Admissions Straight Talk

The Admissions Straight Talk podcast is back with a fresh look, and new host! After retiring this summer, Accepted founder Linda Abraham turned the podcast reigns over to Accepted admissions expert Dr. Valerie Wherley. In this week's episode, Valerie talks with Dr. Herman "Flash" Gordon, Accepted medical school consultant and former admissions committee chair at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Valerie and Flash discuss a question we hear almost daily from medical school applicants: How many med schools should I apply to? They discuss target ranges, the importance of fit, and the truth about "reach schools" and "safety schools." 00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast 00:37 Welcome Dr. Herman "Flash" Gordon 02:13 How many med schools should you apply to? 03:25 The importance of fit 06:02 School choice: Beyond GPA and MCAT scores 10:08 Alignment with school's missions 12:49 Reach, attainable, and safety schools Related Resources Medical School Selectivity IndexMedical School Secondary Essay TipsSchedule a free consultation with Dr. GordonRelated Shows How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical EducationNavigating Admissions at the University of Washington School of MedicineInside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle SchmudeFollow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In her final episode as host of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted founder Linda Abraham shares reflections and lessons from over 30 years in the admissions world. As she prepares for retirement, Linda offers a mix of personal insight, practical advice, and hard-earned wisdom on navigating both graduate admissions and life’s challenges. She discusses stress, imposter syndrome, setbacks, and the power of resilience, encouraging listeners to take control of their future, own their story, and pursue their goals with determination. Whether you’re just beginning your admissions journey or reevaluating your path, Linda’s final message is one of growth and possibility. Related Resources Free consultation Accepted’s Free GuidesAccepted’s Sample EssaysRelated Podcast Episodes The Unbelievable Story of an Orthopedic SurgeonIda Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021 Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In the 605th episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Barry Rothman, current Accepted consultant and former Health Professions Advisor and Director of San Francisco State University’s Pre-Health Professions Certificate Program, joins Linda Abraham to explore how med school applicants can overcome common application weaknesses. From low GPAs and MCAT scores to limited clinical experience, research, or community service, Dr. Rothman shares practical strategies for strengthening your candidacy and making smart, mission-aligned school selections. The episode also covers sensitive topics like academic infractions, mental health challenges, and the importance of timing and fit. Whether you’re reapplying or just beginning your journey, this conversation is packed with expert advice to help you stand out. Related Links Med School Admissions QuizDr. Barry Rothman Bio Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to KnowMedical School Selectivity IndexRelated Admissions Straight Talk Episodes Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to SuccessInside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical EducationInside Geisinger Med School AdmissionsAccepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode of Admission Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews Dr. Christy Bozic, the Executive Director of Duke University's Masters of Engineering Management (MEM) program. They discuss the unique aspects of the MEM program, including its focus on blending technical engineering skills with business acumen, the differences between online and in-person formats, and the importance of professionalism in engineering management. Dr. Bozic shares insights into the admissions process, the challenges faced by online students, and the incorporation of AI into the curriculum. The conversation also touches on the new co-op program and future directions for the MEM program. Takeaways Relevant Resources: Dukes’ Masters of Engineering Management (MEM)Applying to Graduate Engineering Programs: What You Need to KnowHow to Get Accepted to Graduate Engineering ProgramsHow to Write Your Master's in Engineering Statement of PurposeAdmissions Straight Talk Ranks in Feedspot Higher Ed Podcast RankingRelated Admissions Straight Talk Episodes: Duke's Master of Engineering ManagementStanford’s MCiM Combines Technology, Healthcare, and BusinessBerkeley Haas' Master of Financial Engineering ProgramWhat’s New at Cornell’s Masters in Engineering ManagementAll You Need To Know When Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, the Assistant Professor and Director of Admissions at the Emory University Physician