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    Lewis Associates e-Newsletter

    Volume 6 Issue 4
    April 2007
    Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, Phd., Editor
    Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with your comments. Enjoy!


    30th Harvard Acceptance in 22 years!!
    Advisee accepted to Harvard Medical entering Class 2007

    What's inside:
    Welcome to Success Stories Newsletter!

    Important News: 30th Harvard Acceptance!; Lewis Associates moves to central California coast

    Useful Links: TMDSAS; Osteopathic Awareness Conference

    Alumni Updates, Photos, and More: Guillermo Vargas…Director of the new Diamond Neighborhoods Family Health Center in Southeast San Diego, Dr. Stephen Williams at Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Success Story of the Month: Michael Manzano, matched to Radiology, George Washington University Medical School

    Question of the Month: I am waitlisted…what do I do to be accepted?

    Our Services

    Contact


    Welcome to Lewis Associates!

    IMPORTANT!!
    On April 1st, we will be moving offices to the Central Coast of California.

    Well, our big news is moving our offices to the central coast of California -- Paso Robles to be exact. If you want to locate where that is, look about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the California coast. San Luis Obispo is the closest "big town"…with about 40,000 population. This is where I grew up and attended Cal Poly University (it had 7,000 students my freshman year and grew to 11,000 by the time I graduated 4 years later). Paso Robles is inland about 25 miles, in wine growing country. We are building a home in nearby Templeton, which will take a year, so we will move yet one more time into office space designed for Lewis Associates there next year.

    Zakiya is staying in San Diego. She will be substitute teaching and continuing to maintain this website in the hopes of building a modest freelance design business. You can view her portfolio at zoochia.com. I am sure she would love to hear from you. Feel free to send her a message at webmaster@lewisassoc.com.

    NEW Mailing Address
    1885 Laguna del Campo, Templeton, CA 93465

    NEW Phone
    805-226-9669
    NEW Fax
    805 226-9227
    Contest: Submit a fun acronym for our new phone number! The winner gets one an hour of free advising!

    Other changes:
    Please Welcome Lauren, our new Administrative Assistant
    pictured left

    Dr. Lewis, Lewis Associates, to absorb Long Distance Charges

    All appointments/phone conferences will be made from our office to you. Lauren, our new Administrative Assistant, will call you at your appointment time, and transfer you to Dr. Lewis. (Please welcome Lauren to our family!)

    Faxing documents to Dr. Lewis, Lewis Associates
    The correct fax number is 805-226-9227.
    When faxing documents during office hours 8am to 3pm, (PST), you must first call the office 805-227-9669, so the fax can be switched on. Non-office hours the fax will be automatically connected.
         *8am-3pm CALL BEFORE FAXING
         *3PM-8AM FAXES AUTOMATICALLY CONNECTED

    Overnight/Express Mail Packages
    At this time Lewis Associates is only able to receive expedited mail from the United States Post Office, no special Ground Services UPS/FED-X/DHL
    When sending an expedited package to Dr. Lewis, Lewis Associates, please use usps.com. click on mailing tools, then mailing products &
    services. The standard overnight pricing begins at $14.40. Please remember to give this information to your Letter Of Recommendation writers!!

    Thanks in advance for your cooperation with these items!!

    Where are you in your journey to a health profession?
    In high school? (yes, we advise high school applicants, particularly, those interested in BA-MD programs)
    Just starting college? This is a scary time.
    Moving into your difficult upper division sciences as a junior?
    Re-entering as an "older" non-traditional student?

    We help prepare those of you submitting applications for medical residency programs too!

    Whatever niche you fit, we advise students just like you.

    Class of 2008:
    If you haven't yet started getting your letters of recommendation/evaluation and writing your application personal statement, then you are BEHIND! Are you REALLY ready for an application? Many whom I advise are really not yet ready, and need to develop some aspect of their background to become competitive. Best to apply when you are ready, be competitive and do it ONLY ONCE!

