Medical: Medical Schools Chat — June 06, 2001

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Chat Transcript:
Which Medical School Should You Apply To?

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:06:31 PM)
First I want to welcome you all to our chat this evening. A special welcome and thanks to our guest Cindy Lewis, founder and head of Lewis Associates, a medical school admissions consultancy. Finally, I want to thank Paul Bodine an Accepted.com editor, for participating this evening.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:06:45 PM)
Thanks to everyone for joining.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:06:58 PM)
We encourage dialogue and discussion, but I would like to suggest a structure to make it easier to follow the threads of conversation. So here is the protocol:

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:07:05 PM)
We will post material to the chat. If you have a question on that material, please type a "?" and then your question. Other participants or I will reply. If one of you wants to comment on the current topic, please jump right in. If you want to start a different topic, please type "?."

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:07:33 PM)
I am going to exploit my position as host and ask the first few questions. There are so many factors in deciding which schools to apply to: curriculum and learning style, location, special programs and facilities, the applicant's academic profile and qualifications vis a vis the schools' averages, cost, etc. I would like to go through some of these factors with you and have you discuss their significance.

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 10:07:54 PM)
(This user has entered Medical School Admissions) (IP = 24.177.16.203)

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:08:24 PM)
What to your mind is the most important factor on the list or off? How can applicants obtain accurate information about the schools, specifically in this most important area?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:08:27 PM)
(This user has entered Medical School Admissions) (IP = 166.90.67.106)

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:08:36 PM)
The most important factor really has to be a personal decision by each applicant. By this I mean, if the applicant is an International student, then which schools accept International students will be most important. If you want to do research, then which schools have MD/Ph.D. programs or require research or have substantive research opportunities will be most important. Etc.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:09:31 PM)
So the student's goals are really paramount, correct?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:09:50 PM)
have you guys discussed the problems with the web application yet?

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:09:53 PM)
In combination with qualifications.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:09:59 PM)
lipitor, we're getting there.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:10:09 PM)
Yes, they are...that means an applicant needs to have a sense of their vision in medicine

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:10:17 PM)
In looking at an applicant's qualifications, do you recommend applying to stretch and safety schools? How many schools should applicants apply to and what is the ratio of competitive, stretch, and safety schools?

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:10:34 PM)
good question

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:10:38 PM)
Thanks,

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:10:40 PM)
Yes. The indiscriminate sending of applications is normally not helpful, but applying to one or two schools often is a serious error, given the competitive state of medical admissions. I suggest choosing some schools an applicant would love to attend (reach or stretch schools) and then to concentrate on schools that seem to best "fit" the applicant. If possible, a few "safely within reach" schools should be included.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:11:05 PM)
Do you have a recommended total number?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:11:24 PM)
Depending on your state, e.g. California and New York have the largest number of medical schools, with Texas coming in close behind, and some states having NO medical schools, most applicants select 12-15 schools for application. Advised ratio 80% competitive:10% stretch:10% safety schools.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:11:35 PM)
How important is the school's approach to medical education? Do you think that there is an advantage to a traditional curriculum, problem-based learning, or system-based learning? Or is this an area where some students will respond better with certain learning/teaching styles, but all med students come out doctors with similar skills.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:12:31 PM)
The "advantage" is based mostly on the comfort zone and learning style of the applicant. If you like being a detective, being given clues and working with small groups of your peers, then PBL (problem-based learning) may be your first choice. If you feel most comfortable when someone is telling you "what you need to know," i.e. lecture style, then you want a traditional curriculum. System-based learning is an integrative approach where the information is given in lecture format.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:12:49 PM)
How important is computer-based learning, ie computer simulation, in a medical school curriculum?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:13:06 PM)
Medical school teaching is increasingly reliant upon the use of computers so that students have sufficient time and access to information taught and to external information sources, so that students can ask questions that are important to them, etc. Computer simulations of anatomy, for example, are becoming increasingly common to supplement cadaver dissection.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:13:07 PM)
?How can an applicant tell which are "safety schools"

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:13:48 PM)
joj i agree...there seems to be no formula to go by

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:13:50 PM)
So students should inquire about computer-based learning facilities at the medical schools they are considering?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:14:05 PM)
Good question--Best to look in the Medical School Admissions Requirements book and see how your MCAT/GPA stack up and your mission matches a school

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:14:29 PM)
Would a safety school be a school where the average admissions stats are below the applicant's?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:14:59 PM)
dr. lewis, do schools typically leave a few spots for "research" types, a few for "musicians", a few for "athletes"?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:15:09 PM)
etc.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:15:25 PM)
Safety school: Yes — I would say that the stats should be the same or a bit below the applicants' stats.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:16:18 PM)
this is extremely difficult to predict without having received our MCAT scores....

