Can you spot the 2014 PSU Can you spot the 2014 PSU graduate?graduate?

Viktor Tollemar, Premedicine major/ SHC/ Viktor Tollemar, Premedicine major/ SHC/ University of Chicago Pritzker School of University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.Medicine.

Announcements du jourAnnouncements du jour To subscribe to the weekly e-Newletter with key announcements, To subscribe to the weekly e-Newletter with key announcements,

internships, jobs, etc.: internships, jobs, etc.: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/j/F363B311AB00E175

Saturday, October 17thSaturday, October 17th– the annual fall – the annual fall “Primary Care Day” “Primary Care Day” at Hershey, at Hershey, 8:30 – 3:30 at the medical school – contact in the Dept. of Family and 8:30 – 3:30 at the medical school – contact in the Dept. of Family and Community Medicine, Ms. Diane Ferron: Community Medicine, Ms. Diane Ferron: dferron@hmc.psu.edu or call or call 717-531-1534.717-531-1534.

Friday, November 13Friday, November 13thth, Open House/ Medical program at Philadelphia , Open House/ Medical program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. College of Osteopathic Medicine. To register, go to Upcoming Events To register, go to Upcoming Events on the PCOM website. on the PCOM website. Sign-in for the program starts at 4:00; Program Sign-in for the program starts at 4:00; Program runs until 8:00 P.M. Evans Hall at the PCOM campus, 4170 City runs until 8:00 P.M. Evans Hall at the PCOM campus, 4170 City Avenue, Philly! Avenue, Philly!

General Considerations on General Considerations on Applying to Professional SchoolsApplying to Professional Schools

Things worth your attention and some Things worth your attention and some observations on the observations on the 2016 Entering Class 2016 Entering Class

application cycle.application cycle.

And planning for 2017 cycle.And planning for 2017 cycle.Medical School as the example this eveningMedical School as the example this evening..

MCAT bits & pieces MCAT bits & pieces See resources on aamc.org See resources on aamc.org

Fee Assistance program:Fee Assistance program: must do before registering for MCAT. must do before registering for MCAT. See aamc.org/fapSee aamc.org/fap

Next test dates: Next test dates: January 2016January 2016 The 128 page, free download of the MCAT 2015 PDF The 128 page, free download of the MCAT 2015 PDF

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/377882/data/mcat2015-content.pdf

Freebie! Freebie! khanacademy.org/mcat has 500+ free videos & review khanacademy.org/mcat has 500+ free videos & review questionsquestions

Not expensiveNot expensive: The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam (2015); see : The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam (2015); see aamc.org website.aamc.org website.

Hotel Discount Program: Hotel Discount Program: www.hamptoninn.com Check the Check the aamc.org website for details.aamc.org website for details.

Where we are now in the application cycle for the Where we are now in the application cycle for the 2016 entering class.2016 entering class.

To date, our office has prepared, processed and forwarded over 230 applicant letter To date, our office has prepared, processed and forwarded over 230 applicant letter sets for medical, dental & optometry schools so far!sets for medical, dental & optometry schools so far!

Still conducting PSU Committee Interviews. (fyi, Kimmel/Jefferson sometimes Still conducting PSU Committee Interviews. (fyi, Kimmel/Jefferson sometimes interviews candidates into April!) Into July we received email from last year interviews candidates into April!) Into July we received email from last year applicants matriculating off a “wait lists”!applicants matriculating off a “wait lists”!

We hear: We hear: “Its getting late and I’ve heard little or nothing!” “Its getting late and I’ve heard little or nothing!” You can relax… You can relax…

Q: How many of the planned interviews have been extended? Q: How many of the planned interviews have been extended? A: A: TempleTemple ~20%; ~20%; Kimmel/JeffersonKimmel/Jefferson ~35%; ~35%; P.C.O.MP.C.O.M. ~ 8-10%; . ~ 8-10%; Pritzker/ University of Pritzker/ University of

ChicagoChicago ~40%; ~40%; TuftsTufts < < 25%; 25%; Boston University Boston University ~60%.~60%.