    Let's work together to make that one time application successful…earlier is better so we can develop your strategy and address all those difficult problems … months or even years prior to application. Why not set yourself up for success, rather than toy with the proposition of failure?

    Thanks from Dr. Adrian Miranda, Class 1994, Faculty at Medical College of Wisconsin

    "I have never really taken the time to express my sincere gratitude for everything you did for me. I have often mentioned your name during talks and to friends and family as the person who was the most influential in my path to success. I can’t tell you how many times my wife has answered that question right on the "newlywed" board game. Without your guidance and support I would never have accomplished my goals. I am so glad to hear you are doing well and I want you to know that I still often think of you and the years at SDSU. I am now married with two children (Alex 3 and Sofia 2). My wife Heidi is from Madison and much to my dismay, she does not plan on moving to California any time soon...I wish you the best and I hope that you have a wonderful party surrounded by people who love you and whose lives you have changed. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family and please stay in touch."

    Your friend and Protégé,
    Adrian Miranda, M.D.
    Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
    Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatalogy and Nutrition
    Medical College of Wisconsin

    Thanks From Andrea Casillas, entering the Michigan State University ABLE Program in fall 2006
    "Dr. Lewis, Thank you so much. I am very grateful to have had you along my side during this stressful year. I appreciate all your work and patience! I wish you the very best. May God bless you always. Thank you very, very much." Andrea

    Thanks from an Ex-Prosecuting Attorney, now medical student
    Background: John was an Assistant State’s Attorney (prosecutor) in Chicago, Illinois, when he contacted me in 2004. Now in medical school, he says: "I am really enjoying med school, and I am thankful to Dr. Lewis for her help. Her methodical, disciplined approach to the med school application process, as well as her insight into the transition to med school were right on target."
    John Fiszer, University Of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine

    What's New?

    Breaking News - Harvard Medical School Track Record
    We are so excited! Our 30th Harvard Medical school applicant (in our 22-year history) has been accepted! This student is also accepted to Johns Hopkins, UC San Diego, Dartmouth, UC Irvine, University of Vermont, and George Washington and is making up his mind where to attend (a good problem to have).

    FREE teleconferencing and videoconferencing.
    You need to register for free AOL Instant Messaging, and will get free audio and/or video contact with us!!

    In a couple of years, some new books and CD's will be out by Dr. Lewis about preparing for medical and other health professions schools ... keep on the lookout!!

    Track Record
    92% of our Class of 2006 applicants were accepted! (and 2 were waitlisted)
    100% of our Class of 2005 applicants were accepted!
    100% of our Class of 2004 applicants were accepted!


    Be Competitive
    In order to be a competitive Class of 2008, 2009, or 2010 applicant, you need to submit a quality application as evaluated by your clinical, service and other experiences and your GPA/MCAT/DAT/GRE, etc. profile--in a timely fashion. This requires a well thought-out strategy to carry you through the difficult year-long application process. And, if you get advising with Dr. Lewis, you will find out that we begin preparation early in the year BEFORE submission of your application!!

    EARLY is always better, removes much pressure, and allows time to solve unforeseen problems.

    What are your chances?

    If you want to change your career or reach your present career goal, but do not know how to begin, or how to jump over all those hurdles, Lewis Associates will advise and implement strategies to change your life.

    Getting Started
    Read about your Personal Assessment on our website, then phone or email us to get started! We spend on average 7 hours developing an effective strategy of taking you from where you are to where you want to be.

    You may be like our other Lewis Associates Advisees--highly motivated and intelligent, but needing focus, guidance and specific technical expertise. Dr. Lewis solves problems for her Advisees and finds opportunities for them. Maybe you wish to use our hourly advising to solve a specific problem.

    Dr. Lewis is a trained biologist, having taught and directed her own research programs for many years at two universities. She earned two postdoctoral fellowships (one at NIH), received the 1990 NACADA Outstanding Institutional Advising Program in the U.S. and directed her own Health Careers Opportunity Program grant for 6 years, bringing $1 million to her university.

