What attracts more than 5,300 applicants to a medical school with 120 seats? In Episode 631 of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Laurel Poole, director of MD program admissions at the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine, about the program’s curriculum, student outcomes, and holistic admissions process.

Poole explains how UCF’s location in Orlando, its Health Sciences Campus, career advising, and strong residency match outcomes have helped this newer medical school build a national reputation. She also takes listeners inside the curriculum. Every student completes the two-year Focused Individualized Research Experience (FIRE), which provides structured research time and faculty mentorship. Through the Community of Practice program, students begin applying clinical and communication skills with patients during the first year.

The conversation also covers UCF’s student-run free clinics, community service opportunities, and developing discussions about technology and AI in healthcare. Finally, Poole describes what the admissions committee wants to see in a competitive applicant: academic readiness, meaningful clinical exposure, research, shadowing, and sustained volunteerism. UCF seeks students who have both the “head and the heart for medicine”—people whose actions support the qualities they claim in their essays.

If UCF is on your medical school list, this episode offers a practical look at the program and the preparation needed to demonstrate a strong fit.

00:00 Introduction to UCF College of Medicine  

00:44 UCF’s Growth in Orlando  

04:02 Student Outcomes Attract a Competitive Applicant Pool  

06:48 The Required FIRE Research Experience  

11:21 Clinical Learning Begins in the First Year  

14:11 Service Through Student Organizations and Free Clinics  

16:13 Technology, AI, and the Human Side of Medicine  

18:48 What UCF Looks for in Medical School Applicants  

Related Resources

• UCF College of Medicine MD Admission Requirements 
• UCF Contact MD Program Admissions
•  2026-2027 AMCAS Work and Activities Section: What to Include (with Examples)

Related Episodes

• Episode 625: Inside COMP: What the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Looks for in Applicants  
• Episode 619: From Street Clinics to Neurosurgery: How TUCOM Trains Physicians Who Stand Out
• Episode 618: Inside Baylor College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum, and What Makes a Strong Applicant

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What does it look like to leave a successful career in book publishing and build a new path to medical school? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Sarah Shirley, an osteopathic medical student at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, about her journey from English and comparative literary studies to book publishing, premed coursework, and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) school.

Sarah shares how hospital volunteering helped her test whether medicine was the right fit, why career changers need to take their doubts seriously without letting fear make the decision for them, and how she built a med school application around authentic experiences rather than a “checkbox” list. She also discusses letters of recommendation, the value of staying fully present while shadowing, and the journaling habit that helped her make stronger recommendation requests.

The conversation also explores osteopathic medicine, including what drew Sarah to the DO philosophy, how osteopathic manipulative medicine shaped her understanding of patient care, and why applicants should learn the tenets of osteopathy before writing their secondary essays. If you are a nontraditional applicant, a humanities major considering medicine, or a premed wondering whether your path is too different, this episode offers practical advice and honest encouragement.

00:00 Meet Sarah Shirley: From Humanities to DO School

03:21 Finding Medicine Through Hospital Volunteering

05:14 Deciding to Pursue the Premed Path

08:10 Self-Doubt, Failure, and Changing Careers

14:34 Building a Meaningful Med School Portfolio

22:29 Asking for Strong Letters of Recommendation

30:30 Why Osteopathic Medicine Was the Right Fit

Related Episodes

• From Med School Reapplicant to Current M1 [Episode 609]
• Inside COMP: What the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Looks for in Applicants [Episode 625]
• How to Get the Most Out of Your Premed Shadowing Experience [Episode 620]

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What makes the University of Iowa Physician Assistant (PA) Program one of the country’s top PA programs? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Thomas O’Shea, PhD, MEd, director of administrative and student services for the University of Iowa’s PA Program, about the program’s structure, curriculum, clinical training, student support, and admissions priorities.

The University of Iowa PA Program admits a small cohort of 25 students each August and is housed in the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. Dr. O’Shea explains how Iowa’s 28-month program combines close student support with the resources of a major academic medical center, including access to faculty across the Carver College of Medicine and clinical opportunities through the University of Iowa Health Care system, local partners, regional sites, national placements, and international experiences.

The conversation also explores Iowa’s distinctive integrated curriculum. During the didactic phase, PA students learn alongside MD and MD-PhD students, giving them shared preparation for the team-based clinical environments they will enter after graduation. Dr. O’Shea also describes the “triple helix” curriculum, the Medicine and Society strand of the curriculum, the student learning communities, alumni involvement, and the program’s long history dating back to 1972.

The episode closes with practical advice for applicants: know the minimum requirements, understand your academic and science GPA trends, build meaningful healthcare experience, reflect on what you have learned, and develop relationships with people who can speak clearly to your readiness for PA school.

0:00 Welcome, Dr. Tom O’Shea

00:27 University of Iowa PA Program Basics

03:18 Why Iowa’s PA Program Stands Out

08:10 PA and MD Students Learning Together

12:18 The Triple Helix Curriculum

14:31 Learning Communities at Carver College of Medicine

20:11 How Alumni Support Current PA Students

23:53 What the University of Iowa’s PA Program Looks for in Applicants

29:17 Why Gap Years Can Strengthen an Application

31:01 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Related Resources

• University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program
• University of Iowa PA Program Admission Requirements
• University of Iowa PA Program Staff
• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant, a free guide
• Accepted’s Physician Assistant Application Packages

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How can military veterans translate their service, leadership, and clinical experience into a strong PA school application? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Brandon R. Beattie, MMSc, PA-C, assistant professor and program director, about the George Washington University (GW) PA Program, the military roots of the PA profession, and the opportunities and barriers veterans face when applying to PA school.

Brandon brings both admissions expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Before becoming a PA, he served as a U.S. Army combat medic during multiple overseas tours. He later completed his PA training at Yale and now leads one of the country’s long-standing PA programs, which was founded in 1972 and was ranked sixth (tied with Baylor College of Medicine) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Physician Assistant Programs rankings.

The conversation focuses on how veterans can tell their stories in ways that admissions committees will understand. Brandon explains why military jargon, acronyms, and modesty can sometimes hide the depth of an applicant’s experience. He also shares practical advice for the PA application process, including proofreading, clarifying military roles for civilian readers, choosing recommendation writers strategically, and showing evidence of grit, teamwork, communication, coachability, and mission fit.

If you are a veteran considering PA school, this episode offers a clear framework for presenting military service as a strength, not a complication.

0:00 From Military Service to PA School

01:32 What Sets the GW PA Program Apart

03:25 Veterans and the Origins of the PA Profession

05:27 Strengths Veterans Bring to PA School

07:03 Barriers Veterans Face in the Application Process

15:06 Strategies for a Strong PA Application

18:12 Choosing the Right Recommenders

20:21 What GW Looks for in Competitive Applicants

Related Resources:

• Brandon R. Beattie faculty profile
• George Washington University Physician Assistant Program 
• GW PA Program Admission Requirements
• GW PA Program How to Apply
• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant, a free guide
• Accepted’s Physician Assistant Application Packages 

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What makes Wake Forest University’s Physician Assistant Program different from the hundreds of PA programs applicants can choose from?

In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Sobia Hussaini, MHA, assistant professor of PA studies and director of admissions and strategic recruitment for PA studies at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, about the program’s curriculum, campuses, culture, and admissions priorities.

Sobia explains how Wake Forest’s 24-month Master of Medical Science PA Program brings together a large class with a small-group learning environment across two North Carolina campuses: Winston-Salem and Boone. She describes how the program’s inquiry-based learning model asks students to work through patient cases from the beginning of PA school, building clinical reasoning, self-directed learning, and collaborative problem-solving skills before they enter rotations.

The conversation also explores Wake Forest’s leadership focus, including its Emerging Leaders Program pathways in business and law, and the service-oriented experiences that begin during orientation. Sobia connects those experiences to the PA profession’s responsibility to understand the social drivers of health and serve patients in context.

The episode closes with practical advice for applicants. Wake Forest looks for academic readiness, meaningful hands-on patient care experience, teamwork, service, leadership, resilience, and a clear answer to one essential question: why do you want to be a PA?

