Medical School Admissions: Medical School Choice – Community Service Options (2011 - 2012)

Just like when applying from college to medical school, community service will be an important component of your application from medical school to residency. When choosing which medical school to attend, make sure they make community service options available to you. Is the school service-oriented? Does the school sponsor free clinics that offer you early clinical exposure? Does the curriculum allow time for you to perform community service?

For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like personalized help from Dr. Miller, please visit www.MDadmit.com/solutions, e-mail info@MDadmit.com, or call 415.939.5251.

Interesting Article: Will You Be Ready for the New MCAT?

New MCAT set to roll out in 2015? Will you be ready?

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/a-better-medical-school-admissions-test/

Medical School Admissions: Medical School Interviews – Letter of Intent (Part 2)

Many medical school applicants ask if they can send a letter of intent to multiple schools. By strict definition, a letter of intent should only be sent to your top choice. However, this does not mean you cannot send an update letter to other schools that are in your top 5 or 10. Such a letter will follow a similar format to the letter of intent but will not state outright that the school is your top choice and will focus more on updating the school on your recent progress. Such updates can include a recent publication, new grades from a post-bac program, an international experience from the Fall, or a new leadership position you gained, just to name a few. Keep these letters short (definitely less than a page).

For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school examples of  update letters/letters of intent from successful applications, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like Dr. Miller to edit your letter of intent, please visit www.MDadmit.com/solutions, e-mail info@MDadmit.com, or call 415.939.5251.

Interesting Article: The Quiet Health Care Revolution

Interesting article in The Atlantic regarding US health care innovation. Prevention, prevention, prevention! But will the innovation hold up now that Wellpoint has bought CareMore?

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/11/the-quiet-health-care-revolution/8667/#.Tulz9Sq3zLQ.mailto

Medical School Admissions: Medical School Interviews – Letter of Intent

Some rolling admissions schools have already given you their decision. You may be on waitlists or have not heard anything from schools yet. This time of year, the question often arises: “Do I tell my top choice that they are my top choice?” 

The answer is yes.

If you have an absolute top choice and have not been accepted, writing a “letter on intent” can improve your chances of acceptance. Medical schools want students who want them. You can only tell one school that they are “the one,” so be sure it really is your top choice.

Write a letter to the dean of admissions explaining why the school is your top choice. Include specifics on why the school is your top choice (curriculum, research opportunities, location, etc.) and reiterate your strengths. This should be a short letter and can be hand-written on a card or more formally typed.

For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school examples of  update letters/letters of intent from successful applications, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like Dr. Miller to edit your letter of intent, please visit www.MDadmit.com/solutions, e-mail info@MDadmit.com, or call 415.939.5251.

Medical School Admissions: Medical School Interviews – Avoid Burnout

Are you one of the few who have more interviews than you know what to do with? Are you finding school or work slipping because you are always flying off to an interview? Do you think your performance in interviews is slipping due to fatigue? If so, you should be very grateful. And you should also think about canceling some of the interviews to avoid burnout. Look at the list of interviews that you have left. Be sure to only attend interviews of schools that you will seriously consider attending if accepted. For example, you have already been accepted to one of your top choices and have a few “safety school” interviews in February. Do yourself and the admissions committees a favor and call to cancel those interviews.

For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school including interview tips, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like a mock interview with Dr. Miller, please visit www.MDadmit.com/solutions, e-mail info@MDadmit.com, or call 415.939.5251.

Medical School Admissions: Medical School Interviews – No Interviews Yet?

Are you still waiting for a medical school interview invite? If so, it’s time to get to work. Here are some suggestions:

1. Call each school that you have applied to and returned a secondary application. Ask if your application is complete and if all interview invites have been given.
2. Call each school that you have applied to and not received a secondary from and ensure the school has everything it needs prior to sending a secondary application. Also inquire about whether any more secondaries will be sent out (quite unlikely at this stage in the interview process but it doesn’t hurt to ask).
3. Contact your undergraduate or post-baccalaureate pre-med advisor and update him/her on your situation. If there is a particular school that you are interested in and have not received an interview, some pre-med advisors will make a call on your behalf.

For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school including interview tips, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like a mock interview with Dr. Miller, please visit www.MDadmit.com/solutions, e-mail info@MDadmit.com, or call 415.939.5251.

Medical School Admissions: Medical School Interviews – Thank You Notes

Thank you notes often raise many questions for medical school applicants:

*Do I have to write thank you notes to every interviewer?

            - Yes, if you would attend the school if accepted.

*Should I write hand-written notes?

            - Yes
*Can an e-mail serve as a sufficient thank you?
            - No. Such an important communication should not be sent to someone’s already
              very full e-mail inbox.

For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school including interview tips, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like a mock interview with Dr. Miller, please visit www.MDadmit.com/solutions, e-mail info@MDadmit.com, or call 415.939.5251.

