How To Write An Essay For A Medical Degree

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1 Chat Room Name Username Message : Hi my name is Melissa Mercieca and I have a few questions about the program 1/25/ :08 (advisorheather): Sure what questions do you have? 1/25/ :08 : I am applying to the program next month and I sent in the online application with the personal statement. Do I have to write another one to send in with the paperwork or is one only necessary? 1/25/ :08 (advisorheather): Hello Melissa if you filled out the one on the online application you do not need to send a hard copy in as well. 1/25/ :09 (advisorheather): Are you a current WSU student? If not, you will also need to complete the WSU undergraduate application if you've never applied to Wayne State. 1/25/ :09 : Thank you. Yes I am currently a WSU student. When can I turn in all the paperwork? 1/25/ :09 (advisorheather): The application materials can be turned in anytime before the February 28th deadline. 1/25/ :09 : ok thanks. I have 20 contact hours already finished. Do you think I should do a few more before sending in the application materials? 1/25/ :10

2 (advisorheather): Hi Melissa..20 is the requirement but if you would like to do more you can do that and send them all in together. As long as we have everything by the deadline. 1/25/ :11 : Will I receive a letter if I did or did not get into the program? 1/25/ :11 (advisorheather): Hello yes we will notify all applicants of their status. It may be quite a while after the deadlines. I believe interviews (for those selected) will be sometime in April/May. 1/25/ :11 : Thank you Heather. If I get accepted for the interviews it will be a group interview right? Can you tell me a little bit about how those are? 1/25/ :12 (advisorheather): Hi yes it is a group interview. Applicants will be placed in small groups. A team of interviews will float from room to room asking a variety of questions and the goal is for each group member to address the question asked. There is also a written essay given during the interview. 1/25/ :12 : Thank you advisor Heather. Is there anything that I should do to prepare for this essay? 1/25/ :13 (advisorheather): Hello, no just know that it will be a timed essay so the key is to make sure you address the questions posed as completely as possible. 1/25/ :13

3 : Thank you. Will the program start in the Fall of 2012? 1/25/ :13 (advisorheather): The program will actually begin in May /25/ :14 : Will we know after the interview if we were accepted into the program? or will another letter come to us? 1/25/ :15 (advisorheather): You will be notified I'm assuming by and letter a few weeks after the interviews 1/25/ :15 : Thank you so much. Do you know how many people have already applied to the program for this year? 1/25/ :15 (advisorheather): I am not sure at this time. Typically were receive applications. 1/25/ :16 : If you receive 60 applications, how many are actually accepted into the program after the group interviews? 1/25/ :17 (advisorheather): Hi it usually is right around 30 that are accepted. 1/25/ :17 (advisorheather): Keep in mind though that not all of our applicants meet the minimum requirements. 1/25/ :17 : That never crossed my mind. I figured that most of the students would follow the guidelines posted. 1/25/ :17 (advisorheather): Unfortunately it doesn't always happen:) 1/25/ :18

4 : I have been following everything and went to one of the information meetings. I really want to be an Occupational Therapist. I appreciate your help so much. 1/25/ :18 : When I bring in all the materials, do I need them in a folder or binder? 1/25/ :19 (advisorheather): You do not have to do that but if you want to ensure everything stays that is fine. 1/25/ :19 : Thank you. I took a lot of my classes at another accredited college. I am currently in the physics class. Should I ask for an academic transcript before and after I finish this requirement? 1/25/ :19 (advisorheather): You should send in all completed transcripts now and then send additional after you've completed courses in progress. I would put the requireed prerequisite courses you are currently enrolled in or will be in Spring/Summer term on a "Plan of Work". This can simply be a document you create listing all courses in progress, where you are taking the course, as well as the course information (number, etc). 1/25/ :20 : Thank you so much! 1/25/ :20 : I think that is all my questions and I appreciate your time. 1/25/ :21 (advisorheather): You're welcome and I'm glad I could help. 1/25/ :21

