is one of them. You could easily solve this problem by getting rid of the dreads. If you don't want to, that is fine. It's your choice. I'm just saying there is a risk there.

 

[venacontracta]

The only way to change perceptions is to challenge them, though. When people start to see examples of people with dread locks who aren't stoners and who do bathe regularly, those perceptions will start to change.

I do see your point, though. Perhaps I'll hack them off prior to the interview, then grow them back out during med school. 🙂

Just remember it's always easier to change a system from inside.

 

[Kfire326]

I'm gonna echo what's already been said - don't keep them. Cut your hair then do whatever you want once in med school. On interview day, you want to stand out and be remembered for something good, not as "that guy with dreads." I've met a lot of conservative docs whose first impression of you would not be a good one if you had dreads.

 

[orthomyxo]

 

[Buddhasmash]

I read the whole quote, and I still have the same response.

A med school interview is a really short time to convince the interviewer you belong at the school. That is why appearance is emphasized so much on these threads. You want to make a good impression. You do not have time to convince someone that you are actually different than what your appearances suggest. You are there to convince them you deserve to be a doctor.

If you want to try and change perceptions in your daily life, go for it. But a med school interview is not the best place to do this. Worse yet, you could be unnecessarily putting your future at risk. As many have noted, one conservative interviewer could be a deal-breaker.

The decision is ultimately up to you. In this whole, long process, I have learned that the most successful applicants address the NUMEROUS factors that could mean the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. Professional appearance at the interview is one of them. You could easily solve this problem by getting rid of the dreads. If you don't want to, that is fine. It's your choice. I'm just saying there is a risk there.

I see your point, and agree. Which is why I suggested that I may cut them off BEFORE the interview.

 

[Barcu]

I see your point, and agree. Which is why I suggested that I may cut them off BEFORE the interview.

Oh, my bad. I thought you meant the part I quoted but didn't highlight.

You actually meant the entire second part. I agree with that part. Once you're in, you're golden.

 

[gettheleadout]

Dude these are dreads we're talking about!

 

[rafflecopter]

I have dread locks. Will this hurt me during the interviewing process?

There are several places in which dread locks can hurt you during the interviewing process. They are:

1. Getting your dreads stuck in the window of a cab. This will likely cause you dramatic head and neck injury.

2. In the event that the air pressure within the cabin of your airplane drops, oxygen masks will fall and you will need to place them over your head. This will be difficult, if not impossible to do while sporting dreads. Immediate oxygen deprivation and death will likely result.

3. Having your dreads choke you to death during sleep. On the night before a medical school interview, you'll likely be tossing and turning all night. This can create a dangerous knotting problem that could choke you and deprive the brain of the valuable oxygen it needs to succeed on interview day.

4. You'll likely have to step outdoors on interview day. From their vantage point high in the sky, eagles might mistake your hair as a giant spider. The spider, quite tasty to an eagle, will cause it to drool and attack. Immediate death and pain will result from eagle talon-related injuries.

 

[RTP424]

I somewhat feel the pain of your dilemma, but I think you should not cut them. Just make sure they are neat. I am interviewing with long hair, probably down to the bottom of my shoulder blade. I am juts going to put it in a neat pony tail. I think SDN takes it a little too overboard with the whole unprofessional argument, and although medicine is still very conservative, you won't be put on a death list if an adcom sees you with long hair.

Also, think of it this way... SDN screams not to stand out with your attire. Conservative shoes, jacket, tie, shirt, socks, blah blah blah... Well if you fit the mold they wont remember you that well. If you go in with a unique personal trait and especially if your ROCK your interview, you might leave a good impression on your interviewer, giving you an advantage over the interviewees without dreads/ long hair.

Either way, good luck!

 

[curlytop]

Also, think of it this way... SDN screams not to stand out with your attire. Conservative shoes, jacket, tie, shirt, socks, blah blah blah... Well if you fit the mold they wont remember you that well. If you go in with a unique personal trait and especially if your ROCK your interview, you might leave a good impression on your interviewer, giving you an advantage over the interviewees without dreads/ long hair.

