In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Accepted Admissions Consultant Alicia Nimonkar, an expert writing coach with a background in composition and rhetoric, to unpack one of the most important – and often most intimidating – parts of the medical school application: the personal statement. Alicia explains how applicants can use the AAMC’s premed competencies as a framework to craft authentic, focused narratives that highlight their strengths. From creating a timeline of formative experiences to developing an outline that connects recurring themes, she shares how to identify what makes your story uniquely yours – and how to make it resonate with admissions committees.

Alicia also offers practical insight into the writing process itself: how many drafts it really takes, when to stop editing, and how to avoid the “too many cooks in the kitchen” trap of excessive feedback. She and Dr. Wherley discuss the power of resilience, effort, and voice – exploring how applicants can address challenges without sounding apologetic and how to write from a place of strength and advocacy. Whether you’re starting your first draft or polishing your final version, this episode will help you approach your personal statement with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Related Resources

• AAMC The Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students
• Mindsets: A View From Two Eras
• The Obstacle Is the Way
• Alicia Nimonkar bio and contact information

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523] 

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In this inspiring episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Tracy Kedian, professor of family medicine and associate dean of admissions at UMass Chan Medical School. Together, they explore how UMass Chan fosters not only academic excellence but also personal growth, leadership, and wellness among its medical students.

Dr. Kedian discusses how programs such as WIN (“what I need”) Week and the Vista Curriculum create a supportive environment where students learn to lead with compassion and resilience. She also highlights the school’s emphasis on community engagement—from the Worcester campus to the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) track in Springfield—and the critical importance of understanding the diverse communities physicians serve.

Listeners will gain insight into how UMass Chan’s holistic approach prepares future doctors to thrive in medicine while maintaining their well-being and purpose. Whether you’re an aspiring physician or advising premed students, this episode offers an authentic look at a medical school that truly “walks the talk” of student support and community-driven medicine.

Related Resources

• UMass Chan Medical School
• Vista Curriculum
• PURCH track 
• LEAD@Lahey track
• Morningside University

Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes

• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• How Many Med Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607] 
• Tuft’s MS in Biomedical Sciences: Your Pathway to Med School? [Episode 535]

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What happens when you combine medicine, business, and technology? The cross-disciplinary Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management degree at Stanford University combines all three of these disciplines. Over the course of just 12 months, students gain the skills to implement cutting-edge technologies, strengthen core business and leadership capabilities, and apply innovative solutions to mee the needs of diverse populations. In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Accepted medical school expert Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Dr. Kevin Schulman, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and program director, to discuss the Stanford MCIM program. Dr. Wherley and Dr. Schulman they talk about tackling big problems in healthcare, why the MCiM degree was created, who the program is right for, and the options MCIM students have for their capstone project. 

Learn more about the Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management program here: https://med.stanford.edu/content/sm/master-clinical-informatics-management.html/

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:49 How (and why) the MCIM degree was created 
02:05 Cross-disciplinary approach
04:01 Who is the MCiM program right for?
06:04 ROI and marketable skills
08:50 Capstone project options
12:56 The Stanford design process
14:32 MCiM application timeline and scholarship options
15:39 The importance of letters of recommendation
16:20 What makes an MCiM applicant stand out 

Related Resources

• Dr. Kevin Schulman biography
• Stanford MCiM program information
• Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars program
• Five Tips for Applying for Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

Related Episodes

• Transitioning from the Military to an MBA at Stanford GSB [Episode 471]
• What These Seasoned Startup Founders Have Done Since Earning Their Stanford MBAs [Episode 382]
• Stanford MBA Grows His Amazing Tech Startup [Episode 369]

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If you are a medical school reapplicant, tune in for today's episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast! Accepted medical school expert Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Mory Gould, current M1 medical student and former Accepted client who worked with Valerie when reapplying to medical school. Mory discusses the med school application process, the weaknesses he identified in his profile after not receiving any acceptances, and how he and Valerie made his second application cycle a success. If you are applying to med school -- for the first time OR the second time -- this episode is full of valuable advice.

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:29 Welcome to our guest, Mory Gould 
01:36 Mory's first application cycle
04:22 Weaknesses in the first application
05:16 The importance of patient care experience
07:56 Second application cycle and results
08:50 Advice for med school reapplicants
11:25 Vulnerability and openness to feedback

Related Resources

• Mory Gould contact information: [email protected]
• Dr. Valerie Wherley bio and contact information
• Healthcare Experience vs. Patient Care Experience... What’s the Difference?, Accepted YouTube video
• UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
• The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Medical School Applications

Related Episodes

• The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
• How Many Med Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607]
• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523] 

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+1 (310) 815-9553

In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Accepted medical school consultant Dr. Barry Rothman. Valerie and Barry discuss some of the common mistakes that pre-med students make early on in their journey to medical school. Barry shares his thoughts on undergraduates majors, osteopathic medical schools, and the best types of patient-facing experience. If you are an undergraduate student planning to apply to medical school, you won't want to miss this episode!

00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:58 Welcoming Dr. Barry Rothman
01:20 Errors pre-meds make in their approach to med school
02:58 Academics and prerequisites 
05:46 How important is your undergraduate major?
07:38 Electives, clinical experience, and research
09:54 Tips for gaining clinical experience 
15:34 Letters of recommendation 
16:50 Osteopathic medical schools
18:53 Closing advice for pre-meds

Related Resources

• Dr. Barry Rothman bio and contact information
• Retaking Classes for Med School: What Every Premed Needs to Know
• Premed Confidential: The Wisdom of Journaling
• The Basics of Postbac Programs: What You Need to Know

Related Episodes

• How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
• Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523] 
• Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success [Episode 603]
• Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education [Episode 602]
• Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude [Episode 600]

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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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+1 (310) 815-9553

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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