Blog Archives

AMSA Conference Featured Speaker Reminder

Just a reminder that I will be speaking at the 60th Annual American Medical Student Association national conference on Saturday, March 13 at 11:30am. The conference is being held in Anaheim. My lecture will cover insider tips for optimizing applications for residency. See you there!

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The Medical School Wait List: Can Anything Be Done?

Just when you’ve completed your medical school interviews and feel that you can sit back and relax because – after all – the rest is out of your hands, you may be surprised by a wait list notification. What is the next step? What can you do?

First of all, realize that medical school admissions have become increasingly competitive of late – especially in this weaker economy. Competitive applicants who would have considered business or law school are now recognizing the stability of a medical career. The number of applicants has again increased this year. Being wait listed is better than being rejected, and thus a positive, despite the anxiety is causes.

A few things you can do:
1. Send a letter of intent. Let the school know of your continued interest and your new accomplishments. Ensure the letter is well written, streamlined and brief. Be explicit about your enthusiasm, and if the school is your first choice, let the admissions committee know that.
2. Ask the school if you can set up a second look. A second visit indicates to the institution that you are serious, and it offers you more data in making your decision if you are later offered a spot.
3. Do not neglect your other options. Don’t focus all of your attention on this institution to the exclusion of others: Ensure you are well-prepared for upcoming interviews at other medical schools.
4. Plan for last minute notice. At some schools applicants are offered slots off the wait list throughout the summer. I’ve even heard of acceptances being offered the day before medical school was to begin. Would you be able to change your living situation, move your personal belongings and uproot if this were to happen?

Finally, consider working with a professional who can substantially improve your letter of intent and assist you with mock interviews. I edit all of my clients’ materials. I do not hire outside editors. I conduct all mock interviews myself.

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New Options for Pre-Meds

Here is an interesting article from today’s NYTs regarding the opening of several new American medical schools. These may be a reasonable option for those pre-meds with lesser GPAs and MCATs.

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Match: My Last Posting

Unfortunately, I notice that if you click on the Medscape link I published in my last entry, Medscape requires you to input a password. Instead Google “Dan Egan Match” and click on “How Should I Rank Choices for the Match,” which is the first entry on the page.

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How to Create a Rank List for the Match

Here is a great article from my friend and ex-resident Dan Egan. He was just named the Associate Residency Director for the Emergency Medicine program at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: