Brief Profile:
Other peoples MD Applicant profiles have been very helpful to me so Im paying it forward.
- Took >5 years off between undergrad and med school matriculation - Re-applicant; took both old and new MCAT (old MCAT score had expired) - LizzyM 65-70: MCAT 2015 (>507); upward GPA trend undergrad through grad (overall, >3.3) - Science-heavy MPH at top university with global health research experience - Multiple significant research experiences: presented posters at conferences but no publications - Longitudinal ECs with underserved
Dates are estimates. Stats and ethnicity not accurate; Other option is not working.
*Edited 4/20/2017: After a long but wonderfully successful cycle, Im honored and grateful to be on the other end. Best of luck to all!
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 06/14/2016
Undergraduate college: Public university (R1)
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Institution: Top 10 public university (R1)
Area of Study: Other
Degree Obtained: MPH
Total MCAT SCORE: 472
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 118,
C/P 118,
CARS 118
Overall GPA: 1.00
Science GPA: 1.00
Summary of Application Experience
2017 AMCAS cycle // Nontrad, re-applicant, LizzyM 65-70 // Pre-II R: 11 // Pre-II hold: 3 // II: 25 // Interviews attended: 13 Post-II withdrawals: 12 // Post-interview rejections: 2 // Post-interview waitlist: 2 // Acceptances: 7 !!! (is this the real life, is this just fantasy?)​
Application timeline: - 5/2016: Transcripts received by AMCAS - 6/2016: Submitted AMCAS primary. Verified within 2-3 weeks - 7/2016: Retook MCAT (previous MCAT score more than three years old) - 8/2016: MCAT scores received and sent to schools - 8/2016: First interview invites received; first interview attended - 9/2016: Interview invites received; attended interviews - 10/2016: Interview invites received; attended interviews; OMG ACCEPTED - 11/2016: Attended interviews; interview decisions - 12/2016: Interview invites received; interview decisions; scholarship awards - 1/2017: Interview invites received; scholarship award - 2/2017: Attended final interviews; post-acceptance withdrawal from 1 school - 3/2017: Interview decisions; attended second-look weekends; additional scholarship awards; began receiving finaid estimates - 4/2017: Attended second-look weekends; additional scholarship award; post-acceptance withdrawals from 5 schools
Application Complete, Rejected
University of Arizona
Applying for combined PhD/MSTP? No
Submitted: Yes
Secondary Completed: Yes
Interview Invite: No
Interview Attended: No
Waitlisted: No
Accepted: No
Rejected: Yes
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to UA-Tucson.
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 9/2016: application on hold 2/2017: rejected :(
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to UCLA.
6/2016: submitted primary 9/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 2/2017: rejected :(
UCLA was the second UC to send me a secondary. As an OOS, I couldn't believe this one either. Like with UCSF, submitted secondary within 48 hours.
It's also been radio silence since; not exactly surprised and at this point I'm expecting a rejection. Ah, well, they definitely boosted my self confidence :)
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to UCSF.
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 1/2017: sadly, rejected; but thanks for the opportunity, UCSF! :)
UCSF was the first UC to send me a secondary. As an OOS with average stats (although with stellar ECs), I couldn't believe it. I mean, it's UCSF! Basically went into lock down and submitted the secondary within 48 hours. Applied to PRIME.
It's been radio silence since; not exactly surprised and at this point I'm expecting a rejection. Ah, well, they definitely boosted my self confidence :)
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Dartmouth.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 8/2016: application complete 10/2016: invited for interview; considered but ultimately withdrew application
Incredibly flattered by this interview! But now that I have a med school acceptance in hand (plus my bank account has been well and truly skewered), I withdrew my application. Dartmouth is far more isolated than I would like and it was challenging enough getting to New Haven...
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Drexel.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 10/2016: invited for interview; considered but ultimately withdrew application
As was the case with Dartmouth, now that I have a med school acceptance in hand (plus my bank account has been well and truly skewered), I withdrew my application.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Indiana.