00:00 Introducing Wake Forest’s PA Program

03:35 Comparing the Winston-Salem and Boone Campuses

07:38 Serving Rural and Medically Underserved Communities

09:12 How Inquiry-Based Learning Works

14:21 Leadership Development Throughout the Curriculum

18:21 The Emerging Leaders Program in Business and Law

22:08 Community Service, Orientation, and Social Drivers of Health

28:38 What Wake Forest Looks for in PA Applicants

33:26 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Related Resources:

• Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
• Wake Forest PA Program Emerging Leaders Programs 
• Inside Wake PA, a digital publication
• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant, an Accepted guide
• Accepted’s Physician Assistant Application Packages

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What do you do when your transcript tells a story you would rather not tell? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk podcast, host Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Dr. Rachel Slutsky, an Accepted admissions consultant and Harvard PhD, to discuss one of the most common – and most feared – obstacles in the graduate admissions process: a problematic academic record.

Dr. Slutsky draws on her background as a university writing tutor and professor to reframe how applicants think about academic setbacks. The conversation moves through three categories of challenges she commonly sees in her work: ethical issues, emotional and psychological struggles, and maturity gaps. She also addresses the often-overlooked role of financial hardship in academic performance.

The episode is practical throughout. Dr. Slutsky and Dr. Wherley discuss where in your application to address your academic record, how much space to give it in a statement of purpose, and why self-awareness – not shame – is the quality that resonates with adcoms. They cover how to demonstrate help-seeking behaviors, professional growth, and determination when the numbers on your transcript do not tell your whole story.

The conversation closes with an invitation: If you have been avoiding applying to graduate school because of your academic record, Dr. Slutsky wants to hear from you.

00:00 Welcoming Dr. Rachel Slutsky to the Podcast

02:53 Defining a Problematic Academic Record

04:28 Three Sources of Issues: Ethical, Emotional, and Maturity

07:11 Financial Hardship and the Hidden Story Behind Transcripts

09:35 Should You Even Apply? Don’t Write Off Grad School Prematurely

10:43 Addressing Academic Issues in a Statement of Purpose

13:41 Self-Awareness Over Shame: Own It, Show Growth, Move Forward

16:05 The Holistic Review Process: Highlighting Your Strengths

19:27 Demonstrating Help-Seeking Behaviors as Evidence of Growth

Related Resources:

• Dr. Rachel Slutsky bio
• Sign up for a free consultation with Dr. Rachel Slutsky

Related Episodes:

• How to Get Selected for a Fulbright and Other Competitive Fellowships [Episode 624]
• Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612]

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What exactly is—and isn’t—a DO? And what does it take to get into a Tier 1 primary care medical school that operates across two very different campuses?

In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with the leadership and a current student from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western University of Health Sciences. Dr. Lisa Warren, the dean and a COMP graduate; Dr. Marcel Fraix, associate dean for admissions and also a COMP graduate; TJ Pe, assistant director of recruitment; and Sarah Shirley, a rising second-year COMP DO student, walk listeners through what makes this program distinctive.

The conversation covers the school’s two-campus structure—urban Pomona, California, and rural Lebanon, Oregon—and how the shared curriculum delivers a consistent experience in two very different environments. COMP has now earned U.S. News & World Report’s Tier 1 recognition for primary care training for three consecutive years, and the panel breaks down why that matters for applicants.

Sarah shares her nontraditional path: a literature degree, a career in book publishing, a mid-20s pivot, and what drew her to osteopathic medicine specifically. The panel also discusses COMP’s longitudinal student tracks (business, rural health, sports medicine, and more), the technology-infused curriculum including simulation and AI exposure, and the robust student wellness infrastructure—from free yoga to open-door faculty.

For applicants concerned about GPA and MCAT thresholds, Dr. Fraix and TJ offer a candid, encouraging reality check on holistic admissions and the one-year master’s program that creates a pathway for promising candidates who don’t yet meet full admission requirements.

Related Resources:

• College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western University of Health Sciences
• Experience WesternU (preview day): August 22, 2026
• Dr. Lisa Warren, dean, Western University of Health Sciences COMP and COMP-Northwest: lwarren@westernu.edu
• Dr. Marcel Fraix, associate dean, admissions and enrollment chair, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation: mfraix@westernu.edu
• TJ Pe, assistant director of recruitment: pet@westernu.edu

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What does it take to get selected for a Fulbright or Boren Fellowship? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk podcast, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Steven Tagle, an Accepted admissions consultant and fellowship specialist, to break down two of the most prestigious, and most misunderstood, awards in graduate education.

Steven draws on his own journey: a Stanford undergraduate, an MFA funded by a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship, a Fulbright that turned into eight years in Greece, and a second writing fellowship from the Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA). Today, he helps applicants navigate the entire fellowship landscape, from “fellowship matchmaking” to final interviews.

The conversation covers the structure and purpose of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, including the differences between Study/Research Awards and English Teaching Assistant Awards, and how country-specific requirements shape a successful application. Steven also makes a case for the Boren Awards, an often-overlooked option with acceptance rates as high as 40%, a service requirement, and language study built in.

Whether you are a college senior, a graduate student, or a professional considering funded study or research abroad, this episode offers a clear, practical foundation for approaching some of the most competitive awards available.

00:00 Introducing Steven Tagle 

01:03 Steven’s Path: Stanford, Soros, Fulbright, and ICWA

02:36 What Exactly Is a Fellowship?

04:09 How Fellowship Selection Advice Works

05:52 Inside the Fulbright U.S. Student Program

10:33 Study/Research vs. English Teaching Assistant Awards

12:08 Why the Boren Awards Are Often Overlooked

14:32 When to Start Preparing a Fellowship Application

17:54 How to Submit the Most Competitive Application

19:30 Closing Thoughts and How to Work with Steven

Related Resources:

• Steven Tagle bio
• Accepted’s Fellowship Consulting Services
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program (U.S. Department of State)
• Boren Awards (National Security Education Program)

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This episode of Admissions Straight Talk covers what it takes to get accepted into the top-ranked Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Amber Bennett, associate professor of clinical occupational therapy at USC Chan, to break down how the occupational therapy (OT) field has shifted and what makes the school’s top-ranked curriculum stand out. This episode is especially valuable for OT school applicants seeking a competitive edge in the graduate admissions process.

Dr. Bennett highlights the division’s historic commitment to clinical innovation, its extensive experiential learning partnerships, and the vast professional power of the global USC Trojan alumni network. Listeners will discover how the unique 14-week doctoral capstone allows students to complete their final year remotely while translating cutting-edge clinical research into direct healthcare advocacy and community action.

For future applicants, Dr. Bennett delivers essential, hands-on strategies for mastering the program-specific prompts within the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) application portal. Listeners will gain concrete insights into how to build a highly structured and reflective personal narrative, how to strategically select recommenders who can share character-driven examples, and how the USC Chan admissions committee evaluates applicants using a holistic review framework.

00:00 Introducing Dr. Amber Bennett, Associate Professor at USC Chan
00:39 The Evolution of Occupational Therapy and the Shift to the OTD Program
04:19 Why USC Chan Is the Nation’s Top-Ranked OT Program
08:39 Hands-On Learning, Fieldwork, and Student Experiences
12:15 Where Occupational Therapists Work: Traditional and Emerging Career Paths
14:44 Inside USC Chan’s 14-Week Doctoral Capstone
17:34 Application Essays: How to Answer USC Chan’s Prompts Effectively
20:05 What Makes a Competitive OTD Application?
24:13 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Final Advice for Applicants

Related Resources:

• Dr. Amber Bennett bio 
• USC Chan Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
• USC Chan Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program
• Extracurricular Activities Can Help You Get Accepted to Graduate Therapy Programs

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What should applicants know about WashU Medicine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program?

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Steven Ambler – professor of physical therapy and orthopaedic surgery, division director of education, and DPT program director at WashU Medicine – about the program’s curriculum, culture, student support, research opportunities, and admissions process.

Dr. Ambler explains how WashU integrates early clinical experience into the curriculum, why the program emphasizes collaboration over competition, and how faculty coaching helps support students throughout their training. He also shares how the admissions committee evaluates applicants holistically and what qualities make an application stand out.