5 Pharmacy JenniferF : I hope you have a great day! 1/25/ :21 (advisorheather): You too and thank you 1/25/ :22 JenniferF: Hello! Just had a quick question - for the Pharmacy interviews, is there an order to what you do? (Interview, tour, writing) 1/25/ :22 Pharmacy (Advisor Moira): Hi Jennifer - Yes, but it varies (so some students will do the interview first, some the tour, etc.). 1/25/ :22 Pharmacy JenniferF JenniferF: Thanks! Where is the best place to park on a weekday morning for my interview? 1/25/ :22 Pharmacy (Advisor Moira): There is a structure right across John R from our building. 1/25/ :22 Pharmacy (Advisor Moira): It costs $6. 1/25/ :22 Pharmacy JenniferF JenniferF: Perfect, thanks! 1/25/ :22 : hello 1/25/ :22 : i have a question(: 1/25/ :23 (ASOshauna): How may 1/25/ :23 (ASOshauna): I help you 1/25/ :23 : hi, i'm form university of windsor trying to get into your pt program 1/25/ :23 (ASOshauna): ok 1/25/ :23 : i've been following the equivalency guide posted on your website 1/25/ :24

6 : but i've found that there are some things on that chart that don't match up with the transfer.wayne website 1/25/ :24 : so i'm a little worried about which one i should follow 1/25/ :24 (ASOshauna): it depends on the prerequisite you are trying to fulfill 1/25/ :24 (ASOshauna): which courses are you haveing trouble with? 1/25/ :24 (ASOshauna): having* 1/25/ :24 : for example, it says on the equivalency guide it states : wayne:psy 2400 PSYC (46) 222 OR 223 OR 224 OR 22 1/25/ :25 : i've taken 224 1/25/ :26 : at my school 1/25/ :26 : but i believe on the transfer.wayne website it doesn't state psych 224 at windsor as an equivalent of psych 2400 at wayne 1/25/ :26 (ASOshauna): the equivalency guide states what the program will accept to fulfill the prerequisite so your psyc 224 satisfies PSY /25/ :26 : so i should be completely following your guide then? 1/25/ :27 (ASOshauna): you will not need to take another course 1/25/ :27 : why doesn't it state 224 as an equivalent on the transfer.wayne site though? 1/25/ :27

7 (ASOshauna): When it comes to the discrepancies 1/25/ :28 (ASOshauna): *when it come to differences with the science and non science requirements follow the equivalency guide 1/25/ :28 (ASOshauna): there is more info on general eduaction requirements on the transfer credit site 1/25/ :28 : i see, so when i apply your department will take my psych 224 and and psych 228 (abnormal psych) to fulfill your requirements? 1/25/ :28 (ASOshauna): that is correct 1/25/ :28 (ASOshauna): they will fulfill PSY 2400 and PSY 3010 consecutively 1/25/ :28 : ohh okay! what a relief 1/25/ :29 (ASOshauna): :) 1/25/ :29 : may i take this chat transcript for my own documentation? or would it be better to you guys again 1/25/ :29 (ASOshauna): yes thats fine 1/25/ :29 : great, thanks! 1/25/ :29 (ASOshauna): the transcripts will also be posted online 1/25/ :29 (ASOshauna): the abnormal psy will actually NOT cover the statistics 1/25/ :29 (ASOshauna): PLEASE make sure you take a Stat course at U Windsor 1/25/ :29 (ASOshauna): I apologize for the confusion 1/25/ :30 : oh, i'm confused 1/25/ :30

8 : it states pshycial therapy students don't need to take a stats? 1/25/ :30 : stats course* 1/25/ :30 (ASOshauna): here on our website it states that PSY 3010 is an introduction to Statistics course so you will need to take a statistics course 1/25/ :31 : i see, why is that listed as a psych course though? 1/25/ :31 (ASOshauna): because the course is offered through the psychology department and the math department here at WSU 1/25/ :31 : i see, so my abnormal psych course will be void? 1/25/ :32 (ASOshauna): Its still valid cumulative GPA however it will not fulfill the Statistics prerequisites. 1/25/ :32 (ASOshauna): *Its still valid toward your cumulative GPA... 1/25/ :32 : okay, so if i took stats 205 (statistics for the sciences) at my school, will that fulfill that requirement? 1/25/ :32 : there's a few different stats courses at my school, i'm not sure which one will fulfill your stats then 1/25/ :33 (ASOshauna): Yes Stats 205 will fulfill the requirement 1/25/ :33

