MCAT 2015

Recently, some for-profit test prep groups have been actively soliciting college student newspapers to write articles about the changes that will be implemented to the MCAT in 2015. Some of these stories have reported inaccurate information that has caused stress for students. We wanted to take a moment to inform you of the most up to date and accurate information that we can.

When will these changes be implemented?

The new exam will go live in the Spring of 2015 meaning that the first medical school class selected with the new MCAT will start in the Fall 2016.
Click here to learn more about the timeline.

What will MCAT2015 Measure?
MCAT2015 has four test sections:

1) Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems,
2) Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems,
3) Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and
4) Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Scores are reported on a scale similar to the current 1-15 scale, and a separate score is recorded for each of the four test sections: four sections, four scores.

To learn more about the new changes and view practice questions for each section, check out the The Preview Guide for MCAT 2015

You can also learn more at the AAMC website: www.aamc.org/mr5. 
Remember, if you have questions come speak with a health professions advisor. Our advice is free!

Professional Dress for Mock Interviews and Professional School Interviews

This is a guest blog post from Laura, our newest career counselor on staff. Her primary focus is on transitions counseling, specifically helping students adjust to moving into their next step after graduation. She has all the professionalism advice you need  whether you're moving onto a health  professions program or the professional world. For more information on professional dress, feel free to ask her or one of the Health Professions Advisors.

 

It’s almost Spring Break, and you may be thinking about something fun (and productive) to do if you're going home for the week. You’ve repeatedly heard about the importance of wearing a business suit to your mock interview and your health professions school interview during advising sessions. You want to be taken seriously by admissions committees, so you take the plunge over spring break and purchase a suit, or you start seriously shopping for one. One way to transform a suit from “something I have to wear or else” into “something I’m Ok with wearing when necessary and makes me feel confident” is to pay attention to tailoring. By paying attention to a few details, you display a sharp attention to detail and show you respect the process. After all, a suit that fits you well only enhances your individuality.
                3 areas to watch for men are:

·         Length of sleeves and pants: Aim for the end of your jacket sleeve to rest at your wrist bone, with the edge of your shirt sleeve resting at the crease between your wrist and hand. Pants should end about an inch off the ground based on the shoes you plan to wear with the suit, and you should bring those shoes with you to have the suit tailored.

·         How the jacket fits: pay attention to your mobility in the jacket. You should be able to move your arms freely above, in front, and behind you without straining the jacket. When standing with your arms at your sides, the jacket should appear fitted, but not tight to your torso. The edge of the jacket’s shoulder should line up with the edge of your shoulder. The jacket buttons shouldn’t look like they’re pulling away from each other.

·         Choosing the right shirt: button down Oxford shirts are not appropriate for suits-they’re seen as too casual. Invest in a quality dress shirt in a slimmer fit to prevent bunching up under your jacket, and look for a spread collar that will accommodate a variety of tie widths.

3 areas to watch for women are:

·         Length of sleeves, pants, and skirts: the same advice applies on length of pants and sleeves, if you’re wearing a long sleeved blouse. Choose a skirt that ends in the middle of your kneecap or just below. Don’t leave the fitting room without sitting down in the skirt and crossing your legs to ensure that it doesn’t ride up inappropriately.

·         How the jacket fits: certainly pay attention to mobility, but also ensure that you’re not swimming in the jacket. Optimally, a jacket should be fitted throughout, but not snug, highlight your natural waist, and fit in such a way that it doesn’t look like it’s pulling across the chest.

·         Color and pattern choice: Stick with a solid color that compliments and enhances your natural skin tone, coloring, and overall image you want to present to an admissions committee. 

Health Professions Personal Statement Writing Workshop- Spots Open!

Due to cancellations there are now three spots open for the Health Professions Personal Statement Writing Workshop on Thursday from 12:15-1:15 in the UCS Conference Room at Bryant Hall. If you would like to attend, please e-mail me, Rebecca Christy, at rac8q@virginia.edu and I can confirm if there is still space left.

