Serious question

[Wolfpack93]

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hey guys so I have my first interview next week and have a serious question that I need some guidance on. I've been growing out my facial hair for quite some time now and was wondering if it's really necessary to shave all of this hard work off prior to my interview? Has an Adcom really ever been like "you know he was a good candidate but that facial hair just ruined it for me". Any insight would be appreciated!

 

[NYCdude]

They don't care as long as it's groomed.

But that's just me speaking from experience.

 

[LizzyM]

There is at least one dean of admissions who has a full beard... Go to 1:10

 

[Wolfpack93]

There is at least one dean of admissions who has a full beard... Go to 1:10

His is much more impressive than mine. Good to know, thank you!

 

[gyngyn]

Shave. It's not worth worrying about.

 

[Red G]

Everything I've read has said to shave. All you get is a first impression and you don't want anything that could potentially be seen as a negative.

 

[narvik2016]

It really depends on what your beard looks like.

Some beards are great, some are...... not.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

 

[maxwell_edison]

I'd say groomed such that it looks professional is fine. I'd splurge and go to a barber for a beard trim though, make it look really good.

I'm gonna shave mine, but I keep it short anyhow, gets irritating if it gets long. Can re-grow in 2 weeks.

There is at least one dean of admissions who has a full beard... Go to 1:10

The dean can show up unwashed and in dirty jeans. Full biker beard. He's the dean, he's allowed to do that.

Interviewee still need a suit.

 

[Glazedonutlove]

It really depends on what your beard looks like.

Some beards are great, some are...... not.

it would make him look older/wiser

 

[doc05]

shave.

 

[StudyLater]

I've been growing out my facial hair for quite some time now and was wondering if it's really necessary to shave all of this hard work off prior to my interview?

The bolded made me laugh. Shave it and grow it back later or don't but keep it well groomed. As long as you look presentable it should be fine. It's your call.

 

[ortnakas]

Shave. It's not worth worrying about.

I would have said it was worth keeping as long as it's well groomed, but seems how one adcom posted this and another liked it, shaving seems to be the correct answer.

 

[beeboops]

"All this hard work".

Like as if you toiled to grow each individual hair I'll never understand this growing cult of facial hair.

Trim it if it's long. If it's not too long, then keep it groomed. If you're really worried about it, and it's gonna make you self-conscious during the interview, then just shave it all off. It's best to be comfortable and not thinking about your appearance during an interview. You already have 23948034 things to worry about.

 

[Wolfpack93]

Shave. It's not worth worrying about.

Good point. Thanks for the input.

 

[Wolfpack93]

"All this hard work".

Like as if you toiled to grow each individual hair I'll never understand this growing cult of facial hair.

Trim it if it's long. If it's not too long, then keep it groomed. If you're really worried about it, and it's gonna make you self-conscious during the interview, then just shave it all off. It's best to be comfortable and not thinking about your appearance during an interview. You already have 23948034 things to worry about.

It's the opposite, I'd probably be less self conscious with the beard. Seeing as I've had it for over a year. And it was hard work. Having to meticulously trim and groom it every few weeks was no easy task.

 

[LizzyM]

It's the opposite, I'd probably be less self conscious with the beard. Seeing as I've had it for over a year. And it was hard work. Having to meticulously trim and groom it every few weeks was no easy task.

Keep it. Let us know how things turn out. We need data.

 

[Ad2b]

Keep it. Let us know how things turn out. We need data.

🤣🤣

 

[Wolfpack93]

Just thought I'd update everyone. Ultimately, I decided to shave. This is one of the biggest sacrifices I've made and I hope schools will realize the lengths I'm willing to go for admission. Thank you all for your input and support through these trying times.

 

[BluMist]

Just thought I'd update everyone. Ultimately, I decided to shave. This is one of the biggest sacrifices I've made and I hope schools will realize the lengths I'm willing to go for admission. Thank you all for your input and support through these trying times.

You should send an updated personal statement to document this adversity that you had to overcome.

 

[Wolfpack93]

You should send an updated personal statement to document this adversity that you had to overcome.

I think I'll try to fit it into all of my answers

 

[Spinach Dip]

Keep it. Let us know how things turn out. We need data.

N=1

Results not significant at a p<0.05 level

 

[HSR]

I got accepted into a school and I had a beard. I kept it well groomed and short.

 

[el_duderino]

I kept mine (well groomed and very short), and went 1 for 2 on interviews.

All else being equal, I'd say shave. Facial hair will indeed turn some people off. It may hurt and it won't help.

 

[LizzyM]

I kept mine (well groomed and very short), and went 1 for 2 on interviews.

All else being equal, I'd say shave. Facial hair will indeed turn some people off. It may hurt and it won't help.

I think that it can help some very young looking guys who otherwise look "too young" to be taken seriously.

 

[el_duderino]

I think that it can help some very young looking guys who otherwise look "too young" to be taken seriously.

That's a good point, and why I actually ended up keeping mine. I was 32 when I interviewed. I recently started shaving again, and literally got carded two weeks ago buying spray glue. So... yeah.....

 

[DokterMom]

All this "hard work" and "great sacrifice".

Another Millennial clearly destined for medical greatness...

 

[tenblackalps]

Serious question is serious:

Whenever I fully shave my face I get acne so I usually keep around 4mm of hair on the sides with 3mm on the 'stache and chin combined with a nicely trimmed neckline sculpted in this shape which fits my face and looks similar to this:

I also have this hairstyle too. Too unprofessional? I think I look a lot with better with facial hair anyways, besides the acne.

 

[Wolfpack93]

All this "hard work" and "great sacrifice".

Another Millennial clearly destined for medical greatness...

Are jokes not allowed any more?

 

[el_duderino]

Serious question is serious:

Whenever I fully shave my face I get acne so I usually keep around 4mm of hair on the sides with 3mm on the 'stache and chin combined with a nicely trimmed neckline sculpted in this shape which fits my face:
I also have this hairstyle too. Too unprofessional? I think I look a lot with better with facial hair anyways, besides the acne.

If you actually look like him, you can do pretty much whatever you want.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Serious question is serious:

Whenever I fully shave my face I get acne so I usually keep around 4mm of hair on the sides with 3mm on the 'stache and chin combined with a nicely trimmed neckline sculpted in this shape which fits my face:

I also have this hairstyle too. Too unprofessional? I think I look a lot with better with facial hair anyways, besides the acne.

Try dipping the razor in rubbing alcohol before you shave with it.

 

[DokterMom]

Are jokes not allowed any more?

That actually was a joke...

 

[DokterMom]

Try dipping the razor in rubbing alcohol before you shave with it.

And a high-alcohol / lower scent aftershave after you shave

 

[Oncie]

Serious question is serious:

Whenever I fully shave my face I get acne so I usually keep around 4mm of hair on the sides with 3mm on the 'stache and chin combined with a nicely trimmed neckline sculpted in this shape which fits my face and looks similar to this:

I also have this hairstyle too. Too unprofessional? I think I look a lot with better with facial hair anyways, besides the acne.

Marchisio is a very handsome man 😍

 

[p0gono]

On the other hand, maybe a beard can help soften?

http://gawker.com/silicon-valley-trend-watch-growing-a-beard-to-mask-pur-1729378729

 

[StudyLater]

Try dipping the razor in rubbing alcohol before you shave with it.

Wouldn't this just make it hurt more?

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Wouldn't this just make it hurt more?

A little physical pain now is better than psychological pain later.