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: completed secondary; invited for interview. 12/2016: withdrew application; would not choose over schools where I have been accepted
Nice school but wasn't thrilled with multiple campuses. After getting accepted elsewhere will probably withdraw. Great school but would not choose it over Wayne.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Miami.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: invite to complete secondary 8/2016: submitted secondary 9/2016: application completed review; essentially on hold 11/2016: invited for interview 12/2016: withdrew post-UCSD acceptance
If I'd gotten the invite two months ago, I would definitely have gone. However, after getting accepted elsewhere will probably withdraw. Great school but would not choose it over others where I'm grateful to have been accepted.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Tulane.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 8/2016: invited for interview; earliest available was in 1/2017 12/2016: withdrew post-UCSD acceptance
Initially excited; after getting accepted elsewhere will probably withdraw. Great school but would not choose it over where I have been accepted.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to UK.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 8/2016: invited for interview (first invite! :D earliest spots available in the winter, though) 12/2016: withdrew post-UCSD acceptance
They were the first school to show me some love and invite me [happy feels]
On paper, nice school. However, after interviewing at UofL and learning more from native Kentuckians, was not excited to hear that UK has more of an emphasis on rural medicine. After getting accepted elsewhere will probably withdraw. Great school but would not choose it over Wayne.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to USF Morsani.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: invite to complete secondary 8/2016: submitted secondary 10/2016: invited for interview 12/2016: withdrew post-UCSD acceptance
If I'd gotten the invite four weeks earlier, I would definitely have gone. However, after getting accepted elsewhere will probably withdraw. Great school but would not choose it over Wayne.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to VCU.
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: invited to complete secondary 9/2016: completed secondary; application on hold 12/2016: interview invite! Decided to withdraw after UCSD acceptance
Pleasantly surprised by the II; I was convinced it was a silent rejection.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Virginia Tech.
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: completed secondary 10/2016: invited for interview; considered but ultimately withdrew application
Great school; little more rural than I would like. With a med school acceptance in hand (plus my bank account has been well and truly skewered), I withdrew my application.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Vanderbilt.
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 9/2016: interview invite 11/2016: attended interview 3/2917: rejected, oh well
I was *floored* by Vandy's interest in me. First with the secondary and 100 times more with the invite. Throughout the process, I kept thinking that it was a mistake!
Post-interview impression: From what I saw, Vandy's reputation is well deserved. Strong emphasis on research with innumerable opportunities; significant prestige; early and consistent clinical exposure; varied patient population; many opportunities for joint degrees and/or global health research.
I could see myself at Vandy for four years and I'm confident the education I'd receive there would set me up phenomenally well for residency and beyond. I LOVED their unparalleled early clinical exposure, basically starting rotations in M2. I'm a very hands-on/application based person so this definitely appealed to me. I also applauded their research emphasis since I'd definitely like to continue research in med school.
Not all is roses though: I could definitely feel a town/gown ambience on campus (markedly less than at Yale but more than at public universities where I'd interviewed).
Overall, I thought the day went well. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that my one-on-one interview went as well as it could have. For some reason, I was a little stiffer and I'm worried how that was interpreted. My short form interview went really well and I very much enjoyed it.
Frankly, I'd be stunned (and thrilled) if Vandy offered me an acceptance. I'm not holding my breath though, especially considering my long-form interview. I'm expecting waitlist. [shrugs]
Regardless, I'm proud to have been invited to interview :)
Post-decision: so this year they also rejected people post-interview? According to MSAR, "all candidates not initially offered admissions are placed on the waitlist", so apparently something changed. Ah, well, I did not expect an acceptance either way after my long-form.
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to Yale.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 8/2016: application complete 9/2016: interview invite (mid-September); attended interview (late September) 3/2017: rejected! The interview was so long ago and I've been fortunate to have had such great news since that this one barely registered. Congrats to all who got in and best of luck to those on the waitlist!
*Completely* unexpected II! I remember submitting my secondary, thinking, "this was a waste of money" so still can't quite believe it.
Post-interview impression: Yale's outstanding on so many levels. I mean, it's YALE. Innumerable research opportunities; prestige factor; early clinical exposure; students given great deal of autonomy; a tuition-free fifth year (!).
