Start with a Clincher…

Advisees routinely tell me how they struggle with crafting their personal statement introductions. My advice: Start with a clincher (and end with a zinger). But how can you avoid writing about accompanying your grandmother to the emergency department/ realizing your calling? (FYI: If you are considering this tactic, it’s worth noting that I’ve seen it scores of times.)

Here is a great piece from my alma mater’s The Stanford Magazine. I originally read this short article way back in 2008, but it stuck with me.

Let the examples you read open your eyes to the opportunity you have to distinguish yourself in the eyes of medical school admissions committees and residency directors.

If you are interested in my editing assistance, please consider hiring me soon. My volume is already increasing tremendously as the summer approaches.

Please check me out at InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com.

Insider’s New Approach to Helping Applicants

Most of you have probably already noticed that I’ve just rolled out a new format here on my blogspot blog, which includes improved searchability and a video bar. 

The “search this blog” option (on the right, midscreen) can be especially helpful for applicants who are about to starting their personal statements, ERAS or AMCAS, and thus, need strategic application writing tips ASAP.

Please be sure to check out my website at InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com.

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting on the Wait List…

Good news for wait list candidates: May 15 has traditionally been that “turning-point” date that medical school wait lists start to show movement. At many U.S. medical schools, the fifteenth is the deadline on which accepted applicants must commit to matriculate. (The registration deposit makes the decision firmer.)

Although not ideal, some wait listed students even get acceptances into the summer. So, don’t give up yet.

Please check out InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com.

Wall Street versus Medical School?

This NYT article regarding college students' recruitment to Wall Street is compelling. The author highlights the financial incentives that direct students to financial careers  - and away from graduate degrees like medicine.