Scrubbing the Dirt (Volume I)

Scrubbing the Dirt: Accepted

Interesting article on health and education

How the crisis of healthcare and education are related:
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/11/crises-healthcare-education-related.html

MDadmit Cool Case of the Week Answer

Case#1: 50yo female from Eastern Europe presents to the Emergency Department with three weeks of intermittent double vision, trouble walking, and R arm uncoordination. She had an outpatient CT of her head that showed no abnormalities and could not initially undergo a MRI because she had an IUD in place. The IUD has been removed and she now presents to the EED because the symptoms are getting worse. On exam, her vital signs are stable. Positive findings include a cranial nerve III palsy of the left eye, R arm and leg ataxia, and marked gait ataxia. She also has trouble finding words. A MRI/MRA is performed emergently that shows a ring-enhancing lesion in the midbrain. What could the lesion be? What is the diagnosis?

Answer #1: Neurocysticercosis

MDadmit Cool Case of the Week

This blog has been focused on providing tips to help you get into medical school. Don't worry, those tips will still be published weekly. But I've decided to spice things up a bit here on the MDadmit blog and include a Cool Case of the Week. Something to get you even more excited about the fascinating field you are about to enter. I'll send out the case on Wednesday at 9am and ask you to guess the diagnosis, treatment, etc. I will then provide the answer on Thursday at 9am. Have fun with it!

Case#1: 50yo female from Eastern Europe presents to the Emergency Department with three weeks of intermittent double vision, trouble walking, and R arm uncoordination. She had an outpatient CT of her head that showed no abnormalities and could not initially undergo a MRI because she had an IUD in place. The IUD has been removed and she now presents to the EED because the symptoms are getting worse. On exam, her vital signs are stable. Positive findings include a cranial nerve III palsy of the left eye, R arm and leg ataxia, and marked gait ataxia. She also has trouble finding words. A MRI/MRA is performed emergently that shows a ring-enhancing lesion in the midbrain. What could the lesion be? What is the diagnosis?

Medical School Admissions: Join the Discussion

Hello MDadmit blog readers! Dr. Miller here. I just wanted to invite you to comment on this blog. Feel free to ask questions, give opinions, and join other pre-meds in the discussion. I will personally answer any questions posed and look forward to hearing from you!

Medical School Admissions: Medical School Interviews - Take Notes

Everyone seems to bring a schnazy leather legal pad on interviews. But have you ever seen someone actually taking notes? Why bring it if you don’t use it? There’s no need to take notes during the actual interview, as that may seem pretentious. But definitely jot down your thoughts after each interview.

Making note of:

 1. Interview date
 2. Interviewer name and title
 3. Topics discussed
 4. School positives
 5. School negatives
 6. Overall gut reaction

Taking 5 minutes to log your thoughts will be helpful in keeping the details of each school straight in your mind and remembering specifics to put in thank you notes. These notes can also be very helpful when you are making your final decision of where to attend medical school.

For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school including interview tips, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like a mock interview with Dr. Miller, please visit www.MDadmit.com/solutions, e-mail info@MDadmit.com, or call 415.939.5251.

George Washington PA School Professor Resigns

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/campus-overload/post/gwu-professor-resigns-accused-of-not-teaching/2011/11/08/gIQASJQt0M_blog.html

Book Review: The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook

A recent review of Dr. Miller's The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook: "Suzanne Miller's book on the med school admissions process is exceptional. Dr. Miller masterfully articulates the important points of the med school applications  process. She hones her expression into a concise and authoritative language that  provides you with details that you will not read anywhere else. Although the book is steeped in good advice, I particularly value the section on the  secondary applications. Dr. Miller provides over 40 essay prompts categorized  into 10 major themes that will allow you to complete much of your secondary applications  before you even begin to apply. I cannot tell you how valuable this information is... secondary  applications are very time consuming, but if you follow Dr. Miller's advice, they will be  as easy as cutting and pasting your pre-written essays. This is a book for the general applicant, as well as for the elite applicant. As a  graduate of an Ivy League school, my home school dedicates enormous resources  into pre-medical advising. However, Dr. Miller's book surpasses the advice that  I received from my school's career services by leaps and bounds; so much so that  I purchased a copy of her book and mailed it to my home school's career services. This book will propel your application into a new level of excellence, not to mention  save you enormous time in the process. Buy this book!"

Caribbean Schools Pay Big Money to Use U.S. Hospitals

I haven't made up my mind about the big money that Caribbean (Off-Shore) medical schools like St. George's and Ross pay to get their students experience in US hospitals, mostly in New York.

Here's an article from the New York Times about just how much money is changing hands. What do you think?

Scrubbing the Dirt (Volume I)

China

Hey everyone!

Check out MDadmit's very own Dr. Suzanne Miller as she blogs about her Chinese adventure!

Click here to view the post.

Need more? Take a look at her personal blog.

