Michelle Finkel 
Despite more than a dozen years in medical school admissions consulting, I still clearly recall … Read more
Over a decade ago, I was seated in the emergency department with a colleague when … Read more
Most people don’t associate being a premed with relaxation. Outsiders imagine your existence as a … Read more
Recently, I rounded out a full decade as a professional admissions consultant, assisting candidates with … Read more
By Michelle Finkel, MD Whether you are a candidate for medical school, residency, fellowship, dental … Read more
By Michelle Finkel, MD with CrispyDoc
You put your heart and soul into your compelling, charismatic personal statement; you showcased your accomplishments and drive to succeed in your activities section; and you demonstrated the endorsement of respected faculty allies in your letters of recommendation. Now your hard work has paid off and helped you get a foot in the door: You’ve been invited to interview at your dream medical school or residency program.
Many students arrive at medical school with a bias that their liberal arts education has instilled, namely, that they should survey everything before deciding on their specialty. Before medical school, students matriculate at colleges that pride themselves on providing a diverse exposure to a variety of subjects: Computer science majors experience the canon of Great Literature before pursuing a life of code, and English majors can take “Physics for Poets.”
For a generalist student sampling from the buffet of medicine, it can be jarring to sit in lecture next to a classmate who declares on the first day of school that she intends to become an orthopedist. These early-committers appear to have whittled down their choices from day one. They magically become apprentices to a faculty member in their chosen specialty by the first quarter, have a publication by their first year, and seem to possess an intuitive roadmap for applying to residency that the generalist cannot read.
Drawing on the wisdom of those who have gone before you can help you avoid career-hindering mistakes.
Expert tips to make your personal statement stand out.
The Scramble will undergo significant changes in 2012. Michelle Finkel, MD, details these changes and how matched and unmatched candidates will be affected.