Applying Evidence-Based Medicine to Applications

In medicine, we're taught not to do a test unless it is going to change outcome. (You have a very high suspicion for a PE? Why do the ddimer? You're going to have to do a definitive test anyway.)

The same is true for applications. Asking friends and colleagues about their progress in the application process won't change how you proceed; you'll do your best at interviews whether your neighbor tells you he's already been called by ten institutions or not.

I would recommend avoiding asking others about their progress or checking websites in which applicants make claims about their successes. It's likely to make you nervous and won't change your management.

AMSA Lecture: Saturday, March 12, 10am EST

As we approach the date, I'm sending this reminder regarding my AMSA National Convention lecture, "Getting Into Residency: An Insider's Tips." For the second year in a row, I have been invited to be a featured speaker at AMSA's conference, which will be held in Washington, DC. I'm speaking on Saturday, March 12 at 10am EST and will be available to answer questions after the talk. In the past, the American Medical Student Association's national meetings have been the largest annual gatherings of medical students in the United States.

Freshmen and Sophomores: Become an Outlaw

This blog post refers to an insightful article written by David Z. Presser, MD, MPH regarding the need for pre-med freshmen and sophomores to distinguish themselves early in their college careers. David's point, first made in the Chicano Medical Student Bulletin, is that pre-med underclassmen need to distinguish their "brand of leadership" as club officers. Here's an excerpt:

When you find an activity that you enjoy, a natural desire to explore your interests will lead you to want to get involved in a leadership capacity. Lots of people become officers in their organizations. An officer is someone who is elected to a position of leadership and fulfills the duties required of the job - nothing more, nothing less.

STORY BREAK: When I was a child, I used to love Billy the Kid. (This was at the age before I learned he was a sociopath.) The reason I put Billy on a pedestal was because he was an outlaw. He played the game by his own rules. He never accepted the limits imposed by society or dictated by convention.

The leaders who have the greatest impact on their groups and who revolutionize the way things are done are outlaws, not officers. It would be to your benefit to think like an outlaw and apply your innovative style to the different tasks you undertake. Among those tasks you can personalize are leadership duties in different groups. Don't stop at the list of duties specified by your position; rather, fulfill the needs of your group that no position is meeting.

David's point is well-taken. Anyone can be president of the health career interest club. But not anyone can organize a campus-wide conference on how physicians are being mis-incentivized, a controversial topic. Work toward originality and high impact to catch admissions committees' attention and enjoy your accomplishments more.

No One Wants to be your Second Choice for the Prom

Imagine you're back in high school, planning to ask out a fellow classmate to the prom. You approach your potential date, "Would you be interested in going with me to the dance? You're my second or third choice!"

Not very compelling...The same is true for letters of intent: I've had several applicants ask me if it's okay to say that an institution is their "second or third choice" or "one of my top" picks.

That does not sound very flattering! Instead you can say something like "I would be thrilled to be here" or " I’m confident I can make a positive contribution to this program." In other words, you don't need to lie (which I never recommend); but you don't have to shoot yourself in the foot either.

I do edit letters of intent, so let me know if you need assistance.

What to do about Medical School Wait Lists and Deferrals

I've had a few applicants ask me if there is anything to do after being wait listed for medical school. I do recommend streamlined letters of intent that include what makes you a distinctive candidate and updated information regarding your candidacy. I edit these if you want help.

I've also heard of applicants sending letters of intent AND making an appointment to tour the school. A visit demonstrates further interest.

Hang in there. Remember that some people get off the wait list as late as the summer. (Not ideal but better than not getting in.)