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:16:31 PM)
JoJo, did you take practice exams?

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:16:34 PM)
yes

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:16:36 PM)
Lipitor: another good question — that even the medical schools can't really answer. They like to brag that they have a "diverse" class...and actually learning seems to take place with people from different types of backgrounds — but it would be illegal to save Music major spots, etc.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:16:59 PM)
Jojo, was your practice MCAT falling in a consistent and narrow range?

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:17:33 PM)
I was constantly improving by a couple of points... but on test day I panicked in verbal and didn't get to TWO passages.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:17:51 PM)
I am not sure if I should start studying for the AUG one already or what?!?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:18:00 PM)
I see... it's just that a lot of my friends who've just applied had MCATss above 36, lots of extra currics, and great GPA's and I've learned one cannot predict anything based on the stats.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:18:25 PM)
Well, JoJo, don't panic now until you see your scores--then you can make a rational decision and develop the right strategy for you.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:19:04 PM)
I see... until then however... how do i know where to apply... I mean I was not too far in the practice tests from my goal.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:19:38 PM)
When you apply at the very top medical schools, lipitor, you are right. Stats alone won't suffice, but stats are a predictor, not a guarantee, of your status at many medical schools.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:19:40 PM)
lipitor — sounds like you have friends who have planned well — but even those students need to have the best strategy for their own personal situation.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:20:41 PM)
JoJo — I advise you actually see those April scores (August MCAT takers don't have this luxury) BEFORE you select your schools. The scores should come out just about the magic June 18th date for AMCAS submission.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:20:50 PM)
You still need as Dr. Lewis says a sound strategy, relevant clinical experience, good essays, strong interviews, etc.

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:21:28 PM)
I know... I guess it's the rough competition.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:21:37 PM)
Thanks, Dr. Lewis.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:21:53 PM)
The competition is tough. You do your best and take it as it comes.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:21:58 PM)
How important is pass/fail as opposed to A-F grading systems or other grading systems?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:22:01 PM)
Right, your application essay, your clinical experience, your PASSION for medicine, your GPA, all of you is a package!

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:22:28 PM)
Pass-fall grading takes much of the pressure off of learning. Most students in schools with this system report a collaborative environment for learning with their classmates that they value. If you want this type of environment, you should seek schools with this grading system.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:22:51 PM)
Does being in a pass-fail environment affect your chances when seeking residency positions?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:23:10 PM)
will pass-fail grading affect us negatively when we apply to competitive residency positions later?

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:23:26 PM)
Good question! :-)

ajpremedpsu (ID=16) (Jun 4, 2001 10:23:30 PM)
(This user has entered Medical School Admissions) (IP = 172.180.81.228)

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:23:35 PM)
great minds think alike

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:23:39 PM)
An interesting question--no, the Dean's letter seems to outweigh most "grade" issues ..and usually P-F schools provide "honors"

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:24:11 PM)
Now the one you've all be waiting for...

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:24:18 PM)
Can you give applicants some suggestions for coping with the hassles caused by the web-based AMCAS application?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:24:35 PM)
So, P-F curricula may very well provide the best environment for learning if you like collaborative work.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:24:55 PM)
That's important information to know.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:25:06 PM)
The best suggestion is to print out the AMCAS worksheet provided on the homepage. Fill in all sections in draft form, then, you can input this into a word document from where you can cut and paste into the AMCAS form.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:25:19 PM)
Also, since the usage rate is very high and response time very slow, use the application very early morning or late evening, rather than during "peak" day times.

Note that AMCAS takes the application offline occasionally at night for "upgrades."

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:25:57 PM)
what if the system isn't fixed by June 18th? I unfortunately started applying early so my application has the most bugs or so they tell me... aren't we put at an unfair disadvantage?

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:25:57 PM)
Have your clients reported any improvement in the last week or so? Or is it still very slow and frequently locked out?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:26:55 PM)
i can't even enter my coursework! arghh....

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:06 PM)
Hi lipitor — you are one of the adventurous ones. There seem to be no guarantees in the AMCAS war of 2002. AAMC says" patience". The advisors listerserv has already produced some heart attacks...

