Visiting Med Schools- Worth it?

[Stitch77]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey, quick question.

I am "on hold" for 4 schools, and am still waiting to hear from 6. Is it worth going to visit any of these schools on my own - to show I'm interested and get a feeling for the place. I am aware that when you get an interview, a tour of the school is usually part of the day, however, I am trying to do ANYTHING to help my chances.

Thanks guys!

 

[LRAccord624]

I think this is one of those things that may or may not help you, but it definitely won't hurt you. It depends on the school, who you meet and what impression you leave them with while you're there. A couple of schools I applied to really like to see students come take unofficial tours on their own because it shows initiative, but other schools couldn't care less. Have you tried sending update letters, or contacting the deans of admissions to ask what you could do to make yourself a better applicant in their eyes?

 

[mmmcdowe]

Do not do this if you are just trying to get a competitive edge unless you have confirmation that this is going to have a positive effect (preferably from a medical student that is there or an admissions representative), quite honestly most admissions committees aren't even going to hear about it. Admissions office =/= adcom. The chances of it being marked in your applications are low, the chances of a positive effect are even lower. Will it be a negative effect on your application? Probably not, but it doesn't make you liked by the interviewees that are there. Some of them might be your classmates if you are accepted, and they might remember.

 

[brooklynblunder]

probably not worth it. a lot of money and time that you could spend working on a more impressive update.

 

[Stitch77]

Yes I have done updates for the schools that I am on Hold for, I have not contacted the deans of admission yet- but will definitely look into it. I was not aware that the deans would be receptive to students asking what they could do to be a better candidate.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[flip26]

Not worth the time or money.

Not sure what you can learn from doing this anyway. Most med schools have some sort of security check you have to go through to even get anywhere near the admissions office, so unless you have prearranged this "visit" I don't see how just showing up will work, and I can't imagine that many med school admissions offices really want people just showing up on their doorstep.

Plus, you may be seen as a tool...don't do it.

 

[flip26]

Yes I have done updates for the schools that I am on Hold for, I have not contacted the deans of admission yet- but will definitely look into it. I was not aware that the deans would be receptive to students asking what they could do to be a better candidate.

Thanks for the responses.

This is not the time for those kinds of interactions - they are kind of busy. Wait until after the cycle is over to contact med schools where you applied and didn't get in...and even then many med school adcoms will not talk to you in person about this, but some will...