Admissions Straight Talk
Linda Abraham
Advice from experts on applying to business, grad, law, and medical school.
- 24 minutes 54 secondsThe Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]
In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Glenn Cummings, associate dean and director of health professions advising at Bryn Mawr, for an in-depth look at one of the nation’s oldest and most respected career-changer post-bac pathways. Dr. Cummings explains the distinctive mission and history of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program – founded in 1972 at Bryn Mawr College – and clarifies what truly defines a “career changer” in the post-bac world. He walks listeners through the program’s rigorous 12-month curriculum – including the accelerated summer chemistry sequence and the full-time fall and spring science load – while also outlining how Bryn Mawr supports students through intensive academic advising, structured MCAT preparation, and opportunities for clinical volunteering, research, and service.
Dr. Cummings also highlights the program’s unique advantages, such as its extensive network of medical school linkage partnerships, its individualized W.I.S.E. advising model, and its robust alumni mentoring system. In addition, he discusses what the admissions committee looks for in competitive applicants: strong academic performance, demonstrated motivation for medicine, a history of service, and the maturity to thrive in a tight-knit, collaborative cohort.
Whether you’re a true career changer, a recent graduate ready to pivot toward medicine, or simply exploring structured post-bac options, this episode offers valuable insights into how Bryn Mawr prepares students not only for the application process but also for success in medical school and beyond.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:35 History of the Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program
01:47 Defining a Career Changer vs. Academic Enhancer
02:08 Who the Program Is Designed For
05:05 Curriculum Overview and 12-Month Structure
07:19 Unique Features of the Bryn Mawr Postbac
07:25 Medical School Linkage Programs
09:45 W.I.S.E. Advising Model and Alumni Mentorship
12:17 Preparing Students for Med School Applications
14:10 Clinical Volunteering, Research, and Service
17:15 What Makes a Competitive Bryn Mawr Applicant
21:40 Letters of Recommendation and Applicant Evaluation
23:50 Final Advice
Related Resources- Dr. Glenn Cummings contact information
- Bryn Mawr Postbac Program email: [email protected]
- The Basics of Postbac Programs: What You Need to Know
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes
- How to Apply Successfully to Med School from Postbac Programs [Episode 526]
- The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
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+1 (310) 815-95538 January 2026, 10:00 am - 21 minutes 29 secondsBecoming a PA at Sacred Heart: International Opportunities, Orthopedic Training, and Admissions Advice [Episode 613]
In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Reynold Jaglal, program director of the Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program, for an in-depth look at Sacred Heart’s values-focused approach to physician assistant (PA) education. Dr. Jaglal breaks down the program’s 27-month curriculum, including its team-taught didactic model, hands-on clinical rotations, and distinctive international clinical opportunities in Ireland and Spain.
He also shares what makes Sacred Heart’s primary care–focused training unique, such as its required orthopedics rotation, and provides clear, practical advice for PA school applicants on demonstrating their fit with the school’s mission, communicating their personal values, and explaining their academic challenges. Whether you’re preparing to apply, exploring clinical programs, or curious about global PA education, this episode offers a thoughtful, insider perspective.
00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:35 Welcome our guest, Dr. Reynold Jaglal
00:55 The PA program at Sacred Heart University
02:07 PA program curriculum and faculty
06:01 International training opportunities
09:15 Clinical phase
12:41 Dual degree: Bachelor's-MS in Physician Assistant Studies (BS-MSPAS)
15:42 Growing interest in the PA degree
17:35 How to create a competitive PA applicationRelated Resources:
- Dr. Reynold Jaglal contact information
- Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Sacred Heart University Bachelor’s–MS in Physician Assistant Studies
- The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant, a free Accepted guide
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes
- How to Get Accepted to Duke’s Physician Assistant Program [Episode 591]
- How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs [Episode 515]
- Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success [Episode 603]
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+1 (310) 815-955318 December 2025, 10:00 am - 21 minutes 35 secondsIs There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612]
In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Accepted Admissions Consultant Alicia Nimonkar, an expert writing coach with a background in composition and rhetoric, to unpack one of the most important – and often most intimidating – parts of the medical school application: the personal statement. Alicia explains how applicants can use the AAMC’s premed competencies as a framework to craft authentic, focused narratives that highlight their strengths. From creating a timeline of formative experiences to developing an outline that connects recurring themes, she shares how to identify what makes your story uniquely yours – and how to make it resonate with admissions committees.
Alicia also offers practical insight into the writing process itself: how many drafts it really takes, when to stop editing, and how to avoid the “too many cooks in the kitchen” trap of excessive feedback. She and Dr. Wherley discuss the power of resilience, effort, and voice – exploring how applicants can address challenges without sounding apologetic and how to write from a place of strength and advocacy. Whether you’re starting your first draft or polishing your final version, this episode will help you approach your personal statement with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Related Resources- AAMC The Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students
- Mindsets: A View From Two Eras
- The Obstacle Is the Way
- Alicia Nimonkar bio and contact information
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes
- The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
- How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
- Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523]
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+1 (310) 815-95534 December 2025, 10:00 am - 24 minutes 12 secondsInside UMass Chan: How Wellness, Community, and Leadership Shape Future Physicians [Episode 611]
In this inspiring episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Tracy Kedian, professor of family medicine and associate dean of admissions at UMass Chan Medical School. Together, they explore how UMass Chan fosters not only academic excellence but also personal growth, leadership, and wellness among its medical students.