Spring Break

Health Professions Advising wishes everyone a relaxing and safe Spring Break. Many of you may be using the time to catch up with family and friends who will be interested in hearing how the preparation for health professions programs is going. If answering this question sounds daunting maybe you should come speak with an advisor before leaving town! We have a number of appointments and drop-in hours this week so think about stopping by to see us!

To schedule an appointment, call our front desk at 434-924-8900. 

MD Statistics for California, Texas and Florida

Full list of 2010 acceptance rates for out of state MD applicants at California, Texas and Florida programs.

An Inside Look at the UVA Medical Simulation Center

UC Berkeley Optometry - Summer Opto-Camp program now accepting applications!

We are pleased to share that applications are now available for UC Berkeley's summer 

Opto-Camp program! 

The goal of Berkeley Optometry's Opto-Camp is to introduce underrepresented pre-health science majors to Optometry as a potential future career track and to prepare them to be successful applicants to optometry school.  The objective of Berkeley Optometry's Opto-Camp is to present a three-day in residence experience that will provide participants with opportunities to learn about the profession of optometry and the process of becoming an optometrist.

Program specifics and the application are linked here:
http://optometry.berkeley.edu/opt_txtpp/admissions/admitoptocamp.html

The deadline to apply is Monday, April 9.

Cost:  $125 program fee; limited amount of scholarships to waive program fee per session, as demonstrated by financial need.

Sessions are as follows:

Session I, June 20-21

Session II, July 18-20

Check out the attached flyer for more information!

Summer Enrichment Program at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois is pleased to share information with those students interested in a career in medicine about our Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). SEP seeks to help students understand healthcare disparities and the importance of promoting equity in healthcare.

Please refer to our website at www.stritch.luc.edu/sep for program specifics and contact information if you have additional questions. The application deadline for the program is March 1, 2012.

Changing the World One Adventure at a Time

Do you want to experience field clinical work firsthand in villages of Costa Rica, Panama, Tanzania, or Peru? Interested in Dentistry, Public Health, Nursing, Pediatric or Prenatal Care? Travel to Costa Rica, Tanzania, or Peru for 1-2 weeks over summer break setting up medical clinics in underprivileged villages with fellow UVA students! Email isl.at.uva@gmail.com with questions and come to the interest meeting in Clark 107 on Monday, 2/27, at 6:30.

MCAT Question of the Day

Need a "fun" way to study? Check out MCAT Question of the Day! 

Not Forgetting About Alzheimer’s

David Goldberg, a recent graduate and founder of Hoos for Memory recently wrote this article which was featured in the Cav Daily. He's even had some correspondence with Seth Rogan's wife, Lauren as a result of the piece. Congratulations David!

Columbia University Postbac Premed Regional Info Sessions

Beginning this month, the Columbia University Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program admissions staff will hold information sessions for prospective students and their guests in New England, California and the D.C. area. Information sessions will provide details about the curriculum, program requirements and information about the application process.

For more information, visit the Columbia university website.

National Institute of Science & Beta Kappa Chi (NIS-BKX)

Sixty-nine years ago, two independent African American scientific organizations, Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society (BKX) and the National Institute of Science (NIS) met and decided to jointly provide a forum for African-American scientists and students to come together under the auspice of a credible national scientific meeting to present their research data. This transpired during a period when African-American scientists, professionals and students could not present their scientific research data to their peers at majority meetings. They decided the forum would not only be a meeting for exchange of scientific research data, but would stimulate professional, academic and student networking. Both organizations strongly believed that a joint meeting should be a vehicle to promote greater student interest and access to careers in the STEM disciplines (sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics) through novel activities. Through participation in these activities, students would have additional invaluable tools to immediately cultivate their successes as students and, in the long-term, as future STEM professionals. The organizations forged a bond of support with the faculty of Historical Black College and University (HBCUs) by having them commit to providing meaningful mentorships and top-notch laboratory research opportunities for their students on-campus, and at outside institutions. The BKX and NIS pledged that these students would be the primary focus of the joint meeting and guaranteed to recognize them for their hard work at this forum.

