Penn State Secondary Question

[DocInProgress]

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Hey, would writing about spending less time with the family and hobbies be a legitimate response to the Penn state secondary question of, "explain the negative aspects of medicine that you considered in making this career decision." Or would that response be too negative as to cause an auto reject?

 

[rdrt]

that seems completely appropriate.

 

[jae9970]

dont be so paranoid, they aren't gonna "auto-reject" you because you talked about those subjects.. and they aren't even offensive or inappropriate.

 

[MundaneMD]

I think I gave so many things for that question, they are gonna wonder why I want to go into medicine.

I had originally thought that the purpose of this question was to see if you really know what you're getting yourself into.

After reading the bizzare interview moments thread, I wonder if they use these reasons as specific points for attacking you during stress interviews?

 

[mave]

I can tell you that if you get an interview at Penn State, then the most stressful part of your trip is going to be the time at the airport. The interviews are very laid-back and conversational, and everyone is extremely nice.

 

[TCIrish03]

They are looking to see if you chose your career with consideration and aren't blindly jumping into it, for the wrong reasons, only to burn out in a few years. They want to see that you know what you are getting into; anything from family time to emotional attachment is fair game.

 

[punkindrublic]

They ask about the negative aspects. I think as long as you don't say "helping people", you're all set.

 

[etf]

Hey, would writing about spending less time with the family and hobbies be a legitimate response to the Penn state secondary question of, "explain the negative aspects of medicine that you considered in making this career decision." Or would that response be too negative as to cause an auto reject?

that's pretty much what I said last time and they interviewed me.

 

[scroofoo]

Am I misreading this prompt or all are three questions 50 word maximums?

 

[jochi1543]

Yeah, they are all 50 words. I wrote like 3-4 sentences for each and it was fine.

 

[benzene21]

i mentioned that i don't feel the US healthcare system is completely ethical. that may have been a bad move.

 

[jochi1543]

i mentioned that i don't feel the US healthcare system is completely ethical. that may have been a bad move.

I actually think it's interesting. I know I'd want to know more about what makes you think so, for example.

 

[emquiksilver]

Am I misreading this prompt or all are three questions 50 word maximums?

Anyone notice that Penn State doesn't actually enforce that rule? I had almost 70 words for one of them and every one of those words showed up when I went to print it. Should I keep it or should try again to shorten it?

 

[Surf Rx]

Anyone notice that Penn State doesn't actually enforce that rule? I had almost 70 words for one of them and every one of those words showed up when I went to print it. Should I keep it or should try again to shorten it?

To be on the safe side, I'd follow the directions and keep it at 50 words or less.

 

[Ookluh]

Anyone notice that Penn State doesn't actually enforce that rule? I had almost 70 words for one of them and every one of those words showed up when I went to print it. Should I keep it or should try again to shorten it?

They could (though not likely, they could) have a word count on their end. Or, the if the ADCOM is sufficiently bored and notices that your paragraph is about 50% longer than anybody else's, they may do a quick count and realize you chose not to follow the rules. Or, maybe you get away with it and nobody notices. I'd just save the trouble and cut them now. With a 50 word limit, they're not expecting for you to cover everything anyway.

 

[emquiksilver]

Thanks guys. I'll take another swing at it. Word count just sucks because not all words are created equally.