Dr. Kedian discusses how programs such as WIN (“what I need”) Week and the Vista Curriculum create a supportive environment where students learn to lead with compassion and resilience. She also highlights the school’s emphasis on community engagement—from the Worcester campus to the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) track in Springfield—and the critical importance of understanding the diverse communities physicians serve.
Listeners will gain insight into how UMass Chan’s holistic approach prepares future doctors to thrive in medicine while maintaining their well-being and purpose. Whether you’re an aspiring physician or advising premed students, this episode offers an authentic look at a medical school that truly “walks the talk” of student support and community-driven medicine.
Related Resources
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes
- The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
- How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
- How Many Med Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607]
- Tuft’s MS in Biomedical Sciences: Your Pathway to Med School? [Episode 535]
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+1 (310) 815-955313 November 2025, 10:00 am - 21 minutes 35 secondsStanford's MCiM Degree: Where Healthcare Meets Technology [Episode 610]
What happens when you combine medicine, business, and technology? The cross-disciplinary Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management degree at Stanford University combines all three of these disciplines. Over the course of just 12 months, students gain the skills to implement cutting-edge technologies, strengthen core business and leadership capabilities, and apply innovative solutions to mee the needs of diverse populations. In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Accepted medical school expert Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Dr. Kevin Schulman, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and program director, to discuss the Stanford MCIM program. Dr. Wherley and Dr. Schulman they talk about tackling big problems in healthcare, why the MCiM degree was created, who the program is right for, and the options MCIM students have for their capstone project.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management program here: https://med.stanford.edu/content/sm/master-clinical-informatics-management.html/
00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:49 How (and why) the MCIM degree was created
02:05 Cross-disciplinary approach
04:01 Who is the MCiM program right for?
06:04 ROI and marketable skills
08:50 Capstone project options
12:56 The Stanford design process
14:32 MCiM application timeline and scholarship options
15:39 The importance of letters of recommendation
16:20 What makes an MCiM applicant stand outRelated Resources
- Dr. Kevin Schulman biography
- Stanford MCiM program information
- Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars program
- Five Tips for Applying for Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Related Episodes
- Transitioning from the Military to an MBA at Stanford GSB [Episode 471]
- What These Seasoned Startup Founders Have Done Since Earning Their Stanford MBAs [Episode 382]
- Stanford MBA Grows His Amazing Tech Startup [Episode 369]
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+1 (310) 815-955330 October 2025, 9:00 am - 14 minutes 2 secondsFrom Med School Reapplicant to Current M1 Student [Episode 609]
If you are a medical school reapplicant, tune in for today's episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast! Accepted medical school expert Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Mory Gould, current M1 medical student and former Accepted client who worked with Valerie when reapplying to medical school. Mory discusses the med school application process, the weaknesses he identified in his profile after not receiving any acceptances, and how he and Valerie made his second application cycle a success. If you are applying to med school -- for the first time OR the second time -- this episode is full of valuable advice.
00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:29 Welcome to our guest, Mory Gould
01:36 Mory's first application cycle
04:22 Weaknesses in the first application
05:16 The importance of patient care experience
07:56 Second application cycle and results
08:50 Advice for med school reapplicants
11:25 Vulnerability and openness to feedbackRelated Resources
- Mory Gould contact information: [email protected]
- Dr. Valerie Wherley bio and contact information
- Healthcare Experience vs. Patient Care Experience... What’s the Difference?, Accepted YouTube video
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
- The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Medical School Applications
Related Episodes
- The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
- How Many Med Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607]
- How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
- Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523]
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+1 (310) 815-955316 October 2025, 9:00 am - 20 minutes 42 secondsThe Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding Early Premed Mistakes [Episode 608]
In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Accepted medical school consultant Dr. Barry Rothman. Valerie and Barry discuss some of the common mistakes that pre-med students make early on in their journey to medical school. Barry shares his thoughts on undergraduates majors, osteopathic medical schools, and the best types of patient-facing experience. If you are an undergraduate student planning to apply to medical school, you won't want to miss this episode!
00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:58 Welcoming Dr. Barry Rothman
01:20 Errors pre-meds make in their approach to med school
02:58 Academics and prerequisites
05:46 How important is your undergraduate major?
