June 26, 2009
Another day, another MD program that has caught my eye. In Columbia’s email delivering its secondary application, they mentioned their new Columbia-Bassett program, and after a few hours of research, I’ve decided to apply!
Unlike Cleveland Clinic, with it’s 5-year program and its focus on clinical research, Columbia-Bassett is a 4-year MD program that emphasizes longitudinal clinical experience, a strong and compassionate relationship between physicians and patients, and the importance of rural health care. The first 18 months of medical school take place at Columbia’s NYC campus, and from there students move to Cooperstown, in Upstate New York, to complete their clerkships at Bassett Healthcare. It seems like students get the best of both worlds: a glimpse into healthcare in the biggest of metropolitan areas, and an extensive view of rural medicine. Also, I’m drawn to the school’s emphasis on relationships, or as they put it, “humanistic patient care.” I love it! Just like Cleveland, their program includes a financial package of yearly $30,000 grants to students to alleviate debt following graduation.
To apply, you answer one additional question on the Columbia secondary specific to C-B. Should I be interviewed, I will interview at both the Cooperstown and NYC campuses. And should C-B not wish to interview me, my application will be considered by Columbia for their traditional MD program.
June 25, 2009
Within a minute of posting my last entry, I got not one but two secondaries in my inbox. George Washington, and Ohio State. Bam!
June 25, 2009
I didn’t know anything at all about the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine until yesterday, when I saw it mentioned on another website. And I have to say, I really like what I see. It’s a 5-year, biomedical research-oriented MD program created between Cleveland Clinic and Case Western, with small classes (32 students/year), ample opportunities for student involvement, and experience with some of the top physician investigators around.
Other benefits: not only does each student get a laptop computer, but their tuition is entirely covered by a scholarship. Their philosophy is that students should graduate from Cleveland Clinic so they can fulfill their professional aspirations without being hindered and burdened by debt. If that pragmatic and compassionate attitude extends to their faculty, it sounds like a wonderful and nurturing environment for someone like me who wants to both practice clinically and pursue research.
You apply to CCLCM by choosing Case Western within AMCAS, and then specifying on Case’s secondary whether you’d like to apply for the CCLCM 5-year program, the Case Western traditional 4-year MD program, or both. I’m going to apply for both. This could be the beginning of a great opportunity!
June 2, 2009
I’ve been working on my AMCAS for a few months now, but even after all that time I got butterflies in my stomach as I went to submit the application today. It really hits you that it’s final; you can’t modify your application once you hit “Submit” (at least, the personal statement or your work/activities). But now it’s official, I’ve initiated the application process! All that’s left is to wait for my transcripts to be received by AMCAS.
By the way, it’s pricey. Running costs so far: $749.
May 18, 2009
I finished filling out the AMCAS application. It’s done! My statement is completed, my activities all have descriptions, and I’ve had my transcript sent in. Now I just have to wait until June when I can actually submit it. Huzzah!
May 7, 2009
As of Tuesday, the 2010 AMCAS is now open. And I’ve already started filling it out. The long, long process begins…
May 1, 2009
I’m really trying to solidify my list of schools, and for the most part I’m satisfied with what I’ve come up with, but I just started looking into The Commonwealth Medical Colllege. It’s a new med school in northeastern Pennsylvania, Scranton to be exact.
Pros: it’s close to the family of my significant other, and it’s just as close to my own family as places like Philadelphia are. They seem to have a good focus on primary care and enhancing rural healthcare.
Cons: it’s a new school, which means it doesn’t come with reputation or wisdom gained by operating within academia for years and years. Also, they don’t have their own campus yet, and won’t until 2011, so my first year would be spent in temporary facilities.
I’m thinking it’s worth applying. For me, it’s another opportunity. Now, do I add TCMC to my list at the expense of another place, or do I just add it and bring my total up to 20?
May 1, 2009
First, I caved and finally joined SDN and MDapplicants. I’m not sure how often, if ever, I’ll post there, but at least I now have the option.
Second, I met with one of the physicians in my department, and got some really great advice for working on my personal statement. After that meeting, I spent time updating and editing the essay, and as of yesterday, I have a draft complete enough to send out for feedback. I was getting discouraged with how slowly it was coming along, but this most recent draft is something I’m proud of.
Now I’ll turn my attention to writing out all the descriptions of my work and activities for the AMCAS. The application goes live in just a few days, and although the first submission date isn’t until June, I’d like everything to be done well in advance.
April 20, 2009
It’s done! I have a complete draft of my personal statement!
I’ve been working on this essay on and off for almost three weeks, and I couldn’t figure out what to say. It’s not that I had nothing to talk about, it’s that I didn’t know to focus my narrative. I could have gone in any number of directions, so what do I tell the Adcoms? At this point, I’m happy with what I wrote. I have a unifying theme, and the story goes somewhere. And unlike last time, I think I have a strong thesis for why I want to pursue medicine.
Now, I’m going to take the advice of a physician in my department and let it sit for a little bit of time (he suggested a month, but I don’t have that time, and I’m anxious to get this done!). Then, I’ll revisit the essay. Hopefully, in that period of time I’ll have a clear sense of what I had wanted to say, and I can edit it effectively.
For anyone applying this year, best of luck on your personal statements! We’re all going through the same thing, and it’s not easy for any of us.
