Is demonstrated interest factored into admission decision?

[kingkong6712]

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Do things like attending tours, info sessions, sending the adcom emails post II, and sending letters of interest/intent affect whether or not the admissions committee accepts, waitlists, or rejects applicants like in college admissions?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Not like college admissions, but programs could always consider it a plus factor provided you are authentic and engaged.

 

[PickaGodnPray]

Apparently Wayne State does, so I am sure other schools do as well without saying anything.

 

[AJ25]

Yes and no. They won't overcome metrics though.

At my DO school, we run summer programs for high school and college students (which I have participated in) and the faculty members (who are admissions committee members) that run those programs will move your application "in the right direction" if you carried yourself well during those programs. Also, mission fit is a big part of admissions at my program so the more you are involved with the school, the better your chances are compared to another student who has zero affiliation to the program.

 

[Goro]

Do things like attending tours, info sessions, sending the adcom emails post II, and sending letters of interest/intent affect whether or not the admissions committee accepts, waitlists, or rejects applicants like in college admissions?

At my school, the bolded above help.

LOIs are treated as lies.

 

[APathologicalLymphocyte]

Would you say this is a large factor at MSTPs where normal yield variations can lead to huge relative swings in class size?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Would you say this is a large factor at MSTPs where normal yield variations can lead to huge relative swings in class size?

MSTP admissions is quite a bit different, and don't forget to visit the Physician Scientists forum where they hang out.

For MSTP admissions, I think it is very important to know your research opportunities at those programs. Unlike the typical medical school curriulum, the research years will require you to stay on campus and EVERYONE will get to know who you are, including those at other MSTP programs. Networking at conferences or research-focused postbac experiences is very important because the word of your recommending PI will have a ton of weight. (It also doesn't hurt to network with APSA.)

For anyone doing a Ph.D or +Ph.D. track, you carefully choose the PI and lab you work in as if you were getting married. The department is your extended family. And if you're lucky, the deans of the medical school and university will see you frequently over at least 3 years. The MSTP family is the mafia; you can't get away from them once you are part of their clan. 🙂

The tour will be different. I would doubt your Ph.D. project will require you to be in the anatomy lab all the time. You have to listen for different things when you take your tour, which should be catered to MSTP candidates.

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Do things like attending tours, info sessions, sending the adcom emails post II, and sending letters of interest/intent affect whether or not the admissions committee accepts, waitlists, or rejects applicants like in college admissions?

These components are indeed a positive touch to any application, but they are just a component. Schools want to know that you are genuinely interested in them and what they have to offer. There are many ways to achieve this goal and communicate that you are genuinely considering their programs as a prospective matriculant.