C alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. - PDF document

T HINKING AND R EASONING C OMPETENCIES Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of C alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Quantitative Reasoning – Applies quantitative reasoning to explain phenomena in the natural world. O Scientific Inquiry – Applies knowledge of the scientific process to integrate and synthesize information, solve problems and formulate research questions and hypotheses. Written Communication – Effectively conveys information to others using written words M and sentences. S CIENCE C OMPETENCIES P Living Systems - Applies knowledge and skill in the natural sciences to solve problems related to molecular and macro systems. Human Behavior – Applies knowledge of the self, others, and social systems to solve E problems related to the psychological, social and biological factors that influence health and well-being. I NTERPERSONAL C OMPETENCIES T Service Orientation – Demonstrates a desire to help others and to alleviate others’ distress and acts on responsibilities to society, locally, nationally and globally. Social Skills – Demonstrates awareness of others’ needs, goals, feelings, and the ways E social and behavioral cues affect interactions and behaviors; adjusts behaviors appropriately in response to these cues; and treats others with respect. Cultural Competence – Demonstrates knowledge of social and cultural factors that affect N interactions and behavior; shows an appreciation and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity. Teamwork – Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. C Oral Communication – Effectively conveys information to others using spoken words; listens effectively; recognizes potential communication barriers. I NTRAPERSONAL C OMPETENCIES I Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others – Behaves in an honest and ethical manner; follows rules and procedures; demonstrates ethical and moral reasoning. Reliability and Dependability – Consistently fulfills obligations in a timely and E satisfactory manner; takes responsibility for personal actions and performance. Resilience and Adaptability – Demonstrates tolerance of stressful or changing environments or situations and adapts effectively to them; is persistent, even under difficult situations; recovers from setbacks. S Capacity for Improvemen t – Sets goals for continuous improvement and for learning new concepts and skills; engages in reflective practice for improvement; solicits and responds appropriately to feedback. Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a Medical School Applicant [Pamphlet] Association of American Medical Colleges Pitt Health Professions 03/18

2019 Application Timeline Begin ฀ Standardized Exam – Choose your date and prepare for DAT, GRE or MCAT ฀ Write first draft of personal statement ฀ Compile a resume ฀ Choose 10 schools and make a list of the types and number of letters you need. (Ex. 2 science faculty, 1 humanities) ฀ Identify faculty or other professionals to write on your behalf ฀ Look into fee assistance programs AMCAS : https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/ AADSAS : http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas[...] AACOMAS : http://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/applying/aacomas/fee-waiver TMDSAS: no fee assistance program ฀ Schedule an advising appointment to review materials: https://www.appointmentquest.com/scheduler/2160041238 ฀ Develop a good draft of your personal statement ฀ Ask for letters (Most writers will want a resume and personal statement) ฀ Contact Career Development at 412 383-4473 and schedule a mock interview March/April 2018 Complete the final edits to resume and personal statement ฀ Finalize letter writer selection and pull together materials for letter writers (personal statement, unofficial transcript, resume) ฀ Focus on standardized exam studying ฀ Finalize personal statement ฀ Schedule a mock interview with Medical Students at https://goo.gl/forms/86YFELtDRjEOrSYw1 May, 2018 ฀ Request Transcripts from Pitt and any other institutions you attended and have them sent to AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS and TMDSAS • Begin applications to professional schools o TMDSAS: Opens May 1, 2018 o AMCAS: Opens May 1, 2017; Submit May 31, 2018 o AACOMAS : Opens May 4, 2018 o AADSAS : Opens May 15, 2018 May - August 2018 Letters This cycle letters will be handled differently; our office will no longer collect, send and store your letters. ฀ You will do one or more of the following: 1) Establish an Interfolio Account: https://www.interfolio.com/ where your writers will upload their letters. You will then send them to the application services to which you apply. 1

2) Direct Submission to the application services:  AMCAS: You will add each writer’s name, email, etc. to the “Letters of Evaluation/Recommendation” section of your application. The writers will receive a prompt that notifies them of your request. (Since your application is not sent to schools until the end of June, you can provide a deadline of June 20, 2018 to your letter writers.)  AACOMAS: You will add each writer’s name and email to the Letters (Centralized Application Service section of your application). The writers will receive a prompt to upload the letter. (Your application may be submitted on May 4; therefore, you will list the deadline for your letters as May 4 or later.)  AADSAS: Choose “electronic” as the mode of submission and list your writers (limited to 4 writers) and their email addresses. (Since the application is not transmitted to schools until June 15, 2018, you can list June 14, 2018 as your deadline.)  TMDSAS – Your writers will upload directly into the application service. The service opens May 1; give your writers a deadline of May 1 or later). Secondary Applications ฀ Complete secondary applications early! Be sure to answer the questions clearly, concisely and check for grammatical errors. Attire ฀ Purchase a suit or other appropriate outfit and have it altered. The suit may be any color (blue, gray, black, and dark green are customary colors). Men may wear jacket/pants; women may wear pants, skirt or dress. Striped or colored ties are appropriate. Find comfortable, business shoes (women may wear flats); you will be walking a lot during your interviews. Your goal is to present yourself in a polished, professional manner. Interview Practice ฀ Health Advising will offer mock interviews early fall term in cooperation with our faculty and the medical schools students. Please take advantage of these opportunities to prepare for your interview. Do Not Schedule the interview for your “first choice” school first. If possible, try to postpone it to later in the term, hoping that you will have other interviews beforehand to prepare you to shine when you get to your first choice school. 2