Taking advantage of "connections"

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Systemic

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I'll be applying to my state school this cycle, and, I have also been looking to obtain a research position anywhere for some time now.

My dad and uncle are both professors at my state medical school (both alumni). I have another 4 aunts and uncles who are alumni. I have two cousins who recently graduated from my state medical school, and are about to finish up their residencies at the school.

Ever since I started this process, I feared that these "connections" would provide me with an advantage during the application process. I've actually considered not applying to my state school for the sole reason that if I did get accepted, I would feel unwaveringly guilty because of all the connections I have with the school.

Well, recently, I mentioned to a family member that I had an interest in acquiring some lab experience, and now, I've got two of my uncles offering me amazing lab opportunities with programs in which they know a few people...

I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.

What is the general consensus about taking advantage of connections? As I've mentioned, I'm highly averse to the concept...but should I be? Should I be thankful, take it, and move on?
 
Dude... it's America... it's NOT what you know, but whom you know. Welcome to America. This is how EVERYTHING works here (granted, to a little bit lesser degree than some other countries).

Thank your lucky stars... take the position and take advantage of anything you have. I've seen people get into Ivy League med schools with horrible stats because daddy/mommy sits on the schools board. If you are at least trying, make use of any advantage you are given.

Be thankful and move on.

Systemic said:
I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.

What is the general consensus about taking advantage of connections? As I've mentioned, I'm highly averse to the concept...but should I be? Should I be thankful, take it, and move on?
Click to expand...
 
Systemic said:
I'll be applying to my state school this cycle, and, I have also been looking to obtain a research position anywhere for some time now.

My dad and uncle are both professors at my state medical school (both alumni). I have another 4 aunts and uncles who are alumni. I have two cousins who recently graduated from my state medical school, and are about to finish up their residencies at the school.

Ever since I started this process, I feared that these "connections" would provide me with an advantage during the application process. I've actually considered not applying to my state school for the sole reason that if I did get accepted, I would feel unwaveringly guilty because of all the connections I have with the school.

Well, recently, I mentioned to a family member that I had an interest in acquiring some lab experience, and now, I've got two of my uncles offering me amazing lab opportunities with programs in which they know a few people...

I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.

What is the general consensus about taking advantage of connections? As I've mentioned, I'm highly averse to the concept...but should I be? Should I be thankful, take it, and move on?
Click to expand...

take your chance and move on.
 
You should screw with your family and become a malpractice lawyer. Or, you know, take the lab position and be thankful.
 
Take every advantage you can get! It will definitely help you down the road. Besides, a determined enough person can make up for lack of connections.

In other words: it's not only who you know, but also how hard you work. That's life.
 
OP, your family will not take Step One for you, you will have to sink or swim on your own merits during your 3rd year rotations, and your acceptance to a residency position will be determined on your own effort and ability. You will have plenty of opportunities to "prove" yourself in medicine, so if you have some advantages and connections, there is no shame in that.
 
Why would you feel guilty? It's not like you did anything demeaning to get those "connections". You get a chance to do work hard, to embarass your uncles, or not. If I had the connections, I'd ask for a nice car along with a job.
 
Maybe... but having connections makes life that much easier. Definitely easier to get a 25 on the MCAT and be guaranteed a place at an Ivy League Medical school because daddy is on the board and a major financial donor to the school than to have to study to get a 40 on the MCAT.

Azrie said:
Take every advantage you can get! It will definitely help you down the road. Besides, a determined enough person can make up for lack of connections.

In other words: it's not only who you know, but also how hard you work. That's life.
Click to expand...
 
Systemic said:
I'll be applying to my state school this cycle, and, I have also been looking to obtain a research position anywhere for some time now.

My dad and uncle are both professors at my state medical school (both alumni). I have another 4 aunts and uncles who are alumni. I have two cousins who recently graduated from my state medical school, and are about to finish up their residencies at the school.

Ever since I started this process, I feared that these "connections" would provide me with an advantage during the application process. I've actually considered not applying to my state school for the sole reason that if I did get accepted, I would feel unwaveringly guilty because of all the connections I have with the school.

Well, recently, I mentioned to a family member that I had an interest in acquiring some lab experience, and now, I've got two of my uncles offering me amazing lab opportunities with programs in which they know a few people...

I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.

What is the general consensus about taking advantage of connections? As I've mentioned, I'm highly averse to the concept...but should I be? Should I be thankful, take it, and move on?
Click to expand...
I know it doesn't feel quite fair but you aren't helping anyone by not using what you have. I would take my shots.

