the fundamentals of health professions advising texas association of advisors for the health...

The Fundamentals of Health The Fundamentals of Health Professions AdvisingProfessions Advising

Texas Association of Advisors for the Health ProfessionsTexas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions4444rdrdAnnual MeetingAnnual Meeting

University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TXDallas, TX

February 7, 2013February 7, 2013

New Advisors WorkshopNew Advisors WorkshopLeila E. DiazLeila E. Diaz

Assistant Dean of AdmissionsAssistant Dean of Admissions(credit: Filo Maldonado)(credit: Filo Maldonado)

OverviewOverview Giving AdviceGiving Advice Exploring 3 CasesExploring 3 Cases Starting the ProcessStarting the Process The Application to Medical SchoolThe Application to Medical School

The Personal StatementThe Personal Statement The MCATThe MCAT GradesGrades The InterviewThe Interview

Applicants of Special BackgroundsApplicants of Special Backgrounds Letters of EvaluationLetters of Evaluation Post-Application Follow-upPost-Application Follow-up AddendumAddendum

TAAHP New Advisors Workshop—2013

Giving AdviceGiving Advice

Know the factsKnow the facts Medical schoolsMedical schools TMDSAS/AMCAS/AACOMASTMDSAS/AMCAS/AACOMAS Criteria for selectionCriteria for selection Research/Volunteer OpportunitiesResearch/Volunteer Opportunities Esprit De CorpsEsprit De Corps

Be preparedBe prepared Know your advisees’ profiles and Know your advisees’ profiles and

circumstancescircumstances

As an advisor you can be a mentor, As an advisor you can be a mentor, guide, teacher and role model.guide, teacher and role model.

Plan for the visitPlan for the visit Study the optionsStudy the options Lay out viable alternativesLay out viable alternatives

Win–Lose DecisionsWin–Lose Decisions Stave off fear of making Stave off fear of making

decisionsdecisions Help adjust view of possible Help adjust view of possible

outcomesoutcomes Matching Choices to NeedsMatching Choices to Needs

What does one need to reach the What does one need to reach the highest level?highest level?

Additional course work?Additional course work? Another degree ?Another degree ? Retesting?Retesting? Experiences?Experiences? Maturity?Maturity? Reality Check?Reality Check?


The Non-traditional, doctors’ kidThe Non-traditional, doctors’ kidAl is the 32 year old son of two Mexican-American physicians and Al is the 32 year old son of two Mexican-American physicians and he has two older siblings, both of whom are in medicine. His he has two older siblings, both of whom are in medicine. His father is in academic medicine and his mother is in private father is in academic medicine and his mother is in private practice. He grew up in a wealthy suburb and attended an elite practice. He grew up in a wealthy suburb and attended an elite private high school in Houston where he accumulated an private high school in Houston where he accumulated an undistinguished academic record. He scored extremely well on the undistinguished academic record. He scored extremely well on the SAT, however, and attended an Ivy League college where he SAT, however, and attended an Ivy League college where he majored in Fine Arts, with a concentration in photography. He majored in Fine Arts, with a concentration in photography. He took Introduction to Biology as a freshman, received a B- both took Introduction to Biology as a freshman, received a B- both semesters and took no additional science courses. His overall semesters and took no additional science courses. His overall GPA as an undergraduate was 3.12. After college he worked as a GPA as an undergraduate was 3.12. After college he worked as a photojournalist for several years, traveled widely, improved his photojournalist for several years, traveled widely, improved his Spanish, and published two books of photographs contrasting the Spanish, and published two books of photographs contrasting the lives of the wealthy and the poor in Mexico and Latin Americalives of the wealthy and the poor in Mexico and Latin America.

Giving Advice – Case #1Giving Advice – Case #1


The Advisor’s EncounterThe Advisor’s Encounter

At the request of a colleague, you agreed to advise Al who is now At the request of a colleague, you agreed to advise Al who is now contemplating returning to school with his sights set on applying to contemplating returning to school with his sights set on applying to medical school. In your initial visit, you learned that while he had medical school. In your initial visit, you learned that while he had spent most of his adolescence and young adult life rebelling against spent most of his adolescence and young adult life rebelling against the family expectation that he would become a doctor, he now saw the family expectation that he would become a doctor, he now saw differently. He further noted that while he has enjoyed his work as a differently. He further noted that while he has enjoyed his work as a photojournalist, it has left him unfulfilled. He had volunteered for the photojournalist, it has left him unfulfilled. He had volunteered for the last 18 months at a clinic for homeless people, shadowed his mother last 18 months at a clinic for homeless people, shadowed his mother on her rounds and decided that he should go to medical school.on her rounds and decided that he should go to medical school.