Medical School Admissions: Money

      We start this journey discussing an unmentionable – money! Getting into medical school takes more than top-tier grades, cutting-edge research, and saving-the-world community service. The medical school admission process is obscenely expensive (as is medical school itself), and I want to ensure that you have the appropriate amount of cash (or credit or government loans) available before proceeding with the process. Applying to medical school will cost you anywhere for $2000-$10,000. When you take into account the cost of a MCAT course/books, the AMCAS application, about $75 for each secondary application, interview travel, interview clothes, and the possible use of an admission consultant, you can rack up a large bill quickly. Given that you will likely spend over $200,000 attending medical school (not to mention the opportunity cost of not working during that time), the money is a drop in the bucket. If you want to be a physician, do not let the cost of applying dissuade you. But be an educated consumer and set aside the appropriate amount of savings before you start applying.

      For step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school and more details on budgeting for the application cost, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook. If you’d like to communicate directly with Dr. Miller, medical school admissions expert, please email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251.

Follow us on Twitter! @MDadmit

Scrubbing the Dirt (Volume I)

Scrubbing the Dirt

Hello Everyone!

Check out our new YouTube series, Scrubbing the Dirt.  


A great new way to get the dirt on the day-to-day in a hospital, and who better to talk to then those actually in the scrubs?

These quick interviews answer the question we all have on our mind: What's it actually like?

We'll let the videos, and the "scrubs," speak for themselves. So without any further adieu, let's get down to the nitty gritty ...

Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

I am often asked about volunteer opportunities abroad. It can be tricky trying to find the right fit and not get ripped off. I found this article on GoNOMAD.com very interesting: http://www.gonomad.com/alternatives/1108/projects-abroad.html

The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook

The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook just received a glowing review I'd like to share with you:


"This book is a fantastic, well-organized guide to the admissions process. The numerous examples (with commentary) of personal statements and work/activities narratives have been a huge help to me, especially since I had no idea where to start as I began to put my application together. I've been carrying this book around me with everywhere for the past couple of months, and I rarely have a question that isn't answered in this book. The week-by-week layout is great too and helps keep me on track. There are a lot of med school essay and admissions guidebooks out there, but I would hands-down recommend this one to anyone applying to medical school. Also, I'd recommend you buy it around the fall before your application year (or before you sign up for the MCAT) so you can take full advantage of all of the MCAT and letters of recommendation advice." --MR


You can purchase The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you'd like to buy the book from your college bookstore, you can simply ask at the information desk and they can order it for you through Barnes and Noble or Efollet.

Aristotle Circle Blog on Medical School Secondary Essays

Wanted to share with you Dr. Miller's recent contribution to Aristotle Circle's blog regarding medical school secondary essays :

http://www.aristotlecircle.com/blog/secondary-essays-medical-school-applications

Epocrates Free for Medical Students in August

Epocrates is the program I use for looking up drug doses. I generally use the free program but am often frustrated by what it can't do. The pay version is free for medical students for the first two weeks of August. You can see the deal here:

http://lifehacker.com/5827052/daily-app-deals-epocrates-essentials-free-for-med-students-for-the-first-two-weeks-in-august

Of course, do know that Epocrates collects your prescribing habits and, I assume, sells this information.

An Expensive, Alternative Route to Medical School

Good article in US News and World Report on the post-baccalaureate option for medical school preparation.

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2011/07/25/an-expensive-alternative-route-to-medical-school?PageNr=1

Looking for help choosing and getting into the best post-baccalaureate program for you? Call Dr. Miller at 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to start working with a Harvard/Stanford MD and admissions expert.

MDadmit Availability (2011-2012 Cycle)

Thank you to all of the MDadmit clients that have made us so successful over the years. In fact, we have become so popular that we are temporarily not accepting new clients. MDadmit will reopen its doors in mid-July. Feel free to contact Dr. Miller at that time: email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251.

In the meantime, check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook for step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school and excellent examples of personal statements, AMCAS work/activities, secondary essays and more!

Never Too Late to Be a Doctor

Nice piece on CNN.com regarding non-traditional applicants. It really is never too late...

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/13/mid.life.doctors/index.html


Looking for more information on how to get into medical school as a non-traditional applicant? Check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook with its special section on non-traditional applicants.

Medical School Admissions: AMCAS Open! (2011-2012 Cycle)

The AMCAS is now accepting submissions. However, transmission of applications to medical schools will not begin until June 17, 2010. If your AMCAS activities and personal statements are not perfect, take more time on them! Then turn in the completed application by the end of June. You can still turn in transcripts now as they will be processed even if the application is not complete.

 

Having trouble with your AMCAS application? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to gain the insight of a published author, experienced editor, medical school admissions expert.

Also check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook for step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school and excellent examples of personal statements, AMCAS work/activities, secondary essays and more!

AMCAS Changes (2011-2012 Cycle)

AMCAS has made some changes to this year's work/activities section.

In previous years, AMCAS allowed 15 activities with descriptions totaling 1325 characters each.

This year, you still have 15 activity spaces but only 700 characters for description. To complicate matters, AMCAS now wants you to select three "most meaningful" activities out of those listed and allows an additional 1325 characters of description. Choose wisely!