However, after visiting, not sure I'd love it there for a few reasons: - Curriculum: the Yale System is iconic but I'd prefer a more structured curriculum. Also, not exactly thrilled with the idea of a portfolio for residencies since it appears highly subjective (from how it was explained). - According to M4s, relatively isolated location can be a challenge for travel and global health research. - Underserved populations: there's still definitely a town/gown feel in New Haven. Even Dr. Silverman discussed the apparent paradox of how New Haven simultaneously has people in the highest and lowest SES levels, as well as how living on campus is quite different from living in 'New Haven'. Granted, I'm a product of public schools, all the way from K through graduate school so perhaps I'm more sensitive to the differences between private and public universities. Plus, I'd prefer a school with a stronger commitment to the underserved and more well-established community partnerships.
I know, blasphemy! But I'd rather be aware of these points now and not six months into an MD. I'll await the admissions decision in 3/2017 but, regardless, really proud of this accomplishment and being interviewed.
Summary of Experience:
Re-applicant to UC (had not previously interviewed here).
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 8/2016: interview invite 11/2016: attended interview 3/2017: withdrew application after radio silence since November; would not attend over UCSD
Post interview impression: UC is fantastic in a lot of ways, including the breadth and depth of clinical experiences. Could definitely see myself there for four years. Overall, most interviews seemed to have gone well; however, first MMI had a bit of a hiccup so we'll see what they think...
Summary of Experience:
Re-applicant to UI (had not previously interviewed here).
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 8/2016: interview invite 9/2016: attended interview 1/2017: final pooled; withdrew application
Really excited when I got the interview invite since Iowa was the first top-40 school that gave me an interview! On paper/online, Iowa seems like an outstanding school with great opportunities in research, global health, and dedication to the underserved. Plus, a plethora of extracurricular activities, like joint degrees, Iowa Writing Workshop, etc.
Post interview impression: Unfortunately, I think I built UI up in my mind so I was disappointed with some aspects when I ultimately arrived.
Advantages: - I really liked the emphasis on case-based learning. I also very much enjoyed how we got 'try out' a CBL during the interview day. I do wish the curriculum were more systems-based, though. - SO many opportunities (joint degrees, global health, research), as referenced above.
Disadvantages: - I hadn't realized just how rural UI is. It's all relative of course; for some people Iowa City is a bustling metropolis but for me it very much had a small town feel. - Although UI has, in one complex, some outstanding hospitals and clinics, the patient population is pretty homogenous (which is consistent with the overall demographic profile of Iowa). My fellow interviewees and the medical students we met were also consistent with this. Wasn't exactly thrilled. - Also, don't think I did as well during my 2-on-1 interview as I would have liked. I was kind of thrown for a loop when, in the final two minutes, one of the interviewers asked a question about my application. Through no fault of their own, they'd interpreted the AMCAS output in a way that wasn't correct; I had time to briefly correct it but I'm not sure if they had enough time to clarify.
Fairly certain I'll be waitlisted or rejected. Ah, well, we'll see.
I was incredibly, incredibly surprised with Duke's invite, especially because I got it in January. I'd kind of forgotten about my application at Duke since I'd assumed it was a silent rejection at that point, lol.
If I had gotten this invite even a month earlier (before the UCSD acceptance), I would have unequivocally attended. No thought required. But, since I had UCSD in hand, I deliberated over whether it was worth going to Duke. I laid out my thoughts below and in the end, decided that because of two factors (non-rolling decisions and MMI format), it was worth my time to go and at least have the honor to interview at Duke, regardless of the final decision. I've found that I much preferred MMI and felt I could excel more, so I very much appreciated that Duke had an MMI. In addition, since it's not rolling, I should have as good of a chance as someone who was invited and interviewed in September (at least in theory).
So, yes, I decided to bite the bullet, book tickets and hotel one more time and see what Duke had to offer.