Questions for DiscussionQuestions for Discussion1.1. How would you assess Al’s strengths as an applicant? How would you assess Al’s strengths as an applicant? 2.2. What additional preparation, if any, do you think Al What additional preparation, if any, do you think Al

should consider before applying to medical school?should consider before applying to medical school?3.3. What advice would you offer?What advice would you offer?4.4. Would you recommend Al for a medical school Would you recommend Al for a medical school

interview? Would you recommend him for acceptance?interview? Would you recommend him for acceptance?5.5. Do you see any other options for Al on the basis of the Do you see any other options for Al on the basis of the

currently available information?currently available information?



The 22-year Old, Tunnel Vision Applicant The 22-year Old, Tunnel Vision Applicant DJ is a 22-year old 2012 graduate of a major Texas university, having received a DJ is a 22-year old 2012 graduate of a major Texas university, having received a BS with honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As an undergraduate he BS with honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As an undergraduate he tutored students in chemistry, was a member of the premedical society and played tutored students in chemistry, was a member of the premedical society and played intramural sports for 2 years. His profile indicates that he participated briefly in intramural sports for 2 years. His profile indicates that he participated briefly in the Big Brother/Big Sister program and in Habitat for Humanity. His profile did the Big Brother/Big Sister program and in Habitat for Humanity. His profile did not indicate any medically related exposure or clinical encounters. His science not indicate any medically related exposure or clinical encounters. His science GPA was 3.92 and overall GPA was a 3.77. He used AP and summer courses to GPA was 3.92 and overall GPA was a 3.77. He used AP and summer courses to fulfill most of his humanities requirements and took very few non-science courses fulfill most of his humanities requirements and took very few non-science courses at the university. He took the MCAT once and his score was 35-P; 13’s in the at the university. He took the MCAT once and his score was 35-P; 13’s in the sciences and 9 in Verbal Reasoning. During his senior year he focused on his sciences and 9 in Verbal Reasoning. During his senior year he focused on his academic work and his honors thesis which centered on research he did over an academic work and his honors thesis which centered on research he did over an 18-month period beginning in the fall of his junior year. He decided to continue 18-month period beginning in the fall of his junior year. He decided to continue his research after graduation by working in the same laboratory he did his his research after graduation by working in the same laboratory he did his undergraduate research. He is second author on a paper published in a respected undergraduate research. He is second author on a paper published in a respected basic science journal and first author on both an abstract and a manuscript basic science journal and first author on both an abstract and a manuscript submitted for publication. A very recent letter from his research mentor describes submitted for publication. A very recent letter from his research mentor describes him as, “one of the most accomplished student scientists I have seen in 28 years as him as, “one of the most accomplished student scientists I have seen in 28 years as a faculty member at three major universities.”a faculty member at three major universities.”



The Advisor’s EncounterThe Advisor’s EncounterDJ decides to visit the health professions office at the university to DJ decides to visit the health professions office at the university to inquire about applying to medical school. You’ve been assigned to inquire about applying to medical school. You’ve been assigned to advise DJ. In your interview with DJ you detect a somewhat distant advise DJ. In your interview with DJ you detect a somewhat distant and reserved young man who made poor eye contact and who was and reserved young man who made poor eye contact and who was difficult to warm up to. Based on the profile he provided before your difficult to warm up to. Based on the profile he provided before your visit, you are troubled by the fact that he did not have any medically visit, you are troubled by the fact that he did not have any medically related experience and did not continue with any of his service work related experience and did not continue with any of his service work after his initial activities in his sophomore year. You sensed that he after his initial activities in his sophomore year. You sensed that he was just checking off the boxes on his list of required activities for was just checking off the boxes on his list of required activities for medical school. DJ had few questions and when he spoke he rambled medical school. DJ had few questions and when he spoke he rambled about his research and his potential contributions to the world. about his research and his potential contributions to the world.



Questions for DiscussionQuestions for Discussion1.1. How would you assess DJ’s strengths as an applicant? How would you assess DJ’s strengths as an applicant? 2.2. What additional preparation, if any, do you think DJ What additional preparation, if any, do you think DJ

should consider before applying to medical school?should consider before applying to medical school?3.3. What advice would you offer?What advice would you offer?4.4. Would you recommend DJ for a medical school Would you recommend DJ for a medical school

interview? Would you recommend him for acceptance?interview? Would you recommend him for acceptance?5.5. Do you see any other options for DJ on the basis of the Do you see any other options for DJ on the basis of the




The Disadvantaged Applicant EW is a 24 year old African American woman who grew up in a series of EW is a 24 year old African American woman who grew up in a series of foster homes in a large metropolitan city in Texas. She never knew her foster homes in a large metropolitan city in Texas. She never knew her father and her mother died from a drug overdose before EW was 3 years father and her mother died from a drug overdose before EW was 3 years old. She attended inner city schools with very high minority enrollment, old. She attended inner city schools with very high minority enrollment, low graduation rates, and limited educational opportunities. She worked low graduation rates, and limited educational opportunities. She worked part-time through most of her high school years and then full-time for 2 part-time through most of her high school years and then full-time for 2 years after graduating. She gained admissions to a well respected college as years after graduating. She gained admissions to a well respected college as part of a special program designed to “provide educational opportunities to part of a special program designed to “provide educational opportunities to minority graduates of underperforming urban schools.”minority graduates of underperforming urban schools.”