Assistant Program, Allan Platt, offers an insightful look into the Emory University’s Physician Assistant Program. He breaks down the program's distinctive curriculum, including its unique approach to anatomy, and shares valuable advice for prospective students. Allan dives into Emory's PA program admissions process, emphasizing the importance of clinical experience, community service, and thoughtful personal narratives. He also explains the blinded Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and highlights common mistakes applicants should avoid. Relevant Links Emory Physicia Assistant ProgramThe Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician AssistantCASPA: Everything You Need to Know about the Experiences Section How to Get Accepted to Physician Assistant (PA) Programs Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes How To Get Accepted To Duke’s Physician Assistant Program How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs How To Get Accepted To the University of Iowa’s PA ProgramAn Inside Look at Yale’s Online PA ProgramHow Did This Successful PA Applicant Get Accepted?Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Beth Piraino, Associate Dean of Admissions at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM), explores the school’s innovative Three Rivers Curriculum, emphasizing small-group learning, early clinical exposure, and the integration of "Streams" (special interest areas) and Threads" (core competencies like leadership and clinical reasoning). Dr. Piraino also discusses the role of secondary essays in evaluating applicants and explores why teamwork, resilience, and cultural awareness are important in the admissions process. She goes on to highlight a common mistake applicants make in the application process. Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham interviews Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM). Dr. Muzquiz, a graduate of UWSOM and a family physician with ties to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, discusses the unique five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) curriculum, which allows students to complete their foundational training in their home states. The School of Medicine emphasizes training for rural and underserved communities, offering special programs like TRUST (Targeted Rural and Underserved Scholar Track) and CUSP (Community Urban Scholars Program) aimed at fostering future physicians committed to these populations. Dr. Muzquiz highlights the comprehensive and transparent admissions process at UWSOM, including the importance of personal storytelling in applications and interviews. Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

Welcome to the 600th episode of Admissions Straight Talk! In this milestone episode, host Linda Abraham sits down with Dr. Michelle Schmude, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Professor of Medical Education at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, to explore the innovative and comprehensive Total Health Curriculum. Dr. Schmude shares how this evidence-based program prepares medical students for the complexities of 21st-century healthcare through early clinical experiences, team-based learning, and a focus on systems-based and humanistic medicine. Listeners will also learn about exciting updates at Geisinger, including the evolution to Geisinger College of Health Sciences and its impact on healthcare education, as well as details on the Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program, which allows students to graduate debt-free in exchange for service in underserved areas. Relevant Links: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Med School Admissions: What you Need to Know to Get AcceptedEvaluating a Situational Judgment Test for Use in Medical School Admissions: Two Years of AAMC PREview Exam Administration DataRelated Shows: Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine An Interview With the Temple Katz School of Medicine Admissions Dean NYMC: How to Get InHow to Write Essays That Will Get You Into Medical SchoolFollow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham interviews Dr. Jeffrey SooHoo, Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. They discuss the unique aspects of the Colorado medical curriculum, including the new Trek curriculum, the importance of longitudinal integrated clerkships, and the various tracks available for students. Dr. SooHoo also shares insights into the secondary application process, the role of the CASPER test, and the criteria for interview invitations. The conversation highlights common mistakes applicants make, the importance of research experience, and the support systems in place for medical students. Dr. SooHoo emphasizes the competitive nature of medical school admissions and the holistic review process used to evaluate applicants. Takeaways: Relevant Links: University of Colorado School of MedicineAccepted's Med School Calculator QuizRelated Shows: Washington University School of MedicineDeep Dive Into Duke Medical: An Interview with Associate Dean Linton YeeDuke’s Physician Assistant ProgramGetting Into Med School Isn’t Easy…But This Applicant Did It! Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode, Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Yale School of Management, shares an overview of the Yale School of Management. The program offers a distinctive two-year, full-time MBA program emphasizing an interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum to prepare students for leadership in business and society. Bruce discusses how aspiring applicants can prepare for and approach the extensive application process, which includes a GMAT/GRE test score, written essays, a resume, a video component, a behavioral assessment, and an interview. Links mentioned in this episode: Yale SOM MBA AdmissionsYale SOM Application GuideYale SOM Essay TipsMBA ROI CalculatorRelated Admissions Straight Talk Episodes How to Create Successful MBA Applications How to Get Accepted to UCLA Anderson How To Get Into UVA Darden’s MBA ProgramHow to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

The NYU Stern Masters of Business Analytics and AI (MSBAAI) program is a one-year specialized degree program that trains students to make data-driven decisions. Dr. Anindya Ghose, Heinz Riehl Chair Professor of Technology and Marketing at New York University's Leonard Stern School of Business and Director of the Masters of Business Analytics and AI Program at Stern discusses everything applicants need to know. He shares the core aim of the program which is to impart cross-functional skills that can be applied across industries. Additionally, Dr. Ghose highlights the career path for graduates of the program. Show Links: Masters of Business Analytics and AI ProgramApplying to Graduate Engineering Programs: What You Need to KnowApplication Advice from Accepted Data Science ClientsSeeking a Graduate Degree in Artificial Intelligence? Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes: ROI and NYU's Part-time MBAStern at NYU Abu Dhabi: A Full-Time MBA in the Middle East Stanford’s MCiM Combines Technology, Healthcare, and Business Berkeley Haas' Master of Financial Engineering Program CMU Tepper’s MS in Business Analytics: All You Need to Know What’s New at NYU Stern’s Online Masters of Science in Quantitative Management Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean of MIT Sloan School of Management, provides a thorough examination into the MIT Sloan School of Management's full-time MBA program, which is mission-driven, focused on identifying and solving the world's biggest and most complex problems. The program offers flexibility with a one-semester core and three semesters of electives, allowing students to pursue seven different certificates or concentrations. Dawna discusses the comprehensive application process, which includes a cover letter, one-page resume, 60-second video, and a behavioral video interview. She shares her tips on how to successfully approach the application. Dawna also highlights the early admission program for current college students and graduate students. Links mentioned in the show: MIT Sloan AdmissionsMIT Sloan MBA EarlyMIT Sloan Application TipsRelated Admissions Straight Talk Episodes How to Get Accepted to UCLA Anderson Prepare for the GRE and GMAT Focus How To Get Into UVA Darden’s MBA Program How to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA How to Respond to the New Harvard MBA Essay Questions Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode, Dr. Valerie Ratts, the Associate Dean for Admissions at The Washington University School of Medicine, offers an overview of the unique program. She describes the "Gateway Curriculum" which provides early clinical exposure and flexibility for students to explore different areas of medicine, including research, innovation, advocacy, and education. Dr. Ratts overviews Wash U’s holistic approach to admissions and the multi-step interview process. Listeners will also learn about the school’s robust student success program, with faculty coaches to provide personalized guidance and support throughout medical school. Relevant Links: WashU Medical SchoolMed QuizRelated Admission Straight Talk Episodes Getting Into Med School Isn’t Easy…But This Applicant Did It! Get Accepted to Loyola Stritch Medical School Submit Successful Secondaries for Medical School Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

Kristin Theis-Alvarez, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the UC Berkeley School of Law, shares her insider perspective on the recent decision to withdraw from US News Rankings and describes how students can demonstrate the Berkeley ethos to secure a spot in this prestigious program. [Show Summary] Thanks for joining me for the 504th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Are you applying to law school this cycle? Are you planning ahead to apply to law school next year or later? Are you...