Opportunities comes in all shapes and sizes and at the most bizarre of times (try 2 pitchers of beer into a night out) everyone learns to recognize them sooner or later if they want to make it.
 
mspeedwagon said:
Maybe... but having connections makes life that much easier. Definitely easier to get a 25 on the MCAT and be guaranteed a place at an Ivy League Medical school because daddy is on the board and a major financial donor to the school than to have to study to get a 40 on the MCAT.
Click to expand...

Certainly, and then that person would probably become an exceptionally horrible med-student and be dropped from the program anyway. 🙄 Or maybe I'm being idealistic.
Anyway, connections can only get you so far. Hard work is worth more down the line.
 
Azrie said:
Certainly, and then that person would probably become an exceptionally horrible med-student and be dropped from the program anyway. 🙄 Or maybe I'm being idealistic.
Anyway, connections can only get you so far. Hard work is worth more down the line.
Click to expand...

Really hardwork beats connections? I'm going to have to disagree, maybe in a perfect utopia but not in America. I'm a consrvative republican and I can say with confidence president Bush didn't get elected because he was overally qualified.
 
During the same year I applied to med school, my apartment mate did also.
We had almost exactly the same GPA, we took exactly the same science classes and we had exactly the same GPA in said science classes with one exception: I had an A in freshman plant biology and he had a B. I also had an undergraduate degree, he did not.
He got excepted first try, early, I did not even get an interview.
The difference? His dad was a well known hematologist/oncologist who taught some clinical to students and residents. My dad was a paper salesman.
He did quite well in med school and is now a highly respected interventional cardiologist. I am a general dentist.
Not complaining, no sour grapes.
I work 4 days a week, take about 6 weeks vacation a year and earn over $300,000. Why should I complain?
From what I've seen, connections are more important than grades.
Use them!
 
Last edited:
Poliscidoc said:
Really hardwork beats connections? I'm going to have to disagree, maybe in a perfect utopia but not in America. I'm a consrvative republican and I can say with confidence president Bush didn't get elected because he was overally qualified.
Click to expand...

Yeah, George also did not get admitted to Yale or Harvard Business School because of his academic prowess.
 
Systemic said:
Ever since I started this process, I feared that these "connections" would provide me with an advantage during the application process. I've actually considered not applying to my state school for the sole reason that if I did get accepted, I would feel unwaveringly guilty because of all the connections I have with the school.

I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.
Click to expand...

Stop being such a wimp. This (^^^) is garbage.
 
Systemic said:
I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.
Click to expand...
This is true, and since none of my family members are in medicine, you are unfairly getting an "upperhand" on students like me. Feel guilty, cheater.
 
75% of jobs are attained through networking (in other words, nepotism+). followed by craigslist. real talk
 
Don't feel bad, take the position. You should feel lucky having those amazing connections. Wish I did.
 
Systemic said:
I'll be applying to my state school this cycle, and, I have also been looking to obtain a research position anywhere for some time now.

My dad and uncle are both professors at my state medical school (both alumni). I have another 4 aunts and uncles who are alumni. I have two cousins who recently graduated from my state medical school, and are about to finish up their residencies at the school.

Ever since I started this process, I feared that these "connections" would provide me with an advantage during the application process. I've actually considered not applying to my state school for the sole reason that if I did get accepted, I would feel unwaveringly guilty because of all the connections I have with the school.

Well, recently, I mentioned to a family member that I had an interest in acquiring some lab experience, and now, I've got two of my uncles offering me amazing lab opportunities with programs in which they know a few people...

I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.

What is the general consensus about taking advantage of connections? As I've mentioned, I'm highly averse to the concept...but should I be? Should I be thankful, take it, and move on?
Click to expand...

OP, what you also have to realize is that just because you decide not to use your connections does not mean everyone else is going to stop using theirs. So you should not feel guilty about using yours. Take advantage of your connections and do your best.
 
Systemic said:
I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.
Click to expand...

Hey, it's the thought that counts. 😛
 
Everybody has connections that they use and know people who can give them an advantage over others. (Unless you are a complete recluse with absolutely no friends or family, then you might be out of luck)

Whether it is to get a research position, admission into medical school, getting a table at a hot new restaurant, a great deal on roofing, or even an extra strong drink at the bar, it's all a part of interacting with others.
 