    If you are serious about making your dreams to become a physician, dentist, physician assistant, veterinarian, optometrist, podiatrist, naturopathic physician, or pharmacist a reality--Lewis Associates can help you. We have made the difference for almost 800 alumni now practicing in medicine during the last 22 years.

    Dr. Lewis teaches Professionalism, Leadership, and Quality, and sets high standards for her Advisees.


    Lewis Associates will save you money and heartache on your preparation and application process.

    Contact the health career experts! For more information email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com or call 805-226-9669 and ask to set up your first appointment.


    n e w s   &   l i n k s

    N E W S

FEATURED NEWS
Dr. Lewis Featured Speaker at Bay Area Pre-health Conference
On Saturday, April 28, Prehealth students from UC Berkeley, CSU East Bay and other local schools will gather for a prehealth conference at the UC Berkeley campus. For more details, email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

FEATURED NEWS
MCAT Registration problem
Source: AAMC
Date: March 28, 2007
"This year's registration has been especially aggravating at times, because we have experienced a technical issue that displays to the examinee as "no seats available" when seats are indeed available. When this happens, we notify advisors as soon as we have confirmed that the problem has reared its ugly head again. It did reoccur yesterday. The problem is ongoing this morning." Registration for April through September test dates is now open.

AMCAS 2008
Applicants can start entering data about May 3 and should be about to submit the 2008 AMCAS around June 5.

Biggest problems in writing the AMCAS:
    1. Missed application deadlines due to inaccurate, incomplete or missing transcripts, coursework errors, missing grades, courses and class status
    2. typos and errors in the essay, experiences and other text
    3. incorrect email address (note that you need an address that will be available the entire year of application if you graduate and lose your college address. You also need an address that will not send your AMCAS emails into a Spam or Bulk folder.)

There are 3 new questions on the AMCAS for criminal background checks about felony convictions, misdemeanors, and military discharge.
You will be asked if you plan to take an MCAT between May and September of 2007.
You can now change your date of birth and sex during the entire application process.

Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) 2008 Application Update
Key Dates: The Application will launch Tuesday, May 1, 2007. The application deadline is Monday, October 1, 2007, at midnight CT.

Applicants should not have any transcripts or evaluation letters sent until after May 1. They MUST have requested their Personal ID Number (PIN) before having any materials sent to TMDSAS. Transcripts should be accompanied by the TMDSAS Transcript Request Form (http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/TMDSAS%20Transcript%20Request%20Form.pdf)


AIIMS didn't detect HIV, she paid the price (Times of India)
How aware are doctors at the country's premier medical institute about basic AIDS symptoms the ones that appear in all HIV-AIDS advertisements issued by the government and targeted essentially at the common man?

Antidepressants don't help bipolar patients, study finds (Los Angeles Times)
Antidepressants, which are widely prescribed with mood stabilizers to treat patients with bipolar disorder, do not work in relieving the depressive symptoms of the illness, a large federal study reported Wednesday.

Green Tea May Prevent HIV Infection (Medical News Today)
A US and UK joint study suggests that drinking green tea may help to prevent HIV infection.

Docs Improve Stethoscope Skills Using IPods (Medical News Today)
After demonstrating last year that medical students greatly improved their stethoscope skills by listening repeatedly to heart sounds on their iPods, lead investigator Michael Barrett, M.D., clinical associate professor of medicine and cardiologist at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital, set out to test the technique on practicing physicians.

UCF's 'pipeline' strategy -- keep doctor grads in Florida
(Orlando Sentinel)
Undergraduates with aspirations of becoming doctors are more likely to get into the University of Central Florida's new College of Medicine if they are Florida residents, based on the school's recruiting strategy.


    L I N K S :

    AMCAS 2008 Powerpoint presentation
    www.aamc.org/students/applying/advisors/amcas2008presentation.ppt

    Please note that the AMCAS Student Application Help Manual, Grade conversion guide, and medical school action codes are now available too.

