At this month’s Scribe Education Session, EPPA scribes accepted to medical and PA schools came in to share their experiences and advice on the med/PA school application and interview process. Here’s what they had to say. Stay tuned for part two of this posting next week when we’ll have more accepted scribes provide insight.
Rachel Gagne; accepted to University of Wisconsin, Madison – PA Program. Alumni of UW – Madison.
EPPA scribe for 2.5 years.
- “It’s important to remember that a lot of the interview comes down to confidence. It’s hard to get an interview in the first place, so if you find yourself in that seat, you know you’ve made it pretty far. It’s also helpful to remember that you’re evaluating the school just as much as they’re evaluating you. Being excited to talk about your passion for medicine will assure you feel confident going into an interview and convey the same message to the interview committee.
- What kinds of resources did you use to learn about the schools you were applying to?
“A lot of schools have orientation sessions for interested applicants, some of which you can even stream from home. This is an opportunity to speak with faculty and students at the school you’re applying to and ask questions about what they look for in applicants, etc. As a bonus, you get name recognition for signing up and attending these things! width=303px&height=201px” alt=”” rel=”1922″ />
Kanchan Hulasare; accepted to University of Minnesota Medical School. Alumni of UMN – Twin Cities.
EPPA Scribe for 1 year.
- “At my interview, I was asked, apart from a patient’s illness or injury, ‘what sorts of things do you need to think about when working with a patient?’ Because of my experience as a scribe, I’ve seen all aspects of patient care and I was able to answer this question with real examples of patients I’ve seen. Having actual experience helps a lot.”
Logan Wallace; accepted to Midwestern College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZ). Alumni of Purdue University.
EPPA Scribe for 2 years.
- “It sounds weird but failing [to get into school] the first time I applied was a huge benefit. After I’d received a few rejection notices, I started calling back the admin departments at the schools and compiling feedback. This feedback was both direct and from the source of the people who are involved in admission decisions. I revised a lot of my application based off of this information.” Medical schools provide a lot of resources for applicants in the form of advisers and administrative staff – don’t forget to use them.
James Smyth; accepted to Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Alumni of University of St. Thomas.
EPPA Scribe for 1 year.
- “Focus on knowing yourself and being able to articulate your interests and passion for medicine instead of worrying about things you can’t change, e.g. your GPA or experiences.”
Max Napolitano accepted to St. Catherine’s PA Program. Alumni of UMN – Duluth.
EPPA Scribe for 3 years.
”Don’t underestimate the importance of your personal statement. Spend time developing it and having multiple people review it. It’s an essential step in the process of preparing for the rest of your application and interview.