7 Ways to Avoid Sloppy Medical School Applications
There was the medical school applicant whose email address contained a sexually suggestive tone, and another with a reference to drug paraphernalia.
I've seen applications where the student couldn't correctly spell the names of the physicians they shadowed or the labs where they worked. And there are prospective students who have submitted their applications with photos of themselves in a bar or a party setting.
In a profession that requires precision and sound judgment, having an immature email address, inappropriate photo or sloppy spelling or grammar on an application send the wrong message about an applicant and could prevent someone from getting into medical school.
Across the country, medical school admissions officers and faculty members will be po ring over hundreds of thousands of pages of application materials this fall to select the next generation of physicians. With record numbers of applications arriving each year, medical school admissions have become more competitive. The require d tough choices are based mostly on written applications from would-be physicians. Too many potentially good candidates do themselves no favors in the application process.
As I have told audiences repeatedly over the years, "The application is the first thing we see -- and if you do a poor job on it, it will be the last thing we will see." Below is a list of simple things admissions officials see too often on applications and should be avoided by medical school applicants:
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1. Using an inappropriate email address: It may have seemed creative, cool or funny at one time, but an email address with a sexually suggestive tone or a drug reference does not strike a professional note . If you are in this boat, create a new e mail account.
2. Including poor photographs: At our medical school, we ask applicants to include a photograph, primarily so we can identify them on interview day. It also prevents an applicant from bringing another person in to do their interviews.
If this is the case where you're applying, choose a photo that appears professional. Avoid photos taken at bars or sporting events and group shots where it is difficult to identify yourself. It does not need to be a studio photo, but it should look appropriate.
3. Leaving placeholder responses or unanswered questions on your application: Review your work. I am surprised each year by the number of applicants who answer an application question with, "Get back to this later."
My pet peeve is when an applicant doesn't answer our question about leisure activities. This is not a trick question. Being well-rounded is an important part of going to medical school. Those who maintain a balanced lifestyle typically develop the coping mechanisms needed for the rigors of a medical career.
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4. Not completing optional essays: Many schools like to see answers to optional essays. If you have an answer, you should provide it.
5. Not providing details: Far too many times, applicants will write something like, "I shadowed a pediatrician for 20 hours in his clinic."
Here's a better description: "I shadowed Dr. Scott Jones in his pediatric outpatient clinic for five days for a total of 20 hours. I was able to observe him with patients and parents. Most of the cases were either a new onset illness or a follow-up from a previous visit. During his visits, he would explain to the parents the diagnosis, possible treatments and make referrals to specialists when needed."
6. Using unnecessary jargon: Sometimes applicants are trying too hard to impress with their use of language. A well-written, plain spoken essay works best. You want to use your own voice.
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7. Having poor grammar or spelling: Applicants have misspelled the names of physicians they have shadowed, researchers they have worked with in labs, and even names of parents and family.
Why is this so important? Medicine is a profession of precision. Physicians work daily on numerous tasks in a fast-paced environment, collecting information, analyzing it and then determining the best way to achieve the best outcome for the patient.
Having the ability to prepare a thorough, well-written application lets us know you possess the sort of professionalism and attention to detail required of the medical profession. It signals you are an excellent candidate for admission to our medical school.
Mike Kennedy is director of admissions at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