Imagine a world where there’s no LSAT [Show Summary] With talk of testing becoming an optional step when applying to law school, LSAT expert Steve Schwartz, discusses how test optionality would change admissions. What would it mean for applicants? Should applicants still plan to take the test? Interview with Steve Schwartz, Founder and CEO of LSAT Unplugged [Show Notes] Welcome to the 477th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for joining me. Before we meet our guest, I'd like to highlight the featured resource for today's show. It is Accepted’s Law School Admissions Quiz. Are you ready to apply to your dream law school? Are you competitive at your target programs? Accepted's Law School Admissions Quiz can give you a quick reality check. Just go to accepted.com/law-quiz, complete the quiz, and you'll not only get an assessment of your chances but actionable tips on how to improve your qualifications. Plus, it's all free. hbspt.cta.load(58291, 'c5572014-0b54-4e12-acd9-91a66e31a013', {}); Our guest today is Steve Schwartz of the LSAT Blog and the LSAT Unplugged podcast and YouTube channel, which we're going to link to from the show notes at accepted.com/477. Steve graduated from Columbia University in 2008. In high school and college, he tutored students in a variety of subjects and also helped prep test takers for standardized tests, including the LSAT. However, he really began to focus on the LSAT when he was applying to law school. He founded the LSAT Blog in 2008 and never looked back. Today, 14 years later, he has helped thousands master the LSAT, get into law school, and sometimes secure scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars. Linda: Today, we're discussing a possible LSAT-optional world. Can you give us context for something that a few years ago neither of us would've imagined possible? [2:25] Steve: It is quite a surprise. The general trend has been for more and more of higher education to go test-optional. We've seen this in a number of undergraduate institutions, but at the graduate level, they seem to rely quite a bit more on standardized tests. Overall, I think some of this comes from the fact that there's a lot of grade inflation in colleges and universities. If everyone has a high GPA, then how are schools going to distinguish between different applicants? I think that's part of the reason for the change. Linda: I certainly agree with you. I think that the focus on the test score increased because the GPA was a less valuable signal. Steve: That's why they say that they might need exams like the LSAT for admissions purposes, but at the same time, there are concerns around the equity involved in members of different groups having different test scores and concerns over access. These two issues - on the one hand, grade inflation and on the other hand, issues of access - are seemingly at odds with each other. That poses a problem and a debate that all of higher ed is trying to untangle. hbspt.cta.load(58291, 'f5545361-1ed4-49ea-b537-3ac1931c8064', {}); Linda: We’ve also seen really different trends. The undergrad world has really embraced test-optionality. A few weeks ago, MIT, which embraced test-optionality as a whole, suddenly announced the undergraduate school will be requiring a test once again because they felt it actually enhanced access and equity. Obviously, nobody in undergraduate or graduate levels wants to admit people who aren't going to succeed. At this point in time, what do you think LSAC is going to do? What actually is the issue? Is it schools making a choice? Is it LSAC imposing a policy? [5:05] Steve: That's a fantastic question. Just to backpedal a little bit, you mentioned COVID and how schools were going test-optional. Because of the American Bar Association's requirement that law schools use a valid and reliable admission test like the LSAT, law schools could not do that in March 2020 when the pandemic hit North America.

Are you interested in Georgetown University's School of Medicine? In this blog post, we give our advice on tackling the school's secondary essays and interview Dr. Ellen Dugan, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Admissions. Georgetown University School of Medicine 2022 - 2023 secondary application essay questions Given the Jesuit influence at Georgetown and its adoption of the Cura Personalis philosophy, I recommend covering your clinical, research and community service experience for Georgetown’s secondary application essay. The school places special emphasis on training physicians to treat medically underserved communities. Highlight your personal connections, volunteer work and leadership roles in medically underserved communities. Georgetown Medical School short essay question #1 The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community in Diversity, we are steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and to addressing the health inequities exacerbated by the recent pandemic. Please describe how your values, life experiences, and your identity will contribute to these GUSOM priorities. (1,000 characters) This prompt for Georgetown replaces one that broadly asked to hear that you are compassionate and holistic. How do you embrace the Jesuit values as specified in the prompt (research them) and at the same time advocate for equity and justice for all? (You do not need to profess being Jesuit if that is not your truth, but all applicants would wisely explain their identification with these values and how they came to be instilled in your character.) How does doing so correspond with being humble? How does being humble and righteous for equity define a physician’s character? How did the pandemic reveal stark inequity and racial bias? Explain this. What can others expect from you regarding how you uphold these values as ideals and