For more information on the conference that is being held on March 21-25, 2012 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, TN, visit the NIS-BKX website.

Interested in Paid Summer Mentored Research Opportunities?

Join us on Thursday, February 21, 2012 from 2:00 to 2:30 PM to learn about paid summer research opportunities at the Drexel University School of Public Health.  Representatives from Drexel University School of Public Health’s Opening Doors Program will be presenting information on how current sophomores and juniors (who will be juniors or seniors in the fall of 2012) can apply for paid summer research opportunities to work with faculty on projects related to health disparities.  To RSVP for the webinar, click here.  If you cannot attend the webinar, information about the program is available at www.publichealth.drexel.edu/openingdoors.  The application which will include two recommendations letters, resume, transcripts and essay will be available on the program’s website on February 24^th.

Message from American Associations of Medical Colleges (2011-2012 applicants)

From this point forward in the 2012 AMCAS application cycle, medical schools who have offered acceptance to an applicant may also see at which other institutions that same applicant has also been offered and currently holds an acceptance.

Beginning on April 1, medical schools will have access to the National Acceptance Report, which lists all applicants who have been offered and currently hold an acceptance at any U.S. medical school.

A list of all schools that an applicant applied to is never visible to medical schools through AMCAS.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Graduate Programs Open House

Join us at our Open Houses in Philadelphia during the month of April.  The DO Open House is scheduled for Friday, April 13th and our Graduate Programs Open House is on Friday, April 20th. Details (times, location, etc.)  and registration can be found on our web site at pcom.edu or in the attached flyer.

MEDLIFE General Body Meeting/ Interest Meeting

Where:  Minor 130

When: Monday, February 20th

6:30 pm

Interested in medical brigades? Want to spend your spring or summer break in Latin America? 

Want to work in mobile clinics with doctors while travelling abroad?  

Come to our first meeting of the semester to hear more about our organization,

international trips and fundraising plans for the semester! 

ALSO

Come out to our FIRST FUNDRAISER OF THE SEMESTER at Qdoba on Feb. 28th! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/314105758640223/

Flyer: Medlife Qdoba Event

Like us on Facebook to get more updates on our trips! 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MEDLIFE-at-UVA/336088659754754

Health Professions Mock Interview- 3rd Deadline Today!

Just a reminder that today is the third rolling deadline for the Mock Interviewing program. The FINAL deadline is March 14th. The sooner you're able to participate in the program, the longer you will have to polish the aspects of interviewing you'll want to work on before you get that first health profession school interview. Remember, we're placing such a strong emphasis on interviewing this year based on feedback we've received from professional schools about U.Va applicants' interviewing skills, so we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to you! Keep your eye out for the additional programming we're doing on interviewing this Spring as well.

The "Day at the Medical Center" program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine has Closed

All 20 available spots for this program have been taken. We received a high volume of requests before we announced that the event was closed. If any spots become available, we will offer them in the order in which their e-mail request was received. If you did not receive an e-mail confirming that you have been registered, then the event was full at the time you made your request.

Thank you,

Health Professions Advising

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

The Smithsonian-Mason Semesters for Conservation Studies, is based at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia near the Shenandoah National Park.  The SCBI is an active research station where conservation professionals are working on strategies to address pressing global threats to biodiversity and the environment.  Students participating in our programs spend a full semester living, taking classes, and working in this exciting and beautiful environment.

We offer two distinct programs, Applied Conservation Strategies and Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices.  Each one offers a set of five integrated courses that include a practicum experience as well as classes focusing on conservation theory and applications.  Applied Conservation Strategies focuses on the root causes of conservation issues and how science informs management and policy.  Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices emphasizes the application of ecological theory to conservation and how to successfully communicate about threats to species.