Schools want to see the entire applicant pool!Schools want to see the entire applicant pool!

They could fill the class before the end of August if they wished! So ... They could fill the class before the end of August if they wished! So ...

Bottomline:Bottomline: It is NOT too late for a good, well-balanced, well-prepared It is NOT too late for a good, well-balanced, well-prepared candidacy to be reviewed and pursued by the schools!candidacy to be reviewed and pursued by the schools!

Current candidates Current candidates … after everything … after everything is at Admissions Offices…is at Admissions Offices…

Updates of germane information are important! MOST schools are Updates of germane information are important! MOST schools are receptive/ a few function with closed files after 2receptive/ a few function with closed files after 2ndaryndary app deadline app deadline

E.g., fall grades (Official vs. unofficial set via email depends on the school/ E.g., fall grades (Official vs. unofficial set via email depends on the school/ ask them if this is okay). Some welcome updates, some will not add them ask them if this is okay). Some welcome updates, some will not add them to a file/ candidacy closed at date they set. to a file/ candidacy closed at date they set.

E.g. Any awards (Grammy, Nobel, Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Peabody Award, E.g. Any awards (Grammy, Nobel, Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Peabody Award, Pulitzer Prize, Heisman Trophy, etc.)?Pulitzer Prize, Heisman Trophy, etc.)?

Research publications and/or presentations.Research publications and/or presentations.

Noteworthy activities not previously reported. Noteworthy activities not previously reported.

Plans to retake MCAT? If you say you will then do follow through. Inform Plans to retake MCAT? If you say you will then do follow through. Inform schools if your plans on a retake change.schools if your plans on a retake change.

It is important to continue to show interest with the school(s) of greatest It is important to continue to show interest with the school(s) of greatest interest to you. Just politely “keep in touch”. interest to you. Just politely “keep in touch”.

UPCOMING candidates for the UPCOMING candidates for the entering professional class of 2017 – next cycle!entering professional class of 2017 – next cycle!

Fall semester 2015:Fall semester 2015: Get the Committee Interview Packet, on-line at Get the Committee Interview Packet, on-line at www.science.psu.edu/premed/

OR hard copy outside room 116/126 Ritenour.OR hard copy outside room 116/126 Ritenour. Solicit faculty letters of recommendation! What you should strive for is a set of Solicit faculty letters of recommendation! What you should strive for is a set of

letters that can provide a letters that can provide a broad perspectivebroad perspective of you as a candidate by of you as a candidate by writers writers who know youwho know you. Help your LOR writers know who you are! (next slide!). Help your LOR writers know who you are! (next slide!)

MCAT preparations and plan to sign up. Calendar is on aamc.orgMCAT preparations and plan to sign up. Calendar is on aamc.org Continue gaining relevant experience in healthcare settings, etc.! Attend Continue gaining relevant experience in healthcare settings, etc.! Attend

“Open House” events at schools; meet with representatives from professional “Open House” events at schools; meet with representatives from professional schools as opportunities come up! (e.g. Hershey Primary Care Day on Oct. schools as opportunities come up! (e.g. Hershey Primary Care Day on Oct. 1717thth, 2015), 2015)

Spring semester 2016:Spring semester 2016: Take MCAT (when truly ready- NOT prematurely) and …Take MCAT (when truly ready- NOT prematurely) and … FOLLOW-UP with your letter writers on LORs! FOLLOW-UP with your letter writers on LORs! Do be prepared with one or Do be prepared with one or

two alternate letter writers in mind, too! two alternate letter writers in mind, too! As best you can, continue gaining related experience in healthcare settings, As best you can, continue gaining related experience in healthcare settings,

etc.!etc.!

What makes for a good LOR?What makes for a good LOR? The The most informative letters most informative letters are from PSU faculty and other writers who are from PSU faculty and other writers who

got to know you from class participation, office hour chats, regular class got to know you from class participation, office hour chats, regular class discussions, presentations, group projects, the research lab, the teaching discussions, presentations, group projects, the research lab, the teaching lab and/or student organizations, sometimes through extracurricular lab and/or student organizations, sometimes through extracurricular activities germane to human services and/or healthcare settings! activities germane to human services and/or healthcare settings!