actions? Georgetown Medical School short essay question #2 Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (1,000 characters) This would be the best place to cover any academic difficulties that you have overcome, whether you’ve retaken courses, created an increasing trend in your GPA or retaken the MCAT for a higher score. Focusing on those areas of the application that you have successfully improved can provide compelling evidence of your academic potential and how you will perform in medical school. If this approach is not relevant to your application, you can use this section to update the committee on new publications, activities or awards that may not be on the AMCAS application. Discuss what you have been doing since you started the application process. Georgetown Medical School long essay question Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (3,000 characters) Since this is such a long essay, it will be helpful to draw upon your previous experiences to demonstrate why your values align with those of Georgetown. Use 1-3 concrete, specific examples to explain how and why you will integrate easily into their study body. The second part of this essay prompt requires that you focus on the future. After researching their curriculum and special programs, you can explain how each of these will enhance your medical education. Make a list and use this as an outline to guide your response. Focus on the most important points last; they may be forgotten if you include them at the beginning of such a long essay. For that reason,

Discover the unique Temple Katz SOM program [Show Summary] The Temple Katz School of Medicine distinguishes itself with two campuses, a Narrative Medicine Program, and deep ties to the local community. In this interview, Jacob Ufberg, Associate Dean of Admissions, shares everything applicants need to know to get accepted to Temple Katz. Interview with Temple Katz School of Medicine Admissions Dean, Dr. Jacob W. Ufberg [Show Notes] Welcome to the 476th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for tuning in. The medical school application process is complex. Think of it like a structure that you're building with many elements and floors. Like any building, it requires a strong foundation. Accepted’s free four-part video course, which takes less than half an hour to complete, lays out the foundation of an outstanding medical school application. Watch it today at medschoolessentials.com. Our special guest today is Dr. Jacob Ufberg, Associate Dean for Admissions at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Director of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program. He completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Pennsylvania, then he earned his MD at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and did his residency in Emergency Medicine at The Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He returned to Temple University's Katz School of Medicine after completing his residency and has since become Associate Dean of Admissions, Interim Assistant Dean of Career Advising, a Professor of Emergency Medicine, and an Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director. I'd say he's a little bit busy. Can you give us an overview of Temple Katz's approach to medical education, focusing on its more distinctive aspects? [1:58] At Temple, we teach our clinical medicine and basic science interwoven together with our clinical faculty and basic science faculty integrated together into our pre-clerkship curriculum over the first year and three quarters. That can provide some clinical perspective for the basic science that the students are learning. We do a good deal of small group and case-based learning, and we have a strong focus on integrating the learning of safety, quality, social and structural determinants of health, disparities in health, and medical ethics. We have a wonderful simulation center here. We use simulation and standardized patients quite a bit in the pre-clerkship years for clinical correlation. We have a curriculum that allows for a lot of early and frequent clinical experience. We have two campuses, one here in North Philadelphia and one in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at the St. Luke's University Health System. They both provide really wonderful clinical learning opportunities for the students. One of the great things is that the students have an opportunity to cross over from one campus to the other for some of their clinical learning opportunities over the years. Is there a different focus between the two different campuses? [3:37] I wouldn't say that there's a different focus. We are very well-aligned in how we teach, what we teach, and the experiences that the students have. There is a size difference. The campus here in North Philadelphia has 180 students per year and there are 40 students per year at the St. Luke's campus. Each offers unique benefits. The students up here love the urban setting. The students down on the St. Luke's campus love living at a slightly more relaxed space. They have a smaller learning group that provides the opportunity to really mesh together, grow together over the years. Can you describe the Narrative Medicine Program? Is that for all students or is it an elective? [5:36] Any student has an opportunity to participate in the Narrative Medicine Program. Narrative medicine is kind of a newer thing, and it really lives at the intersection of science and medicine and the humanities. It's about storytelling. It's listening to patients and their families,

