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Non-Academic Factors in Professional School Selection

Learn about the non-academic characteristics that professional schools look for in applicants and how to develop these qualities. Explore examples from universities and understand the importance of extracurricular activities, community involvement, and ethical standards.

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Non-Academic Factors in Professional School Selection

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  1. Week 3Non-Academic Factors Influencing SelectionSeptember 18, 2003 Kent L. BarrusPre-professional Advisor

  2. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation “The reward goes not to him with the greatest ability, but to him with the greatest determination.” -Voltaire

  3. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation Objectives: • Identify the non-academic characteristics that professional schools look for. • Identify opportunities to develop these characteristics.

  4. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation University of Utah Example- The three guiding principles for selection: • Overall Excellence • Humanitarian Skills • Diversity of Experience

  5. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation • University of Utah Example- • “As important as grades and test scores are, by themselves they do not predict who will be successful in medical school. The demands of medical education and life as a physician are not for everyone. We consider how the applicant balances outside activities and responsibilities with schoolwork as an indicator of ability to deal with the rigors of life as a physician. The committee is interested in motivation for attending medical school and understanding of the medical profession. Commitment to community service, ethical behavior, compassion, leadership ability and communication skills are important characteristics of physicians. We expect applicants to be courteous, respectful and professional at all times.” • Dean of Admission • University of Utah Medical School

  6. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation University of Washington Example- “One of the major shortcomings of many of the applicants is the lack of awareness of societal and especially healthcare issues and it still amazes me how many people don’t have the faintest idea of issues facing the medical professional and, indeed, of what the practice of medicine entails. Although working in a hospital, nursing home or shadowing a physician is worthwhile, I don’t believe that it is an absolute requirement and certainly is useless if one goes through the experience with one’s eyes and ears closed. I do feel, however, quite strongly that especially in an era of rapid changes, one needs to be aware of healthcare delivery and ethical issues and it is disconcerting to see how many of our applicants are quite uninformed about what is going on in the world…..

  7. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation • University of Washington Example- • …. As I always point out, this can all be garnered by reading the daily newspaper, a weekly news magazine or an occasional relevant article in The New England Journal of Medicine. I also tell the students I meet that it is more worthwhile to stick to some activity, be it research, community service or hospital service and have in-depth experiences rather than jumping from one activity to another, often only in an attempt to fill up space on one’s application. Excelling in some activity, be it research, community service, participation in intercollegiate athletics or the arts make the applicant more “unique” and stand out from the usual “pre-med” crowd. • Werner E. Samson, M.D. • Chairman, Committee on Admissions

  8. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation Research • Required by some, but NOT all schools. • Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. • Internships and Dr. Eckersell. • BRIN program.

  9. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation Extracurricular Activities • The more diverse your background and experience, the more interesting you will become to the admissions committee. • Don’t avoid out of fear of a lower GPA. • Make sure your participation is ‘Active’ participation. • Personal anecdotes in your application.

  10. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation Community Involvement • Why do they want a commitment to the community. • Humanitarian Service. Gordon Marler. • http://www.byui.edu/activities/service/default.htm

  11. Bio 311 - Professional School Preparation Demographic Characteristics • State of Residency. • Rural candidates = Rural Medicine. • Race and Gender. • University of Michigan Supreme Court Ruling

  12. Professionalism Courtesy and Respect Appearance Etiquette – making people feel comfortable in social situations. Communication skills Knowledge Confidence Maturity Dependability Industry and Initiative Ethical Standards

  13. Ethical Standards “The most important characteristic of a scientist is integrity.” – Jeffery H. Lee Public trust in science can be undermined by dishonest scientists. If scientists behave in professionally unethical ways, science suffers. • Fraud • Falsification • Fabrication Plagiarism

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