meeting w/ admissions

[chinkemon]

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perhaps someone on the board can help with this. is it unheard of to schedule a meeting w/ an admissions officer or someone from the admissions committee - just to discuss whether you're the right candidate for that school, etc. is this a common practice? =)

 

[shadowy onion]

I know of some people who did exactly that.
However their approach was to see whether the school fit them.
In other words they go in to this meeting asking questions about the school. Throughout the meeting questions such as "would I be a good fit for this school... etc." are brought up.

In my opinion you may want to hold off on doing this at your #1 choice school.

 

[ann05]

Funny that you ask that. I'm not on any admissions committee or anything, just a regular applicant, but I made appointments and met with people at 2 medical schools that I really liked. It turned out to be worth the trip (3 1/2 hour ride to be exact) and I was given valuable advice not to mention made a great impression in terms of showing them how driven I was. I feel it is always good to put a face to a name, especially with an application process as rigorous and often times impersonal as the one for med school.

If you are willing to put in the time and show them who you are before things get really really hectic, do it.

 

[ASDIC]

some schools allow it...and some dont

usually people do that to build connections, not really for advice

 

[MsEvolution]

I think it's a good idea... I have talked many times with the Minority Affairs people at my local SOM... I know they are not THE adcom, but they are IN it... I would think an adcom member would be an excellent person to talk to one on one about your candidacy. And, hopefully, when you get to the interview portion, this person will remember you and the incentive you had in coming to them to seek guidance.

That's my own humble opinion!

 

[Termwean]

I met with a Dean of Admissions at a school that I want to attend, and the meeting went great. Mailing a "thank-you for your time" letter this AM.

perhaps someone on the board can help with this. is it unheard of to schedule a meeting w/ an admissions officer or someone from the admissions committee - just to discuss whether you're the right candidate for that school, etc. is this a common practice? =)

 

[monopolova]

I went to meet with the admissions director to see if early decision was a good choice for me. Frankly, I was surprised how friendly and supportive everyone was; it was a reassuring experience.

Thus, I say do it. Come professional and ready just as if it is an interview (though more relaxed). If you make a good impression, they will remember you, and that can come in handy later on. 👍

 

[Termwean]

The D.O.A. asked questions, and my impression on some world events...based on military experience....and he started a file on me and took notes during our meeting. It was more relaxed, and a good experience to help with future interviews.

I went to meet with the admissions director to see if early decision was a good choice for me. Frankly, I was surprised how friendly and supportive everyone was; it was a reassuring experience.

Thus, I say do it. Come professional and ready just as if it is an interview (though more relaxed). If you make a good impression, they will remember you, and that can come in handy later on. 👍

 

[chinkemon]

hey y'all...

thanks for the input. one more question: how would you go about scheduling a meeting with admissions? e-mail? phone call...what were your exact words? 😀

 

[Termwean]

Phone the office of admissions at the school. Ask the secretary to schedule you an appointment to see the dean about your app it's as easy as that. Dress in a manner that makes you feel confident.

 

[bigdan]

I second that notion. The folks at SUNY Upstate have been extraordinary (at least compared to the horror stories I've heard). I'd say DEFINITELY DO IT to the OP.

dc

 

[chinkemon]

again, thanks for the feedback. i will be in nyc for a week starting july 19th. i don't want to roam the streets all day and thought that i should do something productive with my time: therefore, i will try and schedule appointments at nyu, mount sinai and columbia.

btw, exactly how competitive is the university of chicago SOM (Pritzker)? does anyone know? i hear many conflicting stories.

 

[gachaumy]

I think meeting with the admission office is a great idea. Most of the interview selection are made by the director of admission. If you can show him/her that you are interested in their school and that you invest the time to come and state your qualification. It worths the trip.

 

[japhy]

i met with the dean of admissions and was able to discuss many issues with her. it was a great experience, and i ended up being accepted at that university. furthermore, i was able to get to know the admissions office which was great come application time. they were always friendly and 'looked out' for me along the way. not anything illegal or unethical, but they would check in with me if i was missing a lor, etc.

go for it.

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Excellent thread. I will have to relay some of this information back to my alma-undergrad Fellows that are fighting the uphill Med-App battle.

👍 👍

Best of luck to everyone.

 

[Xmulder]

Hi, can someone name specifically which schools they have successfully tried this at?
😎

 

[MoosePilot]

Hi, can someone name specifically which schools they have successfully tried this at?
😎

Met with Director of Admissions at USUHS. She is very cool. I've heard nothing but great things about the admissions folks there.

I am an active duty officer, but I don't think they'd turn away anyone who was really interested and willing to work to schedule some time.

 

[elephunt]

This sounds like a good idea but I was wondering...would scheduling a meeting with the Dean or folks in Admissions look too pointed? (I wouldn't want admissions folks to think I was just wasting their time trying to suck up, you know? But if they don't mind...) I would really like to set up a meeting or two at my top choice schools to get a feeling for where they are going in the next few years, but until I saw this thread I was planning to save that for the interview (if I got one.) I know people have said that they've had good experiences with this, but I'd like to hear more opinions. Has anyone else done this?

 

[nuttyp3]

I ended up dropping by for a meeting with the Director of Admissions at Dartmouth (my top choice) during a skiing trip over my Spring Break. I thought the meeting went very well, and greatly informed me about the dynamics and characteristics of the medical school. Plus I received a tour of the campus and was able to submit a Statement of Motivation and CV, and also put a face to the name. I do not yet know how it will pan out in the application process, but the visit just reaffirmed Dartmouth as the top choice on my list. Hope this babble helps you out, good luck!