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:07 PM)
lipitor, AMCAS won't like this at all and actually asked applicants not to, but can't you set up a different user name and start again?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:35 PM)
i tried

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:37 PM)
How important is it to certify and submit the AMCAS application early? Will one or two weeks after June 18 make much of a difference?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:41 PM)
but it made things worse

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:41 PM)
No luck?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:50 PM)
advice to all...do NOT open a second account

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:27:59 PM)
OK. I won't even mention it again.

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:28:02 PM)
it gets tracked to your first account and all the screens get messed up

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:28:04 PM)
Lipitor, were you successful in the re-registration try?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:28:34 PM)
They must have some sort of BIG BROTHER watching because I tried with all different info.

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:28:47 PM)
I was able to re-register.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:28:59 PM)
Timing of the AMCAS — my guess is that this year (AAMC is advising waiting a few days after June 18) that end of June-early July submission will be equally competitive.

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:29:08 PM)
under diff name and info but... they somehow linked it to my first application.

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:29:08 PM)
Thanks.

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:29:35 PM)
Maybe they can track your IP address?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:29:51 PM)
I'm thinking of starting a class action suit against AAMC.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:29:57 PM)
In general, while it is advisable to submit as early as possible, I really never saw any difference in acceptances between clients who submitted on the first possible day and those who submitted a few weeks later.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:30:10 PM)
They tracked you by your ID # — yes, it is like big brother.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:30:41 PM)
lipitor, can't help you with class action law suits.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:31:08 PM)
Dr. Lewis, is there any way he can undo the second registration or somehow get out of this mess?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:31:11 PM)
Okay... I'm just kinda bitter... applying to med school is stress enough.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:31:20 PM)
Timing of application — exactly Linda, a few weeks will not derail your application. Best to have it right, than poorly done and "fast"

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:31:30 PM)
Exactly.

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 10:31:50 PM)
I have a question: I just finished my first year of Undergrad, and I was planning my schedule for the next three years, when I realized that I was cramming all my science courses together and leaving my G.E. for last (cramming those in my last few semesters). I think I was doing it to try and prepare for the MCAT. Is there anything wrong that?

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:31:59 PM)
Thanks, Linda... they said they would fix it... but I'm sure it's number 1,908 on their list.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:32:22 PM)
Interesting issue about undoing a second registration — I have not tried that one. I guess I would email to the AAMC and ask for help — I can intervene for you if necessary; they seem to respond to me actually by phone.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:32:39 PM)
I am not in the same place as Dr. Lewis, but I am sure I can confidently say that you have both our sympathy.

bluemoon80 (ID=17) (Jun 4, 2001 10:32:40 PM)
(This user has entered Medical School Admissions) (IP = 172.180.81.228)

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:33:27 PM)
? do you have any advice for answering PRACTICE VISION... being a female I fear that they relate mention of family/children to non-commitment to medicine....

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:33:35 PM)
Thank you Linda and Dr. Lewis. Dr. Lewis...that would be beyond amazing if you could... I've called a billion times starting a month ago and have written plenty of emails but to no avail.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:34:12 PM)
Johnmyson — No there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking sciences "early" as long as you are ready and do WELL in them — take the MCAT after you have completed them (I also advise taking a human physiology and biochem if possibly before the MCAT).

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 10:34:40 PM)
Ok, thanks.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:34:51 PM)
Lipitor — email to me directly with your information and I will follow up tomorrow.

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:35:13 PM)
Oh thank you... thank you... thank you.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:35:23 PM)
Dr. Lewis' e-mail is drlewis@lewisassoc.com.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:35:47 PM)
Cindy, did you see Jojo's last question?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:36:07 PM)
Practice vision — I have long advised students to put a vision of their future (career — not family!!) at the end of their essay — and now it is officially in its own essay...

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:36:39 PM)
About the web applications this year... they allow much more information... i.e., we can write a little "essay" with everything we add in our extra currics and honors section... how should we approach this? I don't want to bore them to death but I don't want to look like I don't care?

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:36:49 PM)
So all they're interested in is career? I ask because the prompt said something like "life and medical practice as you see it in 10 years."

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:36:50 PM)
I think it is also important that the vision and personal comments sections of the AMCAS application complement each other.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:37:02 PM)
So, what to say — If you have an idea about where you wish to practice, HMO vs. group, discipline (residency...

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:37:12 PM)
Provide different information/perspective/insight in each essay.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:37:34 PM)
but do not mention personal life/family, etc...correct?