Post-interview impressions: the interview day was pretty chill. I felt reeeeeally relaxed on the day of and definitely not my normal bundle of nerves. Part of that was because the night before I went to one of the DukeMed student-hosted events; for some reason, talking with the students and hearing their experiences helped me feel much calmer. After checking in, we mingled for about 40 minutes until everyone else had as well. Then Dr. Armstrong spoke with us about the history of DukeMed, as well as her own experiences and how they've informed their selection process; in a nutshell, she's wonderful. (She told two deeply personal stories that made me tear up and I've never tried to blink them away so quickly in my life...) After that, we split into two groups of 10; one group went to interview and the other went on a tour. I was with the first group and overall the MMI were fairly similar to others I've had. That took about 2 hours, at which point the groups reconvened for lunch with M3s and M4s. We had lunch for about 45 minutes, which was great because that gave us plenty of time to ask questions of different DukeMed senior students about their experiences. Then we switched and I went on the tour; I'm very glad I switched from heels into flats because our tour guide took us on a true 'tour' of not just DukeMed but also Duke itself. We walked all over the hospital and clinics, and then walked over as far as the Chapel and West Union. By the time we came back, it was about 3pm. Dr. Yee presented closing remarks (also fairly relaxed) and then we were done!
Overall, we'll see. Duke is amazing, DukeMed is outstanding. Their curriculum is top notch and I love how early they get their students into clinic, as well as how much simultaneous freedom and support they provide at every step. The research year I was unsure about going in but I felt that my questions were definitely answered and now I feel that it's a good idea with very good execution.
Now it's the waiting game. I'm not expecting an acceptance because it's such a competitive school but I'm so grateful to have interviewed here! We'll see what happens *shrug*
Post-interview decision: ultimately waitlisted. While Duke is a great school for many, the more I learn about UCSD, the more I am falling in love. Even if I got off the waitlist at Duke (which is a big if), I would still attend UCSD. So, I decided to withdraw my application from the waitlist. Congrats to all who got in and best of luck to those on the waitlist!
Summary of Experience:
First time applicant to GWU.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 8/2016: interview invite 9/2016: attended interview 10/2016: waitlisted :( 3/2017: withdrew (whoops, kind of forgot about my application here until now... rectified!)
I really liked how GWU is in the heart of a bustling metropolis, so you get all kinds of patients. Wasn't thrilled with the clinical year rotations that are out of the city since that requires a car. Thought interviews went really well! But they interview a lot of people so expecting waitlist.
Summary of Experience:
FINAL STATUS: matriculating!!!! :D
In the end and after a ton of thought, I'm biting the financial bullet and going to UCSD. Overall, I got a wonderful vibe/fit at UCSD's Second Look that was consistent with my interview day. Plus, UCSD checks ALL of my boxes (and more!), except for money. At this point and having weighed my options, I think that, even with the higher upfront cost, what UCSD offers is more than enough for me and that I can look back in 5-10 years without regret about this decision. 4/2017 update: merit scholarship award!! (>$15k/year for 4 years + scholarship to cover OOS cost for first year). So glad UCSD chose me and that I chose UCSD :D
Summary: First time applicant to UCSD.
6/2016: submitted primary 9/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 10/2016: interview invite (mid-October); attended interview (late October) 12/2016: ACCEPTED!!! 1/2017: accepted into Core Topics summer program 3/2017: interview invitation for the Global Health Academic Concentration Program! Accepted to PRIME-HEq program!! 4/2017: attended second-look weekend; accepted into Global Health Academic Concentration (GHAC) (!!); MERIT SCHOLARSHIP (>$15k/year for 4 years + scholarship to cover OOS cost for first year) :D :D
I was shocked to receive a secondary from UCSD. Really. Objectively, I can see what they liked about my application but I still can't believe they picked me out of how many thousands of applicants (especially as OOS). So grateful.
Upon submitting the secondary, I applied to both PRIME and Global Health Concentration.
Post-interview impression: omg. This was my first visit to California. My dear Californians, y'all have got it made in the shade. UCSD was fantastic and it would definitely be a dream to be accepted. Although I already have an MPH, I could see myself getting another Master's through PRIME in another area. I'd be thrilled to be accepted!
Overall, the day went really well and everyone (fellow interviewees, students, staff) was so nice. I felt a little off for first two MMIs but quickly rebounded for the rest. Hopefully that's enough to compensate but who knows. I'm grateful that they will let us know fairly quickly if we've been accepted.