How can an international student pay for grad school in the U.S. or Canadian graduate education? [Show Summary] MPOWER Financing has changed the graduate education financing industry by offering international students loans with no collateral or co-signer requirement. Sasha Ramani, the Associate Director of Corporate Strategy explains how they do this responsibly and shares his own journey through graduate school, which led him to this role. Interview with Sasha Ramani, Associate Director of Corporate Strategy, MPOWER Financing [Show Notes] Welcome to the 476th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for tuning in. Are any of you, whether in the United States or outside of the United States, aiming for the MBA Trinity of Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton? Well, you're in luck. Next week I'm going to present What It Takes to Get Accepted to Harvard, Stanford and Wharton on Thursday, June 23rd. The webinar is free, but you do need to register to reserve your spot at accepted.com/hsw. I'd like to welcome to Admissions Straight Talk Sasha Ramani. Sasha grew up in Canada and graduated with distinction from the University of Waterloo where he quadruple majored in Actuarial Science, Statistics, Operations Research, and Business Administration, while also being active on campus. After graduating, he worked for Mars & Co and Deloitte as a Strategy Consultant before moving on to the Harvard Kennedy School, where he completed his MPP in Business and Government. Since 2017, he has worked with MPOWER Financing, a fast-growing FinTech company, providing millions to promising international and DACA students without collateral or co-signers. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? [2:05] Sure, absolutely. I'm from a city called Mississauga. It's a suburb of Toronto in Canada. That's where I was born and raised. I spent my entire childhood there until the end of college. Then I moved to New York City and worked as a management consultant for two different consultancies, Mars & Co and Deloitte Consulting. I specialized in investment management. That’s the traditional consulting work of helping firms grow and expand, advising on mergers and acquisitions, cost-cutting, or other ways they can expand their product or geographic services. After that, I moved on to the Harvard Kennedy School where I got a Master's in Public Policy. That's when I came across MPOWER almost by accident. I came across the firm at a startup career fair, not even looking for jobs, but just looking for interesting startups and getting a flavor for what people were doing. It just sort of crossed my mind that if for me, as a Canadian in the U.S., which makes me the least international of all students, to get a bank account, a credit card, or other bread and butter financial product was kind of like pulling teeth – imagine what it's like for a student from India, China, Mexico, Brazil, or any of the other 200 plus countries thatMPOWER serves. So I did my graduate school internship with MPOWER in 2017. I loved the experience. When I completed my master's in 2018, I joined full-time and I've had the pleasure of being the Head of Corporate Strategy ever since then. How did you go from the very focused to the big picture? [4:07] My undergraduate was a double undergrad between a Bachelor's in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, and a BBA, Bachelor's of Business Administration, from next-door Wilfrid Laurier University. It’s a short walk between these schools, about 15 minutes. They’ve collaborated to have this cross-disciplinary double undergraduate program together. It's actually considered one of Canada's leading undergraduate programs for students interested in those fields. It's also a co-op program, which means students take work terms that are interplaced between study terms. I realized that what I liked most about my experience doing co-op jobs as an actuary was the part that made me feel like a management consult...

An inside look at the NYMC MD program and how to get accepted [Show Summary] New York Medical College’s MD program offers students robust clinical experiences and ongoing academic and career mentoring. Dr. Karen Murray, Associate Dean of Admissions, gives an inside scoop on how students can get accepted to this competitive program. Interview with Dr. Karen Murray, Associate Dean of Admissions for the SOM at NYMC [Show Notes] Welcome to the 474th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for tuning in. Calculating your GPA for med school can be difficult, especially if you are applying via AMCAS, AACOMAS and/or TMDSAS. However, Accepted has a free tool that can really help you. Using our brand new and free GPA calculator, just enter your classes and credits to calculate your GPA. If you are a couple of years away from applying, you can download the GPA calculator spreadsheet and assess the impact of your grades as you earn them. Or you can calculate the impact of different anticipated grades and see what your GPA will be if you ace that course, or if you take a hit. Just download the spreadsheet template at accepted.com/medgpa, and you can use and update it as needed. Plus it’s free. Try the Premed GPA Calculator Our guest today is Dr. Karen Murray, Associate Dean of Admissions for the School of Medicine at New York Medical College. Dr. Murray graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor's in Biology and Biological Sciences. She immediately started medical school at NYMC and graduated in 1991. She then did her residency in OB/GYN also at NYMC and has been an attending physician and Associate Professor at NYMC since 2003. She became the Associate Dean for Admissions for the School of Medicine at NYMC in 2018. Can you give us an overview of NYMC's approach to medical education focusing on its more distinctive elements? [2:23] New York Medical College has recently undergone a revamping of its curriculum. This was geared toward the changes that are happening with the USMLE. Unlike the traditional medical school where you had two years of full, straight