A few competencies cited by AAMC -- Can your letter writer comment, for A few competencies cited by AAMC -- Can your letter writer comment, for example, on you and these attributes?example, on you and these attributes?

Your critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills, effective written Your critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills, effective written communications and scientific inquiry knowledge & facilitycommunications and scientific inquiry knowledge & facility

Interpersonal skills/ social skills, cultural awareness -recognizing factors Interpersonal skills/ social skills, cultural awareness -recognizing factors affecting human interactions, having a service orientation & teamwork for affecting human interactions, having a service orientation & teamwork for common goalscommon goals

Ethical responsibility to yourself & others, reliability & dependability, Ethical responsibility to yourself & others, reliability & dependability, resilience & adaptability, striving for improvementresilience & adaptability, striving for improvement

……more for next year’s first time candidates...more for next year’s first time candidates...

Spring/Summer 2016:Spring/Summer 2016: Primary application to AMCAS and/or AACOMAS in June/July ideally. Primary application to AMCAS and/or AACOMAS in June/July ideally. NOTE: the Penn State Committee letter is NOT submitted as part of NOTE: the Penn State Committee letter is NOT submitted as part of

the primary application. Do NOT delay your primary application the primary application. Do NOT delay your primary application waiting for your Committee interviewwaiting for your Committee interview..

YouYou make the call to Schedule Committee Interview (mostly in the summer) make the call to Schedule Committee Interview (mostly in the summer) when your Biographical sketch, draft personal statement and at least 3 when your Biographical sketch, draft personal statement and at least 3 letters are received at our office. We anticipate scheduling will begin letters are received at our office. We anticipate scheduling will begin around mid-April. around mid-April.

Prep and send out your Secondary Applications. LORs become part of the Prep and send out your Secondary Applications. LORs become part of the secondary applications.secondary applications.

Fall 2016:Fall 2016: Monitor status of applications. Caution: Do not confuse deadlines of Monitor status of applications. Caution: Do not confuse deadlines of

primary vs. secondary applications! See Schools’ websites or MSAR.primary vs. secondary applications! See Schools’ websites or MSAR. Pay attention to current events, news, etc. pertaining to your career goals. Pay attention to current events, news, etc. pertaining to your career goals.

These are predictable topics for interviews at professional schools!These are predictable topics for interviews at professional schools!

……MCAT awareness for first time candidates, MCAT awareness for first time candidates, to do this academic year.to do this academic year.

Optimize your MCAT prep by whatever study modes work best Optimize your MCAT prep by whatever study modes work best for youfor you, such as AAMC MCAT Guide, Khan Academy, Kaplan, , such as AAMC MCAT Guide, Khan Academy, Kaplan, Examkrackers, Berkeley Review, Princeton Review or whatever Examkrackers, Berkeley Review, Princeton Review or whatever else!else!

Review content areas of the test (see aamc.org) and plan your Review content areas of the test (see aamc.org) and plan your remaining elective courses so you’re not taking MCAT prematurely. remaining elective courses so you’re not taking MCAT prematurely.

Strive for best outcome the Strive for best outcome the first timefirst time! It is not a test to take lightly or ! It is not a test to take lightly or to “to “see how I’ll do, then really prepare right for the second timesee how I’ll do, then really prepare right for the second time.”.”

All scores are reported & some schools average! All scores are reported & some schools average! E.g., Kimmel/Jefferson averages.E.g., Kimmel/Jefferson averages.

Credible Sets of Letters of Recommendation (LOR)Credible Sets of Letters of Recommendation (LOR)For your planning this year: We ask what schools expect to receive: For your planning this year: We ask what schools expect to receive:

two core science faculty LORs / one non-science faculty lettertwo core science faculty LORs / one non-science faculty letter..

Q: But my core science classes are so large?Q: But my core science classes are so large? A: yes, but you can still talk to the professor and if she/he is willing, make a short A: yes, but you can still talk to the professor and if she/he is willing, make a short

appt. for a conversation regarding your preparations for post-graduate school; provide appt. for a conversation regarding your preparations for post-graduate school; provide a resume. Your upper division science courses tend to be smaller with more a resume. Your upper division science courses tend to be smaller with more interaction. interaction.