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:38:30 PM)
Providing meaningful details — numbers are usually very telling.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:38:43 PM)
"little essays??"... isn't it just he personal statement and Practice Vision...?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:38:45 PM)
Lipitor — I have advised my applicants this year to first draft the "experiences" section, then the vision, and finally the "personal statement"...hus, the applicant and I can actually see where we can best elaborate on the information most strategically for their application.

lipitor (ID=15) (Jun 4, 2001 10:39:00 PM)
I see...should we write full sentence format or approach it like a CV or resume?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:39:32 PM)
Vision — no don't mention personal/family life.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:39:38 PM)
Good question.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:39:41 PM)
In the vision essay, you should discuss a vision, but you should also be able to discuss the development of that vision, i.e., experiences you have had that motivated you in a particular direction.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:40:07 PM)
"Little essay" = experiences.

paulbodine@accepted (ID=11) (Jun 4, 2001 10:40:11 PM)
Any reason why applicants shouldn't take a "day in the life" approach to the Vision essay — i.e., take reader through a typical day ten year's hence?

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:40:54 PM)
In the vision essay, you will also display your knowledge of medicine and the direction it is taking.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:40:57 PM)
Vision — exactly — a vision doesn't carry weight unless the reader can believe you. So, build on your accomplishments — tell what they have meant to you, why they lead you to this type of practice, i.e. doing clinical research in cardiology and having a clinical practice.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:41:25 PM)
And the personal comments section again should complement the vision section.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:42:36 PM)
A day in the life: That might be an interesting approach — and could work well for some. Also, you could discuss why you want to work in an under-served community, why you are considering earning an MPH, or why you want to live in an urban setting.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:42:42 PM)
Paul, I don't see why not.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:43:15 PM)
I don't think every applicant should use that approach, but some certainly can and do it quite effectively, especially if they have clear goals.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:43:30 PM)
I'd like to find out what other AMCAS crises applicants are having — anyone?

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:44:20 PM)
The technical aspect is mostly fine. I haven't been able to enter MCAT scores though and I get an error when I run an application audit.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:44:41 PM)
lipitor had a question about the format of experiences. Should they be full sentences or fragments like on a CV or resume?

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:45:12 PM)
I would say it depends on how much you have to say. If you have relatively little, then use full sentences. If you have a lot, use fragments.

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:45:13 PM)
JoJo and lipitor, how many experiences are you listing?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:45:50 PM)
Lipitor-format of experiences — since you have a 1/4 page for EACH experience that you choose to develop, I would put it in prose rather than fragments. You can probably develop ideas a bit better this way.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:46:26 PM)
But Linda is also correct, if you have LOTS, then abbreviate and use phrases

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:47:07 PM)
John, including research, clinical and all... I have about 10.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:47:43 PM)
I have some applicants who have printed out the entire application minus the essay and it is 20-25 pages long

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:47:58 PM)
WHOA...is that typical?

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:48:02 PM)
I have 17 but I'd like to cut it down some more, so that the really important experiences are [not] diluted. But I have friends who seem to think that upwards of 25 is okay.

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 10:48:04 PM)
(This user has entered Medical School Admissions) (IP = 166.90.66.78)

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:48:23 PM)
Sorry, I meant "aren't diluted"

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:48:34 PM)
The real question is, how much will the medical school admissions people actually read? I think they don't even know this yet

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:48:46 PM)
Really... I put down what I felt was most important.

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 10:49:46 PM)
was the question addressed as to how we should word the descriptions in the "experience" section? Full sentences or fragments like in a CV or resume?

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 10:50:02 PM)
Sorry... I got disconnected.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:50:20 PM)
JoJo — exactly, only YOU know what is most important in your background. The applicant with 25 pages (experiences took up a good portion of this) had several years of research, publications, work with the homeless, strong student leadership, many honors, etc...

paulbodine@accepted (ID=11) (Jun 4, 2001 10:50:43 PM)
Lipitor: fragments if you've got a lot to say; sentences if not a lot.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:50:45 PM)
lipitor, Dr. Lewis recommended full sentences and prose, but she also said that if you had really a lot to say, you could use fragments.

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 10:50:59 PM)
okay thanks

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:51:29 PM)
Any other questions?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:51:48 PM)
You are welcome — I really like the longer format--I believe it allows much more provision of helpful and important information about what each applicant has to offer. Then, it is up to the applicant to use that space to great advantage!

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:52:10 PM)
Thanks, Dr. Lewis.

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 10:52:48 PM)
Will the admissions panel get annoyed if we have too much to say?

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 10:53:03 PM)
I know they get overwhelmed.