9 : what is the difference between stat 1020 and psych 3010 at your school? just out of curiosity 1/25/ :33 (ASOshauna): here is the course description for STA Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, notions in probability, binomial and normal distributions, testing hypothesis. (T) And here is the description for PSY Principles and computational methods that apply to quantitative aspects of psychological procedure; elementary correlation theory and prediction, sampling problems, tests of hypotheses, elementary test theory, interpretation of results. (T) (Directed toward psychology majors) 1/25/ :33 : ohh okay 1/25/ :34 : is there any document that verifies stat 205 will fulfill psych 3010 then? since it's not posted on the guide or transfer.wayne 1/25/ :34 (ASOshauna): you can and an advisor will respond and the response can be your verification at the time of application 1/25/ :34 : great! thanks 1/25/ :34 (ASOshauna): cphsinfo@wayne.edu 1/25/ :34 (ASOshauna): I'm here to help. 1/25/ :34

10 : Hello, sorry if I'm slow on my questions 1/25/ :34 (ASOshauna): Not a problem 1/25/ :35 (AdvisorMike): Angela. what questions do you have about the physician's assistant program? 1/25/ :35 : I've looked at the matrix for the prereq equivalency from other colleges 1/25/ :35 : how often is this updated? 1/25/ :36 (AdvisorMike): Angela, I am in the process of updating the physician's assistant transfer equivalency charts. The should be up in the next week or two. 1/25/ :36 : I'm currently enrolled at EMU 1/25/ :37 (AdvisorMike): Angela, if you have a specific course you have concerns about, you can cpshinfo@wayne.edu 1/25/ :38 : great, I know a few of the classes had changed from ZOO to BIO 1/25/ :38 (AdvisorMike): Angela, that is correct. 1/25/ :38 : good to know, it was mainly because my program of Human Biology has requirements that will differ slightly and I like to "map out" my course load 1/25/ :38 : they (EMU) requires A&P I and A&P II OR Physiology but I can't take both 1/25/ :39 : I also have a question regarding direct patient care documentation 1/25/ :39

11 : what kind of documentation is required? Is it a letter or a specific form? 1/25/ :39 (AdvisorMike): Angela, for the direct patient care questions, you need to contact the physician's assistant admissions committee directly at paadmit@wayne.edu. 1/25/ :40 (AdvisorMike): Angela, A+P I and A+P II will both need to be taken and they will only fulfill the anatomy prerequisite. They will not fulfill the physiology prerequisites. 1/25/ :40 : do the pre-reqs change from time to time? 1/25/ :40 : I thought it was 1 course of anatomy and 2 physiology 1/25/ :40 : just want to make sure I'm not referring to an old chart 1/25/ :42 : and how often I should check the requirements 1/25/ :43 (AdvisorMike): No, the prerequisites have not changed int the past three years. Yes, the prerequisite is one course of anatomy and two courses of physiology. However, A+P I and A+P II count as one anatomy. This has always been our policy. 1/25/ :43 : good to know 1/25/ :44 : I'm glad I asked 1/25/ :44

12 (AdvisorMike): Angela, I know that Washtenaw has a one semester anatomy and physiology course BIO 111 that will fulfill the anatomy prerequisite. 1/25/ :44 : because I will need to meet with my biology advisor 1/25/ :45 : I'm already taking the A&P I at EMU 1/25/ :46 : BIO 251 1/25/ :46 (AdvisorMike): Angela, then you will need to also take BIO 252 in order to fulfill the anatomy prerequisite. 1/25/ :46 : they are core classes for my human biology program 1/25/ :47 : I'm working towards my BS 1/25/ :47 : many of your pre-req are classes in my program 1/25/ :48 (AdvisorMike): Angela, have you been to a general information meeting? If not, you need to attend one. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 6:00PM at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The building is located at 259 Mack, on the corner of Mack and John R, in the Detroit Medical Center. Pay parking is available in the structure located across the street from the building. 1/25/ :49

13 : I haven't been able to get there yet, but I do plan to attend one. Right now I have classes on Tuesday night. I work a full time job during the day, so I've been taking classes in the evening 1/25/ :49 (AdvisorMike): Angela, the meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month. So you can come after the semester ends. 1/25/ :51 : I look forward to it 1/25/ :53 : Are there any plans to increase class size? 1/25/ :53 (AdvisorMike): Angela, at this time there are no plans to increase the class size. 1/25/ :54 : Who conducts the general information meetings? 1/25/ :54 : Thank you for the information 1/25/ :54 : It's been very helpful 1/25/ :54 : Another question about the prereq Physiology courses 1/25/ :55 : EMU only offers 1 Physiology course that is not tied to other programs. Meaning they have Physiology for Sports Medicine and Physiology of Exercise, but those both are for a specific career path 1/25/ :55