    SFSU/UCSF/Pacific Dental Reapplicant Program

    online.sfsu.edu/~brothman/DentPBP.htm
    The SFSU/UCSF/Pacific Dental Reapplicant Program is now accepting applications from disadvantaged California residents for 10 positions. A few positions for non-California residents and lesser disadvantaged participants are also available. Over the last 10 years, this program (formerly the UCSF Dental Reapplicant Program) has helped over 100 disadvantaged, and in many cases underrepresented minority, participants gain entry into US dental schools after having been rejected from US dental schools the year before. Interested students should see the following web site for details and a downloadable application: http://online.sfsu.edu/~brothman/DentPBP.htm .
    Applications are due April 27, 2007, and the program begins on June 11, 2007.

    Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) 2008 Application

    www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas
    You can also call 512-499-4785 or email tmdsas@utsystem.edu.

    Osteopathic Medicine Awareness Conference
    The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific will be hosting their Osteopathic Medicine Awareness Conference on Wednesday, April 18, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The registration flyer can be found at www.westernu.edu/bin/prospective/omac/omac041807.pdf.

    Information for 2008 Applicants

    prehealth.gmu.edu/studentapps/cas.html
    This is a link to pdf versions powerpoint presentations for ALL the class 08 application services. This is great info…tells the opening dates for some applications.


    Podiatric Medicine
    www.aacpm.org
    I attended a 2-day conference at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago at the beginning of March. Podiatric medicine is a branch of the medical sciences concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the human foot, ankle and their governing and related structures, including the local manifestations of systemic conditions (e.g. diabetes). A podiatric physician is to the foot what a dentist is to the mouth or an ophthalmologist is to the eye...a specialist who has undergone lengthy, thorough study to become uniquely well qualified to treat a specific part of the body.

    Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.


    a l u m n i   u p d a t e s

    Guillermo Vargas, MPH

    Guillermo Vargas, MPH
    Guillermo attended medical school briefly until he realized that his "calling" was in public health…He and I had lunch recently in San Diego where he told me about the development of a new barrio clinic that is a satellite of the famous Logan Heights Family Health Center which was initiated by the residents over three decades ago. Guillermo worked at Logan Heights for several years and helped develop this new Diamond Neighborhoods Family Health Center in southeast San Diego. Congratulations to Guillermo!

    Steve Williams

    Steve Williams, MD
    March 28, 2007
    "I'm finishing internship at the Brigham and getting married in September. I am also writing a book about surgical internship, so you may find it at a bookstore in the upcoming years. Take care.
    Steve

    Stephen B. Williams, M.D.
    Intern, Department of Surgery
    Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Mass"

    Cynthia Delgado, MD
    "Dr. Lewis,
    How are you?!! I'm at Mount Sinai in New York finishing up my residency still. I'll be at UCSF for my nephrology fellowship in 3 months. I can't wait to be back in warm weather.
    Cynthia"

     


    s u c c e s s   s t o r i e s
    by Dr. Cynthia Lewis

    Dr. Michael Manzano, MSY 4, George Washington University Medical School, Radiology Resident-to-be at George Washington University Medical SchoolDr. Michael Manzano

Michael is the first in his extended family to attend college and the only member he is aware of who even considered becoming a professional, or have a ‘career’ of any kind. He is tri-cultural -- Mexican-American and Filipino-American. His maternal grandfather was a Navy submariner and their family of 5 moved often. His mother is Mexican-American, and his father is a Filipino-American who was born and grew up in Guam.

Michael’s parents lived in an uncle’s home in San Diego County with as many as 15 people at any one time. His father joined the Navy (something like 90% of Filipino-American males aged 35-55 in San Diego are in the Navy or retired from the Navy) and is now retired. His mother does clerical work part-time while raising 5 children. Michael is the eldest.

