Admissions Straight Talk

Inside UCF College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum, and Student Success [Episode 631] Oct 8, 2026 1425 Send us your admissions questions!What attracts more than 5,300 applicants to a medical school with 120 seats? In Episode 631 of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Laurel Poole, director of MD program admissions at the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine, about the program’s curriculum, student outcomes, and holistic admissions process.Poole ex

Sarah’s Nontraditional Path to DO School: From Humanities Major to Med Student [Episode 630] Sep 24, 2026 2853 Send us your admissions questions!What does it look like to leave a successful career in book publishing and build a new path to medical school? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Sarah Shirley, an osteopathic medical student at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, about her journey from Engli

Inside the University of Iowa’s Top-Ranked PA Program [Episode 629] Sep 10, 2026 1934 Send us your admissions questions!What makes the University of Iowa Physician Assistant (PA) Program one of the country’s top PA programs? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Thomas O’Shea, PhD, MEd, director of administrative and student services for the University of Iowa’s PA Program, about the program’s structure, curriculum, clinical tr

From Military Service to PA School: Advice for Veteran Applicants [Episode 628] Aug 27, 2026 1390 Send us your admissions questions!How can military veterans translate their service, leadership, and clinical experience into a strong PA school application? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Brandon R. Beattie, MMSc, PA-C, assistant professor and program director, about the George Washington University (GW) PA Program, the military roots of the PA p

Inside Wake Forest’s PA Program: Inquiry-Based Learning, Service, and Leadership Training [Episode 627] Aug 13, 2026 1349 Send us your admissions questions!What makes Wake Forest University’s Physician Assistant Program different from the hundreds of PA programs applicants can choose from?In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Sobia Hussaini, MHA, assistant professor of PA studies and director of admissions and strategic recruitment for PA studies at Wake Forest U

Can You Get into Grad School with a Problematic Academic Record? Here’s What Actually Works [Episode 626] Jul 30, 2026 1349 Send us your admissions questions!What do you do when your transcript tells a story you would rather not tell? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk podcast, host Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Dr. Rachel Slutsky, an Accepted admissions consultant and Harvard PhD, to discuss one of the most common – and most feared – obstacles in the graduate admissions process: a problematic ac

Inside the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific: A DO School That Trains Holistic Physicians [Episode 625] Jul 16, 2026 2405 Send us your admissions questions!What exactly is—and isn’t—a DO? And what does it take to get into a Tier 1 primary care medical school that operates across two very different campuses?In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with the leadership and a current student from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western Univers

How to Get Selected for a Fulbright and Other Competitive Fellowships [Episode 624] Jul 2, 2026 1193 Send us your admissions questions!What does it take to get selected for a Fulbright or Boren Fellowship? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk podcast, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Steven Tagle, an Accepted admissions consultant and fellowship specialist, to break down two of the most prestigious, and most misunderstood, awards in graduate education.Steven draws on his

USC Chan Doctorate of OT Program: Innovation, Leadership, and a Holistic Path to Occupational Therapy [Episode 623] Jun 18, 2026 1538 Send us your admissions questions!This episode of Admissions Straight Talk covers what it takes to get accepted into the top-ranked Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Amber Bennett, associate professor of clinical occupational therapy at USC Chan, to break do

WashU Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions: Inside a Top-Ranked Program [Episode 622] Jun 4, 2026 1628 Send us your admissions questions!What should applicants know about WashU Medicine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program?In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Steven Ambler – professor of physical therapy and orthopaedic surgery, division director of education, and DPT program director at WashU Medicine – about the program’s curriculum, culture, stud

How This Reapplicant Got into PA School [Episode 621] May 21, 2026 882 Send us your admissions questions!This episode of Admissions Straight Talk covers the essential strategies for overcoming rejection and successfully reapplying to physician assistant (PA) programs. In this episode, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Cassandra Zoetjes, a first-generation college student and current PA student at Sacred Heart University who successfully navigated three application

How to Get the Most Out of Premed Shadowing [Episode 620] Apr 30, 2026 982 Send us your admissions questions!What does it take to maximize your premed shadowing opportunity, and why does this experience matter so much in your application?In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Rachel L. Schreiber, a board-certified allergist/immunologist and former president of the Greater Washington Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society. Recogn