Poliscidoc said:
He was a skull

Skull= Life time bad ass status
Click to expand...

He was a male cheerleader. You are not a badass if you are a male cheerleader. Plus he was afraid to go to Vietnam, so he was chickenheart as well.

It is always the draft dodgers like Bush and Cheney who have the biggest appetite for war, as long as they are not going into battle.
 
Sick to your stomach from this? What will you feel when you accidently let down a patient? Or receive 15 out of 15 rejection letters from schools other than your state school because you didn't apply there?
 
You're a ****ing idiot. This is life, some are born with opportunities, some not. You're attitude shows that you have no appreciation for these opportunities life has given to you and is a grave insult to everyone else who are not as lucky. Not to mention it's a hypocritical attitude as you've been given all these opportunities since you were born. Maybe you should leave your family and change your name, strike out on your own ... leave mommy and daddy's credit card at home and do stuff on your own ... otherwise you're just full of ****. If I was your family, I'd slap you and disown your ass for such a stupid attitude.
 
Take that lab position. Everyone is dealt different cards in life and you've got some really good ones. Don't be ashamed of using what you've been given. There are alot of people who would do anything to be in a position like yours.

Help your close pre-med friends get some good research positions also if it will make you feel any better.
 
searun said:
He was a male cheerleader. You are not a badass if you are a male cheerleader. Plus he was afraid to go to Vietnam, so he was chickenheart as well.

It is always the draft dodgers like Bush and Cheney who have the biggest appetite for war, as long as they are not going into battle.
Click to expand...

Male cheerleader= sweet as way to meet women. Also let's don't pretend like nobody else dodged going to Vietnam. Just like the OP is talking about useing connections, Bush used his to stay our of Vietnam.
 
Poliscidoc said:
Male cheerleader= sweet as way to meet women. Also let's don't pretend like nobody else dodged going to Vietnam. Just like the OP is talking about useing connections, Bush used his to stay our of Vietnam.
Click to expand...

So is being a hair stylist, but hair stylists are not badass...
 
Poliscidoc said:
Male cheerleader= sweet as way to meet women. Also let's don't pretend like nobody else dodged going to Vietnam. Just like the OP is talking about useing connections, Bush used his to stay our of Vietnam.
Click to expand...

Bad news for the male cheerleaders, you may get a quick look up the skirt if you have the strength to throw the girls up the air, which George didn't, because he was weak and could never get the girls airborn, and the girls, really don't respect male cheerleaders, not does any other self respecting male. Come on, play football, or some sport, or at least be a decent nerd. Georgie could not be a decent nerd because he was not bright enough.

It is hard to respect a "President" who hid behind his father's skirts to avoid Vietnam and then lands on an aircraft carrier, wearing a pilot's jacket, and gives the thumbs up, "Mission Accomplished," , yeah, we won the war in Iraq. What a P**sy.
 
Systemic said:
I'll be applying to my state school this cycle, and, I have also been looking to obtain a research position anywhere for some time now.

My dad and uncle are both professors at my state medical school (both alumni). I have another 4 aunts and uncles who are alumni. I have two cousins who recently graduated from my state medical school, and are about to finish up their residencies at the school.

Ever since I started this process, I feared that these "connections" would provide me with an advantage during the application process. I've actually considered not applying to my state school for the sole reason that if I did get accepted, I would feel unwaveringly guilty because of all the connections I have with the school.

Well, recently, I mentioned to a family member that I had an interest in acquiring some lab experience, and now, I've got two of my uncles offering me amazing lab opportunities with programs in which they know a few people...

I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.

What is the general consensus about taking advantage of connections? As I've mentioned, I'm highly averse to the concept...but should I be? Should I be thankful, take it, and move on?
Click to expand...

Worry about number one. Like the poster said immediately below your OP, it's not what you know, it's who you know.

In my work, I have been obligated to hire certain people due to their political connections despite there being other qualified people. Is it right? Probably not. However, take whatever break you can get. If your goal is becoming a doctor then do whatever it takes to get there. Your competitor would do it.
 
searun said:
Bad news for the male cheerleaders, you may get a quick look up the skirt if you have the strength to throw the girls up the air, which George didn't, because he was weak and could never get the girls airborn, and the girls, really don't respect male cheerleaders, not does any other self respecting male. Come on, play football, or some sport, or at least be a decent nerd. Georgie could not be a decent nerd because he was not bright enough.