Michael’s happiest times were playing with neighbors and his many cousins while growing up. Michael says, “The most memorable and unique experience from elementary school was the end-of-the-year Olympics. These events have become a school tradition. Students compete in events they choose, like 50 and 100-yard dashes, 2 mile races, team relay races, baseball throws, obstacle courses, and the long jump. At the end, there is a ceremony to recognize the winning competitors with colorful ribbons.”

Michael’s extended family met on weekend outings frequently. His fondest thoughts of his father are of fishing. He says, “My cousin and I took a particular interest in fishing. While the others were off playing, he and I were fixing new fishing rigs, having casting contests, and catching mackerel. Sometimes my father and my uncle took us fishing on the pier for late night fish bites.” However, Michael says, “During middle school, my father was either out on West pack or stationed elsewhere. I had no direction, and started to hang out with friends often. My cousin and I spent our weekends fishing at Chollas Lake or at the Spring Valley swapmeet collecting baseball cards. My mother had a difficult time while my father was away. She had back surgery, worked at a check-cashing store, and raised a house full of kids. By this time, our family included two sisters. I remember that my Grandpa’s second wife came from Arizona to help clean and cook for us. By the time my father was permanently stationed in San Diego, family life changed. I felt so distant from my father, and I think my brothers and sisters felt this even more than I did. I think lack of trust and financial burdens as well as physical distance created a difficult marriage.”

In high school, social development was Michael’s primary focus. Michael graduated with a 1.94 GPA and did not take the SAT exam. After high school, he took many part-time jobs (fast food, janitor, sales) and saved money to buy a “nice" car, which he then sold to help support his parents and siblings. He says, “I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I started to attend college part-time, but honestly did not know what I wanted to do. I maintained that the best thing for me was to find a decent paying job. That was my priority. I found a job at Pepsi-Cola; the pay was good and I worked plenty of hours. Unfortunately, the schedule was variable which is reflected in my community college grades. My friend recommended that I get a job at Qualcomm. He convinced me that I could advance in the company, perhaps even making it a career. I started working the night shift, then moved to days in the middle of a semester. I advanced to a leadership position before being part of a massive layoff.”

Michael then considered completing a two-year degree in Environmental Technology. When he started earning good grades, his counselor encouraged Michael to complete a bachelor’s degree in ecology which would train him for similar jobs in environmental technology. Michael says, “Now, with some direction, I dove into difficult biology and chemistry classes determined to do well, and I did! I noticed that my interests had changed along the way. I was intrigued with how chemistry and biology applied to the human body, more than to environmental sciences. I was always under the impression that becoming a doctor or a lawyer or any professional was an intangible dream for me. Besides, I didn’t know anyone who was a professional like that. After meeting with my counselor again, he gave me confidence. I came out a devout pre-medical student.”

Maria Butler taught Michael in a Mexican History class, became a Mentor and steered Michael into CUHRE, the student leadership-building organization at San Diego State University. Michael says he was intimidated by the CUHRE application process ­ but he provided 7 letters of support! CUHRE provided the caring, collaborative environment that Michael needed, with Advisors and faculty who Mentor him. He also chose his current job wisely. He says, “Working for the County of San Diego Air Pollution District is great because they are flexible around my school schedule, which is my priority.”

Three Community College faculty (math, biology and chemistry) said the following about Michael during his academic renaissance: “In the short time that I have known Michael, I have recognized that he is more than just an extremely bright student. Michael is very hard working, diligent and adaptable. On a variety of occasions, Michael demonstrated his ability to work through difficult projects assigned in calculus with relative ease. Additionally, he helped other students with many of their difficulties in calculus. In a group setting, Michael demonstrated his ability to work as an integral part of a team by contributing to the progress of the assigned task.”

“I found Mr. Manzano to be very likeable and enthusiastic, always working closely with others in class, and on many occasions saw him assisting other students who were having trouble understanding aspects of the topics. His communication skills are excellent, and he has a genuinely warm and personable temperament that facilitates his interactions with others. He displays all of the characteristics that I have looked for in hiring employees during my years in the biotechnology industry.”