The Advisor’s EncounterThe Advisor’s EncounterEW will complete her junior year in the spring of 2013, majoring in Women’s EW will complete her junior year in the spring of 2013, majoring in Women’s Studies with a minor in Biology. She is visiting your office for the first time and Studies with a minor in Biology. She is visiting your office for the first time and you learn just how much EW has overcome and how resilient she is. EW has plans you learn just how much EW has overcome and how resilient she is. EW has plans to apply to medical school immediately after graduating from college. She has to apply to medical school immediately after graduating from college. She has carried light course schedules until this spring term. She has come to realize that in carried light course schedules until this spring term. She has come to realize that in order to complete her prerequisites and prepare for the MCAT she would have to order to complete her prerequisites and prepare for the MCAT she would have to step it up. Currently she has a science GPA of 3.19, brought down by a C+ in step it up. Currently she has a science GPA of 3.19, brought down by a C+ in Organic Chemistry I and a B- in Physics II. Her overall GPA is a 3.24 and on a Organic Chemistry I and a B- in Physics II. Her overall GPA is a 3.24 and on a recent simulated Kaplan full length MCAT test she scored a 24N; 7-VR, 8-PS, 9-BS. recent simulated Kaplan full length MCAT test she scored a 24N; 7-VR, 8-PS, 9-BS. She has been active in a variety of campus organizations and she has been a leader She has been active in a variety of campus organizations and she has been a leader in Alternative Spring Break, despite working 25 hours per week. EW has also in Alternative Spring Break, despite working 25 hours per week. EW has also tutored students in a local elementary school located in a very economically tutored students in a local elementary school located in a very economically depressed area of the city during her freshman year and more recently she led a depressed area of the city during her freshman year and more recently she led a successful grant application for support of a program to enable her college to successful grant application for support of a program to enable her college to participate in a summer program providing HIV/AIDS education to urban teenagers.participate in a summer program providing HIV/AIDS education to urban teenagers.



Questions for DiscussionQuestions for Discussion1.1. How would you assess EW’s strengths as an applicant? How would you assess EW’s strengths as an applicant? 2.2. What additional preparation, if any, do you think EW What additional preparation, if any, do you think EW

should consider before applying to medical school?should consider before applying to medical school?3.3. What advice would you offer?What advice would you offer?4.4. Would you recommend EW for a medical school Would you recommend EW for a medical school

interview? Would you recommend her for acceptance?interview? Would you recommend her for acceptance?5.5. Do you see any other options on the basis of the Do you see any other options on the basis of the




Starting the ProcessStarting the Process

Put your effort where it countsPut your effort where it counts OrganizeOrganize Set goals and deadlinesSet goals and deadlines Maintain good filesMaintain good files CommunicateCommunicate Be timely & efficientBe timely & efficient

Know your studentsKnow your students Participate in student Participate in student

organization activitiesorganization activities Know something about the Know something about the

profession of medicineprofession of medicine The latest issuesThe latest issues Specialties or post-grad trainingSpecialties or post-grad training

Familiarize yourself with each Familiarize yourself with each medical schoolmedical school Philosophy, mission, goalsPhilosophy, mission, goals

Know your resourcesKnow your resources Texas Medical & Dental Schools Texas Medical & Dental Schools

Application Service (TMDSAS)Application Service (TMDSAS) American Medical College American Medical College

Application Service (AMCAS)Application Service (AMCAS) American Association of Colleges of American Association of Colleges of

Osteopathic Medicine Application Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS)Service (AACOMAS)

Medical School Admissions Medical School Admissions Requirements Requirements (MSAR™)

AAMC Recommendations for Medical School Admission Officers and Medical School Applicants

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm


http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm

Application to Medical SchoolApplication to Medical School

Stress early applicationStress early application Help avoid application snarls Timing is of essence

Know requirements for completed Know requirements for completed applicationsapplications TMDSAS Application Secondary Application Fee and Certification Page Letters of Evaluation Latest/Repeat MCAT

Discourage the medical school Discourage the medical school blinderblinder Encourage your students to apply Encourage your students to apply

to multiple or all the Texas Schoolsto multiple or all the Texas Schools

Encourage thoroughnessEncourage thoroughness Have them respond to all items Have them respond to all items

as directed as directed (and with care)(and with care), , particularly the following:particularly the following:

Record of college workRecord of college work Prescribed Course RecordPrescribed Course Record Record of community service, Record of community service,

medically related and/or medically related and/or research activitiesresearch activities

Dates and hours of serviceDates and hours of service Role or dutiesRole or duties

Optional Essays Optional Essays (particularly (particularly optional essay #2)optional essay #2)