Want help with your AMCAS application? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Also check out The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook for step-by-step advice on how to get into medical school and excellent examples of personal statements, AMCAS work/activities, secondary essays and more!

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): May 15 Deadline

The day has arrived. By May 15, each applicant who has received an acceptance offer from more than one school must choose where he or she wishes to attend and withdraw applications from all other schools. Check with each school to determine how they want to be informed. Some require written correspondence by regular mail while others will accept an e-mail notification.

Making a last-minute decision? In the end, you can make a hundred pro-con lists but the decision should come down to gut. Where do you feel more comfortable? Where do you really want to train to become a doctor and spend the next (at least) four years of your life? I bet deep down you know. Decide now!

After May 15, many schools start making offers to those on the waitlist as applicants are no longer able to hold multiple acceptances. So if you are stuck on the waitlist, you may start hearing from schools soon.

Need help deciding which medical school is best for you? E-mail info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to get help from a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): Extracurricular, Community Service, and Research Options

Five days until you have to make your final decision on where to attend medical school. Here are a few other specifics to look into – extracurricular, community service, and research options. Remember, medical school is not all about academics. You want to stay well-rounded, just like you did in college. Does the school support your love of swimming? Are their any community service options you are interested in? Are their potential mentors in your research area? Do international opportunities exist? Think about what you do to relieve stress and keep yourself happy – will you be able to continue these activities in the medical schools you are considering?

Want help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): Residency Success

With the May 15 deadline fast approaching, it is near time to make a final decision on where you are attending medical school. We have already discussed the importance of location, people, curriculum, and cost in making your decision. Another less obvious area to look at – residency success.

Where and in what field do the students match? Each medical school should have this list readily available and it can often be found on the website. If not, just call up the admissions office and ask the see their “match list” from the past few years. This will give you an excellent sense of whether medical students from each school are going into areas of medicine and residency programs that you are interested in.

Still grappling with which school to attend? We can help you decide. Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

The Medical School Admissions Guide: College Bookstore Availability

MDadmit and Dr. Suzanne M. Miller are proud to announce that
The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook 
is now available at the following college bookstores:

Harvard COOP
Stanford University Bookstore
Vanderbilt University Bookstore
Georgetown University Bookstore
George Washington University Bookstore
Marymount University Bookstore
George Mason University Bookstore
Santa Clara University Bookstore
Simmons College Bookstore

Don't see your college or university listed?
Just ask!
The Medical School Admissions Guide is distributed both through Ingram/Barnes and Noble and Follett making it available to almost every college bookstore in the country.
Just ask your college bookstore manager and he/she can order it for you.

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): Financial Aide

When deciding which school to attend, money will likely play a role. Beyond the obvious tuition and fee expenses, take a look at:

What are the living expenses (rent, food, gas, medical insurance)?

Does the school provide subsidized housing?

Do you need a car?

Can you take a 5^th year to do research or travel without paying extra tuition?

Are resident advisor positions available that provide free room and board on campus in return for some service to the school?

Does the curriculum allow any time to hold a part-time job?

What financial aide options are available?

Do you have interest in joining the military or public service corps and having the government pay?

You may not believe it, but Harvard Medical School was my cheapest option because:

1. I didn’t need a car
2. I lived and ate for free as a resident advisor for four years

Remember – the FAFSA (financial aide information) is due June 30. But it’s better to get the FAFSA forms in as early as possible so that you can know your financial aide options early.

Looking for tips on how to make medical school more affordable? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider who paid for medical school herself!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

The Medical School Admissiosn Guide Book Event: Harvard Pre-Med Society

As part of The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook book tour, I have been speaking to pre-med groups throughout the country. On April 18, 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Harvard University Pre-Med Society. Thank you to Connie Zhong for making this event happen.

The Harvard Coop will now be selling The Medical School Admissions Guide. Of course, the book is always available through MDadmit, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

It was so lovely to be back in Harvard Yard. Speaking in Emerson 305 did send a chill up my spine and brought back memories of final exams. For some reason, my finals always seemed to be in Emerson! But the positive energy of the Harvard pre-meds overshadowed my memories of stressful tests. As usual, I was impressed by the breath of experience and academic curiosity of the Harvard pre-meds. We spent much of the time discussing the intricacies of applying through the Harvard house system as I formerly served as Co-Chair of the Eliot House Pre-Med Society during my Harvard Medical School days.

Would you like Dr. Miller to speak at your pre-med group meeting? If so, feel free to send an e-mail to info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251.

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): Curriculum

For the past few weeks, we have been discussing how to choose a medical school. Location and people top the list. The curriculum is another important criteria to think about.

How do you learn? Do you prefer formal lectures or small group learning? Do you learn better on your own or with study partners? Are you motivated by grades or prefer a “pass-fail” environment? Though the trend in medical school education is toward “problem-based learning” in small groups, some schools still focus on the more traditional lecture-style. Be honest with yourself about how you best learn (it’s ok if you like traditional lectures better than small-group learning) and ensure you choose a school whose curriculum fits that learning style.