How to Get into Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 619] Apr 16, 2026 1815 Send us your admissions questions!What does it take to stand out and become a competitive applicant to Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM), and what makes this program unique among osteopathic medical schools?In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted consultant and podcast host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Alesia Wagner, associate dean of academic

Baylor College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum, and What Makes a Strong Applicant [Episode 618] Apr 2, 2026 1584 Send us your admissions questions!What does Baylor College of Medicine look for in applicants, and how is its program evolving to meet the needs of today’s medical students?In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Jesus Vallejo, senior associate dean of admissions at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore Baylor’s dual-campus model, early cl

Inside the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell [Episode 617] Mar 19, 2026 1704 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Rona Woldenberg, associate dean for admissions and interim associate dean of student affairs at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.Dr. Woldenberg explains how the school’s unique partnership with Northwell Health provides students with consistent clinical training op

How GW Law Reviews Applications: Timing, Waitlists, LSAT Optional, and Scholarships [Episode 616] Feb 19, 2026 1974 Send us your admissions questions!Applying to law school and wondering how admissions decisions really get made? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted Law Consultant Brigitte talks with Sophia Sim, associate dean for admissions and financial aid at the George Washington University Law School (GW Law), about what applicants need to know – from rolling admissions timelines and waitli

Inside the University of Miami’s Three-Year M.D. Accelerated Pathway [Episode 615] Jan 22, 2026 1543 Send us your admissions questions!Can you earn an MD in three years without sacrificing training quality? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Jonathan Tolentino to explore the University of Miami’s three-year Accelerated Pathway to Residency Program.Learn how the program works, who it’s designed for, how clinical immersion and scholarly projects are

The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614] Jan 8, 2026 1494 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Glenn Cummings, associate dean and director of health professions advising at Bryn Mawr, for an in-depth look at one of the nation’s oldest and most respected career-changer post-bac pathways. Dr. Cummings explains the distinctive mission and history of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical P

Becoming a PA at Sacred Heart: International Opportunities, Orthopedic Training, and Admissions Advice [Episode 613] Dec 18, 2025 1289 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Reynold Jaglal, program director of the Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program, for an in-depth look at Sacred Heart’s values-focused approach to physician assistant (PA) education. Dr. Jaglal breaks down the program’s 27-month

Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612] Dec 4, 2025 1295 Send us your admissions questions!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 applicant

Inside UMass Chan: How Wellness, Community, and Leadership Shape Future Physicians [Episode 611] Nov 13, 2025 1452 Send us your admissions questions!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. Kedi

Stanford's MCiM Degree: Where Healthcare Meets Technology [Episode 610] Oct 30, 2025 1295 Send us your admissions questions!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,

From Med School Reapplicant to Current M1 Student [Episode 609] Oct 16, 2025 842 Send us your admissions questions!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 weaknes

The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608] Oct 2, 2025 1242 Send us your admissions questions!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 ty

How Many Medical Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607] Sep 18, 2025 1135 Send us your admissions questions!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 commi

From Founder to Farewell: Lessons from 30+ Years in Admissions [Episode 606] Jul 15, 2025 1075 Send us your admissions questions!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, impos

How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605] Jun 10, 2025 2047 Send us your admissions questions!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 limi

What You Need to Know about Duke’s Master of Engineering Management Program [Episode 604] May 6, 2025 2440 Send us your admissions questions!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

Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success Apr 8, 2025 1717 Send us your admissions questions!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

Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education [Episode 602] Mar 11, 2025 2169 Send us your admissions questions!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 compe

Navigating Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine [Episode 601] Feb 11, 2025 3523 Send us your admissions questions!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

Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude [Episode 600] Jan 7, 2025 2327 Send us your admissions questions!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-

Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine [Episode 599] Dec 10, 2024 2687 Send us your admissions questions!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 f

How to Get Into Yale SOM 2025 [Episode 598] Nov 12, 2024 2245 Send us your admissions questions!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

Get Into NYU Stern’s MSBAi aka Masters of Business Analytics and AI [Episode 597] Oct 29, 2024 1649 Send us your admissions questions!The NYU Stern Masters of Business Analytics and AI (MSBAAI) program is a one-year specialized degree program that trains students to make data-driven decisions. Dr. Anindya Ghose, Heinz Riehl Chair Professor of Technology and Marketing at New York University's Leonard Stern School of Business and Director of the Masters of Business Analytics and AI Program at