Secondary Application EssaysSecondary Application Essays


Application to Medical SchoolApplication to Medical School

Monitor and stress accuracy and Monitor and stress accuracy and authenticityauthenticity Academic recordAcademic record Extracurricular activitieExtracurricular activitiess Life circumstancesLife circumstances

Encourage a well written, Encourage a well written, thoughtful, andthoughtful, and originaloriginal personal personal statementsstatements Explain Explain motivationmotivation for for

medicinemedicine Discuss philosophy of Discuss philosophy of

medicinemedicine Indicate goals relevant to Indicate goals relevant to

professionprofession Discuss Discuss value of experiencesvalue of experiences

Encourage optional questionsEncourage optional questions Any unique circumstances or Any unique circumstances or

life experienceslife experiences Characteristics/experiences Characteristics/experiences

contributing to diversity of contributing to diversity of classclass

Encourage Encourage originaloriginal secondary secondary application essaysapplication essays

Stress Stress professionalismprofessionalism when when interacting with admissions interacting with admissions office personneloffice personnel PolitenessPoliteness Good mannersGood manners

Urge students to follow up Give them the responsibilityGive them the responsibility


Application to Medical SchoolApplication to Medical School Personal StatementPersonal Statement

When giving advice on writing a personal statement, you should be aware of certain criteria. These same criteria are also important considerations when evaluating a statement.

As an evaluator, you must determine the personality of the writer.

CriteriaCriteria Consistency of responseConsistency of response

Depth of understandingDepth of understanding

ConvictionConviction

Social desirabilitySocial desirability

Conceptualization of questionsConceptualization of questions

Examine the topics evident in the

statement and the communication

skills reflected in the writing.


Personal Statement Personal Statement –– General Criteria General Criteria

Consistency of ResponseConsistency of Response –try to determine if the response of the applicant holds throughout the entire statement. Compare different points in the statement and matching comments with activities.

For example, an inconsistency is evident: If an applicant writes that she or he is If an applicant writes that she or he is

interested in rural medicine or practicing interested in rural medicine or practicing in an underserved area, but does not in an underserved area, but does not discuss rural or underserved discuss rural or underserved background, involvement or issues.background, involvement or issues.

If an applicant claims in the statement If an applicant claims in the statement that she or he cares about people but has that she or he cares about people but has no activities that are other-centered.no activities that are other-centered.



Depth of UnderstandingDepth of Understanding –the response leaves you absorbed with an aspect of the applicant’s personality. A statement with depth is one that reflects the applicant’s understanding of self and the medical field.

The adjacent statement reveals a humble, mature understanding of self.

“One decision I have made about the career I choose is that it will in no way exploit or neglect the needs of others with whom I am involved. I realize the interdependence that all of us have toward one another and am committed to the principle of cooperative action as a strategy for human survival. I came to understand this principle primarily through experience with food cooperatives and camp counseling. Working with other people, especially those of different background and circumstances than me, has taught me the synergistic value of mutual support and cooperation. Through the practice of medicine I feel that I would have a skill to offer my community, and could work with people in a positive manner to better understand health and health care.”



ConvictionConviction – an essay with conviction exhibits a force, a passion that reflects a writer with a very stable personality.

The adjacent statement reveals a strong, vibrant sense of self.

“I am indebted to those experiences of intimacy with people whereby we have shared our victories and vulnerabilities. To have done so allowed for my self-discovery and clearer understanding of the dynamics of relating to people. As a result of such growth, I believe I have acquired the confidence, sensitivity and the ability to interact – tools necessary for establishing effective communication.”


Personal StatementPersonal Statement –– General Criteria General Criteria

Social DesirabilitySocial Desirability – all writers, especially those in an application, are very aware of their audience. Sometimes the writer will try to please the reader, to express certain ideas for the sake of stroking the reader and keeping the reader in a very favorable frame of mind. Emphasize caution because this can be a weakness.

The first response fails to look at the implications of the weakness.

The second response is honest in its coverage of the weakness.

“I have a tendency to overextend my time commitments such that I complete tasks relying on boundless energy rather than consistent discipline. I do not always discriminate the appropriate time to adopt a matriarchal role. I do not always give myself enough personal nurturing, ‘recharge’ time.”

“At times I tend to overextend myself. I have had difficulties in the past saying ‘no’ to others. This has tended to dilute my areas of concentration and I am not yet as self-disciplined as I would like to be. This, however, I feel is improving since I have recognized it.”


Personal StatementPersonal Statement –– General Criteria General Criteria

Conceptualization of QuestionsConceptualization of Questions – A good response looks at all the ramifications of the question within the physical boundaries of the answer. The applicant thoughtfully and structurally puts his/her ideas together. The applicant builds on the answer without straying from the question. For example, a question in our secondary application requires to “briefly discuss what activities or personal attributes demonstrate best that you would be a good custodian of our honor code1.”