In short: UCSD is amazing. If I'm accepted, I'll have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.
Post-acceptance feelings: I don't even know. I'm in shock. I'm so grateful and don't even know where to begin to process this. ...OMG I GOT ACCEPTED
Summary of Experience:
FINAL STATUS: withdrew post-acceptance
First time applicant to UVM.
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 8/2016: application pooled 9/2016: interview invite 10/2016: attended interview 11/2016: accepted!! :D 12/2016: partial scholarship ($25k per year/4 years) offer! 4/2017: withdrew post-acceptance; a great school but would not choose over where I have also been accepted
Post interview impression: Vermont is pretty fantastic.
Advantages: - The curriculum is state of the art and they pride themselves on being curriculum pioneers; I'm especially a fan because I really want a school with a case-base/team-based learning approach. Plus, you get into clinic months earlier than other schools, which is a big plus for residency. - Very much liked their emphasis on public health and hands-on projects that actually make a difference. It's a great opportunity to apply what you learn in class. - Everyone I met was so nice and pleasant, from students all the way up to deans. And, fwiw, the lunch was outstanding. - If you love nature/hiking, you will LOVE Vermont. During a student panel, the windows behind the students overlooked a blue sky and gorgeous mountain view; simultaneously distracting and soothing!
Disadvantages: - Relatively isolated. There's an international airport but it's not exactly O'Hare. - From the student-led tour, I was surprised at how compact/small many of the student spaces are, including the library, lounge, and classrooms. I'm one of those who likes studying at school so if that's not a concern for you, maybe that's not as big of a deal. - Homogenous patient population. If possible, I'd prefer a school that serves a more heterogeneous patient population so I'll have more varied clinical experiences. Granted, there is a significant immigrant and refugee presence, which is great.
Summary of Experience:
FINAL STATUS: withdrew post-acceptance
First time applicant to UofL.
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: invited to complete secondary; submitted 9/2016: interview invite 10/2016: attended interview; accepted!! :D 1/2017: scholarship offer! (>50% OOS tuition per year) 4/2017: withdrew post-acceptance; a great school but would not choose over where I have also been accepted
Post interview impression: UofL is lovely! It's a really solid school with a lot to offer.
Advantages: - Similar to Wayne, since UofL is in the heart of an urban area, there are plenty of opportunities to get early clinical exposure with varied patient populations. - I was surprised when I researched UofL at the key inventions and discoveries: they're humble but don't let that deceive you. UofL is built on a bedrock of solid medical education. - Everyone I met was so nice and pleasant, from fellow interviewees to the deans. I actually enjoyed talking with my interviewers; I felt it was really like a conversation and that they (hopefully) enjoyed it as well :) - I definitely like the house system; it provides a nice 'home-base' and gives the opportunity to get to know your classmates better outside of class.
Disadvantages: - The curriculum is more traditional and lecture-based, which I'm not exactly a fan of.
Summary of Experience:
FINAL STATUS: withdrew post-acceptance.
Re-applicant to MSU CHM (had not previously interviewed here).
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 8/2016: interview invite 9/2016: attended interview 10/2016: accepted!! :D 2/2017: withdrew post-acceptance; a great school but would not choose over where I have also been accepted
Post interview impression: MSU CHM is great to get early and longitudinal clinical exposure. Strong emphasis on primary care and underserved populations but not to the detriment of speciality training!
Advantages: - The new curriculum really emphasizes case-based/team-based learning and a systems-based approach, both of which I love. - Almost immediately they get you into clinic and you play an increasingly active role in the medical team. - Really nice programs for urban underserved, global health, rural medicine, and others. I especially like the opportunity to rotate through very different locations during clinical years. - Located right next to state capitol so there are plenty of public health or policy opportunities if you're so inclined.
Disadvantages: - Relatively isolated when compared with larger metropolitan areas. - Unfortunately, not UNSWR ranked so that may play into residency chances. And yet, I think considering what MSU offers, it's definitely up there with some more well-known programs.
Summary of Experience:
FINAL STATUS: withdrew post-acceptance.
Summary: Re-applicant to UI (had not previously interviewed here).