Mastering MIT Sloan MBA Admissions: Insights and Tips [Episode 596] Oct 15, 2024 1569 Send us your admissions questions!Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean of MIT Sloan School of Management, provides a thorough examination into the MIT Sloan School of Management's full-time MBA program, which is mission-driven, focused on identifying and solving the world's biggest and most complex problems. The program offers flexibility with a one-semester core and three semesters of electiv

Get Accepted to the Washington University School of Medicine [Episode 595] Oct 1, 2024 3378 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode, Dr. Valerie Ratts, the Associate Dean for Admissions at The Washington University School of Medicine, offers an overview of the unique program. She describes the "Gateway Curriculum" which provides early clinical exposure and flexibility for students to explore different areas of medicine, including research, innovation, advocacy, and ed

The Write Stuff: How to Create Successful MBA Applications [Episode 594] Sep 24, 2024 1609 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham shares a strategic framework for a successful MBA application, with tips that can benefit applicants to any program. She discusses how to choose the right schools to apply to, demonstrate your knowledge of the programs you are applying to, effectively present yourself throughout the application, and r

Deep Dive into Duke Medical: An Interview with Dr. Linton Yee, Associate Dean of Admissions [Episode 593] Sep 17, 2024 2794 Send us your admissions questions!Dr. Linton Yee, Associate Dean for Admissions at Duke University School of Medicine joins us to discuss how applicants can earn a spot in this highly competitive program. Dr. Yee walks listeners through the unique curriculum which focuses on integrating basic science and clinical experiences from the first year. In addition to strong academic performance, Duke loo

How to Get Accepted to UCLA Anderson [Episode 592] Sep 10, 2024 2737 Send us your admissions questions!Alex Lawrence, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Anderson School of Management, describes the program’s offerings. Students are offered a customizable curriculum with a wide range of elective courses and specializations. The program also includes a capstone project and focuses on developing leadership skills. The summer quarter provides st

How To Get Accepted To Duke’s Physician Assistant Program [Episode 591] Sep 3, 2024 2053 Send us your admissions questions!Dr. April Stouder, Associate Program Director and Director of Admissions at the Duke Physician Assistant Program, discusses what it takes to gain a spot in the competitive program. She discusses Duke PA program’s emphasis on community service, particularly in underserved communities and healthcare roles. April highlights the value of non-clinical volunteering, esp

Get Accepted to Cornell School of Law [Episode 590] Aug 27, 2024 2482 Send us your admissions questions!This week, Linda Abraham welcomes Dean Shane Cooper, Senior Associate Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Services at Cornell School of Law. Dean Cooper shares insights into the admissions process at Cornell Law School, emphasizing the mutual goal of finding the right fit between the school and the applicant. We discuss the benefits of small class sizes

How to Get a U.S. Student Visa – Even When There Are Complications [Episode 589] Aug 20, 2024 2527 Send us your admissions questions!This week, we hear from Marla Schechter, a US immigration lawyer with 20+ years of experience. Marla shares her expertise on various topics related to obtaining a visa for studying in the United States. She covers the process of obtaining an F-1 visa, the advantages of studying in a STEM-certified program, the H-1B visa for working in the US, and the Green Card pr

How to Prepare for the Shorter GRE and GMAT Focus [Episode 588] Aug 13, 2024 2020 Send us your admissions questions!Bara Sapir joins Admissions Straight Talk to discuss the benefits and challenges of the GRE and GMAT exams. She delves into the structure and length of the exams and also discusses the challenges unique to each one. Bara shares her expert tips on how to overcome these challenges, including being an active participant in test preparation and developing test-taking

How To Get Into UVA Darden’s MBA Program [Episode 587] Aug 6, 2024 2982 Send us your admissions questions!Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden, returns to Admissions Straight Talk to discuss various aspects of the Darden MBA program, including experiential learning opportunities, global study opportunities, the use of AI in the program, the application process, and common mistakes made by applicants. Dawna emphasizes the importance of authen

How to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA [Episode 586] Jul 30, 2024 2841 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode, Eddie Asbie, Executive Director of Admissions and Scholarship at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, shares an overview of the admissions process. He provides insights into the application process at Cornell Johnson, including the testing and test waiver policy, the interview process, and advice for re-applicants. He offers details on t