Still grappling with which school to attend? We can help you decide. Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

The Medical School Admissiosn Guide Book Event: Boston College Mendel Society

As part of The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook book tour, I have been speaking to pre-med groups throughout the country. On April 14, 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Boston College Mendel Society. Thank you to Meghan Grimes for making this event happen. I will be contacting the Boston College bookstore this week to carry The Medical School Admissions Guide. Of course, the book is always available through MDadmit, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

One question that came up in the Q&A that I would like to answer here for everyone. It has to do with whether or not you should submit the AMCAS application before receiving your MCAT score in order to move the process along. This is relevant for those of you taking the MCAT in late May or June and won't receive the scores until after the AMCAS opens (usually in early June). Many applicants worry that by turning in their AMCAS in late June or even July, they are putting themselves at a disadvantage for rolling admissions schools. It is certainly true that applying early to rolling admissions schools is important. But I always suggest waiting to submit the AMCAS application until you receive your MCAT score because your score may be low and, thus, you may decide to wait a year and apply the next cycle. By submitting the AMCAS (even without a MCAT score), you are considered to have applied even if you don't turn in one secondary. Therefore, you will be considered a "re-applicant" when you actually do apply the next cycle, and this is a huge disadvantage. So let me break it down again - the disadvantage of being considered a re-applicant because you withdrew your AMCAS after receiving a poor MCAT score drastically outweighs the advantage of turning in your AMCAS application the minute it opens in June.

Next stop of The Medical School Admissions Guide book tour: Harvard!

The Medical School Admissiosn Guide Book Event: Harvard Extension Pre-Health Society

As part of The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook book tour, I have been speaking to pre-med groups throughout the country. On April 13, 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Harvard Extension School Pre-Health Society (HEPS, hcs.harvard.edu/heps) at Tommy Doyle's in Cambridge, MA. Thank you to Joseph Dunbar for making this event happen.


This event reminded me of why I love working with non-traditional students. They come from such interesting backgrounds and invariably have an interesting story to tell. Even the mission statement of HEPS shows the maturity of its members: "It is the mission of HEPS to cultivate and enhance the pre-health experience for Harvard Extension School students through advising, events, and networking. It is the vision of HEPS to continually seek out new opportunities for pre-health students at the Harvard Extension School and encourage student ideas and involvement." The HEPS members had such insightful and interesting questions we stayed at Tommy Doyle's for five hours! That sets a new record for book tour events.


One particular HEPS member stood out. She had been told that, as an artist, she would never get into medical school. Whoever told her that is nothing by wrong. THERE IS NO ONE PATH TO MEDICAL SCHOOL! Remember that. In fact, unique paths often make more interesting and successful doctors. After the event, this member send a lovely e-mail that I'd like to share part of with you:


"With that being said, thank you so much for sharing such valuable insight and information with us!  Even though I am just beginning my journey and am about to complete only my first year of pre-medical studies, I have already encountered so much negativity and competitive commentary regarding the medical school application process.  Admittedly, I sometimes wonder if I am in over my head or whether my background is “good enough” to cut it, so to say.  I am a bit older (32), come from quite a diverse background, and do not have much in the way of clinical experience as of yet.  After hearing you speak, however, I felt so much more at ease and positive about my chances in the future.  I think we all need to be careful who we get our information from, and your clear and concise delivery of the true facts are just what I needed.  I am especially looking forward to getting a copy of your book and learning even more!"


Next stop Boston College!

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): April 15 Deadline

If you are looking to attend a school whose first day of class is on or before July 30, you must make your final decision by April 15. This means that by April 15 you must have informed your top choice that you are accepting the acceptance and withdraw your application from all other schools. For schools whose first day of class is after July 30, the deadline is May 15 to make your final decision.

Want help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Harvard PreMedical Society Talk

Dr. Miller is set to speak at Harvard College, Emerson 305, 4/18/11 at 6pm.

All welcome!

Click here for more details

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): People

Still trying to decide which medical school to attend? After location, a top priority is the people.

Did you like the students, professors, and administrators you met one your visit? Did they seem happy, stressed, nerdy, delinquent, competitive, genuine, competitive, service-oriented, etc., etc.? Do you think you will fit in at this medical school? Would you enjoy doing a group project of a study group with the students you met? Medical school happiness is often based on the people who surround you. Be sure that you like them!

Unsure about the people at a certain school? Call up and ask the admissions office if there are students that you can talk to on the phone. Ask your medical school advisor if any alumni from your undergraduate institution went to this school so that you can contact them. Ask your family if they know anyone who went there. My point is – ask around. You will find a lot of information just talking with current and previous students about their experiences.

Looking for help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Choice (2010-2011 Cycle): Location, Location, Location

April has arrived and many of you have received one or more acceptances to medical school. Congratulations! (For those of you still on the waitlist or waiting to hear from schools, check out the multiple waitlist posting or shoot us an e-mail for personalized help).

