Questions for medical school advisor

[pmpharmtech]

I'm a student at a small university that doesn't have a declared pre-med advisor so I scheduled an appointment in early July with a medical school advisor that works at the medical school that I am looking at applying to. It's about 4 hours away so I need to make the most of the appointment. I'm a first generation college student as well as looking at being a first generation professional student. Most of my undergraduate stuff I found out for myself because my parents never had the opportunity to go to college (but I definitely owe them for helping me get there). I plan on taking my MCAT scores, when I get them, as well as my transcripts up there with me. Although I have several questions in mind and am doing some research, I would like to get some input or advise on good questions that would help me make the most out of the appointment since I'm applying to medical school this summer/fall. Thanks and I'm so glad that I have this place as a resource. I'll probably be coming here more often. 😀

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[Hoberto]

I would just suggest that you write down in list form all of your questions. Ask about everything you are interested in.

I don't have a premed advisor either. I am just getting most of my info from here and an old MSAR.

 

[DrBowtie]

Yes written questions are key. It will keep you on track and from forgetting questions and give you a place to write the answers down.

 

[gujuDoc]

I'm a student at a small university that doesn't have a declared pre-med advisor so I scheduled an appointment in early July with a medical school advisor that works at the medical school that I am looking at applying to. It's about 4 hours away so I need to make the most of the appointment. I'm a first generation college student as well as looking at being a first generation professional student. Most of my undergraduate stuff I found out for myself because my parents never had the opportunity to go to college (but I definitely owe them for helping me get there). I plan on taking my MCAT scores, when I get them, as well as my transcripts up there with me. Although I have several questions in mind and am doing some research, I would like to get some input or advise on good questions that would help me make the most out of the appointment since I'm applying to medical school this summer/fall. Thanks and I'm so glad that I have this place as a resource. I'll probably be coming here more often. 😀

It would help if I understood what kind of advice you are asking for from the advisor. What school is it that you are looking at???

 

[LizzyM]

May I also suggest that you learn as much as possible about the school from the school web site, viewbook, etc. Ask for further details showing that you already have some idea about the basics. (Rather than asking if the school uses problem based learning (PBL), know whether or not they do and then ask, how many PBL sessions to students attend each week and how large are the PBL groups? If PBL is used during both pre-clinical years, do students work with the same preceptor for both years?)

If this interview is more of a case of picking the Dean of Admissions brain, ask what the Dean thinks are the most common mistakes people make in preparing for admission and making an application. Ask what the Dean wishes that applicants knew going into the process. Ask what are the most common mistakes that interviewers make (rehearsing is one, although some say that by the end of the season everyone sounds rehearsed because they've been answering the same questions at each interview).

 

[45408]

ask good questions and tell us what they say!

 

[pmpharmtech]

Thanks everyone for the input! I have another question. I'm supposed to meet him on July 6th and I'm applying to early decision which is due by August 1st. Should I wait until after the meeting to process my application that way I can utilize the advice? I've already been working on it and am getting ready to send the paperwork to have my transcripts sent. The way this school does it, is if you qualify to apply they send you a supplemental application at which point they give you directions for having your letters of recommendation sent. Obviously, I can't do the letters until I get that application, but what do you all think about finalizing the AMCAS once I get my scores? 😕

 

[EvoDevo]

Thanks everyone for the input! I have another question. I'm supposed to meet him on July 6th and I'm applying to early decision which is due by August 1st. Should I wait until after the meeting to process my application that way I can utilize the advice? I've already been working on it and am getting ready to send the paperwork to have my transcripts sent. The way this school does it, is if you qualify to apply they send you a supplemental application at which point they give you directions for having your letters of recommendation sent. Obviously, I can't do the letters until I get that application, but what do you all think about finalizing the AMCAS once I get my scores? 😕

1. Do not submit your application before you meet with the advisor. If you do then the scope and detail of what the advisor can tell you will be severely reduced. Trust me on this one.

2. A really great idea is to email the advisor a copy of the questions that you have well in advance. Not only is it a courteous thing to do, but it gives them an idea of the type of questions that you have in mind. If they have the time and/or are pretty conscientious, you might find that they've done a lot of digging to give you the best possible answer to your questions.

Good luck.