How to Respond to the New Harvard MBA Essay Questions [Episode 585] Jul 23, 2024 3137 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode, Linda Abraham invites Accepted consultants Esmeralda Cardenal and Kelly Wilson to discuss the updates to the Harvard Business School application and provide insights into how applicants can approach the essays. They emphasize that HBS is still looking for leaders who have made an impact and can grow in any environment. While the criteria may be si

How to Get Into George Washington School of Law [Episode 584] Jul 16, 2024 2340 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode, Linda Abraham interviews Dean Sophia Sim of George Washington School of Law. They discuss various aspects of the law school admissions process, including what makes a standout personal statement, the importance of a balanced program, the acceptance of alternative standardized tests, the use of AI tools in the application process, and the introduct

Ace the New Michigan Ross MBA Essay Questions [Bonus Episode] Jul 9, 2024 1481 Send us your admissions questions!Andrea McHale, the Director of the Michigan Ross Full-time MBA and Global MBA Admissions, returns to Admissions Straight Talk to discuss the newly released essay prompts for the Michigan Ross MBA program. Andrea shares an overview of each of the four questions and gives an inside look at exactly what the admissions committee hopes to learn from applicants. Andrea

Getting Into Med School Isn’t Easy…But This Applicant Did It! [Episode 583] Jul 2, 2024 1936 Send us your admissions questions!In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham interviews Yael Bruk, a recent graduate from Binghamton University who was accepted to multiple medical schools. Yael shares her advice for pre-med students, including the importance of taking notes during clinical experiences and writing down meaningful stories to include in applications. She also di

MS in Finance, MS in Business Analytics, and MS in Management: Admissions in Three Flavors [Episode 582] Jun 25, 2024 2186 Send us your admissions questions!Kelly Wilson, an Accepted consultant and former admissions director takes a deep dive into master's degrees in graduate management education. Kelly provides insights into the differences between various master's degrees, such as master's in management, master's in finance, and master's in business analytics. She highlights the importance o

Do You Have the Spike for Toronto Rotman MBA? [Episode 581] Jun 18, 2024 2668 Send us your admissions questions!Mohammad Salhia, Managing Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Business Development at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, discusses the distinctive features of the Rotman MBA program. Mohammad highlights the various MBA program options at Rotman, including full-time, morning/evening, and executive MBA programs. He emphasizes the comp

Get Accepted to Loyola Stritch Medical School [Episode 580] Jun 11, 2024 3653 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode, Linda Abraham interviews Darrell Nabers, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment at Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. They discuss the distinctive elements of the Loyola Stritch approach to medical education, the importance of faith and compassion in the application process, the impact of AI on medical edu

How to Get into Washington University in St. Louis School of Law [Episode 579] Jun 4, 2024 2645 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryKatherine Scannell, Vice Dean for Institutional Success at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, discusses the distinctive elements of WashU’s JD program. She highlights the individualized focus on students’ career goals and the broad areas of expertise that students can specialize in. Dean Scannell emphasizes the importance of early career

Submit Successful Secondaries for Medical School [Episode 578] May 28, 2024 1903 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode, Linda Abraham discusses successful secondary applications for medical school. She highlights the key differences between primary and secondary applications and provides 6 tips for submitting a successful secondary application. Additionally, Linda offers practical advice on when to submit and how to write concisely to meet word or chara

How to Get Accepted to UC Berkeley Haas Full-time MBA Program May 23, 2024 3047 Send us your admissions questions!While the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, has made it very clear that applicants need outstanding academics to get in, the program will not compromise its values to maintain it high stats. Haas’s four Defining Leadership Principles are taken very seriously by the school’s administration and admissions team. You will need to show

Ross MBA Admissions: All You Need to Know for Acceptance [Episode 576] May 21, 2024 2840 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews Andrea McHale, the Director of Admissions for the Michigan Ross MBA program. They discuss the unique elements of the Ross MBA program, such as its action-based learning principles and emphasis on impact. Andrea also provides advice for MBA applicants, including the importance of show