There are multiple factors that should guide choosing which medical school to attend. Location is paramount. You will be living in this place for at least the next four years. Do you like the city/town? Do you have family, friends, or other social supports there? How’s the weather? Is there anything to do outside of medicine? Does the location support your extracurricular and community service goals? Can you afford to live there?

As my father always says when we discuss real estate, “Location, location, location.” It’s just as important when deciding on a medical school. Choose wisely.

Want help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

The Medical School Admissions Guide Book Event: University of Virginia

As part of The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook book tour, I have been speaking to pre-med groups throughout the country. On March 28, 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting with the University of Virginia AMSA. Thank you to Shayan Moosa for making this event happen.

The day started off well with the independently-owned University of Virginia Bookstore agreeing to sell The Medical School Admissions Guide. It should be available as of next week. Of course, the book is always available through MDadmit, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

One question that came up repeatedly in the Q&A session concerned GPA. What is the GPA needed to get into medical school? This is such a difficult question to answer given that GPA is only one of many components medical school admissions committees use to evaluate an applicant. As a general guideline, a 3.7 GPA and even MCAT over 30 (ie. at least 10s across the board) is "good enough." Of course, you need more than just a good GPA and MCAT to get into medical school. Below a 3.0 is generally a non-starter and you should consider post-bac and special masters programs to gain more science experience and improve the GPA. Obviously, there is a huge range between 3.0 and 3.7. No magic number exists. You could have a 3.5 GPA and 33 MCAT and get into Harvard if you have other stellar components of your application. You could have a 4.0 GPA and 43 MCAT and NOT get into Harvard. I can't say GPA is not important. It certainly is. But it is only one of many factors that determine if you will gain admission to medical school.

Do you have specific questions about your GPA and how it affects your chances of getting into medical school? Visit www.MDadmit.com or contact Dr. Miller at 415.939.525/info@MDadmit.com to set up a strategy session.

Medical School Admissions (2010-2011 Cycle) – Recommendation Calls to Admissions Committees

Now that the March 15^th deadline has passed, you should know where you stand with most schools – accepted, waitlisted, or rejected. Some schools have a “hold” designation. Consider a “hold” to equal a waitlist spot at this point in the medical school admissions cycle.

Many clients come to me for help formulating a waitlist strategy. In addition to writing a letter of intent to the top choice school and update letters to other waitlisted schools (see February 14 and 21, 2011 posts for more details on these letters), clients often ask if calls from recommenders or school alumni to the admissions office on their behalf are beneficial. In general, any glowing recommendations will help your case. But calls should only be from recommenders who know you well. A call from your uncle’s cousin’s wife who has met you once but happened to graduate from your waitlisted school will not be of much help and might even hurt you. So be smart. Don’t inundate the admissions staff with calls. A glowing phone call, or even unsolicited written recommendation, can improve your application.

Stuck in medical school waitlist limbo? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to get your waitlist strategy going with help from a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Admissions (2010-2011 Cycle) – Multiple Acceptances

By now, you will likely have heard from schools regarding your acceptance, waitlist, or rejection status. Many schools put a strict deadline on the acceptance, meaning that you will have to accept the acceptance within a certain period of time. The good news is that you can hold multiple acceptances, thus deferring your final decision until May 15, after which you must withdraw your application to all but one school.

Though it may boost your ego to hold multiple acceptances, please only say yes to schools you are seriously considering attending. Don’t confirm multiple acceptances just so that you can brag on Student Doctor Network. Try to make a decision early so that others can get off the waitlist.

Looking for help getting off the waitlist or deciding which school to attend? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to get help from a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Admissions (2010-2011 Cycle) – March 15 Deadline

By March 15, all AMCAS schools are supposed to have offered the number of acceptances as space in the class. Unfortunately, some schools will not let you know your status until April. Check the websites of each school for information on when they send acceptances. If the website does not have the information, you may call the admissions office. Be sure to be polite to whoever answers the phone. A curt phone conversation can turn an acceptance into a rejection.

Would you like to discuss how to get off the waitlist or to decide which school to attend? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to get help from a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Medical School Admissions in PreMedLife Magainze

PreMedLife Magazine recently published my article, "The Seven Deadly Sins of Medical School Admissions." 

Check it out!

The Medical School Admissions Guide Book Event: University of Maryland AMSA

As part of The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook book tour, I have been speaking to pre-med groups throughout the country. On February 15, 2010, I had the pleasure of meeting with the University of Maryland AMSA group. Thank you to Adam Pampori for making this event happen.

These talks are the most enjoyable part of my work as an admissions consultant. I particularly love the one-on-one interactions after the lecture and general Q&A session when I hear each individual applicant's story. Tonight, I was most impressed by the large number of underclassman who attended to meeting and are already thinking ahead to how they can best prepare for medical school. Gaining acceptance to medical school is a long process that started well before filling out the AMCAS application. It is never too early to start strategizing!