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 9/2016: interview invite 10/2016: attended interview 11/2016: ACCEPTED :D :D 12/2016: Chicago campus placement 2/2017: financial aid packet received; all loans and OOS so I'm going to go sob into my cereal as I consider the ~$100k annual CoA 4/2017: non-resident tuition waiver!! :D However, decided to withdraw post-acceptance; a great school but would not choose over where I have also been accepted
Post interview impression: I loved Illinois. The OOS price tag is hefty and not something to be taken lightly but oh, UI. They seem to have everything I was looking for: solid curriculum; accessible faculty; great location; incredibly varied patient population (it's Chicagoland, amirite?); global health and research opportunities as far as the eye can see; multiple health science schools (dental, public health, pharmacy, nursing) that encourages interdisciplinary and collaborative work... I could go on.
I really enjoyed the interview day and had a great time talking with my interviewers. One of them was a faculty member and we talked most of the time about our shared passion for photography. They were also one of the very few med schools where the tour was led by an M4. He gave a great impression of the clinical experiences available at Illinois, which is a key factor for me.
I must note: I'd only be interested in Illinois if placed at the Chicago campus. They explained how the Rockford and Peoria campuses emphasize rural medicine and I would not want to take the seat of someone else who is more interested in that. The deans explained that the Global Health and Urban Underserved track are in Chicago so that's something I'd strongly consider if I'm accepted.
We'll see if Illinois liked me as much as I liked them!
Summary of Experience:
FINAL STATUS: withdrew post-acceptance.
Summary: Re-applicant to UM (had not previously interviewed here).
6/2016: submitted primary 8/2016: invited to complete secondary; completed and submitted 9/2016: interview invite 10/2016: attended interview 12/2016: ACCEPTED :D 2/2017: awarded non-resident tuition waiver 3/2017: full tuition scholarship!!! OMG WHAT IS HAPPENING; such a blessing and so grateful!! 4/2017: withdrew post-acceptance. Although Minnesota is a wonderful school, UCSD is the best fit for me and now, with only ~$50k difference in COA, it's worth it to go to UCSD.
Post interview impression: I loved Minnesota (much like I'd loved Illinois). They also seem to have everything I was looking for: solid curriculum; accessible faculty; great location; incredibly varied patient population (Native American, Hispanic, refugee); all the global health and research opportunities you could want; multiple health science schools (dental, public health, pharmacy, nursing) that encourages interdisciplinary and collaborative work; the FlexMD; etc.
I really enjoyed the interview day and very much enjoyed the MMI. They had some great questions and the interviewers were awesome. I'd love to go to Minnesota, even though I'm not a fan of winter!
Summary of Experience:
FINAL STATUS: withdrew post-acceptance.
Summary: Re-applicant to WSU (had not previously interviewed here).
6/2016: submitted primary 7/2016: completed secondary 8/2016: interview invite (mid-August); attended interview (late August) 10/2016: accepted!! :D 12/2016: FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIP WHAT IS THIS LIFE 3/2017: attended second look 4/2017: withdrew post-acceptance. Wayne's a great school but would not choose over where I have also been accepted, especially considering total COA at UCSD.
Post interview impression: Wayne was my first interview so it has a place near and dear to my heart. I can say without reservation that I think I'd really love it at Wayne!
Advantages: - Wayne prides itself on being the only medical school in Detroit and has embraced urban health. This definitely fits with what I would like to do and my own personal interests. - In one medical complex there's a major tertiary care hospital, Children's Hospital, Cancer Center, and VA. Within walking distance. omg. Since I'm really interested in a med school that has a heterogenous patient population to maximize my clinical exposure, you can't get much better than this. - A ton of research available, from bench to bedside to community-based. - Everyone I met was really sweet, down to earth, and helpful. - Well-established local community partnerships and global health opportunities. - Always something to do in Detroit so I definitely won't get bored...
Disadvantages: - I'm not entirely clear on how much case-based/team-based learning there is with the new curriculum. I'd really like that approach more than a lecture-based one. - Giant class. Most of the students I spoke with said that's not a problem because people get to know each other through different opportunities so it should work out.