Like a "study abroad" program, students live in residence at the SCBI during the semester and learn from prominent research scientists, wildlife biologists, educators, and other leading conservation professionals.  Through academically intense, hands-on curricula and networking opportunities, students emerge from their Semester experience prepared for conservation related internships, graduate study or professions.

If you have any students who might be interested in this exceptional opportunity, please direct them to our
website: http://mccs.gmu.edu/undergraduate where they can apply online.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our program at smithsem@gmu.edu.

Taking One Bridge Year and Thinking About Going Abroad?

Some applicants who choose to apply to professional school the summer after they graduate from U.Va  would like to spend some time abroad during the application cycle. Many times these students will come to us asking when is the best time to leave the country during the application process. Answering this question can be tricky. During the months of June, July and early August applicants are primarily responsible for responding to e-mail in a timely manner. Applicants will be completing secondary applications during most of this period, and beginning in mid to late August will be responsible for corresponding with schools to  accept interview dates. Individuals who choose to visit a developed country with consistent internet access may be okay with a short trip during this time frame, however, we encourage applicants to consider the likelihood that they will be in an environment where they can sit and write numerous secondary application essays.

During the time period of late August through the end of March, applicants have the potential to be offered an interview spot. Applicants often ask us how flexible schools are with the dates that they assign to applicants for interviews. While it may depend on the health profession, many of these schools are interviewing hundreds of applicants, and the ability to accommodate individual applicants is almost impossible. Interviewing remotely though options like Skype are also highly unlikely as schools strongly  rely on in-person interactions to determine your fit for the program.

In general it is usually safe to make travel arrangement in April. However, we want to remind you that everyone's application timeline is different. Some applicants will be lucky enough to be admitted to their preferred program as early as October, while others will not know the final outcome of their candidacy until mid to late June (sometimes even the first day of classes!) Ultimately, the application process is a time where it's important to be diligent and available. Applicants who feel that an extended time abroad is a critical experience that they need before attending a health professions program may want to consider taking more than one bridge year before commencing their studies. If you have specific questions about an opportunity abroad that you are considering, feel free to schedule an appointment or discuss it with us during a drop-in slot at Monroe Hall!

The Siloam Student Medical Immersion (SMI)

Are you a pre-medical student with a passion to integrate your faith in Christ with service to the poor through health care? 

What:  This residential program will place a small group of students (rising college seniors or recent college graduates) in a Christian health outreach project located in a low-income and highly diverse apartment community in Nashville for approximately eight weeks.  During that time:

·         Students will serve as a bridge between Siloam Family Health Center, the apartment community, and local ministries (including churches and refugee resettlement agencies). 

·         Students will live in the apartment community and build relationships with their foreign-born neighbors, facilitating health education training and other outreaches.

·         Students will learn firsthand what it is like to live in a low-income community, deal with immigrant and refugee issues, and live on food stamps.

·         Students will receive guidance from Siloam staff and other missions-minded professionals.  In individual reading and small group discussions, they will reflect on Old and New Testament scripture, relevant topics in health care, and theological connections between the two.

·         They will be given the opportunity to shadow medical providers and participate in house-calls conducted by a member of Siloam’s team.

Why:  The SMI is a faith-based service learning project whose primary purpose is to inspire pre-clincal students to discern and pursue callings toward whole-person health care and incarnational ministry among the poor.

Dates of SMI:  May 31, 2011 through July 20, 2011 (applicants must be able to participate from beginning to end)

Who is eligible?

·         The program targets rising seniors in college or recent college graduates who are planning to pursue a graduate medical training program (e.g., Medical Doctorate, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant).

·         In order to facilitate a more thorough immersion experience, preference will be given to students from outside the Middle Tennessee area.

·         Applicants should be prepared to articulate a desire for and participate in Christian spiritual formation and biblical theological development.

Applications are due by March 22, 2012.  Notification of acceptance will be made by April 10, 2012.