Q: But she/he really doesn’t know me…Q: But she/he really doesn’t know me… A: plan to round out your letter set with other faculty who know you from smaller A: plan to round out your letter set with other faculty who know you from smaller

classes, e.g. upper division specialty courses such as Medical Microbiology; classes, e.g. upper division specialty courses such as Medical Microbiology; Histology; Advanced Immunology; Biochemistry; Neurobiololgy as examples. A Histology; Advanced Immunology; Biochemistry; Neurobiololgy as examples. A research mentor’s LOR is helpful research mentor’s LOR is helpful as a 4as a 4thth or 5 or 5thth letter. letter. Family member = conflict of Family member = conflict of interest!interest!

Q: What about non-science classes…they are so large, tooQ: What about non-science classes…they are so large, too?? A: Your ENGL 15 (A: Your ENGL 15 (30 or 137H or 138T30 or 137H or 138T) or 202; CAS 100, PHIL 432 are examples of ) or 202; CAS 100, PHIL 432 are examples of

smaller classes to consider.smaller classes to consider. Suggestion: Avoid getting multiple letters authored by a “graduate assistant”. A letter Suggestion: Avoid getting multiple letters authored by a “graduate assistant”. A letter

co-written co-written with the professorwith the professor in charge of a course inherently has more in charge of a course inherently has more credibilitycredibility.. Suggestion: Since you are applying from Penn State, the Admissions Committees Suggestion: Since you are applying from Penn State, the Admissions Committees

are expecting to receive faculty input by PSU faculty. Beyond the minimum of 3 are expecting to receive faculty input by PSU faculty. Beyond the minimum of 3 letters, do consider “other writers” for letters #4 to #6 for the PSU Committee Letter letters, do consider “other writers” for letters #4 to #6 for the PSU Committee Letter set.set.

But wait, there’s more on letters…But wait, there’s more on letters…

Q: Q: My professor in xyz is not in the Science College, is that okay? My professor in xyz is not in the Science College, is that okay? A: My best advice: strive for at least 2 from core science subjects or other ECoS A: My best advice: strive for at least 2 from core science subjects or other ECoS

faculty AND solicit writers from other colleges (if you wish) up to faculty AND solicit writers from other colleges (if you wish) up to max of sixmax of six LORs for LORs for the Committee Letter set going from Penn State. the Committee Letter set going from Penn State.

Use our Use our Request FormRequest Form for all solicited letters. for all solicited letters. Fill out your portions/ date and signFill out your portions/ date and sign!! We ask two simple things for your letter writers:We ask two simple things for your letter writers: 1) when available, to do their letter on department “letterhead”;1) when available, to do their letter on department “letterhead”; 2) 2) date & sign their letterdate & sign their letter! Unsigned letters may cause needless delays.! Unsigned letters may cause needless delays. This will make prep of letter sets faster for our staff and helps to legitimize the letter This will make prep of letter sets faster for our staff and helps to legitimize the letter

sets being forwarded on your behalf!sets being forwarded on your behalf! At this time we prefer that letters be sent to our office 126 Ritenour with the Request At this time we prefer that letters be sent to our office 126 Ritenour with the Request

Form – not emailed or faxed.Form – not emailed or faxed. Waive/ do not waive right of access to letters??Waive/ do not waive right of access to letters?? We will always urge you to We will always urge you to

solicit confidential letters of recommendation. solicit confidential letters of recommendation. Do give the request form to your letter writer, to be returned to us with their letter.Do give the request form to your letter writer, to be returned to us with their letter. For now, electronic transmission of letters For now, electronic transmission of letters to our officeto our office is not desired. It is suboptimal is not desired. It is suboptimal

at this time and creates a layer of prep, processing and follow-ups, i.e. delays!at this time and creates a layer of prep, processing and follow-ups, i.e. delays! We plan to continue using VirtualEvals for PSU Committee Letter transmittal next We plan to continue using VirtualEvals for PSU Committee Letter transmittal next

year. year. We do not use Interfolio and we can not do on-line, fill-in forms!We do not use Interfolio and we can not do on-line, fill-in forms!