If you’re considering physical therapy school and want an inside look at one of the country’s most respected DPT programs, this episode offers practical guidance and useful perspective.

00:00 WashU Medicine DPT Program Overview
01:22 Why the WashU DPT Program is Top-Ranked
04:08 Early Integrated Clinical Experience
07:05 Alumni Preceptors and Clinical Placements
07:53 Student Support, Collaboration, and Coaching
13:20 Research Opportunities for DPT Students
17:42 Holistic Admissions Review at WashU 
21:53 What Makes a Competitive WashU DPT Applicant

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This episode of Admissions Straight Talk covers the essential strategies for overcoming rejection and successfully reapplying to physician assistant (PA) programs. In this episode, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Cassandra Zoetjes, a first-generation college student and current PA student at Sacred Heart University who successfully navigated three application cycles. Cassandra shares how she transformed her candidacy by pursuing a master’s in nutrition at Columbia University and diversifying her clinical experiences as a scribe and a medical assistant.

This conversation is especially valuable for reapplicants facing an unsuccessful cycle or those considering a graduate degree to bolster their academic profile. Cassandra provides a transparent look at the emotional toll of the “drinking from a fire hose” aspect of PA school and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Her story serves as a road map for applicants who need to add depth to their writing and medical knowledge.

Listeners will gain concrete insights into these topics:

• How a specialized master’s degree can demonstrate academic rigor
• The benefit of diversifying patient care experience across specialties
• Strategies for crafting a resilient mindset and an honest personal statement
• What to expect in a PA curriculum

0:00 Introducing the Journey to PA School

1:06 Meet Cassandra: First-Gen Student Success

2:11 Choosing the PA Profession

3:39 Navigating Three PA Application Cycles

4:52 Strengthening Your GPA With a Master’s Degree

7:28 Diversifying Clinical and Volunteer Experience

9:58 Surviving the PA School Curriculum

11:47 Leadership and Student Government Opportunities in PA School

13:04 Advice for Reapplicants and Future PAs

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What does it take to maximize your premed shadowing opportunity, and why does this experience matter so much in your application?

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Rachel L. Schreiber, a board-certified allergist/immunologist and former president of the Greater Washington Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society. Recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington Consumers’ Checkbook, Dr. Schreiber shares practical advice on finding shadowing opportunities, keeping a journal, and asking the right questions.

Additionally, Dr. Wherley and Dr. Schreiber address the nonnegotiable topic of patient confidentiality. From HIPAA requirements, to what you can safely write about in your application essays, to the risks of discussing patients on social media, the bottom line is this: you must conduct yourself with professionalism from the moment you walk in the clinic, including after you walk out. If you are preparing to apply to medical school, this episode will change how you think about every hour you spend shadowing.

0:00  Meet Dr. Rachel L. Schreiber

0:30  Finding and Securing Premed Shadowing Opportunities

3:14  The Real Purpose of Shadowing Before Med School

4:23  Why You Should Keep a Shadowing Journal

7:08  Asking Questions and Choosing Specialties

13:25  Patient Privacy and HIPAA

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What does it take to stand out and become a competitive applicant to Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM), and what makes this program unique among osteopathic medical schools?

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted consultant and podcast host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Alesia Wagner, associate dean of academic affairs at TUCOM. Together, they explore how the school’s mission shapes its curriculum, how its 100% residency match rate reflects the breadth of specialty opportunities available to students, and how TUCOM’s approach to clinical education prepares future osteopathic physicians for a wide range of medical careers.

If you are researching osteopathic medical schools or preparing your application, this conversation provides valuable insight into what sets TUCOM apart and what it takes to be a competitive applicant.

0:00 Meet Dr. Alesia Wagner, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at TUCOM

0:42 Overview of Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

4:56 Residency Match Data: Specialties and Outcomes

6:50 Clinical Rotation Sites and Student Placement at TUCOM

9:53 Primary Care vs. Specialty Matches: Breaking the Pigeonhole Myth

11:13 TUCOM’s Pre-Clinical Electives and the Clinical Distinction Program

16:34 Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Education Electives

19:56 Interprofessional Education and the Student-Run Free Clinic

23:53 What Makes a Competitive Applicant

29:11 Life on TUCOM’s Campus in Northern California

Related Resources

• Bio for Dr. Alesia Wagner
• Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Touro’s Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Clinic at Middletown
• TUCOM Academics

Related Episodes

• How to Get into MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 537]
• The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]
• Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612]

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What does Baylor College of Medicine look for in applicants, and how is its program evolving to meet the needs of today’s medical students?

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Jesus Vallejo, senior associate dean of admissions at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore Baylor’s dual-campus model, early clinical exposure, innovative curriculum, and extensive mentorship opportunities.

Dr. Vallejo also shares how Baylor College of Medicine evaluates applicants holistically and what distinguishes those who stand out in a highly competitive pool.

If you’re applying to medical school or considering Baylor, this episode offers valuable insights to guide your strategy.

00:00 Baylor College of Medicine Overview
00:30 Baylor College of Medicine: Houston versus Temple Campus Experience 
02:10 In-State versus Out-of-State Admissions at Baylor College of Medicine
04:10 Early Patient Exposure at Baylor College of Medicine
06:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s Modern Curriculum and Learning Style
10:10 Research Requirements for Baylor College of Medicine Applicants
14:25 Baylor College of Medicine’s Mentorship and Student Support Programs
20:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s HEAL Program and Humanities in Medicine
24:05 What Baylor College of Medicine Looks for in Applicants
25:50 Final Advice for Medical School Applicants

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Rona Woldenberg, associate dean for admissions and interim associate dean of student affairs at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Dr. Woldenberg explains how the school’s unique partnership with Northwell Health provides students with consistent clinical training opportunities and a dynamic learning environment. The conversation highlights Zucker’s rapid rise as a top-tier research institution and explores the innovative educational model that emphasizes hands-on experience from the very beginning of medical school. 

One of the school’s most distinctive features is its EMT training program, in which first-year medical students become licensed EMTs during their first nine weeks and participate in real emergency response scenarios. Dr. Woldenberg also discusses the school’s commitment to inclusive education, cultural humility in patient care, and the importance of collaboration in modern medicine.

Finally, she shares what the admissions committee looks for in successful applicants – including curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and a growth mindset.

If you’re considering applying to medical school – or simply want insight into how innovative programs are shaping physician training – this episode offers valuable guidance.

00:00 Introduction

00:33 The Founding of the Zucker School of Medicine

04:05 Zucker School of Medicine Admissions Stats and Growing Applicant Interest

07:59 Research Reputation and National Rankings

11:21 Building an Inclusive Medical School Environment and Cultural Humility in the Curriculum

16:32 EMT Training During the First Nine Weeks and Mass Casualty Incident Day Simulation

21:00 Student Feedback on the EMT Experience

23:42 What the Zucker School of Medicine Looks for in Applicants

27:18 Final Advice for Prospective Applicants

Related Resources

• Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
• Dr. Rona Woldenberg bio
• Medical School Secondary Essay Tips 
• A Strategic Guide for Applying to Medical School 

Related Episodes

• Inside the University of Miami’s Three-Year M.D. Accelerated Pathway [Episode 615]
• The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]
• Inside UMass Chan: How Wellness, Community, and Leadership Shape Future Physicians [Episode 611]

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Applying to law school and wondering how admissions decisions really get made? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted Law Consultant Brigitte talks with Sophia Sim, associate dean for admissions and financial aid at the George Washington University Law School (GW Law), about what applicants need to know – from rolling admissions timelines and waitlists to scholarships, LSAT-optional pathways, and professional etiquette. With decades of experience in law school admissions, Sophia offers clear, honest advice to help applicants make smarter decisions throughout the cycle.

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:43 The Challenges of Law School Admissions

05:10 Understanding the GW Law Admissions Process

08:26 The GW Law Waitlist Process Explained

10:58 Navigating the GW Law Personal Statement

13:51 LSAT Optional: Who Should Consider It?