Either way, good luck!

You shouldn't be counting on your appearance to break the mold. Your achievements and interview should do that for you. Be a rebel some other time.

OP, sounds like you've almost got this figured out, but I'll repeat the others. Destroy all possible detriments to your future acceptances.

 

[SimplyMars9]

If they look neat and professional, keep them. Unless they are free-formed locs, a neat, presentable hairstyle will not hurt you. Yes medicine is a conservative field, but if your application is good and you did well on your interview, then you should have no reason to worry.

I actually know someone who got admitted to UMDNJ-RWJMS with locs. When I met him he was a 2nd year but they were pretty long, implying that he has had them for a long time. He also received a scholarship there, so obviously his locs had no effect on him. I also know of a couple of other people who interviewed with locs, and although they didn't get a pretty hefty scholarship with their acceptance, at least they got accepted.

 

[RTP424]

You shouldn't be counting on your appearance to break the mold. Your achievements and interview should do that for you. Be a rebel some other time.

OP, sounds like you've almost got this figured out, but I'll repeat the others. Destroy all possible detriments to your future acceptances.

Although I agree with you, I feel a little bit of uniqueness to your appearance goes a long way as well. It's like the "Why medicine" dilemma. The ultimate answer is to help people, but it has become almost unacceptable because it is so generic, even if it is the full truth. Imagine 10 applicants who fit the mold appearance wise with a stellar interview and one who does a stellar job with long hair or dreads. Because the one with a unique appearance easily stands out, he/she could possibly stand out amongst the 11 in a good way. Of course it could be in a bad way too, but thats based on the interviewer.

I think it's really a hidden bias. I mean, there could be an interviewer who had a kid named Billy beat him up everyday in elementary school, and any interviewee named Billy might start off on a bad foot just for that reason. There will always be some sort of bias in an interviewer that we do not know about. Our job is to look very professional (regardless of hairstyle/length, beard, etc) and knock the interview out of the park.

OP if the dreads are WHO you ARE then I say do not cut them.

 

[sideways]

OP if the dreads are WHO you ARE then I say do not cut them.

I presume the same applies to lip discs?

 

[RTP424]

I presume the same applies to lip discs?

Ideally, yes. But our social construct says no. Social construct about long hair and dreads are not as strict. You don't see athletes or businessmen with lip discs, but many do sport long hair and it is perfectly fine. Tattoos right now are in the middle of the spectrum spectrum, but are slowly being more accepted, as long as they are in good taste.

And a lip disc would probably make it difficult to communicate, which is something that is ESSENTIAL for a physician, unlike short hair and a clean shaven face.

 

[WorldChanger36]

Pressure to conform is quite strong in our society and I know if you are interviewed by anyone from a conservative circle it may cost you. Some interviewer will see your hair as a sign of immaturity, other may see it as a sign of open rebellion, none of which are good for you. I, as a liberal, would be more open to your hair style but many may wonder what is more important to you, your hair or being a doctor. They could wonder if you are right for medicine. It is unwise to give your interviewer any reason to say no to you. People are stupid and will make biased assumptions about you and your hair gives them a bee hive of excuses to put you in the post interview rejection file. It is the same thing with wearing a tie to your interview, it is useless until your shaking hands with interviewers and without it you might as well have walked in the door naked. It is just your hair not you but if your hair doesn't match what they want in the field, you are done. The fact that you had to ask this is a hint that it is not a good idea to keep the hair. Cut the hair.

 

[sideways]

Ideally, yes. But our social construct says no. Social construct about long hair and dreads are not as strict. You don't see athletes or businessmen with lip discs, but many do sport long hair and it is perfectly fine. Tattoos right now are in the middle of the spectrum spectrum, but are slowly being more accepted, as long as they are in good taste.

And a lip disc would probably make it difficult to communicate, which is something that is ESSENTIAL for a physician, unlike short hair and a clean shaven face.