“Is Grad School for Me?” Authors Reveal Secrets of Successful Applications [Episode 575] May 14, 2024 3227 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Miroslava Chavez-Garcia and Dr. Yvette Martínez-Vu discuss the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in graduate school and provide advice for all grad school applicants. They emphasize the importance of finding a good fit in a program and building strong relationships with faculty. They also discuss the concept of imposter s

Oxford Lecturer Joins Accepted: Welcome, Dr. Sundas Ali [Episode 574] May 7, 2024 2299 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryDr. Sundas Ali, a former Lecturer at the University of Oxford and now an admissions consultant at Accepted, discusses the differences between graduate school admissions in the UK and the US. She explains that while there are some similarities in the application process, such as the importance of personal statements in both countries,there are also seve

How to Get into USC Gould School of Law [Episode 573] Apr 30, 2024 2725 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews David Kirschner, the Associate Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Innovation at USC Gould School of Law. They discuss the distinctive elements of USC Gould’s JD program, including its small class size and student-centered approach. Dean Kirschner also highlights the flexibility a

So You Want to Do an MBA Outside the U.S. [Episode 572] Apr 23, 2024 3007 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews admissions directors from MBA programs outside the United States to find out if there are any common threads among them. The guests on the show include representatives from Oxford Saïd Business School, INSEAD, NYU Abu Dhabi, and HEC Paris. The interviews cover various topics such as

Reserve Your Spot at Case Western Medical: An Interview with Christian Essman [Episode 571] Apr 16, 2024 3429 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode, Linda Abraham interviews Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University Medical School. They discuss the unique aspects of Case Western's three MD programs, the significance of research in the application process, and what makes an applicant stand out. Christian emphasizes the

Former Wharton/Lauder Admissions Director Joins Accepted: Welcome Kara Keenan Sweeney [Episode 570] Apr 9, 2024 1863 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryMBA admissions veteran Kara Keenan Sweeney has joined Accepted. Formerly part of the admissions team at Wharton Lauder, INSEAD and Columbia Business School, she's not only an Accepted consultant but she's our guest on the podcast. Kara discusses various aspects of the MBA application process, including choosing the right schools, handling com

Tulane Medical School: How to Get In [Episode 569] Apr 2, 2024 2948 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryWould you like to apply to Tulane University School of Medicine, but are you concerned about the intense competition for seats? Its Director of Admissions, Dr. Mike Woodson, is our guest today, and he'll tell you what it takes to get in. Dr. Woodson discusses the unique aspects of Tulane's medical program, including its focus on healing commu

Get Accepted to PhD Programs in the Humanities [Episode 568] Mar 26, 2024 3020 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryHere at Accepted, we're getting more and more inquiries from applicants interested in PhD programs in the humanities. We have a panel of experts today on the show to discuss PhD admissions in the humanities. You’ll hear from Vanessa Febo, Dr. Mary Mahoney, and Dr. Christie St-John as they discuss what PhD programs in the humanities look for in app

Start Medical School in 2025: How to Get Accepted This Year [Episode 567] Mar 19, 2024 1788 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryThe 2024-25 medical school application cycle is looming. In fact, for many it's already started. Would you like to learn how to craft a quality application to medical school, a compelling persuasive application? Well, that's the topic of today's episode, so tune in.Show NotesWelcome to the 567th episode of Admissions Straight Talk. Thank

How to Apply Successfully to STEM PhD Programs [Episode 566] Mar 12, 2024 2720 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryHere at Accepted, we're getting more and more inquiries from applicants interested in PhD programs in the STEM fields, so Linda Abraham has invited a panel of Accepted consultants to discuss PhD admissions in engineering, life sciences, and STEM. The panelists discuss what PhD programs in STEM typically look for in applicants, including academic a

How to Get into HEC Paris MBA? [Episode 565] Mar 5, 2024 2341 Send us your admissions questions!Don’t miss our Admissions Straight Talk podcast interview with Sara Vanos, the Executive Director of Marketing and Admissions for HEC Paris MBA Programs. Sara highlights the unique aspects of the full-time MBA program, such as the 16-month duration, on-campus housing, and flexibility in specialization and electives. She also mentions the New Horizons program, whic

JD-Next: A Great Option for Law School Applicants [Episode 562] Feb 27, 2024 1414 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryAre you planning to take the LSAT or the GRE before you apply to law school? Are you dreading it? Well, there's a new option that includes a course and a test, and is accepted by 25% of all law schools. The JD-Next is an eight-week online course that simulates a real law school contracts class and trains students on the skills necessary to be succ

The Inside Scoop on Duke’s Master of Engineering Management (MEM) [Episode 564] Feb 20, 2024 2888 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryAre you an engineer who wants to use your technical skills and move into an entrepreneurial or managerial role? Well, Duke's Master of Engineering Management or MEM may be just the ticket for you, and it provides two options, on campus and online. The program has been around for over 25 years and aims to prepare engineers with business knowledge.