The sample statement builds on the answer and expresses the value of the experience.1A Texas A&M medical student is a professional who exhibits leadership, honesty, integrity, compassion, respect and self-discipline.

“I believe that my work and volunteer experiences best demonstrate this in my life. I have volunteered with Save Our Streets Ministries in Bryan, Texas (SOS) for the past three years. Two years ago, I was asked to be the Assistant Director for the children’s ministry at SOS. Now, I am in charge of coordinating about 25 volunteers and up to 50 kindergarten to second grade children every week. I believe that I show leadership by leading the other volunteers. My volunteering at Save Our Streets also demonstrates compassion and respect. The kids I work with at SOS are from the inner city and have difficult backgrounds. It is difficult to work with them sometimes because they are so different from me, but it is wonderful to see them change when they are shown kindness, discipline and respect as a person...”


Application to Medical SchoolApplication to Medical School Personal StatementPersonal Statement

What personal What personal characteristics have characteristics have positive or negative positive or negative implications?implications?

Positive CharacteristicsPositive Characteristics (+)(+) Commitment to serving peopleCommitment to serving people Realistic notion of strengths and Realistic notion of strengths and

weaknessesweaknesses Involvement in areas not Involvement in areas not

necessarily socially-reinforcednecessarily socially-reinforced Evolution of a desire to enter the Evolution of a desire to enter the

health professionhealth profession

Positive Characteristics Positive Characteristics (+)(+) Ability to introduce structureAbility to introduce structure Participation in rigorous activitiesParticipation in rigorous activities A mature perception of oneA mature perception of one’’s lifes life

Negative Characteristics Negative Characteristics ((––)) CompulsivenessCompulsiveness FanaticismFanaticism Providing information without Providing information without

discussing importancediscussing importance Insensitivity to the needs of othersInsensitivity to the needs of others PatronizingPatronizing HostileHostile ArrogantArrogant


Application to Medical School Application to Medical School MCATMCAT

Be familiar with the MCATBe familiar with the MCAT LengthLength Format Format (Computer Based)(Computer Based)

TimingTiming ScoringScoring Statistical Significance Statistical Significance

(Addendum)(Addendum) Changes in 2015Changes in 2015

Know how important the scores are to Know how important the scores are to the process of evaluationthe process of evaluation

Encourage and promote preparationEncourage and promote preparation Counsel and support students, Counsel and support students,

especially after a weak performance on especially after a weak performance on the MCATthe MCAT

Know when to say, Know when to say, ““letlet’’s consider s consider other optionsother options”” especially after especially after repeated unsuccessful attemptsrepeated unsuccessful attempts

Encourage taking the early Encourage taking the early administrations of the MCATadministrations of the MCAT January, April, and MayJanuary, April, and May June and JulyJune and July

Important ResourcesImportant Resources 2011 MCAT Essentials 2011 MCAT Essentials (Required Reading)(Required Reading)

MCAT Exam Schedule FAQMCAT Exam Schedule FAQ Examinee DataExaminee Data ResearchResearch Practice TestsPractice Tests

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm


http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm

Application to Medical School Application to Medical School GradesGrades

Stress to students to make a clean sweep by making A’s and B’s in all courses (a 3.50 GPA minimum) Stress particularly the Stress particularly the

prerequisite coursesprerequisite courses Upper level scienceUpper level science

Encourage students to Encourage students to balance their curriculumbalance their curriculum Science and non-scienceScience and non-science

Counsel students wisely about Counsel students wisely about taking above average loadstaking above average loads

Counsel students who struggle Counsel students who struggle early to recover quickly and early to recover quickly and maintain a solid performancemaintain a solid performance within the range of a within the range of a

3.50-4.00 GPA in remaining 3.50-4.00 GPA in remaining 45-90 credit hours45-90 credit hours

Counsel students to consider a Counsel students to consider a graduate degree or Post-graduate degree or Post-Baccalaureate Programs of StudyBaccalaureate Programs of Study

http://services.aamc.org/postbac/


Application to Medical School Application to Medical School InterviewInterview

Prepare students for the interview. Prepare students for the interview. Interview questions center Interview questions center around these qualities:around these qualities: Interpersonal skills and Interpersonal skills and

communicating effectivelycommunicating effectively Social ConsciousnessSocial Consciousness Maturity, Stability, ToleranceMaturity, Stability, Tolerance MotivationMotivation Attitude about learning and Attitude about learning and

educationeducation Stress looking the partStress looking the part

Professional (business) attire Well groomed

Stress communication with Stress communication with medical schoolsmedical schools

Stress timelinessStress timeliness Stress knowledgeStress knowledge Stress a good attitude and Stress a good attitude and

facilitate appropriate personal facilitate appropriate personal presentationpresentation Polite, well-mannered

demeanor Sound grasp of issues Articulation of ideas

Familiarize students with their Familiarize students with their responsibilitiesresponsibilities

AAMC Recommendations for Medical School Applicants


http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/policies/applicants.htm

The InterviewThe Interview

What are some What are some strategies strategies for for applicants to be effective applicants to be effective in in the interview?the interview?