I got news for you: the social constructs in medicine aren't too keen on dreadlocks either. Can he get in with them? Yes. Are his chances reduced? You better believe it. You're also wrong with the tattoos. Some hospitals don't even allow any visible tattoos. Going up to a mother to talk about the treatment plans for her child with cancer doesn't work quite as well when you have a dragon blowing flames on your forearm.

Moral of the story: the OP is trying to become a physician, not a roadie for Phish. His desire for self-expression needs to be tempered, and willingly subverted in many ways, if he wishes to be a part of this profession.

 

[RTP424]

I got news for you: the social constructs in medicine aren't too keen on dreadlocks either. Can he get in with them? Yes. Are his chances reduced? You better believe it. You're also wrong with the tattoos. Some hospitals don't even allow any visible tattoos. Going up to a mother to talk about the treatment plans for her child with cancer doesn't work quite as well when you have a dragon blowing flames on your forearm.

Moral of the story: the OP is trying to become a physician, not a roadie for Phish. His desire for self-expression needs to be tempered, and willingly subverted in many ways, if he wishes to be a part of this profession.

First off. Once you BECOME a doctor, you can have any tattoos or hairstyle you want, you won't get fired because of it, as long as it is not offensive or in bad taste and complies with the hospital's rules.

While I agree OP's chances MAY be reduced, there are plenty of people who would not mind his dreads. Adcoms cry out for originality in applicants' personal statements and interviews so they can add some "spice" and variation to the same interview/ application process they endure year after year. Having an extremely intelligent, well spoken, motivated and passionate person who happens to have long hair just MAY leave an impression on them in a positive way.

Its all up to the interviewer, chances may be less for some interviews and greater in others. You are right, by shear numbers, that most interviewers are conservative and would possibly not care for long hair/dreads, but I strongly doubt that the interviewer will rule someone out with long hair as soon as they step into the room. If someone has that much of a bias, and does not contain the maturity to look past appearance (as long as kept professional), then they should not serve on an interview committee. Same with our justice system, we aim to select the most unbiased, neutral people who just look at the facts.

 

[sideways]

First off. Once you BECOME a doctor, you can have any tattoos or hairstyle you want, you won't get fired because of it, as long as it is not offensive or in bad taste and complies with the hospital's rules.

While I agree OP's chances MAY be reduced, there are plenty of people who would not mind his dreads. Adcoms cry out for originality in applicants' personal statements and interviews so they can add some "spice" and variation to the same interview/ application process they endure year after year. Having an extremely intelligent, well spoken, motivated and passionate person who happens to have long hair just MAY leave an impression on them in a positive way.

Its all up to the interviewer, chances may be less for some interviews and greater in others. You are right, by shear numbers, that most interviewers are conservative and would possibly not care for long hair/dreads, but I strongly doubt that the interviewer will rule someone out with long hair as soon as they step into the room. If someone has that much of a bias, and does not contain the maturity to look past appearance (as long as kept professional), then they should not serve on an interview committee. Same with our justice system, we aim to select the most unbiased, neutral people who just look at the facts.

Are you, by any chance, a liberal?

 

[RTP424]

Are you, by any chance, a liberal?

Ironically not really. I have mainly conservative views.. but they are based on people's behaviors, intelligence, and purpose. The only thing I am against is stupidity. It shouldn't matter if you have tattoos, or dreads, are gay or straight, black or white or purple. As long as you respect others and contribute to society, none of that should matter.

Liberals make a strong argument, however I feel it would only work if everyone was responsible and mature enough to handle the social freedoms they claim we all should have.

 

[sideways]

Ironically not really. I have mainly conservative views.. but they are based on people's behaviors, intelligence, and purpose. The only thing I am against is stupidity. It shouldn't matter if you have tattoos, or dreads, are gay or straight, black or white or purple. As long as you respect others and contribute to society, none of that should matter.

Liberals make a strong argument, however I feel it would only work if everyone was responsible and mature enough to handle the social freedoms they claim we all should have.

You may be against stupidity and judgment, but they aren't going away. The OP has a goal. The best way to achieve a goal is to formulate a strategy. A strategy based on reality, not on idealism.