MIT Sloan: For Rising Executives Considering an MBA [Episode 563] Feb 13, 2024 2035 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryAre you a mid-career manager hoping to elevate your career to senior management? Do you feel your business skills could use a boost? Are you interested in a top, top program? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews Johanna Hising DiFabio, Assistant Dean of MIT Sloan's Part-time and Full-time MBA Programs for Executive

What You Need to Know to Apply to Medical School [Episode 561] Feb 6, 2024 4162 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryWould you like to hear insight based on decades of experience, both advising applicants to a variety of healthcare programs and working in admissions offices for, again, many different healthcare programs? Well, today's episode is the ticket for you. Dr. Emil Chuck, Director of Advising Services for the Health Professional Student Association is o

Michigan Ross’ Master in Management (MM): All You Need to Know [Episode 560] Jan 30, 2024 2832 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryAre you a college junior or senior with an interest in business and a non-business major? Or perhaps you recently graduated and realized you need to boost your business knowledge to propel your career? Tune into this episode with Julia Hoffert, Director of Admissions & Recruitment of One-Year Master's Programs at the University of Michigan&apo

How to Get into the University of Chicago Law School [Episode 559] Jan 23, 2024 1944 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryRanked number three in U.S. News' most recent rankings, the law school at the University of Chicago is a top law school famous for its intellectual rigor. In this podcast episode, Linda Abraham interviews Dean Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Chicago Law School. Dean Perry discusses the distinctive e

All You Need to Know about the New Frist College of Medicine [Episode 558] Jan 16, 2024 2723 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryLet's learn about the newest medical school in the United States in this interview with Dr. Caleb Marsh, the Director of Recruitment and Pathway Programs of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Not only that, but Frist is still accepting applications for its inaugural class matriculating this summer. In this conversation, Dr. Marsh details

Advice for Applicants: Moving from 2023 to 2024 [Episode 557] Jan 9, 2024 1447 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham looks back at her predictions for the 2023/2024 application cycle and offers advice for current and future applicants. She reflects on her previous predictions, such as the increase in test options and waivers and the continued use of rankings in admissions. She also makes new predictions

What MBA Admission Officers Think of Applicants Using ChatGPT and AI [Episode 556] Jan 2, 2024 1091 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this podcast episode, Linda Abraham discusses the use of ChatGPT in MBA application essays with admissions directors at top MBA programs. The admissions directors generally view ChatGPT as a tool that can be used to enhance the application process, but they emphasize the importance of authenticity and personal reflection in the essays. They caution

Are You Toast? - Med School Admissions Officers Reveal Interview Timeline [Episode 555] Dec 26, 2023 1244 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryIn this episode of Admission Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham addresses the concerns of medical school applicants who have not yet received interview invitations. She debunks the myth that not receiving an invitation by Thanksgiving means rejection and shares insights from several admissions directors. She offers tips for both current med school appli

Applying to Medical School? The Pre-Med Competencies are What You Must Show [Episode 554] Dec 19, 2023 2519 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryWhat are the pre-med competencies? And if you're pre-med and planning to apply in September 2024, what do they mean to you? That's the subject of this week’s podcast of Admissions Straight Talk, as Linda Abraham and Dr. Valerie Wherley, an Accepted consultant, dive into pre-med competencies. Dr. Wherley gives an overview of the 17 competencie

How to Get Into CMU Tepper’s NEW MS in Management Program [Episode 553] Dec 12, 2023 2388 Send us your admissions questions!Show SummaryCarnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business is welcoming a newly launched Masters of Science in Management (MSM) program. The one-year program is designed for early-career professionals with zero to two years of work experience who are looking for a career pivot or to gain business skills. If that sounds interesting to you, you don’t wa

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