Cost:  $1,725.  This covers everything but travel to and from Nashville.  Participants will receive a weekly living stipend to cover food, some local transportation, and some personal needs (though providing your own vehicle is suggested).  In the spirit of fostering your own faith journey, we recommend that at least half of the project cost be raised through personal support raising among your church, friends, and/or family.  This is to build a base of both financial support and spiritual support, as you might for an overseas missions project.  We will assist you in formulating a request to your friends and family.

SMI Components Include:

·         Communal Living

·         Personal and Group Bible Study

·         Health Outreaches

·         “Food Stamp Challenge”

·         Theological Foundations for Health Care

·         Additional Training in:

o   Refugee and Immigrant Health

o   Poverty Medicine

o   Whole-Person Care

Interested students should request an application packet by e-mailing info@SiloamInstitute.org. 

The SMI is an outreach of the Siloam Institute of Faith, Health and Culture, an educational initiative of the Siloam Family Health Center.  Siloam Family Health Center has been serving the uninsured, low-income refugee and immigrant community in Nashville for more than 20 years.  Its mission is to share the love of Christ by serving those in need through health care. 

Commonly Asked Questions and Helpful Advice

Check out the Commonly Asked Questions Guide for general information regarding AP Credit, GPAs, Summer Coursework, and Scheduling.

If you are in the application process cycle, you can also take a look at  Helpful Tips for Health Professions Applicants . This contains information to help you through every step of the application process.

AACOM's Health Professions Recruitment Fair and Workshops

We would like to encourage you  to attend and participate in our upcoming Health Professions Recruitment Fair and Workshops event on Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 12:30pm – 4:30pm at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.   The nation’s Osteopathic Medical Colleges admission directors will be present and available to meet with current and prospective applicants, high school students and parents.  We are pleased to have our colleagues from MD,  Allied Health programs, and Central Application Services joining us at this event. Don’t miss out on this opportunity that only happens every two years!

MCAT Registration for June to September 2012

MCAT registration for June through September 2012 is expected to open on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  Unfortunately, we are unaware of what time this will occur, however, a message will be posted on our website at www.aamc.org/mcat when that information becomes available. Also, our page with International Test Dates has been updated to reflect the remaining exams https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/reserving/148106/reserving_internationaltesting2012.html.

Pre-Optometry Club: SUNY Recruiter

The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry recruiter will be here at U.Va to talk more about the career and their program.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 15th
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Newcomb Commonwealth Room

In order to attend, please RSVP to both Maera and Matt at maa3t@virginia.edu and mha8hf@virginia.edu.

Hope to see you there!

Missed the Application Process Part Two Meeting?

If you are planning to apply to health professions school in the 2012-2013 cycle and missed the Application Part Two Meeting, we encourage you to take some time to go through the following resources: 

PowerPoint 

ACE Assessment 

Application Timeline 

Mock Interviewing Program

Mock Interviewing Assessment Sheet

Choosing Your School List 

Interfolio.com 

Hess Newman Jargowsky Stoker Scholarship: $1,000 Award

This scholarship is awarded annually to a student whose life has been significantly touched by cancer. This impact may be a result of one's own illness or that of a close family member or friend. For more information, e-mail sgibson@virginia.edu.

Women in Medicine Initiatives: Neurosurgeon Guest Speaker

Feb. 14, 6 p.m., Minor 130.

Come hear U.Va. Hospital’s Dr. Mary Lee Vance speak about her experience in the fields of neurological surgery and endocrinology. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, e-mail nl4kw@virginia.edu.

Have Interest in the Topics of Health and Science?

Want to write for the Cavalier Daily?

Here's a great way to meet new people and learn new things!

Come to the Cavalier Daily Health and Science Section Meeting:

5:30pm Friday, February 10th Newcomb South Meeting Hall

Or contact: Fiza Hashmi at fh7ss@virginia.edu

Interested in Healthcare Management? Public Policy? Medicine?

Interested in Healthcare Management? Public Policy? Medicine?

The Society of Multicultural Medicine and Global Connect at McIntire present: 
"US Healthcare: Where we stand globally."

