Pre-Application Counseling

[rmj254]

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Hello,

I am going to visit the Director of Admissions at my state MD school tomorrow for pre-application counseling on the advice of my pre-med advisor, and I have to fill out a pre-application interview form. On this form I am asked to list questions that I need answered in the interview, and I cannot think of any to ask that I do not already know the answer to or that the information is not posted on the school's website. Can any of you please help with questions that I could ask? I want to make a great impression on the person interviewing me.

Thanks

 

[rmj254]

Anyone?

 

[236116]

- neatest thing not on the web
- worst thing not on the web
- how to make app stronger
- do these go to eleven

 

[cpants]

- neatest thing not on the web
- worst thing not on the web
- how to make app stronger
- do these go to eleven

HAHA!

How about stuff like:

What do you see as weaknesses in my application?
What do you look for in medical students?
Does the school have a specific emphasis (ie. Primary Care)?
What is the admission process like at your school (secondaries, interview experiences)?
Is there a way I can talk to some of the medical students?
Can you offer me any advice?

 

[Ubergeek]

On my last interview I heard another applicant ask the dean of admissions, "There are more than a hundred medical schools in the country. Each one produces doctors, so what separates the graduates of your school from their peers at other schools?" Although it's a little bit antagonistic, I think this is a terrific question. It forces the other person to reach past the platitudes that saturate every med school website and really sell their school to you. I wish I had this question in my arsenal during the "Do you have any questions for me?" part of interviews.

 

[Siverhideo1985]

wait...this might be stupid question, but why are you going if you have no questions?

 

[rmj254]

As a courtesy to my pre-med advisor.

 

[sarahl86]

Looking at your MDApps, I would ask if the dean thinks your lack of research experience is compensated by your clinical work for the past two years...ask them what they are looking for with respect to more clinical or research-oriented activities in an applicant: schools have a preference one way or the other but you may just get a lame answer for this question. Also ask if you need to be concerned about your GPA - you don't seem to have an MCAT score yet but its on the lower side of average.

This is a pretty great opportunity for an applicant, so don't view it as just a courtesy to your advisor. Tons of people would probably jump at the opportunity.

 

[Jolie South]

What do you see as weaknesses in my application?
What do you look for in medical students?
Does the school have a specific emphasis (ie. Primary Care)?
What is the admission process like at your school (secondaries, interview experiences)?
Is there a way I can talk to some of the medical students?
Can you offer me any advice?

I actually think these are good questions. The rest you can find out if/when you interview at this school. You won't get that chance if your app isn't up to par. I would use this as an opportunity to find out what you can improve.

 

[rmj254]

Thank you all very much for the responses to my thread. I entered three of those questions that you all offered. They are questions that will help ensure that I get the best opportunity at matriculating at this school.

I haven't taken the MCAT yet, and am afraid that I won't be competitive this year when I do take it. I may only be competitive at DO schools or I may not get in this time. My state school does have lower than average stats, so I have a fair amount of hope there. I'm just going to wait and see how it goes.

Sorry for the ramble, and thanks for the help.

 

[Lola2010]

Weird. I just posted a similar thread...please don't ignore mine! My situation is a little different because the meeting was set up as a favor and it is supposed to be for general admissions advice and not specific to that school.