It is hard to respect a "President" who hid behind his father's skirts to avoid Vietnam and then lands on an aircraft carrier, wearing a pilot's jacket, and gives the thumbs up, "Mission Accomplished," , yeah, we won the war in Iraq. What a P**sy.
Click to expand...

Never said I respected him just that he got
to were he was because of the connections his father had. Although I think Yale isn't a place for stacked football players, I mean Bush went to college to get laid and throw down party wise. And that's exactly what he dad.

But back to the point OP, use your connections and get a spot!

Medwell said:
Being a cheerleader at an all-boys boarding school is a sweet way to meet women?
Click to expand...

When ever you go to cheer camp. Lol trying here!

BerlinDude said:
So is being a hair stylist, but hair stylists are not badass...
Click to expand...

Ever heard of Zohan?
 
To the OP: Don't feel bad.

To everyone else, on a similar topic:

My family has a good friend who's a professor for the Johns Hopkins med school, and apparently he's pretty good friends with some people from the admissions committee.

I certainly don't have the stats for this school but is there any chance our friend can get me in some how? I'd rather not waste money on a secondary application just to get rejected.
 
tedwilliams1999 said:
To the OP: Don't feel bad.

To everyone else, on a similar topic:

My family has a good friend who's a professor for the Johns Hopkins med school, and apparently he's pretty good friends with some people from the admissions committee.

I certainly don't have the stats for this school but is there any chance our friend can get me in some how? I'd rather not waste money on a secondary application just to get rejected.
Click to expand...

I seriously doubt it. Generally, you have to be in the ballpark and fit their basic admissions parameters before connections will help. If your stats are significantly below the profile of the admitted Hopkins student, the ad comm is not going to admit you if they do not think that you meet their standards. Connections will help in a close call, but you need to be playing in their ball park.
 
tedwilliams1999 said:
To the OP: Don't feel bad.

To everyone else, on a similar topic:

My family has a good friend who's a professor for the Johns Hopkins med school, and apparently he's pretty good friends with some people from the admissions committee.

I certainly don't have the stats for this school but is there any chance our friend can get me in some how? I'd rather not waste money on a secondary application just to get rejected.
Click to expand...

if you have a decent GPA (3.4 +) and decent MCAT(30+) and noteworthy EC's this guy could PROBABLY get you an interview (depending on how "important" he is), it's all in your hands after that.
 
Ischemic said:
You're a ****ing idiot. This is life, some are born with opportunities, some not. You're attitude shows that you have no appreciation for these opportunities life has given to you and is a grave insult to everyone else who are not as lucky. Not to mention it's a hypocritical attitude as you've been given all these opportunities since you were born. Maybe you should leave your family and change your name, strike out on your own ... leave mommy and daddy's credit card at home and do stuff on your own ... otherwise you're just full of ****. If I was your family, I'd slap you and disown your ass for such a stupid attitude.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

You will never get ahead in life if you play the game by the rules.
 
Systemic said:
I'll be applying to my state school this cycle, and, I have also been looking to obtain a research position anywhere for some time now.

My dad and uncle are both professors at my state medical school (both alumni). I have another 4 aunts and uncles who are alumni. I have two cousins who recently graduated from my state medical school, and are about to finish up their residencies at the school.

Ever since I started this process, I feared that these "connections" would provide me with an advantage during the application process. I've actually considered not applying to my state school for the sole reason that if I did get accepted, I would feel unwaveringly guilty because of all the connections I have with the school.

Well, recently, I mentioned to a family member that I had an interest in acquiring some lab experience, and now, I've got two of my uncles offering me amazing lab opportunities with programs in which they know a few people...

I feel sick to my stomach when I think about taking such a position, because I know that most who have no connections whatsoever would have a severely diminished chance of obtaining such a position.

What is the general consensus about taking advantage of connections? As I've mentioned, I'm highly averse to the concept...but should I be? Should I be thankful, take it, and move on?
Click to expand...

you don't have connections and i'll guess ur not getting into ur state school.
 
****ing waste of time. I can't believe I read this entire post. OP, your an idiot = you have a sliver of consciousness. Don't worry, after medical school you will not have this problem.
 
Rickybobby said:
****ing waste of time. I can't believe I read this entire post. OP, your an idiot = you have a sliver of consciousness. Don't worry, after medical school you will not have this problem.
Click to expand...

Haha, give this man his 8 minutes back now!
 
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