“During the course of my class, Mike worked hard. He always came prepared to laboratory and his readiness allowed him to work efficiently. He made the extra effort to connect our chemistry experiments to topics covered in his biology class. This enriched his reports and emphasized his aptitude for tying diverse ideas together. Many times during the semester, Mike approached me to discuss concepts from other experiments he had completed and applications he has used at his job. We discussed how the concepts presented that day in class or lab related to the work he was doing at the moment. He was able to understand how theories presented in chemistry related to tasks he was performing in the real world. Mike’s maturity was demonstrated by communicating insightful ideas in class discussions and helping classmates understand complex concepts in class. He goes beyond earning a grade to understand scientific methods.”

From the Premedical Committee:
Michael is a quietly impressive young man with an understated personal power that doesn’t jump out at once. But, after speaking with him, one is persuaded that there is more than first meets the eye. He is pretty solidly placed within himself and draws on considerable depth of development.

Michael is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever known. He is determined and perseveres until he attains his goal. Most probably, his work ethic is so strong because he doesn’t want to live the same life he grew up in. He has told me of his hardships and wants to achieve more. Michael is observant, listens well, is willing to take advice, and follows through. I don’t believe the word ‘procrastination’ is in his vocabulary. Aside from this, he is kind, honest, helpful and a wonderful person. Since childhood, was deprived, so he is also grateful.

Michael’s community and volunteer work experience demonstrate that he is trying to learn as much as he can about medicine as a profession. Working in the emergency room at Alvarado Hospital is an eye-opening experience and not for the faint of heart. This has given him a keen understanding in what it entails to be a doctor. Michael is active in his church, belongs to Golden Key and American Medical Student Association and has strong work experience. Often, some of the most menial jobs people undertake seem unimportant. But, the reality is, these jobs teach responsibility, ethics, organizational skills and learning to relate to all types of people. Michael will have greater understanding and will be able to relate to all types of people. He explained that he would like to be a physician who works on patients with addictions. There is a ‘fire in his belly’ when he talks about helping people.

Michael has had little to no familial support financially or emotionally. In fact, his family cares little about his achievements. They don’t even know about his interest in medical school. We admire Michael’s perseverance and determination in overcoming this handicap. In fact, we wonder how successful Michael could have been academically if he had had parents who respected or admired his achievements. If he weren’t so pressed financially and having to work so hard, his GPA would be much higher.

Michael’s grades have improved to the point of earning A’s in chemistry, physics and calculus. His weaker earlier college performance may have been due, in part, to his humble family origins.

In summary, in the two years we have known Michael, he has become an extraordinarily committed student. Please see comments from Dr. MacAlpine, considered a very rigorous organic chemist and a “task-master” in her research lab. Dr. MacAlpine did her doctoral work at UCLA and post-doctoral work at Harvard University. When we discussed Michael with Dr. MacAlpine, she assessed him as one of the hardest working students she has mentored. We have observed Michael’s activity as a CUHRE Enrichment Instructor for organic chemistry. He goes the “extra mile”, attending lectures, discussing questions with faculty and putting his enrichees’ needs at a high level. Even though Michael has consistently worked up to 40 hours per week while attending college, and CUHRE does not pay its leaders for their work, Michael has embraced this training opportunity whole-heartedly. He took on the position of Clinical Externship Coordinator for CUHRE this year because he cares about his peers and covets the opportunity to be in a supportive, collaborative group.

Note that Michael has overcome social, educational and financial disadvantage to attend college and develop the goal of becoming a doctor. He was pressured to contribute more money to the family, work full time and leave home. These are pressures many pre-medical students do not have. Michael’s role models are recent. He is the first in his family to attend college. In his words, “I continue struggling with a poor economic background, little family support, and with many obstacles to conquer. I live with stress from these and with balancing work and school. I don’t care, though. Life has been an uphill battle from day one. I just take the bull by the horns and go for it, in whatever I do. I know that I will make my dreams come true. Now, I am where I can change my dream into a long-term goal.”