16:37 GW Law Part-Time Program Insights

19:15 Final Thoughts and Advice

Resources

• Sophia Sim bio
• GW Law JD Admissions
• Law School Admissions Calculator, a free tool

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• How to Get into George Washington School of Law, Episode 584
• Get Accepted to Cornell School of Law, Episode 590
• How to Get into Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Episode 579

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Can you earn an MD in three years without sacrificing training quality? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Jonathan Tolentino to explore the University of Miami’s three-year Accelerated Pathway to Residency Program.

Learn how the program works, who it’s designed for, how clinical immersion and scholarly projects are integrated, and what admissions committees look for in competitive applicants. Dr. Tolentino also explains residency outcomes, specialty options, and the safety net for students who need to return to the four-year track.

A must-listen for applicants weighing accelerated MD programs.

00:00 Overview of the University of Miami 3-Year Accelerated MD Program

03:05 Accelerated MD Curriculum Structure & Integrated Coursework

05:50 Clinical Training, Longitudinal Experience & Research Opportunities

08:35 Residency Match Outcomes & Specialty Pathways for Accelerated MD Students

11:13 Logistics, Timeline & Student Considerations in a 3-Year MD Program

13:54 How Competitive Is the UMiami Accelerated MD Program? Admissions Insights

25:11 Is the University of Miami 3-Year Accelerated MD Program Right for You?

Related Resources

•  Dr. Jonathan Tolentino bio
• For more information on the University of Miami’s Accelerated Pathway, contact 
  • Dr. Tolentino at  jxt1084@med.miami.edu 
  • Erica Simms at esimms@med.miami.edu
• University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Three-Year M.D. Accelerated Pathway 
• Medical School Secondary Essay Tips 
• A Strategic Guide for Applying to Medical School 

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612]
• How to Apply Successfully to Med School from Postbac Programs [Episode 526]

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Glenn Cummings, associate dean and director of health professions advising at Bryn Mawr, for an in-depth look at one of the nation’s oldest and most respected career-changer post-bac pathways. Dr. Cummings explains the distinctive mission and history of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program – founded in 1972 at Bryn Mawr College – and clarifies what truly defines a “career changer” in the post-bac world. He walks listeners through the program’s rigorous 12-month curriculum – including the accelerated summer chemistry sequence and the full-time fall and spring science load – while also outlining how Bryn Mawr supports students through intensive academic advising, structured MCAT preparation, and opportunities for clinical volunteering, research, and service. 

Dr. Cummings also highlights the program’s unique advantages, such as its extensive network of medical school linkage partnerships, its individualized W.I.S.E. advising model, and its robust alumni mentoring system. In addition, he discusses what the admissions committee looks for in competitive applicants: strong academic performance, demonstrated motivation for medicine, a history of service, and the maturity to thrive in a tight-knit, collaborative cohort. 

Whether you’re a true career changer, a recent graduate ready to pivot toward medicine, or simply exploring structured post-bac options, this episode offers valuable insights into how Bryn Mawr prepares students not only for the application process but also for success in medical school and beyond. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 History of the Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program

01:47 Defining a Career Changer vs. Academic Enhancer

02:08 Who the Program Is Designed For

05:05 Curriculum Overview and 12-Month Structure

07:19 Unique Features of the Bryn Mawr Postbac

07:25 Medical School Linkage Programs

09:45 W.I.S.E. Advising Model and Alumni Mentorship

12:17 Preparing Students for Med School Applications

14:10 Clinical Volunteering, Research, and Service

17:15 What Makes a Competitive Bryn Mawr Applicant

21:40 Letters of Recommendation and Applicant Evaluation

23:50 Final Advice 

Related Resources

• Dr. Glenn Cummings contact information 
• Bryn Mawr Postbac Program email: postbac@brynmawr.edu
• The Basics of Postbac Programs: What You Need to Know

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• How to Apply Successfully to Med School from Postbac Programs [Episode 526]
• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608] 

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Reynold Jaglal, program director of the Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program, for an in-depth look at Sacred Heart’s values-focused approach to physician assistant (PA) education. Dr. Jaglal breaks down the program’s 27-month curriculum, including its team-taught didactic model, hands-on clinical rotations, and distinctive international clinical opportunities in Ireland and Spain.

He also shares what makes Sacred Heart’s primary care–focused training unique, such as its required orthopedics rotation, and provides clear, practical advice for PA school applicants on demonstrating their fit with the school’s mission, communicating their personal values, and explaining their academic challenges. Whether you’re preparing to apply, exploring clinical programs, or curious about global PA education, this episode offers a thoughtful, insider perspective.

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:35 Welcome our guest, Dr. Reynold Jaglal
00:55 The PA program at Sacred Heart University
02:07 PA program curriculum and faculty
06:01 International training opportunities
09:15 Clinical phase
12:41 Dual degree: Bachelor's-MS in Physician Assistant Studies (BS-MSPAS)
15:42 Growing interest in the PA degree
17:35 How to create a competitive PA application

Related Resources:

• Dr. Reynold Jaglal contact information
• Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
• Sacred Heart University Bachelor’s–MS in Physician Assistant Studies
• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant, a free Accepted guide 

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• How to Get Accepted to Duke’s Physician Assistant Program [Episode 591]
• How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs [Episode 515]
• Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success [Episode 603] 

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Accepted Admissions Consultant Alicia Nimonkar, an expert writing coach with a background in composition and rhetoric, to unpack one of the most important – and often most intimidating – parts of the medical school application: the personal statement. Alicia explains how applicants can use the AAMC’s premed competencies as a framework to craft authentic, focused narratives that highlight their strengths. From creating a timeline of formative experiences to developing an outline that connects recurring themes, she shares how to identify what makes your story uniquely yours – and how to make it resonate with admissions committees.

Alicia also offers practical insight into the writing process itself: how many drafts it really takes, when to stop editing, and how to avoid the “too many cooks in the kitchen” trap of excessive feedback. She and Dr. Wherley discuss the power of resilience, effort, and voice – exploring how applicants can address challenges without sounding apologetic and how to write from a place of strength and advocacy. Whether you’re starting your first draft or polishing your final version, this episode will help you approach your personal statement with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Related Resources

• AAMC The Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students
• Mindsets: A View From Two Eras
• The Obstacle Is the Way
• Alicia Nimonkar bio and contact information

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523] 

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In this inspiring episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Tracy Kedian, professor of family medicine and associate dean of admissions at UMass Chan Medical School. Together, they explore how UMass Chan fosters not only academic excellence but also personal growth, leadership, and wellness among its medical students.

Dr. Kedian discusses how programs such as WIN (“what I need”) Week and the Vista Curriculum create a supportive environment where students learn to lead with compassion and resilience. She also highlights the school’s emphasis on community engagement—from the Worcester campus to the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) track in Springfield—and the critical importance of understanding the diverse communities physicians serve.

Listeners will gain insight into how UMass Chan’s holistic approach prepares future doctors to thrive in medicine while maintaining their well-being and purpose. Whether you’re an aspiring physician or advising premed students, this episode offers an authentic look at a medical school that truly “walks the talk” of student support and community-driven medicine.

Related Resources

• UMass Chan Medical School
• Vista Curriculum
• PURCH track 
• LEAD@Lahey track
• Morningside University

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• How Many Med Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607] 
• Tuft’s MS in Biomedical Sciences: Your Pathway to Med School? [Episode 535]

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What happens when you combine medicine, business, and technology? The cross-disciplinary Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management degree at Stanford University combines all three of these disciplines. Over the course of just 12 months, students gain the skills to implement cutting-edge technologies, strengthen core business and leadership capabilities, and apply innovative solutions to mee the needs of diverse populations. In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Accepted medical school expert Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Dr. Kevin Schulman, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and program director, to discuss the Stanford MCIM program. Dr. Wherley and Dr. Schulman they talk about tackling big problems in healthcare, why the MCiM degree was created, who the program is right for, and the options MCIM students have for their capstone project. 