What What attributes or attributes or circumstances circumstances should be should be stressed stressed in the interview?in the interview?

StrategiesStrategies Be yourself, for interviews can Be yourself, for interviews can

bring out betrayals of character.bring out betrayals of character. Communicate clearly and Communicate clearly and

succinctly. Avoid rambling.succinctly. Avoid rambling. Be ready to respond to all kinds of Be ready to respond to all kinds of

questions, many unrelated to questions, many unrelated to medicine.medicine.

““IIf you had a morning unscheduled, how would f you had a morning unscheduled, how would you spend it?you spend it?

Attributes or CircumstancesAttributes or Circumstances Be prepared to discuss your Be prepared to discuss your

motivation for the study of medicine motivation for the study of medicine and any activity or experience which and any activity or experience which is relevant to your goal of medicine is relevant to your goal of medicine as a career. as a career.

““Tell me about the development of your interest in Tell me about the development of your interest in the study of medicine. What have you done to test the study of medicine. What have you done to test your interest?your interest?”” Be prepared to discuss Be prepared to discuss social issuessocial issues

across several domains.across several domains.““If you were asked to give a keynote speech to your If you were asked to give a keynote speech to your graduating class about societal problems, which graduating class about societal problems, which problems would you focus on?problems would you focus on?”” What major points What major points would you make?would you make?”” Be prepared to discuss in what capacity Be prepared to discuss in what capacity

your have your have served othersserved others..““I am interested in learning more about your work in I am interested in learning more about your work in the community. Elaborate on one of your most the community. Elaborate on one of your most profound experiences. How have you changed from profound experiences. How have you changed from that experience?that experience?


The InterviewThe Interview

What are additional strategies?What are additional strategies?

Strategies:Strategies: Avoid second guessing the Avoid second guessing the

interviewer. Answer questions interviewer. Answer questions honestly.honestly.

Avoid attempting to Avoid attempting to ““butter upbutter up”” the interviewer.the interviewer.

If you donIf you don’’t know the answer to a t know the answer to a question, say so.question, say so.

There are almost as many approaches to interviewing as there are interviewers.

Strategies:Strategies: Explain deficiencies honestly Explain deficiencies honestly

and donand don’’t offer mere excuses t offer mere excuses and rationalizations.and rationalizations.

DonDon’’t hesitate to ask questions t hesitate to ask questions for the interview serves equally for the interview serves equally the purpose of the applicant.the purpose of the applicant.

DonDon’’t be on the defensive or the t be on the defensive or the offensive. Avoid rudeness or offensive. Avoid rudeness or impoliteness.impoliteness.

DonDon’’t judge the success of the t judge the success of the interview by its length.interview by its length.


Applicants of Special BackgroundsApplicants of Special Backgrounds

Underrepresented MinoritiesUnderrepresented Minorities Grutter v. BollingerGrutter v. Bollinger, et al., , et al.,

123 S.Ct. 2325, 2341 (2003)123 S.Ct. 2325, 2341 (2003) Disadvantaged StudentsDisadvantaged Students

HB 1641, 2001HB 1641, 2001 SES Codes: A – DSES Codes: A – D

Married couples applyingMarried couples applying Non-traditionalNon-traditional

Older than traditional applicants Older than traditional applicants (25 or older)(25 or older)

Other careersOther careers Disabled ApplicantsDisabled Applicants

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Act of 1973, 29 US.C.A.29 US.C.A.§ 794 § 794 (1975)(1975)

Non-residentsNon-residents Enrollment of non-residents Enrollment of non-residents

may not exceed 10% of may not exceed 10% of entering classentering class

International studentsInternational students HB 1403, Summer 2001HB 1403, Summer 2001

Replaced by SB 1528Replaced by SB 1528 Some eligible; some notSome eligible; some not

U.S. Permanent ResidentsU.S. Permanent Residents Texas residency issuesTexas residency issues Foreign course workForeign course work Foreign degreesForeign degrees F-1 VisasF-1 Visas

Academic Fresh StartAcademic Fresh Start SB 1321, April 1993SB 1321, April 1993


Application to Medical School Application to Medical School Letters of EvaluationLetters of Evaluation

Submit a Submit a Health Professions Health Professions Advisory CommitteeAdvisory Committee (HPAC) (HPAC) packet with a summary letter.packet with a summary letter. Be honest, and evaluateBe honest, and evaluate Include Include at leastat least two professor two professor

letters with evaluation formsletters with evaluation forms Use a definable scale of Use a definable scale of

recommendations recommendations (based on 1-2 (based on 1-2 years of application cycle percentages)years of application cycle percentages)