……last items on LORs and apps…last items on LORs and apps…

NOTE on osteopathic schools NOTE on osteopathic schools – Typically – Typically require or strongly recommend require or strongly recommend a LOR from a LOR from a D.O. Get to know a D.O. and spend some time with her/him discussing the a D.O. Get to know a D.O. and spend some time with her/him discussing the profession and shadowing! profession and shadowing!

If you are applying ONLY to osteopathic schools, we like to include this notation in the If you are applying ONLY to osteopathic schools, we like to include this notation in the letter set going from Penn State. letter set going from Penn State.

However, if applying to both D.O. and M.D. schools, we encourage you to work with However, if applying to both D.O. and M.D. schools, we encourage you to work with your D.O. letter writer for direct routing to the osteopathic schools. Some candidates your D.O. letter writer for direct routing to the osteopathic schools. Some candidates use Interfolio for solo letters – see use Interfolio for solo letters – see AACOMAS Instructions 2016AACOMAS Instructions 2016. .

** THIS IS IMPORTANT: ** THIS IS IMPORTANT: PSU “Committee letter” is identified on your primary PSU “Committee letter” is identified on your primary AMCAS application, but is NOT submitted to AMCAS as part of the primary AMCAS application, but is NOT submitted to AMCAS as part of the primary application. application.

Don’t delay your Primary App awaiting a PSU Committee Interview and letter if Don’t delay your Primary App awaiting a PSU Committee Interview and letter if you are committed application cycle!you are committed application cycle!

Per AMCAS definitions, our office facilitates a Per AMCAS definitions, our office facilitates a “Committee Letter“Committee Letter”, ”, including the group including the group of additional letters you solicited. of additional letters you solicited.

It is not a “Letter Packet”. The accompanying letters are not “Individual Letters,” p.58 It is not a “Letter Packet”. The accompanying letters are not “Individual Letters,” p.58 - 59, “AMCAS 2016 Instructions.- 59, “AMCAS 2016 Instructions.

Biographical Sketch Mania!Biographical Sketch Mania!

We have We have hundredshundreds of candidates to track. Attach a recent small photo! of candidates to track. Attach a recent small photo! Biosketch prepared neatly and readable!Biosketch prepared neatly and readable! Waive/ not waive access: Waive/ not waive access: we recommend “waive”/ sign and date! This tells schools we recommend “waive”/ sign and date! This tells schools

that your materials will be prepared as “confidential”, which is their strong preference!that your materials will be prepared as “confidential”, which is their strong preference! Draft Personal Statement. Draft Personal Statement. It’s your chance to tell a reader who you are and why this It’s your chance to tell a reader who you are and why this

is the right career track for you. Get objective readers; Career Services can assist, is the right career track for you. Get objective readers; Career Services can assist, too! This draft for the PSU Interview stays here.too! This draft for the PSU Interview stays here.

The The Tentative List Tentative List of schools is just that – tentative and intended to assist advising at of schools is just that – tentative and intended to assist advising at the time of our interview.the time of our interview.

Q: Must I have my MCAT results before the PSU Committee Interview?Q: Must I have my MCAT results before the PSU Committee Interview? A: No, but it helps so our office to prepare the most informed letter of evaluation on A: No, but it helps so our office to prepare the most informed letter of evaluation on

your behalf. IF you plan to retake the MCAT, that is important to state at the your behalf. IF you plan to retake the MCAT, that is important to state at the interview, too. interview, too.

If you indicate plans to retake the MCAT, let schools know & follow through.If you indicate plans to retake the MCAT, let schools know & follow through. Be realisticBe realistic about how your MCAT and GPA fit the profile of previous entering classes about how your MCAT and GPA fit the profile of previous entering classes

at the schools of greatest interest. See MSAR for this information.at the schools of greatest interest. See MSAR for this information.

General Questions?General Questions?