 

[Tubed]

Wow, that's weird. This exact topic was discussed in one of the residency forums 2 months ago. I thought I was re-reading an old thread for a while there. I can't remember what the consensus was though.

 

[Shaolin]

First off. Once you BECOME a doctor, you can have any tattoos or hairstyle you want, you won't get fired because of it, as long as it is not offensive or in bad taste and complies with the hospital's rules.

While I agree OP's chances MAY be reduced, there are plenty of people who would not mind his dreads. Adcoms cry out for originality in applicants' personal statements and interviews so they can add some "spice" and variation to the same interview/ application process they endure year after year. Having an extremely intelligent, well spoken, motivated and passionate person who happens to have long hair just MAY leave an impression on them in a positive way.

Its all up to the interviewer, chances may be less for some interviews and greater in others. You are right, by shear numbers, that most interviewers are conservative and would possibly not care for long hair/dreads, but I strongly doubt that the interviewer will rule someone out with long hair as soon as they step into the room. If someone has that much of a bias, and does not contain the maturity to look past appearance (as long as kept professional), then they should not serve on an interview committee. Same with our justice system, we aim to select the most unbiased, neutral people who just look at the facts.

Was this intentional? How nice and pun-ny! 🤣

 

[RTP424]

You may be against stupidity and judgment, but they aren't going away. The OP has a goal. The best way to achieve a goal is to formulate a strategy. A strategy based on reality, not on idealism.

You are absolutely right. But the only way we can change the system for the better is if we take it head on. There have already been stories of people with dreadlocks or long hair getting accepted into medical school without having to cut their hair. True their chances were slim, but they managed to pull it off due to their people skills and formidable achievements and qualities. The more we strive to do this, the better chance to improve the system of hiring and educating the best possible doctors. Because, given the SDN argument about long hair, dreads, tattoos, etc, I am absolutely sure medical schools have turned down some potentially amazing physicians for some very silly reasons.

 

[Shaolin]

You are absolutely right. But the only way we can change the system for the better is if we take it head on. There have already been stories of people with dreadlocks or long hair getting accepted into medical school without having to cut their hair. True their chances were slim, but they managed to pull it off due to their people skills and formidable achievements and qualities. The more we strive to do this, the better chance to improve the system of hiring and educating the best possible doctors. Because, given the SDN argument about long hair, dreads, tattoos, etc, I am absolutely sure medical schools have turned down some potentially amazing physicians for some very silly reasons.

Wouldn't it be best to make those changes from the other side? Like it or not, admission committees are the gatekeepers. You are already jumping through hoops for them will all the requirements and EC's, it would suck for someone to miss out on their school of choice over something so easily remedied by cutting ones hair.

 

[Squeakers]

I got news for you: the social constructs in medicine aren't too keen on dreadlocks either. Can he get in with them? Yes. Are his chances reduced? You better believe it. You're also wrong with the tattoos. Some hospitals don't even allow any visible tattoos. Going up to a mother to talk about the treatment plans for her child with cancer doesn't work quite as well when you have a dragon blowing flames on your forearm.

Moral of the story: the OP is trying to become a physician, not a roadie for Phish. His desire for self-expression needs to be tempered, and willingly subverted in many ways, if he wishes to be a part of this profession.

I say keep the dreadlocks as long as they are kept tidy. I have had 6 interviews so far, and at all five I went in without changing myself because my medical school acceptance have to do with how qualified I am. Insecurity does drive some crazy pre-meds to stick with the black, conservative attire and that's fine, but people shouldn't assume those who stand out will be at a disadvantage.

I interviewed in a bronze dress with my long, wavy hair down to my butt. I wore dark green heels, dark purple nail polish, and I left in my eyebrow piercing. And what happened...I have two acceptances and one waitlist so far. I even asked one of my interviewers if my appearance had any affect on the interview, and he said it was different but didn't really affect his opinions of me as a candidate.

In my opinion, I would tidy up the dreads and wear them with pride. Good luck on your interviews 🙂