Michael’s goals include working in community medicine. He has volunteered with Samahan, our local Filipino-American clinic for the underserved. Michael will do well in medical school. He cares about patients, his peers, and he wants to make a difference for the disadvantaged. Michael is a very committed and serious young man.

Note From Dr. Lewis: When Michael was accepted to medical school, he had financial difficulties and actually contemplated not attending. Because GW gave him some advance financial support, he was able to find housing and get started on the right foot.

Michael let us know that he has a 9-month old son. Congratulations on your growing family and matching into your first choice residency program in radiology at George Washington University Hospital!! He says he plans to pursue pediatric vascular interventional radiology (sounds like a few more years of training down the road…go get 'em Michael!).

Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact those profiled in Success Stories: drlewis@lewisassoc.com


q u e s t i o n   o f  t h e  m o n t h
by Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD

We interrupt our series on "Focus on Professionalism" from the Association of American Medical Colleges this month.
I am waitlisted...what can I do to be accepted?

There are two keys to getting off the waitlist:

1. You have been accomplishing new interesting, compelling, and significant things during the year of application. Schools seem impressed with A grades in hard upper division or graduate level sciences, improved MCAT scores (and, with the plethora of dates now available, one can retake the MCAT during the application year. Osteopathic medical schools are more open to taking a January score than are allopathic schools), new research outcomes like a presentation, poster or publication, new job skills, new service, new leadership, new "almost anything".

Then, you need to write an update letter or a letter of intent to matriculate (only do this if this is your ONE …and I mean ONE top choice school. It is NOT kosher to send a letter of intent to matriculate to more than one school or to tell 5 schools that they are your top choice. This is dishonest…remember honesty?) Your letter will be one page, with a strong, clear and direct paragraph detailing your exciting new accomplishments followed by a second paragraph explaining in great specificity exactly how your background, skills and learning style fit their program.

2. The waitlist has to move, i.e. your peers must remove themselves from acceptance at the school where you wish to go. If they don't, it does not matter what wonderful accomplishments you have. May 15th is the "traffic rules" deadline for those with multiple acceptances to withdraw from all but one allopathic school. Osteopathic schools manage this differently. They require a hefty fee to hold your spot, and don't have a specific date for required withdrawal, but they all speak to each other, and it is considered unethical to hold more than one accepted position after about May also.

So, you CAN get off the waitlist.

Part of the process you can control, but part of it you cannot. Being on the waitlist means you are acceptable to that school…they like you! Worst case scenario is that you have to re-apply next year. If so, you definitely need to add new things to your application (you would have been doing these new things all fall, winter, spring BEFORE resubmission!!!) and apply relatively early, by early July.


We will feature an important question each month. Please submit one that interests you for Dr. Lewis to answer. Send your questions to imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with Newsletter Question in the subject line.

lewis associates advising services

Lewis Associates specializes in personal, effective and professional premedical advising and placement for traditional and non-traditional applicants. Often, non-traditional students are older than 21 years of age, career changers, international applicants or second-round applicants for admission to health professions school.

Lewis Associates' services meet the needs of all types of students from pre-applicants to applicants, including hourly advising support for specific needs. Click here.


contact

"It's never too late to be who you might have been."

If this is how YOU feel, then, maybe Lewis Associates is the place for you. Lewis Associates provides Mentoring and Coaching through the rigorous and often circuitous pre-health preparation and application process. Other consultants may support programs like Law and Business or graduate school -- not Lewis Associates. We are the experts in Health Professions based on 23 years of a successful track record.

Call or email today to set your first appointment!

805.226.9669 imaclewis@lewisassoc.com


Copyright 2009, Lewis Associates. All rights reserved. Please do not repost on any website without direct permission from Lewis Associates.

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