Join us for an exciting presentation by guest speaker Dr. Robert D. Powers, M.D., M.P.H. 
Dr. Powers is a professor of medicine and emergency medicine at the University of Virginia Medical school. 
He has a wealth of experience in healthcare management and will share with us his insight on the American healthcare industry.

Monday, February 13th at 5:30 pm, in Rouss/Robertson 225. 
Pizza will be provided! 

Pre-Pharmacy Society General Body Meeting

Pre-Pharmacy Society
General Body Meeting
Wednesday, 8th February 8 pm Location: Monroe 134

We are having our first meeting of the semester this coming Wednesday, in Monroe 134 at 8 pm. We will have Kyle Sherman from the Virginia Department of Health come in and talk to us a little about volunteering opportunities available with the Medical Reseve Corps of Virginia if anyone may be interested! You will also get a chance to have any questions answered and get a preview of what we will be doing this semester.

Exploring Post Baccalaureate Programs?

If you are interested in applying for a school in the health professions but are concerned with your academic record, we encourage you to explore post baccalaureate program options. 

To learn more about these programs check out the  National Association of Health Professions Advisors Post Baccalaureate Information Page where you can find links to articles, and program pages. 

   
Click Here!

Summer Clinical Research Internship in Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics

Description: An 8-10-week program in clinical research related to developmental and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents is offered by Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York (formerly Schneider Children’s Hospital) – part of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. 

The Summer Research Internship offers 2-3 accomplished students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor on one or more research projects related to normal or abnormal child development. Students will assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project and/or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.  Although the internship is primarily focused on clinical research, there is also an opportunity to co-author a review article for immediate publication in a peer-reviewed pediatric journal. (See details below.)

While participating in the program, students will be expected to attend some introductory clinical lectures about child development and developmental disorders.  Students will also be encouraged to attend other lectures of interest available through the Department of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital.

The internship is open to students who have completed at least one year of study from any U.S. college or university.  The ideal candidate is a student with a strong academic record, an interest in child psychology, child neurology, child psychiatry, or developmental pediatrics, and aspires to attend a doctoral program in medicine or psychology.

Research Abstracts/Publications: It is anticipated that students will be included as co-investigators on two or more research abstracts submitted to national research meetings.  Students who are able to successfully write a manuscript for journal submission of their research findings will be identified as the first or second author of any paper submitted for publication.

Review Article: There is an opportunity for a well-qualified student to be the first author on a review article for a peer-reviewed medical journal.  This review article will need to be completed by August 1^st since it is scheduled to be published in the December, 2012 issue of this pediatric journal. (A faculty member has already been invited to submit a review article on a topic related to developmental disorders; if interested, a student with strong academic credentials and writing skills may be given the opportunity to write the first draft of this article and be identified as first author of this review article.)

Summer Program Dates: Start and completion dates for the summer internship are somewhat flexible. Although priority will be given to applicants prepared to make at least a full-time 8 week commitment or longer, other time schedule arrangements will be considered.

Stipend:  Summer research interns will be paid a weekly stipend of $200 for a minimum of six weeks or maximum of ten weeks. Payment will be made upon completion of their internship.

For Further Information:  Please contact Dr. Andrew Adesman, the Director of the Summer Internship Program in the Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, at: AAdesman@nshs.edu or you may call his assistant, Christine, at 516 802-6101.

To Apply: You must submit a completed application (attached below) and provide all requested support materials (CV or resume, unofficial transcript, and 2 letters of recommendation). Materials may be sent electronically using the subject line "Summer Research Internship 2012" to Dr. Andrew Adesman at: AAdesman@nshs.edu, or they may be mailed to:

Ms. Christine Peck

Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics

Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY

1983 Marcus Avenue, Suite 130

Lake Success, NY 11042

Application Process & Deadline:  The submittal deadline is March 1, 2012; all materials must be received by that date. Notification of decisions will be made in late April.

 Access the Application Here!