Ok to call/write the Dean?

Started by mandinca
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mandinca

mandinca

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I was told by a MS1 that I (a 30 YO, re-app, non-trad, ICU-RN) should call or e-mail the Dean of the my first choice school to emphasize my interest in their school. Is this advised by all? My husband, an anesthesiologist, does not agree. I tend to listen to my man 😉 but want to do ALL I CAN to get in this time. I'm in it to win it, but I want to stay Kosher, ya know? I'd appreciate any med student's advice! Thanks🙂
 
The only time I would call a dean is if you did not get it. It is totally ok to set up an appointment with the dean to find out what they perceived your weaknesses to be and what they would suggest you do before next year to improve your chances of admission.
 
are you talking about dean or director of admissions?? Why would it help to talk to the dean
 
pratik7 said:
are you talking about dean or director of admissions?? Why would it help to talk to the dean
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Agreed- definitely don't contact the dean of the school. Even if she does read your email, she is unlikely to have much of an effect on your gaining admission (unless she really go out of their way). It is not unreasoable, however, to write a letter (snail-mail) to the dean of admissions (or the admissions committee in general) letting them know how interested you are in the school.
 
I met with the Dean of Admissions at the schools that had granted me interviews. They were always very kind and helpful, never annoyed. I went with the expressed intent to learn what my weaknesses were and what I needed to do to overcome them. It showed clearly that I was extremely interested in medical school, specifically their program. I had great relationships with them. They are there to HELP YOU. I took their advice seriously and I believe that following it is what gained me admission. I would not have done a year of graduate school and taken the MCAT a 4th time, as they recommended, if I had not met with them.
 
Courtknee said:
I met with the Dean of Admissions at the schools that had granted me interviews. They were always very kind and helpful, never annoyed. I went with the expressed intent to learn what my weaknesses were and what I needed to do to overcome them. It showed clearly that I was extremely interested in medical school, specifically their program. I had great relationships with them. They are there to HELP YOU. I took their advice seriously and I believe that following it is what gained me admission. I would not have done a year of graduate school and taken the MCAT a 4th time, as they recommended, if I had not met with them.
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Ok, thanks for the info. But you didn't meet with until you had had an interview? I guess that's the difference. I'd have to wait for that.
 
Yes, in my case, I didn't meet with the dean until I had been rejected. Also, after I had met with the dean at the medical school I currently attend, she encouraged me to e-mail her the following year when I had successes to share. Sometimes they were small, but I felt the communication helped. Also, I did get a 4-year scholarship after I was admitted. This was mostly due to my graduate school performance (but many people do well in graduate school or they would not recieve admission), but I also feel it had to do with the dean knowing me and my intentions. I was always genuine and honest with my questions and communication (not "sales like").
 
contacting the dean telling them you are interested in their school can NEVER hurt you.

imagine if you were a dean, and a student came up to you saying how much they love the school. why would that be looked badly upon?

my philosophy is that being a little pushy can never hurt you.
 
dallas007md said:
contacting the dean telling them you are interested in their school can NEVER hurt you.

imagine if you were a dean, and a student came up to you saying how much they love the school. why would that be looked badly upon?

my philosophy is that being a little pushy can never hurt you.
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It hurts you when you're pushy pre-med #1000 who's done that today. :laugh:

Meeting with them if you've been rejected, so they can help you, is a good idea.
 
Yeah, that's what my (anesthesiologist) husband said. Wait and see IF I get rejected (again). I guess I'm just anxious like everyone else....😳 Thanks guys!🙂
 
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