07:38 Electives, clinical experience, and research
09:54 Tips for gaining clinical experience
15:34 Letters of recommendation
16:50 Osteopathic medical schools
18:53 Closing advice for pre-medsRelated Resources
- Dr. Barry Rothman bio and contact information
- Retaking Classes for Med School: What Every Premed Needs to Know
- Premed Confidential: The Wisdom of Journaling
- The Basics of Postbac Programs: What You Need to Know
Related Episodes
- How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
- Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond [Episode 523]
- Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success [Episode 603]
- Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education [Episode 602]
- Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude [Episode 600]
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+1 (310) 815-95532 October 2025, 9:00 am - 18 minutes 55 secondsHow Many Medical Schools Should You Apply To? [Episode 607]
The Admissions Straight Talk podcast is back with a fresh look, and new host! After retiring this summer, Accepted founder Linda Abraham turned the podcast reigns over to Accepted admissions expert Dr. Valerie Wherley. In this week's episode, Valerie talks with Dr. Herman "Flash" Gordon, Accepted medical school consultant and former admissions committee chair at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Valerie and Flash discuss a question we hear almost daily from medical school applicants: How many med schools should I apply to? They discuss target ranges, the importance of fit, and the truth about "reach schools" and "safety schools."
00:00 Welcome to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast
00:37 Welcome Dr. Herman "Flash" Gordon
02:13 How many med schools should you apply to?
03:25 The importance of fit
06:02 School choice: Beyond GPA and MCAT scores
10:08 Alignment with school's missions
12:49 Reach, attainable, and safety schoolsRelated Resources
- Medical School Selectivity Index, a free tool
- Medical School Secondary Essay Tips
- Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gordon
Related Shows
- How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
- Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education [Episode 602]
- Navigating Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine [Episode 601]
- Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr. Michelle Schmude [Episode 600]
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+1 (310) 815-955318 September 2025, 9:00 am - 17 minutes 55 secondsFrom Founder to Farewell: Lessons from 30+ Years in Admissions [Episode 606]
In her final episode as host of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted founder Linda Abraham shares reflections and lessons from over 30 years in the admissions world. As she prepares for retirement, Linda offers a mix of personal insight, practical advice, and hard-earned wisdom on navigating both graduate admissions and life’s challenges. She discusses stress, imposter syndrome, setbacks, and the power of resilience, encouraging listeners to take control of their future, own their story, and pursue their goals with determination. Whether you’re just beginning your admissions journey or reevaluating your path, Linda’s final message is one of growth and possibility.
Related Resources
Related Podcast Episodes
- The Unbelievable Story of an Orthopedic Surgeon, podcast Episode 136
- Ida Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021, podcast Episode 311
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+1 (310) 815-955315 July 2025, 9:00 am - 34 minutes 7 secondsHow to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School Applications [Episode 605]
In the 605th episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Barry Rothman, current Accepted consultant and former Health Professions Advisor and Director of San Francisco State University’s Pre-Health Professions Certificate Program, joins Linda Abraham to explore how med school applicants can overcome common application weaknesses. From low GPAs and MCAT scores to limited clinical experience, research, or community service, Dr. Rothman shares practical strategies for strengthening your candidacy and making smart, mission-aligned school selections. The episode also covers sensitive topics like academic infractions, mental health challenges, and the importance of timing and fit. Whether you’re reapplying or just beginning your journey, this conversation is packed with expert advice to help you stand out.
Related Links
- Med School Admissions Quiz
- Dr. Barry Rothman Bio
- Applying to Medical School with Low Stats: What You Need to Know
- Medical School Selectivity Index
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes
- Rejection and Reapplication: How to Respond
- Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success
- Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical Education
- Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions
- Accepted: Your Guide to CU School of Medicine
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+1 (310) 815-955310 June 2025, 9:00 am - 40 minutes 40 secondsWhat You Need to Know about Duke’s Master of Engineering Management Program [Episode 604]
In this episode of Admission Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews Dr. Christy Bozic, the Executive Director of Duke University's Masters of Engineering Management (MEM) program. They discuss the unique aspects of the MEM program, including its focus on blending technical engineering skills with business acumen, the differences between online and in-person formats, and the importance of professionalism in engineering management. Dr. Bozic shares insights into the admissions process, the challenges faced by online students, and the incorporation of AI into the curriculum. The conversation also touches on the new co-op program and future directions for the MEM program.
Takeaways
- Duke's MEM program is one of the oldest and largest in the field.
- The program aims to equip engineers with business skills.
- Online and in-person programs share core courses but differ in delivery.
- Residency requirements enhance networking and community building for online students.
- Time management is a key challenge for online students.
- Professionalism is emphasized through five core principles.
- The admissions process is the same for both online and in-person programs.
- Video introductions help applicants showcase their personality.
- AI is integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for future challenges.
- The new co-op program offers practical experience opportunities for students.
Relevant Resources:
- Dukes’ Masters of Engineering Management (MEM)
- Applying to Graduate Engineering Programs: What You Need to Know
- How to Get Accepted to Graduate Engineering Programs
- How to Write Your Master's in Engineering Statement of Purpose
- Admissions Straight Talk Ranks in Feedspot Higher Ed Podcast Ranking
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:
- Duke's Master of Engineering Management
- Stanford’s MCiM Combines Technology, Healthcare, and Business
- Berkeley Haas' Master of Financial Engineering Program
- What’s New at Cornell’s Masters in Engineering Management
- All You Need To Know When
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