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Heidi Fuchs
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The admissions process can feel overwhelming. Applications, with personal statements, letters of recommendation, deadlines, interviews, and decisions, is a lot to juggle, and it often comes with big emotions. Having worked closely with students from the moment they first explore a program through the day they enroll, I’ve seen what truly helps candidates stand out and what creates unnecessary stress.
Whether you’re a student navigating the admissions process journey or an advisor guiding someone through it, these practical tips can make the process feel more manageable, human, and successful.
Starting early gives EVERYONE breathing room but waiting for perfection can be paralyzing. I call it ‘personal statement perfection paralysis.’ Applications evolve. Personal statements get stronger with time. Advisors can help by reminding students that a thoughtful application is far better than a flawless one that never gets submitted.
Since the personal statement is more of a creative/personal piece, it is easy to continuously critique it. You will always be able to go back and revise it, flip a sentence, swap a word for a ‘better’ synonym…it can be endless. Coming to the realization earlier on that it WILL NEVER BE PERFECT will be a win for all.
Progress matters more than polish!
Admissions teams read thousands of applications. What stands out aren’t buzzwords. It’s a sense of honesty and authenticity that make the most compelling stories. Students should feel comfortable sharing why they’re drawn to a profession, even if their path wasn’t linear – in fact, especially if their path wasn’t linear!!
You do NOT NEED TO HAVE EXPERIENCED ADVERSE CIRSUMSTANCES to tell a compelling story!
Advisors play a key role here: helping students reflect, rather than rewrite themselves into someone they think admissions is looking for.
One of the most overlooked parts of the admissions process is relationship-building. I encourage students to attend info sessions, visit campuses, ask questions, and follow up.
Admissions teams truly get to know applicants, especially at smaller programs. A genuine connection can help contextualize an application far beyond grades and test scores.
Demonstrating your sincere interest in a specific program lets admissions teams know who is more likely to accept a coveted seat in their program.
She previously spoke with SDN about what Pharmacy schools look for in candidates.
BE PREPARED! Even though Scar was the villain in The Lion King, he had the right idea. Know what it is about the program that makes it unique and why that uniqueness is the reason you want to attend.
Interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Students who prepare by reflecting on their goals, experiences, and motivations, walk in calmer and more confident.
BE ENGAGED! Too often while I am addressing students, they are looking at their phones. Those phones need to be off or on silent, unless you have a family member who is critically ill, or your partner is about to go into labor – seriously! If that is the case, notify the admissions team in advance; they will support you through the interview day.
Advisors can help by practicing mock interviews, reminding students it’s okay to pause and take a moment to think. After the interview send a THANK YOU email. This is a great opportunity to enhance your answer if you feel you didn’t do your best initially. It also shows gratitude (which seems to be a dying characteristic, though not with admissions teams).
ADDRESS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM! Life happens. A difficult semester, a change in direction, illness, financial issues, or time off doesn’t disqualify a student, it humanizes them. When addressed thoughtfully, challenges often demonstrate resilience and growth.
You want to own your story. Unaddressed gaps and challenges allow the interviewer to write your narrative. Tell your story and wrap it up with a nice bow on top!
Transparency, paired with reflection, goes a long way.
THOU SHALL NOT GHOST! The 11th commandment. Not interested? Already secured a seat at your top choice school? Bow out with grace and learn how to express gratitude while saying no thank you and RESPECT DEADLINES for decisions – they are NOT SUGGESTIONS!!!
For students, this is about their future. For advisors, it’s about advocacy and guidance. And for admissions teams, it’s about building a community, not just filling seats.
Approaching the process with patience, kindness, and mutual respect makes all the difference.
Admissions doesn’t have to feel intimidating. When students are supported, prepared, and encouraged to show up as themselves, the process becomes what it should be: a meaningful step toward a fulfilling career. And the interview can actually be an enjoyable experience!
Remember: Those of us working in admissions, never forget that behind every candidate is a person trusting us with their story. Countless times I am called out for being ‘that person’ on the stage at commencement with tears running down my face knowing what it took for students to get to this point.
The post Practical Perspectives for Navigating the Admissions Process appeared first on Student Doctor Network.
Continue reading...
The admissions process can feel overwhelming. Applications, with personal statements, letters of recommendation, deadlines, interviews, and decisions, is a lot to juggle, and it often comes with big emotions. Having worked closely with students from the moment they first explore a program through the day they enroll, I’ve seen what truly helps candidates stand out and what creates unnecessary stress.