14 PRIVATE ROOM PRIVATE ROOM PRIVATE ROOM PRIVATE ROOM PRIVATE ROOM PRIVATE ROOM : I would have to take 4 additional classes specifically in sports medicine to get into the physiology for sports medicine class. How would I be able to get a second physiology course to satisfy Wayne States pre-req in this instance if you will not accept A&P II? 1/25/ :55 (AdvisorMike): Angela, you can take BIO 326 and exercise physiology. Those two classes will fulfill the physiology prerequisites. 1/25/ :57 (AdvisorMike): Angela, human genetics, cell biology, histology, pathophysiology and immunology will also fulfill the physiology prerequisite. 1/25/ :58 : Wonderful! Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you. 1/25/ :00 (ASO Kaprice): Hi just wanted to see if it works!! 1/25/ :05 (Advisor Moira): Ha - thought you might have a secret or something. 1/25/ :06 (ASO Kaprice): Nope no secrets oh I am preparing to go back to school and I am very excited! 1/25/ :09 (Advisor Moira): That's good - I am glad to be done, I confess. It keeps you busy! 1/25/ :11 (ASO Kaprice): You're done!!! Congrats :) 1/25/ :13 (Advisor Moira): Thanks. I was very ready to be done. 1/25/ :14

15 PRIVATE ROOM (ASO Kaprice): You're welcome! 1/25/ :15 AllisonP32 AllisonP32: My name is Allison. I have a question about some of the admission requirements. 1/25/ :15 (ASO Kaprice): Hello 1/25/ :16 (ASO Kaprice): Fire away. 1/25/ :17 AllisonP32 AllisonP32: For the plan of work. I will be applying for the 2013 year so my application will be in November So do I fill out my plan of work for Winter 2013 and Spring/Summer 2013? 1/25/ :18 AllisonP32 (ASO Kaprice): The program starts in the Spring/Summer; therefore, you should have everything completed by than. 1/25/ :19 (ASO Kaprice): You would complete a plan of work if you still had classes in progress during the time you are completing the application. 1/25/ :22 AllisonP32: Yes but one of the admission requirements is a plan of work. I was wondering what that exactly is/ 1/25/ :24 (ASO Kaprice): Plan of Work is a list of prerequisite courses you are currently taking during the time you are applying. 1/25/ :25

16 (ASO Kaprice): On the Plan of Work you would list the courses and when you expect to have them completed. 1/25/ :26 AllisonP32: okay so that is not a plan of work for the classes in the program correct? its just if you still have some prerequisite courses to take? If you do not have anymore required courses to take but AllisonP32 you may just take some extra classes would you still have to do a plan of work? 1/25/ :27 (ASO Kaprice): Correct. 1/25/ :29 AllisonP32 AllisonP32: for the personal statement. Is this a brief overview of things such as accomplishments, academic success, or what is good to have in the statement. 1/25/ :33 AllisonP32 (ASO Kaprice): Yes, and why are you seeking this program. What do you plan to do with this degree, goals, plans...sale your self. 1/25/ :34 AllisonP32: I am not sure if you would be able to answer this, but there are many things you could specialize in with this degree I was wondering where I could research more options about what you could specialize in through the program? 1/25/ :34 (ASO Kaprice): t_ref_guide_2011b_revised pdf try looking here but not totally sure. 1/25/ :35

17 AllisonP32 (ASO Kaprice): Are you still there? 1/25/ :35 AllisonP32: Yes, I was just trying to look through it. I am interested in specializing in the imaging of the heart I was just wondering how I could possibly ask someone from the program if that is available 1/25/ :35 AllisonP32 (Advisor Moira): You may find some information about the profession in general here: ASRT (The American Society of Radiologic Technologists) 1/25/ :43 AllisonP32: thank you. How do you set up a job shadowing for a radiographer? 1/25/ :43 (advisorheather): The program will offer tours. You can contact Kathy Kath, the Program Director, to set up a tour. She could probably talk with you about potential job shadowing opportunities. 1/25/ :44 AllisonP32 AllisonP32: thank you again. 1/25/ :45 (advisorheather): You're welcome 1/25/ :45