Questions to ask during a meeting with school admin

[echo523]

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I have a meeting setup with DO school admin in couple days... The meeting was setup unexpectedly. I have few questions regarding my current situation but I'm a bit nervous... I hope this is not like the actual interview process. This school is my first choice of school and don't want to mess it up by leaving bad impression during this meeting...

Can you guys suggest some good productive questions I should ask to the admin?

Thank you!!!

 

[da Vincis World]

Ask them what you need to do to get into this school and let them know that this is where you want to be.

 

[wholeheartedly]

I had a meeting with a med school admin to just ask questions about some weird academic issues I'd had and it pretty much turned into an interview while she grabbed a yellow legal pad and asked me all kinds of questions after I'd asked mine.

I'd kind of planned for that possibility and it actually went pretty well, although I was a bit nervous and had trouble making good eye contact at first. I think I was able to demonstrate how interested I really was and how medicine is such a great fit for me. She started off looking very stern and serious but she was smiling and nodding by the end of it. If I were you I'd dress and act professionally and don't get nervous about it, just be prepared for them to try to get to know you better as well. In my case I found being sincere really got me started on the right foot and I think you'll find the same. Try not get stressed out about it though as it isn't THE interview. It's just a chance for you to get the information you need and give some positive info about yourself.


As for questions, ask mature questions like, "what unique opportunities does your program have?" Or show that you've done your homework and say, "I've seen you that your program offers X opportunity, can you tell me a little bit more about that?" If that's something you're interested in, say so. You can use that to show them you might be a good fit. Go for the types of ?s that show you're interested in the school and interested in making the most of your educational experience there. You could ask questions about the structure of the curriculum. Perhaps instead of asking how many hours of lecture you have to sit through or how many weeks vacation you get, you ask "What type of curriculum format is used? Are there group sessions to practice team work and integrating the information? Are there opportunities over the summer for students to get additional experience?" Personalize those types of ?s to things important to you. Hope that gives you some ideas to run with.

 

[ShinyDome19]

I think every time you meet with someone from the admissions board of a school...its part of your interview or atleast gets noted in your file. I have sent several emails to various admissions committee members at the school where I work to get information on various programs which the school offers. The email system the school uses allows you to track the status of every email, even ones that are a year old. None of the ones that I have sent to the admissions people were ever deleted, meaning they archived them or something and still have them on file. So, expect to be "Interviewed" in some form or fashion.

 

[echo523]

Thank you guys!! I was hoping that it would be a very informal... but seems like it's going to be a real interview like... I am not ready! argh!!! What have I done? I have a meeting tomorrow morning; I will post with update tomorrow... I hope i won't be crying when writing the update =)

 

[echo523]

My meeting with the admin went pretty well. She gave me more information than what I was expecting.

One thing that really stood out was that DO school is willing to give you a second chance. Even if you made some choices or grades, if you could prove that you are able to go back to school and perform well, and show enough desperation (through volunteer/shadowing), your application will stand out.

Here is a list of what I have gathered so far

1. For non trad who's been out of school long time, we need to go back to school and prove them that your studying muscle is still viable and able to perform well. If you show them the difference, they are willing to put the past behind and accept your current performance

2. Volunteering/Shadowing is super duper important. They are looking to see if you have enough experience in patient care/clinical environment to see what it takes to do a job as a doctor. They want to make sure that this is what you really want to do even after seeing the reality of human connection.

3. Non medical volunteering is also as important. They weigh on your willingness to help others, do good for others, spend time for others, etc..... This is something that I was most surprised on. I would say I have enough "non-medical" volunteer experience, but it was a pleasant surprise to find out that it would actually help me on the application.

The meeting was very insightful since I had a glimpse of the admin's thought process when they are screening the application.

I'm hoping I would be able to rightfully prepare myself for the admission.

Good luck to you all!!!

 

[J ROD]

I remember what one of my professors told me, "Life is an interview so always be prepared to shine with a smile on your face"

Once you leave the house, it is on!!

People know people that know people....