Recommended with EnthusiasmRecommended with Enthusiasm Recommended with ConfidenceRecommended with Confidence RecommendedRecommended Recommended with ReservationRecommended with Reservation Not RecommendedNot Recommended

Write a health professions advisor letter Write a health professions advisor letter (in the range of 1-2 pages) discussing the (in the range of 1-2 pages) discussing the following:following: Academic backgroundAcademic background Communication skills and ability Communication skills and ability

to interactto interact Breadth and depth of interests & Breadth and depth of interests &

activitiesactivities Extent of medical experiencesExtent of medical experiences Community service and/or Community service and/or

altruistic activitiesaltruistic activities PersonalityPersonality Promise for medicinePromise for medicine

One extra letter can be sent to TMDSASOne extra letter can be sent to TMDSAS Additional letters must be mailed directly Additional letters must be mailed directly

to the schools (if accepted)to the schools (if accepted)


Post-Application Follow-upPost-Application Follow-up

Use the Use the TMDSAS Health TMDSAS Health Professions Advisors ReportProfessions Advisors Report to determine your studentsto determine your students’’ statusesstatuses

Be a liaison and conduct Be a liaison and conduct phone follow-ups with Deans phone follow-ups with Deans of Admissionsof Admissions

Be prepared to provide Be prepared to provide additional informationadditional information Falsification issuesFalsification issues Criminal chargesCriminal charges Institutional reprimandsInstitutional reprimands

Analyze your studentsAnalyze your students’’ interview visitsinterview visits

Critique the personal Critique the personal statement(s)statement(s)

Counsel students to reduce Counsel students to reduce anxiety, especially after the anxiety, especially after the interview seasoninterview season

Have students exercise Have students exercise responsibility and planningresponsibility and planning


THANK YOU!THANK YOU!


ADDENDUMADDENDUM


Application to Medical School Application to Medical School MCATMCAT

Reliability, Standard Error of Reliability, Standard Error of Measurement, Confidence Measurement, Confidence IntervalsIntervals Total Score Total Score (SE is 2 pts)(SE is 2 pts)

SE used to derive confidence SE used to derive confidence intervalsintervals

68% Confidence interval 68% Confidence interval (+/- (+/- one standard error)one standard error)

SE’s represent the range of test SE’s represent the range of test scores within which true scores within which true achievement level achievement level probablyprobably lies. lies.

Example:Example: Student 1 – Student 1 – Total Score of 23Total Score of 23 Student 2 – Student 2 – Total Score of 26Total Score of 26

Student 1Student 1 [ 21 22 [ 21 22 2323 24 25 ] 24 25 ]

Student 2Student 2 [ 24 25 [ 24 25 2626 27 28 ] 27 28 ]

The example showsThe example shows The The gray boldgray bold, underscored , underscored

scores scores (in the center of the CI’s)(in the center of the CI’s) indicate students’ reported indicate students’ reported scoresscores

Total Score confidence intervals Total Score confidence intervals for the 2 students overlap for the 2 students overlap (both (both include scores 24 and 25)include scores 24 and 25)


What one can assess from this data is that if the applicant were to take the MCAT multiple What one can assess from this data is that if the applicant were to take the MCAT multiple times, it would be expected that his or her score would fall in this range about 2/3times, it would be expected that his or her score would fall in this range about 2/3 rdsrds (68%) (68%) of the time. When score bands overlap, performance is essentially equivalent.of the time. When score bands overlap, performance is essentially equivalent.

Disadvantaged FactorsDisadvantaged Factors

Socioeconomic StatusSocioeconomic Status ParentsParents’’ level of education (high school/GED or less) level of education (high school/GED or less) Type of community (rural, urban, suburban, military, etc.)Type of community (rural, urban, suburban, military, etc.) First generation to attend or graduate from collegeFirst generation to attend or graduate from college Parent or guardian of dependent children while attending schoolParent or guardian of dependent children while attending school Bilingual or multilingual proficiencyBilingual or multilingual proficiency Size of householdSize of household Household incomeHousehold income Estimated value of residential property (owned or rented)Estimated value of residential property (owned or rented) Subsidized housingSubsidized housing Participant of the Federal Free and Reduced Meal ProgramsParticipant of the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Programs Responsibility of raising other children in the household while attending

school elementary and/or high school Employed steadily through high school to contribute to overall family incomeEmployed steadily through high school to contribute to overall family income


Disadvantaged Factors Disadvantaged Factors (cont.)(cont.)

Region of residenceRegion of residence Rural, Rural, underservedunderserved, and/or , and/or health professions shortage areahealth professions shortage area

of stateof state((http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/hprc/MUAlist.shtm))((http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/hprc/hpsa.shtm) )

Location of high school districtLocation of high school district Performance on the MCAT in comparison with that of other Performance on the MCAT in comparison with that of other

students from similar socioeconomic backgroundsstudents from similar socioeconomic backgrounds Admission to a comparable accredited out-of-state institutionAdmission to a comparable accredited out-of-state institution


http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/hprc/MUAlist.shtm

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/hprc/hpsa.shtm

Academic Fresh StartAcademic Fresh StartThe "Right to an Academic Fresh Start" legislation, passed by the 73rd Texas Legislature:

Entitles Texas residents to seek admission to public institutions of higher education as undergraduate students without consideration of courses undertaken ten or more years prior to enrollment.

