The Admissions Straight Talk podcast is back with a fresh look, and new host! After retiring this summer, Accepted founder Linda Abraham turned the podcast reigns over to Accepted admissions expert Dr. Valerie Wherley. In this week's episode, Valerie talks with Dr. Herman "Flash" Gordon, Accepted medical school consultant and former admissions committee chair at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Valerie and Flash discuss a question we hear almost daily from medical school applicants: How many med schools should I apply to? They discuss target ranges, the importance of fit, and the truth about "reach schools" and "safety schools."

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:37 Welcome Dr. Herman "Flash" Gordon
02:13 How many med schools should you apply to? 
03:25 The importance of fit
06:02 School choice: Beyond GPA and MCAT scores
10:08 Alignment with school's missions
12:49 Reach, attainable, and safety schools

Related Resources

• Medical School Selectivity Index, a free tool
• Medical School Secondary Essay Tips
• Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gordon

Related Shows

• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education [Episode 602]
• Navigating Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine [Episode 601]
• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude [Episode 600]

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In her final episode as host of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted founder Linda Abraham shares reflections and lessons from over 30 years in the admissions world. As she prepares for retirement, Linda offers a mix of personal insight, practical advice, and hard-earned wisdom on navigating both graduate admissions and life’s challenges. She discusses stress, imposter syndrome, setbacks, and the power of resilience, encouraging listeners to take control of their future, own their story, and pursue their goals with determination. Whether you’re just beginning your admissions journey or reevaluating your path, Linda’s final message is one of growth and possibility.

Related Resources

• Free consultation 
• Accepted’s Free Guides
• Accepted’s Sample Essays

Related Podcast Episodes

• The Unbelievable Story of an Orthopedic Surgeon, podcast Episode 136
• Ida Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021, podcast Episode 311

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In the 605th episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Barry Rothman, current Accepted consultant and former Health Professions Advisor and Director of San Francisco State University’s Pre-Health Professions Certificate Program, joins Linda Abraham to explore how med school applicants can overcome common application weaknesses. From low GPAs and MCAT scores to limited clinical experience, research, or community service, Dr. Rothman shares practical strategies for strengthening your candidacy and making smart, mission-aligned school selections. The episode also covers sensitive topics like academic infractions, mental health challenges, and the importance of timing and fit. Whether you’re reapplying or just beginning your journey, this conversation is packed with expert advice to help you stand out.

Related Links

• Med School Admissions Quiz
• Dr. Barry Rothman Bio 
• Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know
• Medical School Selectivity Index

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond 
• Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success
• Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education
• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions
• Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine 

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In this episode of Admission Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews Dr. Christy Bozic, the Executive Director of Duke University's Masters of Engineering Management (MEM) program. They discuss the unique aspects of the MEM program, including its focus on blending technical engineering skills with business acumen, the differences between online and in-person formats, and the importance of professionalism in engineering management. Dr. Bozic shares insights into the admissions process, the challenges faced by online students, and the incorporation of AI into the curriculum. The conversation also touches on the new co-op program and future directions for the MEM program.

Takeaways

• Duke's MEM program is one of the oldest and largest in the field.
• The program aims to equip engineers with business skills.
• Online and in-person programs share core courses but differ in delivery.
• Residency requirements enhance networking and community building for online students.
• Time management is a key challenge for online students.
• Professionalism is emphasized through five core principles.
• The admissions process is the same for both online and in-person programs.
• Video introductions help applicants showcase their personality.
• AI is integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for future challenges.
• The new co-op program offers practical experience opportunities for students.

Relevant Resources:

• Dukes’ Masters of Engineering Management (MEM)
• Applying to Graduate Engineering Programs: What You Need to Know
• How to Get Accepted to Graduate Engineering Programs
• How to Write Your Master's in Engineering Statement of Purpose
• Admissions Straight Talk Ranks in Feedspot Higher Ed Podcast Ranking

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:

• Duke's Master of Engineering Management
• Stanford’s MCiM Combines Technology, Healthcare, and Business
• Berkeley Haas' Master of Financial Engineering Program
• What’s New at Cornell’s Masters in Engineering Management
• All You Need To Know When

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, the Assistant Professor and Director of Admissions at the Emory University Physician Assistant Program, Allan Platt,  offers an insightful look into the Emory University’s Physician Assistant Program. He breaks down the program's distinctive curriculum, including its unique approach to anatomy, and shares valuable advice for prospective students. Allan dives into Emory's PA program admissions process, emphasizing the importance of clinical experience, community service, and thoughtful personal narratives. He also explains the blinded Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and highlights common mistakes applicants should avoid.

Relevant Links

• Emory Physicia Assistant Program
• The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant
• CASPA: Everything You Need to Know about the Experiences Section 
• How to Get Accepted to Physician Assistant (PA) Programs 

Related  Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• How To Get Accepted To Duke’s Physician Assistant Program 
• How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs 
• How To Get Accepted To the University of Iowa’s PA Program
• An Inside Look at Yale’s Online PA Program
• How Did This Successful PA Applicant Get Accepted?

