Fall 2008

Admissions advice offered to children of alumni

Class represented in this story: ’60

With children of alumni regularly interested in following in their parents’ footsteps, not just to a medical career but to a Medical College of Wisconsin education, it is extremely useful to be well-versed in the application process and how to be a strong candidate. Medical school applications are evaluated for their academic competitiveness – GPA and MCAT scores – along with other items that help determine if an applicant is a good fit for the Medical College. These include service activities, an exposure to clinical medicine, a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

“The College receives approximately 6,500 applications each year for the 204 spaces in its first-year class,” said Michael Istwan, Director of Admissions. “It is a most competitive selection process, and only the most qualified candidates gain acceptance.”

Anthony P. Ziebert, MD ’60, GME ’63, Fel ’64, has served as the alumni representative to the Medical College of Wisconsin Admissions Committee for the last eight years. While meeting the academic standards is the first necessity, the interview is often the key subsequent component that determines a candidate’s likelihood of being accepted.

“We welcome children of alumni applying to the Medical College. It’s a compliment to the school that they want to attend the same school,” said Dr. Ziebert, who is involved in applicant interviews. “I cannot overemphasize the importance of the interview and the interview process. The interview should be taken very, very seriously.”

As most everyone knows, Dr. Ziebert said, questions during the interview do not address the Krebs cycle and other scientific know-how. They are designed to find out who the candidates are, their plans for the future, how they work with others and most importantly, their potential as clinicians.

The Office of Admissions and the Office of Alumni Relations are enthusiastic about advising children of alumni on how to assemble a strong application and prepare for the interview process. Although this is Dr. Ziebert’s last year as alumni representative, whoever succeeds him will also be a great resource for applicants.

As candidates prepare for the application process for the entering class of 2010, it is important to do the right things at the right time. This includes:

1. Prepare and take the MCAT in January or April prior to beginning the application process. This will give you ample time to receive the scores, determine if a retest is necessary, and, if so, do so in a timely basis.
2. Identify and contact your letter writers well before you begin the application process.
3. The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application is available during the month of May. Candidates are encouraged to use the month to become acquainted with the application and encouraged to complete the application in mid-summer.
4. Applications are reviewed, candidates invited to interview, and offers are made on a rolling basis until the class is filled. Candidates are encouraged to complete an application in a timely manner.