Gives students the option of electing to have coursework taken ten or more years prior to enrolling either counted as usual or ignored for admission purposes.

Applicants who are admitted as students under this law may not receive any course credit for courses undertaken ten or more years prior to enrollment.The intent of the "Fresh Start" legislation is to provide students with an opportunity to clear their academic records, if they choose to do so, of all college-level work accumulated ten or more years ago. Students may not pick and choose what is to be ignored and what is not. Either all college hours ten or more years old are ignored or they are counted.


Academic Fresh StartAcademic Fresh Start

Professional schools cannot consider course Professional schools cannot consider course credits/grades earned 10 or more years before the credits/grades earned 10 or more years before the starting date of the semester at a state public starting date of the semester at a state public college or university.college or university.

A student admitted under this provision cannot A student admitted under this provision cannot receive any credit for courses taken 10 or more receive any credit for courses taken 10 or more years before enrolling.years before enrolling.


Academic Fresh StartAcademic Fresh Start

A student who completes either a A student who completes either a minimum of 90 minimum of 90 credit hourscredit hours or a baccalaureate degree under the or a baccalaureate degree under the AFS law, then applies to a professional program AFS law, then applies to a professional program at a public institution, the professional school at a public institution, the professional school considers:considers: Only the GPA established by the course completed Only the GPA established by the course completed

after enrollment under the AFS law after enrollment under the AFS law Standard admissions criteria applicable to persons Standard admissions criteria applicable to persons

seeking admissions to a professional programseeking admissions to a professional program


% 2008-10 Applicants Accepted into at Least % 2008-10 Applicants Accepted into at Least One Medical School by MCAT and UGPAOne Medical School by MCAT and UGPA

MCAT TOTAL

GPA Total 5-14 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 36-38 39-45 All

3.80-4.00 4%3/69

6%11/181

18%88/485

25%330/1,301

42%1,370/3,282

67%3,915/5,818

82%4,975/7,258

86% 4,884/5,678

90% 2,894/3,225

92% 1,128/1,233

72% 20,598/28,530

3.60-3.79 1% 1/180

4% 14/351

12% 122/989

18% 409/2,217

29% 1,313/4,490

52% 3,753/7,283

72% 5,485/7,610

80% 3,702/4,625

85% 1,636/1,925

86% 359/420

56% 16,794/30,090

3.40-3.59 2% 6/298

3% 13/488

10% 120/1,184

17% 440/2,534

23% 1,060/4,522

36% 2,417/6,657

56% 3,540/6,376

67% 2,127/3,176

73% 852/1,172

80% 174/219

40% 10,749/26,626

3.20-3.39 1% 2/391

2% 11/534

8% 87/1,120

13% 280/2,084

18% 597/3,324

26% 1,109/4,282

39% 1,490/3,850

51% 904/1,762

61% 324/530

62% 58/93

27% 4,862/17,970

3.00-3.19 1% 3/440

3% 18/546

6% 58/921

11% 168/1,479

16% 326/2,026

23% 566/2,417

30% 522/1,758

42% 339/817

42% 100/236

44% 19/43

20% 2,119/10,683

2.80-2.99 0% 0/383

1% 4/389

5% 31/616

11% 94/838

15% 156/1,049

16% 166/1,038

24% 177/744

33% 93/281

28% 25/90

57% 8/14

15%901/5,957

2.60-2.79 0% 0/329

1% 2/225

5% 20/386

7% 35/475

11% 56/520

15% 67/450

18% 53/294

21% 29/141

17% 6/36

8% 1/12

9% 269/2,868

2.40-2.59 0% 0/217

0% 0/140

2% 3/178

3% 7/222

8% 18/216

10% 18/175

15% 19/124

26% 15/57

18% 3/17

--- 6% 83/1,347

2.20-2.19 0%0/147

0%0/79

2% 2/99

5% 4/85

7% 6/82

5% 3/58

13%5/39

8%1/12

--- 3% 20/605

2.00-2.19 0%0/77

2%1/43

0%0/32

4% 1/27

4% 1/24

0% 0/23

8% 1/12

--- --- 3% 6/241

1.47-1.99 0%0/35

0%0/20

0%0/14

0%0/11

--- --- --- --- 1% 1/80

All 1% 15/2,566

3% 74/2,996

9% 531/6,024

16% 1,768/11,273

25% 4,904/19,543

43% 12,014/28,208

62% 17,264/28,063

73% 12,097/16,559

81% 5,841/7,235

86% 1,747/2,036

45% 56,255/124,503

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