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 10:54:14 PM)
Can one bad grade on your transcripts affect your chances of getting in?

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:54:15 PM)
lipitor — I don't think that admissions will get annoyed, they simply will not read everything. So, it is up to you to make what you say relevant, clear, concise and to make certain it is understandable to someone who did not have that experience.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:54:39 PM)
It should add to their picture of you.

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 10:54:50 PM)
Right now I have all A's and a C+ in Calculus III

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:56:00 PM)
johnmyson — generally a single poor grade will not sideline you. Even if it is organic chem. What matters most is if you retook the course, how did you do, if you took more advanced coursework based on this how did you do; was the bad grade in your first semester or last in college...

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:56:06 PM)
Did all the experiences mentioned (25-17 etc) include honors, awards etc.

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 10:56:32 PM)
It does for me.

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 10:56:51 PM)
Ok... I'm planning on taking it over.

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 10:56:54 PM)
thanks

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:57:24 PM)
JoJo — the 25 pages was inclusive of ALL AMCAS except the personal statement and school selection.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 10:58:25 PM)
1 more question.

Shlomo (ID=25) (Jun 4, 2001 10:58:54 PM)
(This user has entered Medical School Admissions) (IP = 63.194.26.103)

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:59:02 PM)
Dr. Lewis, would you mind if I email you with some concerns that I have with a more personal matter regarding med school acceptance.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:59:18 PM)
johnmyson — one C+ may not need to be retaken — especially in calculus which (unless you are a physics or engineering major) will not lead to more difficult material (upper division work).

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 10:59:43 PM)
JoJo —please email me directly, that will be fine.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 10:59:50 PM)
Thank you.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:00 PM)
Anyone have any more questions?

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:02 PM)
Is applying to 11 or 12 schools too few for a CA resident?

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:30 PM)
I once had the pleasure of hearing Linda speak at an AMSA convention about essay writing... she has some really great tips... I recommend this website and its services.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:41 PM)
Thank you!

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:42 PM)
Definitely.

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:47 PM)
Thank you, Dr. lewis and Linda.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:50 PM)
Hmm... I would say that most of my CA residents actually apply to about 20 schools (unless you are the "perfect" applicant)... and most mortals are not perfect.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:00:53 PM)
Were you both at the AMSA conventions?

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 11:01:08 PM)
Hmm... yeah I think I'll talk to my pre-med advisor. The C+ is really just bugging me.

lipitor (ID=18) (Jun 4, 2001 11:01:13 PM)
I was at last year's in DC.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:01:21 PM)
Glad you could join us this evening.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:01:24 PM)
Thank you again to everyone for participating this evening. Special thanks to Dr. Cindy Lewis of Lewis Associates ( www.lewisassoc.com) for her invaluable insights.

johnmyson (ID=14) (Jun 4, 2001 11:01:52 PM)
It was the highest grade given in the class.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:01:53 PM)
I would like to announce our next pre-med chat on June 18 at 6:00 PM Pacific Time (7:00 PM Mountain Time; 8:00 PM Central Time; 9:00 PM EDT) Please note that this chat is one hour earlier than this evening's chat. At that time, Michael Yang will join us for a lively question and answer session. Michael is currently completing his first year at UCSF. When he applied to medical school he was accepted to 21 out of the 24 schools to which he applied. So whether you have questions on applying to med school, interviewing, or on the life of a med student, especially at UCSF, Michael can give you the answers.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 11:01:54 PM)
You are welcome — it was a pleasure. Email me for specific advice for your application if you would like.

nutty (ID=26) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:07 PM)
(This user has entered Medical School Admissions) (IP = 208.33.155.160)

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:13 PM)
Good luck on your applications. Thank you again. Good night.

John (ID=9) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:18 PM)
Thanks.

Shlomo (ID=25) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:21 PM)
Good Night.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:25 PM)
You're welcome.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:27 PM)
Good night.

JoJo1027 (ID=12) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:28 PM)
Thanks goodnight.

Shlomo (ID=25) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:32 PM)
Good night.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:37 PM)
You're welcome.

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:39 PM)
Good night.

Shlomo (ID=25) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:45 PM)
Good night

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 11:02:51 PM)
Good night and good applications!

Shlomo (ID=25) (Jun 4, 2001 11:03:00 PM)
Take care Dr.

Dr. Lewis (ID=7) (Jun 4, 2001 11:03:22 PM)
Yes, very lively and good questions — I had fun!

Linda Abraham (ID=10) (Jun 4, 2001 11:03:41 PM)
Good luck! Good night all.