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Beth Piraino, Associate Dean of Admissions at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM), explores the school’s innovative Three Rivers Curriculum, emphasizing small-group learning, early clinical exposure, and the integration of "Streams" (special interest areas) and Threads" (core competencies like leadership and clinical reasoning). Dr. Piraino also discusses the role of secondary essays in evaluating applicants and explores why teamwork, resilience, and cultural awareness are important in the admissions process. She goes on to  highlight a common mistake applicants make in the application process.

Relevant Links:

• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 
• Are You Ready to Apply Med School Quiz

Related Shows:

• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude
• Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine 
• Get Accepted to Washington University School of Medicine
• Deep Dive into Duke Medical: An Interview with Dr. Linton Yee
• Get Accepted to Loyola Stritch Medical School

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham interviews Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM). Dr. Muzquiz, a graduate of UWSOM and a family physician with ties to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, discusses the unique five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) curriculum, which allows students to complete their foundational training in their home states.

The School of Medicine emphasizes training for rural and underserved communities, offering special programs like TRUST (Targeted Rural and Underserved Scholar Track) and CUSP (Community Urban Scholars Program) aimed at fostering future physicians committed to these populations. Dr. Muzquiz highlights the comprehensive and transparent admissions process at UWSOM, including the importance of personal storytelling in applications and interviews. 

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Welcome to the 600th episode of Admissions Straight Talk! In this milestone episode, host Linda Abraham sits down with Dr. Michelle Schmude, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Professor of Medical Education at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, to explore the innovative and comprehensive Total Health Curriculum.

Dr. Schmude shares how this evidence-based program prepares medical students for the complexities of 21st-century healthcare through early clinical experiences, team-based learning, and a focus on systems-based and humanistic medicine.

Listeners will also learn about exciting updates at Geisinger, including the evolution to Geisinger College of Health Sciences and its impact on healthcare education, as well as details on the Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program, which allows students to graduate debt-free in exchange for service in underserved areas.

Relevant Links:

• Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine 
• Med School Admissions: What you Need to Know to Get Accepted
• Evaluating a Situational Judgment Test for Use in Medical School Admissions: Two Years of AAMC PREview Exam Administration Data

Related Shows:

• Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine 
• An Interview With the Temple Katz School of Medicine Admissions Dean 
• NYMC: How to Get In
• How to Write Essays That Will Get You Into Medical School

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In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham interviews Dr. Jeffrey SooHoo, Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. They discuss the unique aspects of the Colorado medical curriculum, including the new Trek curriculum, the importance of longitudinal integrated clerkships, and the various tracks available for students. Dr. SooHoo also shares insights into the secondary application process, the role of the CASPER test, and the criteria for interview invitations. The conversation highlights common mistakes applicants make, the importance of research experience, and the support systems in place for medical students. Dr. SooHoo emphasizes the competitive nature of medical school admissions and the holistic review process used to evaluate applicants.

Takeaways:

• The Colorado School of Medicine has a unique Trek curriculum launched in 2021.
• Longitudinal integrated clerkships allow for deeper relationships with preceptors and patients.
• Students can choose from various tracks, including rural medicine and global health.
• The secondary application focuses on value alignment with the school's pillars: leadership, curiosity, and commitment.
• CASPER is used to assess non-cognitive competencies in applicants.
• The admissions process is highly competitive, with many qualified applicants not receiving offers.
• Interviews are conducted virtually and include both group and individual assessments.
• Research experience is beneficial but not mandatory for applicants.
• Common mistakes include not understanding the competitiveness of admissions and failing to tell a cohesive story in applications.
• Support systems like Compass Guides help students navigate their medical education.

Relevant Links:

• University of Colorado School of Medicine
• Accepted's Med School Calculator Quiz

Related Shows:

• Washington University School of Medicine
• Deep Dive Into Duke Medical: An Interview with Associate Dean Linton Yee
• Duke’s Physician Assistant Program
• Getting Into Med School Isn’t Easy…But This Applicant Did It! 

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In this episode, Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Yale School of Management, shares an overview of the Yale School of Management. The program offers a distinctive two-year, full-time MBA program emphasizing an interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum to prepare students for leadership in business and society. Bruce discusses how aspiring applicants can prepare for and approach the extensive application process, which includes a GMAT/GRE test score, written essays, a resume, a video component, a behavioral assessment, and an interview.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Yale SOM MBA Admissions
• Yale SOM Application Guide
• Yale SOM Essay Tips
• MBA ROI Calculator

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• How to Create Successful MBA Applications 
• How to Get Accepted to UCLA Anderson 
• How To Get Into UVA Darden’s MBA Program
• How to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA 

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