Learn more about the Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management program here: https://med.stanford.edu/content/sm/master-clinical-informatics-management.html/

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:49 How (and why) the MCIM degree was created 
02:05 Cross-disciplinary approach
04:01 Who is the MCiM program right for?
06:04 ROI and marketable skills
08:50 Capstone project options
12:56 The Stanford design process
14:32 MCiM application timeline and scholarship options
15:39 The importance of letters of recommendation
16:20 What makes an MCiM applicant stand out 

Related Resources

• Dr. Kevin Schulman biography
• Stanford MCiM program information
• Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars program
• Five Tips for Applying for Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

Related Episodes

• Transitioning from the Military to an MBA at Stanford GSB [Episode 471]
• What These Seasoned Startup Founders Have Done Since Earning Their Stanford MBAs [Episode 382]
• Stanford MBA Grows His Amazing Tech Startup [Episode 369]

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If you are a medical school reapplicant, tune in for today's episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast! Accepted medical school expert Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Mory Gould, current M1 medical student and former Accepted client who worked with Valerie when reapplying to medical school. Mory discusses the med school application process, the weaknesses he identified in his profile after not receiving any acceptances, and how he and Valerie made his second application cycle a success. If you are applying to med school -- for the first time OR the second time -- this episode is full of valuable advice.

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:29 Welcome to our guest, Mory Gould 
01:36 Mory's first application cycle
04:22 Weaknesses in the first application
05:16 The importance of patient care experience
07:56 Second application cycle and results
08:50 Advice for med school reapplicants
11:25 Vulnerability and openness to feedback

Related Resources

• Mory Gould contact information: morygould@gmail.com
• Dr. Valerie Wherley bio and contact information
• Healthcare Experience vs. Patient Care Experience... What’s the Difference?, Accepted YouTube video
• UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
• The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Medical School Applications

Related Episodes

• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
• How Many Med Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607]
• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523] 

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In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Accepted medical school consultant Dr. Barry Rothman. Valerie and Barry discuss some of the common mistakes that pre-med students make early on in their journey to medical school. Barry shares his thoughts on undergraduates majors, osteopathic medical schools, and the best types of patient-facing experience. If you are an undergraduate student planning to apply to medical school, you won't want to miss this episode!

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:58 Welcoming Dr. Barry Rothman
01:20 Errors pre-meds make in their approach to med school
02:58 Academics and prerequisites 
05:46 How important is your undergraduate major?
07:38 Electives, clinical experience, and research
09:54 Tips for gaining clinical experience 
15:34 Letters of recommendation 
16:50 Osteopathic medical schools
18:53 Closing advice for pre-meds

Related Resources

• Dr. Barry Rothman bio and contact information
• Retaking Classes for Med School: What Every Premed Needs to Know
• Premed Confidential: The Wisdom of Journaling
• The Basics of Postbac Programs: What You Need to Know

Related Episodes

• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523] 
• Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success [Episode 603]
• Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education [Episode 602]
• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude [Episode 600]

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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 Index, a free tool
• Medical School Secondary Essay Tips
• Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gordon

Related Shows

• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education [Episode 602]
• Navigating Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine [Episode 601]
• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude [Episode 600]

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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 Guides
• Accepted’s Sample Essays

Related Podcast Episodes

• The Unbelievable Story of an Orthopedic Surgeon, podcast Episode 136
• Ida Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021, podcast Episode 311

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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 Quiz
• Dr. Barry Rothman Bio 
• Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know
• Medical School Selectivity Index

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond 
• Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success
• Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education
• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions
• Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine 

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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

• Duke's MEM program is one of the oldest and largest in the field.
• The program aims to equip engineers with business skills.
• Online and in-person programs share core courses but differ in delivery.
• Residency requirements enhance networking and community building for online students.
• Time management is a key challenge for online students.
• Professionalism is emphasized through five core principles.
• The admissions process is the same for both online and in-person programs.
• Video introductions help applicants showcase their personality.
• AI is integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for future challenges.
• The new co-op program offers practical experience opportunities for students.

Relevant Resources:

• Dukes’ Masters of Engineering Management (MEM)
• Applying to Graduate Engineering Programs: What You Need to Know
• How to Get Accepted to Graduate Engineering Programs
• How to Write Your Master's in Engineering Statement of Purpose
• Admissions Straight Talk Ranks in Feedspot Higher Ed Podcast Ranking

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:

• Duke's Master of Engineering Management
• Stanford’s MCiM Combines Technology, Healthcare, and Business
• Berkeley Haas' Master of Financial Engineering Program
• What’s New at Cornell’s Masters in Engineering Management
• All You Need To Know When Applying To Graduate Engineering Programs

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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 Program
• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant
• CASPA: 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 Program
• An Inside Look at Yale’s Online PA Program
• How Did This Successful PA Applicant Get Accepted?

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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.

Relevant Links:

• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 
• Are You Ready to Apply Med School Quiz

Related Shows:

• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude
• Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine 
• Get Accepted to Washington University School of Medicine
• Deep Dive into Duke Medical: An Interview with Dr. Linton Yee
• Get Accepted to Loyola Stritch Medical School

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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. 

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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 Accepted
• Evaluating a Situational Judgment Test for Use in Medical School Admissions: Two Years of AAMC PREview Exam Administration Data

Related Shows:

• Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine 
• An Interview With the Temple Katz School of Medicine Admissions Dean 
• NYMC: How to Get In
• How to Write Essays That Will Get You Into Medical School

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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:

• The Colorado School of Medicine has a unique Trek curriculum launched in 2021.
• Longitudinal integrated clerkships allow for deeper relationships with preceptors and patients.
• Students can choose from various tracks, including rural medicine and global health.
• The secondary application focuses on value alignment with the school's pillars: leadership, curiosity, and commitment.
• CASPER is used to assess non-cognitive competencies in applicants.
• The admissions process is highly competitive, with many qualified applicants not receiving offers.
• Interviews are conducted virtually and include both group and individual assessments.
• Research experience is beneficial but not mandatory for applicants.
• Common mistakes include not understanding the competitiveness of admissions and failing to tell a cohesive story in applications.
• Support systems like Compass Guides help students navigate their medical education.

Relevant Links:

• University of Colorado School of Medicine
• Accepted's Med School Calculator Quiz

Related Shows:

• Washington University School of Medicine
• Deep Dive Into Duke Medical: An Interview with Associate Dean Linton Yee
• Duke’s Physician Assistant Program
• Getting Into Med School Isn’t Easy…But This Applicant Did It! 

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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 Admissions
• Yale SOM Application Guide
• Yale SOM Essay Tips
• MBA ROI Calculator

Related 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 Program
• How to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA 

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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 Program  
• Applying to Graduate Engineering Programs: What You Need to Know
• Application Advice from Accepted Data Science Clients
• Seeking a Graduate Degree in Artificial Intelligence? 

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:

• ROI and NYU's Part-time MBA
• Stern 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 

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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 Admissions
• MIT Sloan MBA Early
• MIT Sloan Application Tips

Related 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

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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 School
• Med Quiz

Related 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 

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham shares a strategic framework for a successful MBA application, with tips that can benefit applicants to any program. She discusses how to choose the right schools to apply to, demonstrate your knowledge of the programs you are applying to, effectively present yourself throughout the application, and review the application materials before submission.

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Dr. Linton Yee, Associate Dean for Admissions at Duke University School of Medicine joins us to discuss how applicants can earn a spot in this highly competitive program. Dr. Yee walks listeners through the unique curriculum which focuses on integrating basic science and clinical experiences from the first year. In addition to strong academic performance, Duke looks for clinical and research experiences, as well as a vision for the future in medicine. Dr. Yee gives an inside look at what applicants can expect from the MMI interviews.

Relevant Links:

• Duke Med School
• Med Quiz

Related Admissions 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 

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Alex Lawrence, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Anderson School of Management, describes the program’s offerings. Students are offered a customizable curriculum with a wide range of elective courses and specializations. The program also includes a capstone project and focuses on developing leadership skills. The summer quarter provides students with foundational elements and an opportunity to get acclimated to the program. The program also offers a business creation program for students with an entrepreneurial mindset and an applied management research project for students to work on real business challenges. Alex discusses the flexible testing policy and shares who should take the test. Alex also highlights the program’s values and how applicants can demonstrate them in resumes, letters of recommendation, and interviews.