lecture courses followed by two years of clinical, we are actually starting our clinicals early. They start out during the first year with the fundamentals, which go from August to March. Then, starting in March of your first year, you start your systems. Your systems-based learning goes from April of your first year and continues through to February of your second year. Usually somewhere between the end of February and March, you take the Step 1, and immediately after that, you start your clinicals. Your clinicals start in April of your second year and run through into your fourth year and graduation. We've put a little bit more clinical in there and start the clinical a little earlier. A lot of students go to medical school because they really want to put that white coat on and get out and start seeing patients. You do see some of that in your first year during your fundamentals. You may have a preceptor you meet with once a week. Then your core clinical rotations start at the end of your second year like prior to getting into the third year. So students have a little bit more than two years of clinical rotations? [3:54] Absolutely. Yes. Is there anything that you would like listeners to know about New York Medical College or perhaps a myth that you would like to dispel? [4:10] New York Medical College follows a holistic review of the application and the applicant. This is something that comes from AMCAS where we use the E-A-M model which stands for Experience-Attributes-Metrics and each is weighted equally. Your experience comes from whatever kind of medical research clinical experience you may have that you put in your application. Your metrics are pretty obvious. That would be your MCAT or your GPA. Your attributes come from your personal statement, the MMI interview, and any letters of recommendation that you have.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose That Gets You Accepted [Show Summary] Vanessa Febo is a PhD candidate in English Literature at UCLA and a writing instructor who has guided students to acceptance at top programs at Harvard, Stanford, and USC. In this episode, she shares her expert tips on mastering the writing required for a successful statement of purpose. Interview with Vanessa Febo, a PhD candidate in English Literature at UCLA and Accepted Admissions Consultant [Show Notes] Welcome to the 473rd episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for tuning in. The challenge at the heart of admissions is showing that you both fit in at your target schools and stand out in the applicant pool. Accepted’s free download, Fitting In & Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions will show you how to do both. Master this paradox, and you are well on your way to acceptance. You can download this free guide at accepted.com/fiso. Our guest today, Vanessa Febo, is a PhD candidate in English Literature at UCLA. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's in English, and then worked in business for several years. While pursuing her PhD at UCLA, she has taught writing to undergraduate students and assisted graduate students in getting major grants and scholarships, including the Fulbright, Stanford Knight-Hennessy, and the Ford Foundation Fellowship. She has also guided students to acceptance at top programs at Harvard, Stanford, USC, and others, while an Accepted consultant. How did you get involved in coaching applicants in the writing required for admissions as well as grant and scholarship applications? [2:08] I was an English major, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD. I wasn't sure what that entailed at the time. I don't think anyone necessarily does when they’re going into a PhD program, but I discovered a lot of it was teaching. I really loved teaching and a big part of teaching and the English curriculum is obviously working with students on their writing, which we’re not necessarily fully trained in. So I got additional certification in writing pedagogy as well. Then I managed to get a job at the Scholarship Resource Center at UCLA, which is a very unique center because it's one of the only of its kind in the country. It's really surprising to me that more universities, especially private ones that have so much money, don’t have centers like this. We're one of the very few that actually help students work on applications for scholarships. Through that, I have the opportunity to work with students on what we might call national merit or nationally recognized international scholarships as well because that is operated through that office. I got to work with Dr. Rebecca Blustein, who spearheads this at UCLA. I've been involved on selection committees for scholarships through this office for in-house scholarships and for things like Phi Beta Kappa, the National Honor Society. I was recently on their selection committee for that, but it just finished. I've also worked with students with both interviewing and essay writing for all sorts of scholarships, large and small. So that's what got me started. Then I branched out more into statements of purpose. What's the first step applicants should take when they're thinking about writing a statement of purpose essay? [4:39] I'm going to give an answer that's going to sound really simplistic, but I'll explain why it's actually really important. My answer is to always read the prompt. It's not always obvious that there is a prompt and usually there’s additional information on application webpages or on a school's page that feeds into the prompt. They might state what type of applicant they're looking for in a different section of the webpage from the actual prompt itself. I always consider this additional information as part of the prompt. Part of it is gathering all of that information together and seeing what they're actually askin...