top of page
How to Get a Research Role: What I Wish I Had Known Before Meeting With a PI
When I got my first meeting with a PI, I was mostly thinking about how I could convince her to take me. I had very little research experience, so I was incredibly grateful that someone was even willing to talk with me. I remember taking the Zoom meeting from my dorm room with my computer awkwardly propped up on a stack of books on my bedside table, feeling very nervous and trying to make a good impression. Meeting with her quickly eased a lot of that anxiety. She was enthusia
alexandrabilder
Aug 269 min read
How to Get a Research Role: Finding Research That Interests You
One common piece of advice for students looking for research is: find a PI whose research interests you. That sounds fine until you are early in your science courses and almost everything sounds interesting because you do not know enough yet to know what you like. How are you supposed to decide whether you are interested in a lab studying a signaling pathway you have never heard of? And how are you supposed to write an email explaining your interest when you barely understand
alexandrabilder
Aug 198 min read
How to Get a Research Role: Cold-Emailing a Principal Investigator
When I first started looking for a research role, I did not have much research experience. I had done one internship where I spent most of the summer de-stapling and digitizing files. I had 0 publications and 0 technical skills. But I had a genuine interest in research, an Excel spreadsheet, and a willingness to put some effort into finding the right opportunity. I eventually found my first role through cold outreach and a wonderful mentor and research team. Looking back, th
alexandrabilder
Aug 146 min read
Low GPA? Here’s How Medical School Admissions Committees View Post-Bacc and SMP Programs
Post-baccalaureate programs and Special Master’s Programs are often marketed as second chances for those with low GPAs aspiring to attending medical school. But how do medical school admissions committees actually evaluate them? As a former voting member of an MD admissions committee, I can tell you the answer is nuanced and highly strategic. These programs can absolutely strengthen an application. But they can also expose weaknesses more clearly than before. Understanding ho
Stephen C. Frederico
Mar 244 min read
BS/MD Programs: 7 Wrong Reasons to Apply
Over the years advising students applying to BS/MD programs, I have noticed a consistent pattern. Many highly capable students are drawn to these programs for reasons that, in my opinion, are not only misguided but potentially harmful in the long term. BS/MD programs can be an incredible pathway. But they are not for everyone. And applying for the wrong reasons can lead to burnout, regret, or feeling trapped in a rigid system. Below are the most common wrong reasons I hear an
Stephen C. Frederico
Mar 35 min read
The Anatomy of a Standout AMCAS Personal Statement
If you are applying to medical school, your AMCAS personal statement is not just another essay. It is the most important narrative component of your application. At AdmitMD, we teach applicants that the personal statement is not an autobiography. It is not a résumé rewritten in paragraph form. It is not a place to list accomplishments. It is a narrative. And when done correctly, it becomes the most powerful part of your medical school application. The Reality of Who Is Readin
Stephen C. Frederico
Feb 153 min read
How to Succeed in BS/MD Interviews: Traditional Interviews, MMIs, and Common Mistakes
As a former medical school admissions committee member who now works closely with students interviewing for BS/MD programs, I have sat on both sides of the table more times than I can count. Once you land the interview, everyone is academically qualified. This is the stage where most decisions are actually made. Here is how to approach BS/MD interviews, including both traditional interviews and MMIs. The Interview Is a Fit Test, Not an IQ Test Interviewers are not trying to a
Stephen C. Frederico
Feb 104 min read
How to Approach BS/MD Applications Strategically
As a former medical school admissions committee member who now works with high schoolers applying to BS/MD programs, I have seen both sides of the process. Here are three essential tips to help you stand out in one of the most competitive college admissions lanes out there: 1. Stats Matter (But Only to a Point) Most BS/MD programs have a threshold for academic metrics, typically around a 1500+ SAT and 3.8+ unweighted GPA. While exact numbers vary by school, once you’ve crosse
Stephen C. Frederico
Feb 12 min read
Schedule Your Free Consultation
We would be delighted to schedule a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your goals and explore how AdmitMD may be able to support you throughout your application journey. Because we work with a limited number of clients each year to provide highly personalized advising, we ask that you complete the form as thoroughly as possible. This allows our team to thoughtfully assess your goals and determine whether our services are the right fit for your needs and future aspirations in medicine.
bottom of page