Relevant Links:

• Anderson Full-time MBA 
• How an MBA from Anderson Helped this Career Switcher
• B-School for Good: Pursuing Social Impact Through UCLA Anderson’s Fully Employed MBA
• UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA Program Now STEM-Certified | Accepted

Relevant Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:

• 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
• Ace the New Michigan Ross MBA Essay Questions 
• How to get Accepted at Michigan Ross

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Dr. April Stouder, Associate Program Director and Director of Admissions at the Duke Physician Assistant Program, discusses what it takes to gain a spot in the competitive program. She discusses Duke PA program’s emphasis on community service, particularly in underserved communities and healthcare roles. April highlights the value of non-clinical volunteering, especially in healthcare or with underserved populations. She explains the admissions process, including the CASPA application and the GPA and GRE requirements. April walks us through the interview process, which is designed to assess both cognitive and non-cognitive attributes like maturity and resilience.

Relevant Links:

• Duke PA Program
• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant
• CASPA: Everything You Need to Know about the Experiences Section 
• That PA Girl with Can’t-Miss Advice for Aspiring Physician Assistants

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:

• How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs 
• How To Get Accepted To the University of Iowa’s PA Program 
• An Inside Look at Yale's Online PA Program 
• How Did This Successful PA Applicant Get Accepted?
• Andrea Benedict: Life as a Physician Assistant 

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This week, Linda Abraham welcomes Dean Shane Cooper, Senior Associate Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Services at Cornell School of Law. Dean Cooper shares insights into the admissions process at Cornell Law School, emphasizing the mutual goal of finding the right fit between the school and the applicant. We discuss the benefits of small class sizes, close faculty interaction, and strong international programs. Despite its Ithaca location, the school offers abundant opportunities for experiential learning. Dean Cooper explains that Cornell accepts LSAT, GRE, or GMAT scores without preference, with financial aid linked to the strength of these scores. He highlights the importance of diverse experiences and well-rounded characters in applicants, and we explore how interviews, re-applicant growth, and the Why Cornell essay play significant roles in the admissions process. Dean Cooper underscores Cornell Law’s commitment to opening doors for students and making a positive impact on the legal community.

Mentioned in today's episode:

• Cornell Law School JD Program
• Are You Ready for Law School?, Accepted's Free Law School Admissions Quiz 

Related Admissions Straight Talk episodes:

• How to Get Into George Washington School of Law 
• How to Get into Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
• How to Get into USC Gould School of Law
• JD-Next: A Great Option for Law School Applicants
• How to Get into the University of Chicago Law School

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This week, we hear from Marla Schechter, a US immigration lawyer with 20+ years of experience. Marla shares her expertise on various topics related to obtaining a visa for studying in the United States. She covers the process of obtaining an F-1 visa, the advantages of studying in a STEM-certified program, the H-1B visa for working in the US, and the Green Card process. She also highlights common mistakes made by student applicants and the potential challenges of obtaining a visa for individuals with criminal records.

Relevant Links:

• Schechter Immigration Law
• Fitting in and Standing Out

Relevant Admission Straight Talk Episodes:

• Applying to U.S. Business Schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East
• Former Wharton/Lauder Admissions Director
• All You Need to Know About the New, Shorter GRE 
• Get Accepted to PhD Programs in the Humanities 
• How to Apply Successfully to STEM PhD Programs 

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Bara Sapir joins Admissions Straight Talk to discuss the benefits and challenges of the GRE and GMAT exams. She delves into the structure and length of the exams and also discusses the challenges unique to each one. Bara shares her expert tips on how to overcome these challenges, including being an active participant in test preparation and developing test-taking strategies. Bara and Linda have a discussion on the value of these exams and the importance of reframing the test-taking experience.

Relevant Links:

• Free Consultation with Accepted
• City Test Prep
• MindFlow Speed Reading
• Get Ready for the New GRE 
• MBA Waves

Relevant Admission Straight Talk Episodes:

• All You Need to Know About the New, Shorter GRE
• What You Need to Know to Ace the GMAT 
• JD-Next: A Great Option for Law School Applicants 
• Oxford Lecturer Joins Accepted

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Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden, returns to Admissions Straight Talk to discuss various aspects of the Darden MBA program, including experiential learning opportunities, global study opportunities, the use of AI in the program, the application process, and common mistakes made by applicants. Dawna emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the application and provides examples of successful essays. She also discusses the interview process and suggests that applicants ask thoughtful and probing questions to demonstrate their research and interest in the program.

Relevant Links:

•  UVA Darden MBA
• Discover Darden Blog
•  Accepted Darden Essay Tips
•  MBA Admissions Quiz – Are you ready?

Relevant shows:

• Do You Have the Spike for Toronto Rotman MBA? 
• How to get Accepted at Michigan Ross
• So You Want to Do an MBA Outside the U.S. 
• Former Wharton/Lauder Admissions Director

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In this episode, Eddie Asbie, Executive Director of Admissions and Scholarship at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, shares an overview of the admissions process. He provides insights into the application process at Cornell Johnson, including the testing and test waiver policy, the interview process, and advice for re-applicants. He offers details on the new essay questions for the upcoming application cycle and shares his thoughts on using AI for essays.

Relevant Links:

• Cornell Johnson Full-time MBA
• MBA Admissions Quiz

Relevant shows:

• Do You Have the Spike for Toronto Rotman MBA?
• So You Want to Do an MBA Outside the U.S.
• How to get Accepted at Michigan Ross
• Former Wharton/Lauder Admissions Director 
• How to Get into HEC Paris MBA?

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In this episode, Linda Abraham invites Accepted consultants Esmeralda Cardenal and Kelly Wilson to discuss the updates to the Harvard Business School application and provide insights into how applicants can approach the essays. They emphasize that HBS is still looking for leaders who have made an impact and can grow in any environment. While the criteria may be similar to before, the way applicants communicate their experiences has changed. The panelists advise applicants to focus on the entire application, not just the essays, and to demonstrate growth, leadership, and curiosity throughout. They also discuss the potential impact of the new essay requirements and the importance of authenticity in the application process.

Relevant Links:

•  Sign up for a Free consultation with an Accepted expert.
• Esmeralda Cardenal, Consultant profile
• Natalie Grinblatt Epstein, Consultant profile
• Michelle Stockman, Consultant profile
• Kelly Wilson, Consultant profile

Related Admissions Straight Talk shows:

•  Do You Have the Spike for Toronto Rotman?
• MIT Sloan: For Rising Executives Considering an MBA
• How to get into Berkeley Haas
• What’s New at Penn’s The Wharton School. And How to Get In

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In this episode, Linda Abraham interviews Dean Sophia Sim of George Washington School of Law. They discuss various aspects of the law school admissions process, including what makes a standout personal statement, the importance of a balanced program, the acceptance of alternative standardized tests, the use of AI tools in the application process, and the introduction of interviews at GW Law.

Relevant Links:

• George Washington University Law School Admissions
• Are You Ready for Law School? (Accepted's free Law School Admissions Quiz)
• Free Consultation with an Accepted Expert

Related Shows:

• How to Get into Washington University in St. Louis School of Law 
• How to Get into USC Gould School of Law
• JD-Next: A Great Option for Law School Applicants
• How to Get into the University of Chicago Law School
• Navigating the Law School Admissions Process

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Andrea McHale, the Director of the Michigan Ross Full-time MBA and Global MBA Admissions, returns to Admissions Straight Talk to discuss the newly released essay prompts for the Michigan Ross MBA program. Andrea shares an overview of each of the four questions and gives an inside look at exactly what the admissions committee hopes to learn from applicants. Andrea emphasizes the importance of impact and motivation in the application process. She also discusses the potential use of AI in the admissions process. 

