Admissions Straight Talk
Linda Abraham
Advice from experts on applying to business, grad, law, and medical school.
- 30 minutes 15 secondsHow to Get into Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 619]
What does it take to stand out and become a competitive applicant to Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM), and what makes this program unique among osteopathic medical schools?
In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted consultant and podcast host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Alesia Wagner, associate dean of academic affairs at TUCOM. Together, they explore how the school’s mission shapes its curriculum, how its 100% residency match rate reflects the breadth of specialty opportunities available to students, and how TUCOM’s approach to clinical education prepares future osteopathic physicians for a wide range of medical careers.
If you are researching osteopathic medical schools or preparing your application, this conversation provides valuable insight into what sets TUCOM apart and what it takes to be a competitive applicant.
0:00 Meet Dr. Alesia Wagner, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at TUCOM
0:42 Overview of Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
4:56 Residency Match Data: Specialties and Outcomes
6:50 Clinical Rotation Sites and Student Placement at TUCOM
9:53 Primary Care vs. Specialty Matches: Breaking the Pigeonhole Myth
11:13 TUCOM’s Pre-Clinical Electives and the Clinical Distinction Program
16:34 Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Education Electives
19:56 Interprofessional Education and the Student-Run Free Clinic
23:53 What Makes a Competitive Applicant
29:11 Life on TUCOM’s Campus in Northern California
Related Resources
- Bio for Dr. Alesia Wagner
- Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Touro’s Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Clinic at Middletown
- TUCOM Academics
Related Episodes
- How to Get into MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 537]
- The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]
- Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612]
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+1 (310) 815-955316 April 2026, 9:00 am - 26 minutes 24 secondsBaylor College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum, and What Makes a Strong Applicant [Episode 618]
What does Baylor College of Medicine look for in applicants, and how is its program evolving to meet the needs of today’s medical students?
In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Jesus Vallejo, senior associate dean of admissions at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore Baylor’s dual-campus model, early clinical exposure, innovative curriculum, and extensive mentorship opportunities.
Dr. Vallejo also shares how Baylor College of Medicine evaluates applicants holistically and what distinguishes those who stand out in a highly competitive pool.
If you’re applying to medical school or considering Baylor, this episode offers valuable insights to guide your strategy.
00:00 Baylor College of Medicine Overview
00:30 Baylor College of Medicine: Houston versus Temple Campus Experience
02:10 In-State versus Out-of-State Admissions at Baylor College of Medicine
04:10 Early Patient Exposure at Baylor College of Medicine
06:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s Modern Curriculum and Learning Style
10:10 Research Requirements for Baylor College of Medicine Applicants
14:25 Baylor College of Medicine’s Mentorship and Student Support Programs
20:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s HEAL Program and Humanities in Medicine
24:05 What Baylor College of Medicine Looks for in Applicants
25:50 Final Advice for Medical School ApplicantsFollow Us
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+1 (310) 815-95532 April 2026, 9:00 am - 28 minutes 24 secondsInside the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell [Episode 617]
In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Rona Woldenberg, associate dean for admissions and interim associate dean of student affairs at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Dr. Woldenberg explains how the school’s unique partnership with Northwell Health provides students with consistent clinical training opportunities and a dynamic learning environment. The conversation highlights Zucker’s rapid rise as a top-tier research institution and explores the innovative educational model that emphasizes hands-on experience from the very beginning of medical school.
One of the school’s most distinctive features is its EMT training program, in which first-year medical students become licensed EMTs during their first nine weeks and participate in real emergency response scenarios. Dr. Woldenberg also discusses the school’s commitment to inclusive education, cultural humility in patient care, and the importance of collaboration in modern medicine.
Finally, she shares what the admissions committee looks for in successful applicants – including curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and a growth mindset.
If you’re considering applying to medical school – or simply want insight into how innovative programs are shaping physician training – this episode offers valuable guidance.
