How to Discuss Mental Health on Your Application and 26 Other Premed Questions | Ask the Dean Ep. 52

It's episode fifty-two of Ask The Dean! This week, we answer your questions about secondary essay prompts, MCAT scores, what counts as clinical experience, and more!

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We cover the following topics this week:

0:00 Introduction
2:36 How should I discuss failures on secondary essay prompts?
4:39 Should I discuss mental health issues on my application?
9:59 Will taking the MCAT after I submit my application delay secondary applications?
11:14 Do adcoms view a desire for autonomy as a good reason for pursuing medical school?
14:59 How do I narrow down my school list?
17:20 How can I get the most out of medical scribing?
19:43 Are adcoms ever conflicted about whether or not to admit a student?
22:15 Is it essential to have a “flow” in your personal statement?
26:08 Would it be frowned upon to leave a non-clinical career for a medical assistant position?
26:48 How important is school prestige for nontraditional students starting the premed journey?
27:52 Does caregiving count as clinical experience?
29:01 Does it really matter which experiences you designate as most meaningful?
30:41 Should I write include experiences that occur as part of academic coursework in my academic work?
32:38 Should I include a transcript for a non-academic EMT course?
33:48 If taking the MCAT late in the cycle, should I apply to just one school while I wait for the results?
35:33 How do I add a letter of recommendation from the dean of a medical school to my application?
36:41 Is administrative and clinical work at a mental health facility considered clinical experience?
38:44 What MCAT score is worthy of a retake?
41:06 How much do MCAT scores vary from practice exams?
43:55 Is the Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application Process an all-in-one resource for premeds?
44:28 Should I include future research experience in my application?
45:20 Is it necessary to mention my intention to apply for HPSP on my application?
45:56 How should I categorize postbac courses on my application?
47:54 How should I describe my lab and clinical research experience on my application?
48:35 Do pass/fail grades affect GPA trends?
49:23 Is there a good way to list honors/awards/recognitions without bragging?
50:53 Does participating in companionship activities in a hospice setting count as clinical experience?

Have you checked out our other Mappd video series, Am I Ready? Watch all our videos at http://mappd.tv.

Dr. Scott Wright has served as the Director of Admissions at UT Southwestern Medical School, Associate Dean at University of Texas at Dallas, and Executive Director of the Texas Medical and Dental Application Service (TMDAS)

Mappd is co-founded by Ryan Gray, MD and Rachel Grubbs. Dr. Gray is also the host of the Premed Years podcast and the author of the Premed Playbook series. Ms. Grubbs has been serving and advising premeds for 20 years at companies like The Princeton Review and Next Step Test Prep (now Blueprint MCAT).