Relevant Links:

• Free Consultation with an Accepted MBA Expert
• Michigan Ross MBA
• Michigan Ross MBA Essay Tips and Deadline
• MBA ROI Calculator
• 38 Ways to Use the Power of Numbers in Your Admissions Resume

Relevant shows:

• Ross MBA Admissions: All You Need to Know for Acceptance
• Former Wharton/Lauder Admissions Director Joins Accepted 
• Advice for Applicants: Moving from 2023 to 2024
• ROI and NYU's Part-time MBA 
• How to Get Into Wharton

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham interviews Yael Bruk, a recent graduate from Binghamton University who was accepted to multiple medical schools. Yael shares her advice for pre-med students, including the importance of taking notes during clinical experiences and writing down meaningful stories to include in applications. She also discusses her own journey straight from college to medical school, including her exploration of different career paths within the healthcare field and her decision to major in biology and philosophy. Yael emphasizes the importance of staying organized during the application process. She also offers tips for preparing for medical school interviews, such as reviewing common interview questions and taking a moment to think before answering difficult questions.

Free Application Resources
💻 Accepted Blog
📚 Free Medical School Admissions Guides
📝 Sample Med School Application Essays
💻 YouTube

❓Applying to medical school this year? Speak with one of Accepted's professional admissions consultants for a free consultation. 

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Kelly Wilson, an Accepted consultant and former admissions director takes a deep dive into master's degrees in graduate management education. Kelly provides insights into the differences between various master's degrees, such as master's in management, master's in finance, and master's in business analytics. She highlights the importance of understanding the specific program and school you are applying to, considering factors such as career outcomes, STEM certification for international students, curriculum, and timing of the program. Kelly also advises applicants to avoid common mistakes, such as a mismatch of skills and a lack of clarity in goals. She suggests seeking experiential learning opportunities and talking to current students and alumni to gain insights into different career paths.

Relevant Links:

• Consultant Profile: Kelly Wilson
•  Fitting in and Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions

Relevant Show Transcripts and Links:

•  Duke's Master of Engineering Management, podcast Episode 564
• Michigan Ross’ Master in Management (MM): All You Need to Know, podcast Episode 560
•  Stanford’s MCiM Combines Technology, Healthcare, and Business, podcast Episode 548
•  Berkeley Haas' Master of Financial Engineering Program, podcast Episode 540
•  All You Need to Know About the New, Shorter GRE, podcast Episode 531
•  Stanford MBA Discusses Coffee Chats, podcast Episode 437

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Mohammad Salhia, Managing Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Business Development at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, discusses the distinctive features of the Rotman MBA program. Mohammad highlights the various MBA program options at Rotman, including full-time, morning/evening, and executive MBA programs. He emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the full-time MBA program, which includes academic study, elective courses, and a four-month internship. He also discusses the unique features of the program, such as the Self-Development Lab and the Leadership Development Lab, which focus on fostering communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, he shares his tips for how to determine and present a “spike factor.”

Relevant Links:

• Toronto Rotman MBA program
• Accepted’s Mapping your MBA Application

Relevant shows:

• Former Wharton/Lauder Admissions Director Joins Accepted: Welcome Kara Keenan Sweeney, podcast Episode 570
• How to Get Into HEC Paris MBA with  Sara Vanos, podcast Episode 565
• Advice for Applicants: Moving from 2023 to 2024, podcast Episode 557
• How to Get into the UC Berkeley Haas MBA Program?, podcast Episode 557

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Show Summary

In this episode, Linda Abraham interviews Darrell Nabers, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment at Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. They discuss the distinctive elements of the Loyola Stritch approach to medical education, the importance of faith and compassion in the application process, the impact of AI on medical education, and the timing of the medical school application process. Darrell emphasizes the importance of being ready and not comparing oneself to others in the application process. He also advises applicants to seek advice from reliable sources and to focus on their own journey rather than succumbing to the fear of missing out.

Show Notes

Welcome to the 580th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for joining me. Are you ready to apply to your dream medical schools? Are you competitive at your target programs? Accepted’s med school admissions quiz can give you a quick reality check. Just go to accepted.com/medquiz, complete the quiz, and you’ll not only get an assessment, but tips on how to improve your chances of acceptance. Plus, it’s all free. 

Our guest today, Darrell Nabers is a return guest. He’s the Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment at Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. Darrell earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Whittier College and Golden Gate University, respectively. He then held various admissions positions from 2000 to 2005 before joining the University of Chicago’s admissions staff. There, he served in different roles until 2015. He joined Loyola College Stritch in 2015 as Director of Admissions and became Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment in February 2019.

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Show Summary

Katherine Scannell, Vice Dean for Institutional Success at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, discusses the distinctive elements of WashU’s JD program. She highlights the individualized focus on students’ career goals and the broad areas of expertise that students can specialize in. Dean Scannell emphasizes the importance of early career services and guidance for students before they start law school. She also talks about WashU’s response to the growth of AI in the legal world. Listeners will learn about the interview process at WashU and hear Dean Scanell’s advice. Dean Scannell shares her thoughts on the importance of networking and building relationships with lawyers and professionals in the field and offers her tips on how to do this thoughtfully. 

Show Notes

Thanks for joining me for this, the 579th 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 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, but tips on how to improve your chances of acceptance. Plus, it’s all free. 

Now for today’s interview. I’m delighted to have on Admissions Straight Talk for the first time Dean Katherine Scannell, Vice Dean for Institutional Success at Washington University in St. Louis. Dean Scannell earned her bachelor’s degree from Wash U and her JD from the University of Missouri. She practiced law for several years and then joined Washington University in St. Louis Law School, becoming first Assistant Dean of Career Services and then Associate Dean of Admissions and today she is the Vice Dean for Institutional Success at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Since 2009, she has also been a Lecturer in Law at Wash U.

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Show Summary

In this episode, Linda Abraham discusses successful secondary applications for medical school. She highlights the key differences between primary and secondary applications and provides 6 tips for submitting a successful secondary application. Additionally, Linda offers practical advice on when to submit and how to write concisely to meet word or character limits as well as how to check these crucial documents before you hit SUBMIT. 

Show Notes

Welcome to the 578th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for tuning in.

Are you ready to apply to your dream medical schools? Are you competitive at your target programs? Accepted’s Med School Admissions Quiz will give you a quick reality check. Just go to accepted.com/medquiz, complete the quiz, and you will not only get an assessment of your chances, but tips on how to improve them. And it’s all free. 

Today is going to be a solo show, and we’re going to be discussing successful secondaries. Given that the show is airing on May 28th and AMCAS is just starting to process the primary applications today, I think the show is extraordinarily timely.

You can’t submit your secondaries yet if you don’t have them, but for those of you who submitted or will submit early, in other words, your primary application sometime in June, this show really couldn’t be better timed. For those of you planning to submit later in the cycle, you can take advantage of it as soon as you submit your primary applications, and there may be even a tip or two for you regarding the primary in the course of the show.

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Show Summary

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews Andrea McHale, the Director of Admissions for the Michigan Ross MBA program. They discuss the unique elements of the Ross MBA program, such as its action-based learning principles and emphasis on impact. Andrea also provides advice for MBA applicants, including the importance of showcasing impact in the application, preparing for interviews, and addressing weaknesses or gaps in the application. 

Show Notes

Welcome to the 576th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for listening. You’ve seen the stats that most people have a great return on their MBA investment, but what about you? Are you going to see that return? How much will it be? We’ve created a tool that will help you assess whether the MBA is likely to be a good investment for you individually. Just go to accepted.com/mbaroicalc, complete the brief questionnaire and you’ll not only get an assessment, but the opportunity to calculate different scenarios and it’s all free. 

It gives me great pleasure to have on Admissions Straight Talk for the first time, Andrea McHale, Director of the Michigan Ross Full-time MBA and Global MBA Admissions. Andrea has 10 years of industry experience in marketing, sales and supply chain management within the healthcare and automotive industries. In 2013, she transitioned to education administration. Before joining the Ross MBA team, she worked as the Director of Admissions for Michigan State University’s Broad MBA program. She has a BA and MBA from Michigan State, an MS from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing her doctorate of business administration from the University of Florida. Pretty impressive.

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In this episode, Dr. Miroslava Chavez-Garcia and Dr. Yvette Martínez-Vu discuss the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in graduate school and provide advice for all grad school applicants. They emphasize the importance of finding a good fit in a program and building strong relationships with faculty. They also discuss the concept of imposter syndrome and its role in the admissions process for first-gen applicants. The guests highlight the benefits of taking a gap year (or more) before applying to graduate school and offer advice to their younger selves. 