Whether you’re a student navigating the admissions process journey or an advisor guiding someone through it, these practical tips can make the process feel more manageable, human, and successful.
Tip 1: Start Early, but Don’t Aim for ‘Perfect’
Starting early gives EVERYONE breathing room but waiting for perfection can be paralyzing. I call it ‘personal statement perfection paralysis.’ Applications evolve. Personal statements get stronger with time. Advisors can help by reminding students that a thoughtful application is far better than a flawless one that never gets submitted.
Since the personal statement is more of a creative/personal piece, it is easy to continuously critique it. You will always be able to go back and revise it, flip a sentence, swap a word for a ‘better’ synonym…it can be endless. Coming to the realization earlier on that it WILL NEVER BE PERFECT will be a win for all.
Progress matters more than polish!
Tip 2: Share Authentic Stories, Not What You Think We Want to Hear
Admissions teams read thousands of applications. What stands out aren’t buzzwords. It’s a sense of honesty and authenticity that make the most compelling stories. Students should feel comfortable sharing why they’re drawn to a profession, even if their path wasn’t linear – in fact, especially if their path wasn’t linear!!
You do NOT NEED TO HAVE EXPERIENCED ADVERSE CIRSUMSTANCES to tell a compelling story!
Advisors play a key role here: helping students reflect, rather than rewrite themselves into someone they think admissions is looking for.
Tip 3: Relationships Matter More Than Students Realize
One of the most overlooked parts of the admissions process is relationship-building. I encourage students to attend info sessions, visit campuses, ask questions, and follow up.
Admissions teams truly get to know applicants, especially at smaller programs. A genuine connection can help contextualize an application far beyond grades and test scores.
Demonstrating your sincere interest in a specific program lets admissions teams know who is more likely to accept a coveted seat in their program.
More from Heidi Fuchs
She previously spoke with SDN about what Pharmacy schools look for in candidates.
Tip 4: Preparation Builds Confidence (Especially for Interviews)
BE PREPARED! Even though Scar was the villain in The Lion King, he had the right idea. Know what it is about the program that makes it unique and why that uniqueness is the reason you want to attend.
Interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Students who prepare by reflecting on their goals, experiences, and motivations, walk in calmer and more confident.
BE ENGAGED! Too often while I am addressing students, they are looking at their phones. Those phones need to be off or on silent, unless you have a family member who is critically ill, or your partner is about to go into labor – seriously! If that is the case, notify the admissions team in advance; they will support you through the interview day.
Advisors can help by practicing mock interviews, reminding students it’s okay to pause and take a moment to think. After the interview send a THANK YOU email. This is a great opportunity to enhance your answer if you feel you didn’t do your best initially. It also shows gratitude (which seems to be a dying characteristic, though not with admissions teams).
Tip 5: Be Honest About Gaps or Challenges
ADDRESS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM! Life happens. A difficult semester, a change in direction, illness, financial issues, or time off doesn’t disqualify a student, it humanizes them. When addressed thoughtfully, challenges often demonstrate resilience and growth.
You want to own your story. Unaddressed gaps and challenges allow the interviewer to write your narrative. Tell your story and wrap it up with a nice bow on top!
Transparency, paired with reflection, goes a long way.
Tip 6: Remember, This Is a Big Decision for Everyone
THOU SHALL NOT GHOST! The 11th commandment. Not interested? Already secured a seat at your top choice school? Bow out with grace and learn how to express gratitude while saying no thank you and RESPECT DEADLINES for decisions – they are NOT SUGGESTIONS!!!
For students, this is about their future. For advisors, it’s about advocacy and guidance. And for admissions teams, it’s about building a community, not just filling seats.
Approaching the process with patience, kindness, and mutual respect makes all the difference.
A Final Thought
Admissions doesn’t have to feel intimidating. When students are supported, prepared, and encouraged to show up as themselves, the process becomes what it should be: a meaningful step toward a fulfilling career. And the interview can actually be an enjoyable experience!
Remember: Those of us working in admissions, never forget that behind every candidate is a person trusting us with their story. Countless times I am called out for being ‘that person’ on the stage at commencement with tears running down my face knowing what it took for students to get to this point.
The post Practical Perspectives for Navigating the Admissions Process appeared first on Student Doctor Network.
Continue reading...