OK to talk about the practical reasons?

[epsilonprodigy]

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Now, I'm not applying to any schools I don't like and respect, but we are trying not to move (married with a school-aged child) and this IS a big reason why I'm applying to some of the schools I chose. More specifically,
1) not moving would lessen the financial strain (my husband has a great job here)
2) in-laws are a huge help with baby-sitting
3) the school system is strong here and we want to keep my son in it if possible
4) we got a great deal on our house and can easily afford it during my schooling
5) we love living in the area we're in

Are these reasons OK to mention? I want to convey, "yes, if I get in, I WILL COME TO YOUR SCHOOL!!!!!" But do they just want a lot of ego-stroking about how much their schools rock? Would any of these be seen as the "wrong reasons?"

 

[Hotshy]

Now, I'm not applying to any schools I don't like and respect, but we are trying not to move (married with a school-aged child) and this IS a big reason why I'm applying to some of the schools I chose. More specifically,
1) not moving would lessen the financial strain (my husband has a great job here)
2) in-laws are a huge help with baby-sitting
3) the school system is strong here and we want to keep my son in it if possible
4) we got a great deal on our house and can easily afford it during my schooling
5) we love living in the area we're in

Are these reasons OK to mention? I want to convey, "yes, if I get in, I WILL COME TO YOUR SCHOOL!!!!!" But do they just want a lot of ego-stroking about how much their schools rock? Would any of these be seen as the "wrong reasons?"

I think so if phrased appropriately. Say something like "I have really strong ties to the state, I hope to do my residency here, and eventually practice Medicine in this state. I feel that your school will not only make me a great physician but will also help me become a great physician that can contribute to healthcare in this state.

(Sounds good when you put the State's name in "This/the State".)


You can also mention that you have a family and that you want to continue living here, ect. I think it's definitely appropriate and I know at my State's school they take all of these things into consideration. I know a few of the Non Traditional Students that were admitted to the school after completing the Post Bac program and they have children, and wanted to continue living here. State Med Schools do what they are supposed to, support their state residents 🙂.

 

[Hastur]

I have a similar reason for targeting my top school, and intend to explain something to the effect of, "I'm connected to the community here."

Every school is different. Look at their in-state vs. out-of-state numbers for an idea of how much they will like those kinds of reasons. If you want to be a primary care doc, the intent to stay local in a general sense is a selling point for a lot of schools. Look for mission statements about graduating doctors who want to work in that state. Some of that is targeting rural areas so try to think about whether you are willing to work in an under-served community someday and be prepared to answer questions about that, too, and know where nearby under-served communities are.

Sometimes when planning my future I think about dividing my time, because I live in an urban area and wish to remain living here but understand the importance of serving rural areas, some of which are just an hour's drive away...

 

[HumbleMD]

Absolutely mention them (amidst the myriad reason why the school is also excellent academically, etc). Med schools want people who they accept to matriculate, and those reasons make you a good gamble.

As Hastur somewhat mentioned, another good way to spin it is that you have a lot of ties to the community and want to remain a part of it.

Geography has everything to do with admissions. It's the reason why it's tough to come from Cali to the east coast and vice versa. I had friends who were literally asked "would you REALLY move here from LA?" during their interviews.

 

[FlowRate]

I wouldn't quite go into the financial detail of your house etc, but at the same time it's fine to talk about the fact that you've essentially already built a family life in the area etc. Ask Geekchick about her applications in philly, she may have taken a similar approach.

If I were an adcomm, it would be a compelling reason. Just don't forget to mention that you're interested in the school for other reasons, too 🙂

 

[Nymphicus]

Yes, schools want to accept people that will chose to matriculate there. You already being settled into the community there both personally and financially is a very good reason for you to choose that school if accepted.

 

[AvidAvatar]

If I were an adcomm, it would be a compelling reason. Just don't forget to mention that you're interested in the school for other reasons, too 🙂

I am in a similar situation. Tell them why their school is great choice for everyone who wants to be a doctor, and then tell them personal reasons for icing on the cake. 😀