Show Notes

Welcome to the 575th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for tuning in. The challenge at the heart of grad school admissions is showing that you both fit in at your target schools and are a standout in the applicant pool. Accepted’s free download, “Fitting In and 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 guests today are Dr. Yvette Martínez-Vu,a grad school and productivity coach and host of the globally top-rated Grad School Femtoring Podcast. She is also the co-editor of the best-selling Chicana M(other)work Anthology, co-author of Is Grad School for Me? Demystifying the Application Process for First-Gen BIPOC Students, and founder of Grad School Femtoring, LLC, where she coaches first-gen BIPOC folks in reaching their academic and personal goals.

Dr. Miroslava Chávez-García is Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is currently the Faculty Director of the UCSB McNair Scholars Program. She is author of Migrant Longing, States of Delinquency, and Negotiating Conquest, and co-author of Is Grad School for Me? Demystifying the Application Process for First-Gen BIPOC Students.

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Dr. Sundas Ali, a former Lecturer at the University of Oxford and now an admissions consultant at Accepted, discusses the differences between graduate school admissions in the UK and the US. She explains that while there are some similarities in the application process, such as the importance of personal statements in both countries,there are also several differences. Dr. Ali emphasizes the importance of tailoring personal statements and resumes to each program and university, as well as the significance of strong recommendations from professors. She also advises applicants to start early, do thorough research on the programs they are interested in, and proofread their application materials carefully to avoid common mistakes. Dr. Ali shares her own experience of overcoming challenges and pursuing her dream of studying at Oxford University.

Show Notes

Welcome to the 574th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for joining me. 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 and Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions“, will show you how to do both. Master this paradox and you’re well on your way to acceptance. You can download this free guide at accepted.com/fiso.

It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Sundas Ali to Admissions Straight Talk. Originally from Pakistan, Sundas received both a BS in Economics and Econometrics and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Bristol in the UK and then a PhD in Sociology from the University of Oxford. She worked for several years at the UK Civil Service and, since 2013, served as a Lecturer at the University of Oxford. While at Oxford, she was involved in Oxford’s prestigious PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) admission process. She has also been involved in teaching high school and college students in rural areas of Pakistan through online platforms as well as guiding them through the college admissions process. At Accepted, Sundas will be working primarily with college and graduate school applicants. The show today will focus on graduate school admissions as always. 

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews David Kirschner, the Associate Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Innovation at USC Gould School of Law. They discuss the distinctive elements of USC Gould’s JD program, including its small class size and student-centered approach. Dean Kirschner also highlights the flexibility and experiential learning opportunities available to students. They discuss the admissions process, including the acceptance of both the LSAT and GRE, the importance of engagement in an applicant’s background, and the components of a strong personal statement. Dean Kirschner shares his advice for wait-listed applicants, transfer applicants, and re-applicants. 

Show Notes

Thanks for joining me for the 573rd 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 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, but tips on how you can improve your chances of acceptance. Plus, it’s all free. 

I’m delighted to have back on Admissions Straight Talk, David Kirschner, Associate Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Innovation at USC Gould School of Law. Dean Kirschner earned his undergrad degree at USC, in Political Science and Film-Production.  He then earned his JD at California Western School of Law. He has been in law school admissions since 2006, when he joined Loyola Law as an Associate Director of Admissions. In 2011, he became Director of Admissions at USC Gould, and in 2016 he became USC Gould’s Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews admissions directors from MBA programs outside the United States to find out if there are any common threads among them. The guests on the show include representatives from Oxford Saïd Business School, INSEAD, NYU Abu Dhabi, and HEC Paris. The interviews cover various topics such as program overviews, admissions processes, and common applicant mistakes. The interviews also touch on language requirements, the role of the video interview in the evaluation process, and the importance of holistic review in admissions decisions. Overall, this interview provides valuable insights into the unique aspects of these MBA programs and shed light on the similarities and differences among them.

Show Notes

Welcome to the 572nd episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for tuning in. Before I turn  to today’s show, I have a question for you. Are you ready to apply to your Dream MBA programs? Are you competitive at your target schools? Accepted’s MBA admissions quiz can give you a quick reality check. Just go to accepted.com/mbaquiz, complete the quiz, and you’ll not only get an assessment, but tips on how to improve your qualifications. Plus, it’s all free. .

If you are a regular listener, you know that during most episodes of Admissions Straight Talk, I interview a guest, frequently, an admissions director or dean. Usually, our guests are leaders at a US graduate program. However, within the last couple of years, I have had the privilege of interviewing several deans or directors from programs outside the United States. Today we’re going to take specific excerpts from four of those episodes and let you determine if there are some common threads and of course, how they differ.

Today’s episode is a collection of their answers to admissions questions as well as insight into their programs. The guests on this program are:

• Hannah Griffiths, MBA Recruitment and Admissions Director at Oxford Saïd Business School
• Teresa Peiro, Associate Global Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at INSEAD
• Dr. Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi
• Sara Vanos, Executive Director of Marketing and Admissions at HEC Paris.

I’ve asked some questions of almost every admissions director I’ve spoken to, so the responses that you’re going to see, again, represent a sample. In any case. Let’s start with Hannah Griffith of Oxford Saïd Business School. 

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Show SummaryAre you an engineer who wants to use your technical skills and move into an entrepreneurial or managerial role? Well, Duke's Master of Engineering Management or MEM may be just the ticket for you, and it provides two options, on campus and online. The program has been around for over 25 years and aims to prepare engineers with business knowledge. Luis Morales, Executive Director of the program, shares more of what the program offers and how applicants can successfully present themselves.  Show NotesWelcome to the 564th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thanks for joining me. Before we dive into today's interview, I want to mention a free resource at Accepted that can benefit you if you are applying to graduate engineering programs and that is Applying to Graduate Engineering Programs: What You Need to Know. It can guide you through a process you've never been through before. It's not the same as applying to college. Download your complimentary copy at accepted.com/564download. Our guest today is Luis Morales, Executive Director of the Master of Engineering Management Program at Duke University. Professor Morales earned his bachelor's in electrical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and his master's of engineering from Cornell University. He then worked as an engineer and manager at AT&T and at Cisco before joining Duke as an executive in residence and adjunct associate professor at Duke's Pratt School of Engineering, while also founding his own consulting company. He became the executive director of the MEM program in 2021 and also teaches three courses in that program.Professor Morales, welcome to Admissions Straight Talk. [2:00]Thank you, Linda. It's a pleasure to be here.Can we start with an overview of the Master of Engineering Management program at Duke? Who is it for? What need is it intended to fill? [2:06]Absolutely. So the Duke MEM program has been around for more than 25 years. In fact, last year we were celebrating our 25th year anniversary, and as I look back at the charter of the program back then in 1997, the purpose was to prepare engineers with business knowledge. So the assessment, Linda, at the time was that we were preparing engineers for industry, for the global economy that did not have the necessary business knowledge. So they were not able to either get an impact, have an impact on the business side of companies right away so that's exactly the need that we're trying to satisfy.And if you think back to if that was the need then, and you look at where we are now as technology has become so pervasive across so much of how we as a society generate value, engineering management, to me is the perfect solution because it combines, again, it builds on a base of technical knowledge, but then it builds business knowledge on top of that. So the basic structure of the program is eight courses, four of which are core, focus on management, people management, intellectual property management, marketing and finance. Then the other four are technical electives designed to basically sharpen your STEM, saw, whether it is product management, data science, software management, et cetera.There are two versions of the MEM program. There's the online and the in-residence. Can you go over how they're structured? [4:40]Absolutely. So the campus program, as I mentioned before, has been around for more than 25 years. Our online offering is going to be 15 years in September. Yeah, the time flies. There are a lot of similarities between the two in terms of courses. The curriculum is the same, core courses, four electives, with some small exceptions, but the same instructors teach the core courses, teach the online sections. But then for the online course, Linda, what we do is that we replace the seminars and workshops that are included in the campus offering and we replace those with three weeks of residency where online students get to come to campus ..

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