Talking to a medical school dean of admissions. Some questions.

[mrh125]

What sort of questions are worth asking and are there any questions that would be off limit or bad to ask ? I actually managed to have the opportunity to talk to a dean of admissions at a fairly prestigious medical school that I probably have a very low chance of being admitted at due to my mcat score. Also about questions I can ask: I'm thinking of asking some really specific questions that show my interests in medicine relating to the programs at the school (global health, working with the underserved). I'm also thinking of asking what he looks for in potential students and bringing up my application and mcat score. Would bringing up my mcat score be a bad idea? I'm worried because it sounds negative, but at the same time if his school has a policy of discarding mcat scores of a certain range I'd like to know. I'm also thinking about asking him if he has any recommendations for a future applicant to his medical school and about how a postbacc program would be viewed in my situation. Would all these questions be fair game to ask? I really want to go this school, and I want to do the best I can to be the most competitive applicant I can be. I also want to become more acquainted with the process of medical school admissions, so I know what to expect this application cycle. Anything else worth asking that'd really give me a perspective of the admissions process? I'm also wondering what impact talking to him and expressing genuine interest in his school (it's easily my number one choice) will have on my admissions. Does it have any? I'm not expecting this to guarantee anything, but with a good application can it add to my application?

Any constructive advice would be appreciated.

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[WillburCobb]

Just pick from any of the plethora of threads you've started over the past several months. You'll make an excellent impression.

Edit - And be sure to respond in your usual manner should you hear something you don't want to.

 

[mrh125]

Just pick from any of the plethora of threads you've started over the past several months. You'll make an excellent impression.

i'm not going to be trolled into saying anything stupid, so try again. Can I get a serious response instead?

 

[DrCharlemagne]

I would not limit yourself to constructive advice. Constructive advice is for situations where there is something to build upon.

 

[hoihaie]

unless this is like a 1 on 1 time especially for you, i doubt whatever you say will leave a impact on him. He probably talks to more students than he owuld care to imagine.

 

[NCPremed13]

What sort of questions are worth asking and are there any questions that would be off limit or bad to ask ? I actually managed to have the opportunity to talk to a dean of admissions at a fairly prestigious medical school that I probably have a very low chance of being admitted at due to my mcat score. Also about questions I can ask: I'm thinking of asking some really specific questions that show my interests in medicine relating to the programs at the school (global health, working with the underserved). I'm also thinking of asking what he looks for in potential students and bringing up my application and mcat score. Would bringing up my mcat score be a bad idea? I'm worried because it sounds negative, but at the same time if his school has a policy of discarding mcat scores of a certain range I'd like to know. I'm also thinking about asking him if he has any recommendations for a future applicant to his medical school and about how a postbacc program would be viewed in my situation. Would all these questions be fair game to ask? I really want to go this school, and I want to do the best I can to be the most competitive applicant I can be. I also want to become more acquainted with the process of medical school admissions, so I know what to expect this application cycle. Anything else worth asking that'd really give me a perspective of the admissions process? I'm also wondering what impact talking to him and expressing genuine interest in his school (it's easily my number one choice) will have on my admissions. Does it have any? I'm not expecting this to guarantee anything, but with a good application can it add to my application?

Any constructive advice would be appreciated.

I would ask questions about things that can't be found on the website or in the MSAR. I imagine several premeds ask such questions. It may be better to ask about his personal opinions. For example, does he feel that the current curriculum best suits the needs of its students, maybe why he personally chose that medical school, what attributes of students does he look for while building the class profile...maybe things along those lines. I think it's better than asking out front what it takes to get accepted. Plus, it may give him a chance to reflect. Just my opinion; I'd definitely get some additional advice so that you look prepared when you two meet. 🙂

 

[mrh125]

unless this is like a 1 on 1 time especially for you, i doubt whatever you say will leave a impact on him. He probably talks to more students than he owuld care to imagine.

I didn't think of that. It's a phone conference call we corresponded briefly and set up a time.

 

[Goro]

Fine
I'm also thinking of asking what he looks for in potential students and bringing up my application and mcat score.
Nope.
Would bringing up my mcat score be a bad idea?

Fine
I'm also thinking about asking him if he has any recommendations for a future applicant to his medical school and about how a postbacc program would be viewed in my situation.
Yes
Would all these questions be fair game to ask?

"What would it take to be competitive at your school?"
Anything else worth asking that'd really give me a perspective of the admissions process?

Hold very still and pay careful attention: No, your talking to him will not make him roll over and say "oh, my Gawd, we have to admit this kid!!" You and about 5000 other applicants also dearly want to go to his school. A history of uneven performance does not inspire confidence in Adcoms.
I'm also wondering what impact talking to him and expressing genuine interest in his school (it's easily my number one choice) will have on my admissions. Does it have any?

 

[UlahSnackbar]

Are you talking to Dean Jones?

 

[Optimus-Prime]

What sort of questions are worth asking and are there any questions that would be off limit or bad to ask ? I actually managed to have the opportunity to talk to a dean of admissions at a fairly prestigious medical school that I probably have a very low chance of being admitted at due to my mcat score. Also about questions I can ask: I'm thinking of asking some really specific questions that show my interests in medicine relating to the programs at the school (global health, working with the underserved). I'm also thinking of asking what he looks for in potential students and bringing up my application and mcat score. Would bringing up my mcat score be a bad idea? I'm worried because it sounds negative, but at the same time if his school has a policy of discarding mcat scores of a certain range I'd like to know. I'm also thinking about asking him if he has any recommendations for a future applicant to his medical school and about how a postbacc program would be viewed in my situation. Would all these questions be fair game to ask? I really want to go this school, and I want to do the best I can to be the most competitive applicant I can be. I also want to become more acquainted with the process of medical school admissions, so I know what to expect this application cycle. Anything else worth asking that'd really give me a perspective of the admissions process? I'm also wondering what impact talking to him and expressing genuine interest in his school (it's easily my number one choice) will have on my admissions. Does it have any? I'm not expecting this to guarantee anything, but with a good application can it add to my application?

Any constructive advice would be appreciated.

Be humble and confident, talk to him about UNIQUE upcoming plans and ask intelligent questions, give him a good handshake and look him in the eye.

Your not going to woo anyone into a spot, but it doesn't hurt to show that you are hungry and a hard worker. Maybe he'll remember you maybe not... put forth the effort