One great questions from the event that I wanted to post the answer to here:
Q: When is the best time to read The Medical School Admissions Guide?
A: The Medical School Admissions Guide is written as a week-by-week guide that starts in the January before you apply (i.e., you will turn in the AMCAS that June). However, it is most advantageous to read the book straight through as soon as possible to gain a sense of what is expected during the admissions process and then turn back to the guide weekly while applying. Reading this as early as freshman year will provide a huge advantage.

Pictures and details of the event can be found at:
http://www.umdamsa.org/events/2011/2/15/discussion-with-dr-miller.html

Medical School Admissions (2010-2011 Cycle) – Be On Your Best Behavior

This is the time of medical school admission decisions. You likely have and will continue to hear from schools regarding your acceptance status. Every school has a different time line for reviewing applications and offering acceptances. Naturally, you may feel inclined to check in with certain schools to see when final decisions will be made. Even though this is a time of high anxiety, please be sure to be polite when contacting schools. Angering the assistant answering the phone is a very easy way to sink your application. Also, remember to avoid slang, acronyms, and text shorthand in e-mails to schools. Every phone call and e-mail should use formal language.

Haven’t heard from schools yet and wondering what to do? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Interviews - Season Winding Down

This is often the last week of interviews. If you have not received an interview invite from a school at this point, you can consider that a rejection. Many schools, unfortunately, will never officially contact you to provide a rejection.

Now it is time to focus your energies on schools where you have been interviewed and are either waiting to hear or have been waitlisted. By this, I mean writing a letter of intent to your top choice or update letters to other schools that you are interested in (see last two posts for specifics on these letters).

This stage in the medical school admissions process is often a painful waiting game. It can be very difficult. Hang in there!

Need help getting off the waitlist? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Interviews – Letter of Intent (Part 2)

Many medical school applicants ask if they can send a letter of intent to multiple schools. By strict definition, a letter of intent should only be sent to your top choice. However, this does not mean you cannot send an update letter to other schools that are in your top 5 or 10. Such a letter will follow a similar format to the letter of intent but will not state outright that the school is your top choice and will focus more on updating the school on your recent progress. Such updates can include a recent publication, new grades from a post-bac program, an international experience from the Fall, or a new leadership position you gained, just to name a few. Keep these letters short (definitely less than a page).

Unsure of what makes a good update letter? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to get help from a Harvard/Stanford MD, published author, and medical school admissions expert!

Medical School Interviews – Letter of Intent

Some rolling admissions schools have already given you their decision. You may be on waitlists or have not heard anything from schools yet. This time of year, the question often arises: “Do I tell my top choice that they are my top choice?” 

The answer is yes.

If you have an absolute top choice and have not been accepted, writing a “letter on intent” can improve your chances of acceptance. Medical schools want students who want them. You can only tell one school that they are “the one,” so be sure it really is your top choice.

Write a letter to the dean of admissions explaining why the school is your top choice. Include specifics on why the school is your top choice (curriculum, research opportunities, location, etc.) and reiterate your strengths. This should be a short letter and can be hand-written on a card or more formally typed.

Would you like help editing your letter of intent? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to get help from a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

The Medical School Admissions Guide Book Event: George Mason Alpha Epsilon Delta

As part of The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD's Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook book tour, I have been speaking to pre-med groups throughout the country. Tonight, I had the pleasure to address the George Mason University Alpha Epsilon Delta chapter in Fairfax, Virginia. Thank you to James Colchao for making this event happen.

These talks are the most enjoyable part of my work as an admissions consultant. I particularly love the one-on-one interactions after the lecture and general Q&A session when I hear each individual applicant's story. Tonight, I had the pleasure to meet a non-traditional student who had initially attended an Ivy League university then joined the military where he realized a passion for medicine. Now, in his late 20s and a retired veteran, he has returned to school to complete pre-med coursework while gaining clinical experience. It just goes to show that it is never too late to apply to medical school. If medicine is your calling, you will find out how to make it happen one way or another.

This night was also special in that I had the pleasure of meeting US Navy Captain Calloway and Joan Stearman from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) admissions committee. Captain Calloway provided an incredibly informative presentation on the academic and financial benefits of obtaining a medical education at USUHS. I can say from personal experience teaching fourth-year USUHS medical students during my work in the Emergency Department at Inova Fairfax Hospital that these student are very well-educated. In this time of exponential increases in the cost of medical education with decreases in doctor salaries, I suggest every medical school applicant investigate the pros and cons of a military-based education. You can find more details at the USUHS website.

Medical School Interviews – Avoid Burnout

Are you one of the few who have more interviews than you know what to do with? Are you finding school or work slipping because you are always flying off to an interview? Do you think your performance in interviews is slipping due to fatigue? If so, you should be very grateful. And you should also think about canceling some of the interviews to avoid burnout. Look at the list of interviews that you have left. Be sure to only attend interviews of schools that you will seriously consider attending if accepted. For example, you have already been accepted to one of your top choices and have a few “safety school” interviews in February. Do yourself and the admissions committees a favor and call to cancel those interviews.

