What to look for at second look weekends

[Gleevec]

I know a lot of yall have posted really useful info about what to look for at interviews that we would generally overlook (ie what clinical rotations are like, academic support, etc). Well, like most applicants, I was so focused on the interview that I failed in looking at several things when interviewing (as I was just worried about if I would get in).

So that begs the question, what do yall feel are the most important things to look at at a second look weekend? Are there any things you wish you had asked about or looked at before matriculation?

Thanks for any info you can provide!

 

[Gleevec]

bumpity bump

 

[Olanzapine]

I would ask how the clinical rotations are structured, how difficult is it to get to know the attendings well enough to write a letter of recc, what sort of responsibilities will you have in the wards, etc. I'd also ask students what they think about class camdre, whether or not there is a cut throat atmosphere, or if classmates always seem willing to help each other. Even though your class will have different people in it, these types of things are often fostered by a certain type of environment created by the school. I'd also be sure to ask upper years if their financial aid package changed from year to year (ie school was most generous during first year), how supportive the administration is in dealing with student issues, and how much free time you will have during your preclinical years. I'm sure that there is more that you can find out, but I think that your ultimate decision will come down to a gut decision based on your limited interaction with the students who you meet and the facilities that you see, which isn't neccessarily bad, but it doesn't require all that much prep work to be done before visiting. Have fun on your trip, congrats on being accepted too!

 

[Gleevec]

Thanks Olanzapine! That was really informative.