00:00 Introduction
00:33 The Founding of the Zucker School of Medicine
04:05 Zucker School of Medicine Admissions Stats and Growing Applicant Interest
07:59 Research Reputation and National Rankings
11:21 Building an Inclusive Medical School Environment and Cultural Humility in the Curriculum
16:32 EMT Training During the First Nine Weeks and Mass Casualty Incident Day Simulation
21:00 Student Feedback on the EMT Experience
23:42 What the Zucker School of Medicine Looks for in Applicants
27:18 Final Advice for Prospective Applicants
Related Resources
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
- Dr. Rona Woldenberg bio
- Medical School Secondary Essay Tips
- A Strategic Guide for Applying to Medical School
Related Episodes
- Inside the University of Miami’s Three-Year M.D. Accelerated Pathway [Episode 615]
- The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]
- Inside UMass Chan: How Wellness, Community, and Leadership Shape Future Physicians [Episode 611]
Follow Us
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+1 (310) 815-955319 March 2026, 9:00 am - 32 minutes 54 secondsHow GW Law Reviews Applications: Timing, Waitlists, LSAT Optional, and Scholarships [Episode 616]
Applying to law school and wondering how admissions decisions really get made? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted Law Consultant Brigitte talks with Sophia Sim, associate dean for admissions and financial aid at the George Washington University Law School (GW Law), about what applicants need to know – from rolling admissions timelines and waitlists to scholarships, LSAT-optional pathways, and professional etiquette. With decades of experience in law school admissions, Sophia offers clear, honest advice to help applicants make smarter decisions throughout the cycle.
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:43 The Challenges of Law School Admissions
05:10 Understanding the GW Law Admissions Process
08:26 The GW Law Waitlist Process Explained
10:58 Navigating the GW Law Personal Statement
13:51 LSAT Optional: Who Should Consider It?
16:37 GW Law Part-Time Program Insights
19:15 Final Thoughts and Advice
Resources
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes
- How to Get into George Washington School of Law, Episode 584
- Get Accepted to Cornell School of Law, Episode 590
- How to Get into Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Episode 579
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+1 (310) 815-955319 February 2026, 10:00 am - 25 minutes 43 secondsInside the University of Miami’s Three-Year M.D. Accelerated Pathway [Episode 615]
Can you earn an MD in three years without sacrificing training quality? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Jonathan Tolentino to explore the University of Miami’s three-year Accelerated Pathway to Residency Program.
Learn how the program works, who it’s designed for, how clinical immersion and scholarly projects are integrated, and what admissions committees look for in competitive applicants. Dr. Tolentino also explains residency outcomes, specialty options, and the safety net for students who need to return to the four-year track.
A must-listen for applicants weighing accelerated MD programs.
00:00 Overview of the University of Miami 3-Year Accelerated MD Program
03:05 Accelerated MD Curriculum Structure & Integrated Coursework
05:50 Clinical Training, Longitudinal Experience & Research Opportunities
08:35 Residency Match Outcomes & Specialty Pathways for Accelerated MD Students
11:13 Logistics, Timeline & Student Considerations in a 3-Year MD Program
13:54 How Competitive Is the UMiami Accelerated MD Program? Admissions Insights
25:11 Is the University of Miami 3-Year Accelerated MD Program Right for You?
Related Resources
- Dr. Jonathan Tolentino bio
- For more information on the University of Miami’s Accelerated Pathway, contact
- Dr. Tolentino at [email protected]
- Erica Simms at [email protected]
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Three-Year M.D. Accelerated Pathway
- Medical School Secondary Essay Tips
- A Strategic Guide for Applying to Medical School
Related Admissions Straight Talk Episodes
- Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612]
- How to Apply Successfully to Med School from Postbac Programs [Episode 526]
Follow Us
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www.accepted.com
[email protected]
+1 (310) 815-955322 January 2026, 9:00 pm - 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]
Follow Us
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Contact Us
www.accepted.com
[email protected]
+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]
Follow Us
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Contact Us
www.accepted.com
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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]
Follow Us
YouTube
Facebook
LinkedIn
Contact Us
www.accepted.com
[email protected]
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