Need help deciding which interviews to attend? Call 415.939.5251 or email info@MDadmit.com to set up a consulting session with a medical school admissions insider.

 

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Interviews – No Interviews Yet?

 Are you still waiting for a medical school interview invite? If so, it’s time to get to work. Here are some suggestions:

1. Call each school that you have applied to and returned a secondary application. Ask if your application is complete and if all interview invites have been given.
2. Call each school that you have applied to and not received a secondary from and ensure the school has everything it needs prior to sending a secondary application. Also inquire about whether any more secondaries will be sent out (quite unlikely at this stage in the interview process but it doesn’t hurt to ask).
3. Contact your undergraduate or post-baccalaureate pre-med advisor and update him/her on your situation. If there is a particular school that you are interested in and have not received an interview, some pre-med advisors will make a call on your behalf.

Worried about not receiving the interviews you want? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to put a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert to work for you!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Interviews - Season Winding Down

This is often the last week of interviews. If you have not received an interview invite from a school at this point, you can consider that a rejection. Many schools, unfortunately, will never officially contact you to provide a rejection.

Now it is time to focus your energies on schools where you have been interviewed and are either waiting to hear or have been waitlisted. By this, I mean writing a letter of intent to your top choice or update letters to other schools that you are interested in (see last two posts for specifics on these letters).

This stage in the medical school admissions process is often a painful waiting game. It can be very difficult. Hang in there!

Need help getting off the waitlist? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.

Medical School Interviews – Thank You Notes

Thank you notes often raise many questions for medical school applicants:

*Do I have to write thank you notes to every interviewer?

Yes, if you would attend the school if accepted.

*Should I write hand-written notes?

Yes.

*Can an e-mail serve as a sufficient thank you?
No. Such an important communication should not be sent to someone’s already very full e-mail inbox.

Here are some tips:

1. Bring thank you notes, envelopes, and stamps with you on the interview
2. Take notes after every interview noting interviewer name/title and the most interesting topics you discussed (be sure to get the exact spelling of the interviewer’s name)
3. While traveling home by plane, train, etc., write the thank you notes and then drop them in the mail immediately. If you travel by car, write them in the car before you leave. Leaving thank you notes until “later” means they will never get done. And it’s always best to write them while the interview is still fresh in your mind. 

 

Need help writing thank you notes? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com to put a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert to work for you!

 

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

 

Medical School Interviews – Take Notes

 Everyone seems to bring a schnazy leather legal pad on interviews. But have you ever seen someone actually taking notes? Why bring it if you don’t use it? There’s no need to take notes during the actual interview, as that may seem pretentious. But definitely jot down your thoughts after each interview making note of:

Interview date
Interviewer name and title
Topics discussed
School positives
School negatives
Overall gut reaction

Taking 5 minutes to log your thoughts will be helpful in keeping the details of each school straight in your mind and remembering specifics to put in thank you notes. These notes can also be very helpful when you are making your final decision of where to attend medical school.

Interviews not going as well as you had hoped? Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com for a one-on-one practice session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Medical School Interviews – Interview Etiquette

I am sure these tips will seem obvious to you, but you’d be surprised what some people try to get away with. During an interview, please avoid:

1. Chewing gum

2. Swearing

3. Racial slurs

4. Slang

5. “Um,” “like,” “ya know,” and other verbal fillers

5. Ticking anybody off

Be as nice to the receptionist as you are to the interviewer. Rude behavior to any of the medical school staff often gets back to the admissions committee and has been known to sink many an exceptional candidate.

Good luck!

Want more practice? Medical school mock interview sessions are filling quickly. Call 415.939.5251 or e-mail info@MDadmit.com for a one-on-one practice session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

THE Medical School Admissions Guide Available NOW!

Are you looking for affordable expert advice on how to get into medical school? Dr. Miller, CEO of MDadmit: Medical School Admissions Consulting, has written a book just for you.

The Medical School Admissions Guide: A Harvard MD’s Week-by-Week Admissions Handbook contains the weekly, step-by-step plan Dr. Miller used to get into Harvard Medical School. She has since utilized the strategy to help hundreds of applicants gain entry into medical school. Following this handbook’s advice will provide you a distinct advantage in the competitive medical school admissions process as it prepares you for every step and helps create your best application.

Buy it now at:

MDadmit

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Book Highlights:

*Weekly, easy-to-follow advice on navigating the complex admissions process

*Multiple examples of successful personal statements, AMCAS work/activities, secondary essays, and letter of intent/update letters

*Special sections on reapplicants, non-traditional applicants, DO schools, and foreign schools

Dr. Miller’s Experience:

Harvard MD

Harvard Pre-Med Tutor

Stanford Emergency Medicine Residency Graduate

Admissions Interviewer

George Washington University Faculty

Virginia Commonwealth University Faculty

Practicing Emergency Physician

CEO of MDadmit: Medical School Admissions Consulting (http://www.MDadmit.com)