The Oath

SHOW NOTES: In this episode of The Oath Podcast, Dr. Jessica Freedman interviews Reed, a Vanderbilt senior who earned admission to an Ivy League MD‑PhD program without taking a gap year despite multiple B‑ grades in his premed coursework. Reed shares how an early focus on social life, Greek life, and “just enough” studying led to a 3.38 freshman BCPM GPA and serious doubts about whether he belonged on the premed path. You’ll hear how he built 2,700+ hours of neuroscience research, embraced “being wrong” in the lab, chose a neuroscience and communication of science double major, and decided to apply MD‑PhD straight through. Reed’s story shows why perfection isn’t required for top programs—and how reflection, maturity, and smart time management can turn early missteps into a compelling narrative.What you’ll learn:Why B/B‑ grades early in college don’t have to end your MD or MD‑PhD ambitions.How clinical exposure can reignite motivation and clarify fit for medicine.How to build meaningful, longitudinal research experiences and talk about “failed” hypotheses.How to think about gap years, committee letters, and applying MD‑PhD straight through from college.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Why bumps, dips, and B‑ grades aren’t the end of your story.02:20 – Vanderbilt freshman year: balancing fun, Greek life, and premed requirements… and earning B‑ in gen chem and intro bio.04:45 – Shadowing neurology and wondering, “Is medicine even for me?”07:00 – Freshman BCPM 3.38 and thinking about leaving premed.09:20 – EMT course in an underserved Texas ER and rediscovering a love for hands‑on medicine.11:40 – Shadowing a neurosurgeon and seeing immediate impact on patients and families.13:55 – Dropping fraternity, joining two research labs, and using LifeFlight night shifts to master orgo.18:30 – Building 1,800+ research hours sophomore–junior year and another 900 senior year.20:50 – Neuro ICU care partner role, premed society, and early TA experience.23:10 – “We were wrong”: the Mass General Alzheimer’s project that flipped its hypothesis.27:40 – Turning rejection from a prestigious fellowship into a better‑fit research summer.30:00 – Choosing neuroscience plus communication of science as a powerful double major.32:20 – Deciding to apply MD‑PhD without a gap year and why average stats can be misleading.39:20 – Reed’s unconventional MCAT strategy (paper flashcards, full‑lengths, and holiday study marathons).If Reed’s story encouraged you, follow The Oath Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with a premed friend who’s worried about “imperfect” gradesLINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

The Oath Podcast with Dr. Jessica FreedmanSHOW NOTESYou had the grades. You had the MCAT score. So why didn't you get in? In this episode, Dr. Jessica Freedman, founder of MedEdits Medical Admissions, sits down with senior advisor and former Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai faculty member Laurie Tansey to break down the five hidden, and rarely discussed, reasons medical school applicants fail to get accepted, even with stellar stats. From going dark after submitting your application to mishandling the waitlist, they walk through real case studies, strategic frameworks, and actionable advice for every stage of the application cycle.Whether you're preparing to apply, currently in a cycle, or considering reapplication, this episode will change how you think about the process.In This EpisodeWhy submitting your AMCAS is the start, not the finish lineHow disengagement during the cycle signals red flags to admissions committeesThe right way to handle a waitlist — and the mistakes that keep people stuck on itWhy a 519 MCAT won't save a weak experience profileHow to identify and address experience gaps during your application yearTimestamps[0:00] — Welcome & introduction[2:07] — The hidden reasons applicants don't get in beyond GPA and MCAT[4:18] — Reason #1: Submitting your application is not the finish line[4:45] — AMCAS timeline walkthrough: submission, secondaries, and interview season[8:10] — Case Study A: The medical assistant who kept growing and got into 80% of schools where she interviewed[13:50] — Case Study B: The 517 MCAT applicant who stopped and ended up waitlisted everywhere[16:09] — What reapplication really looks like (and why it's not the end of the road)[21:29] — Reason #2: Going ghost: what disengagement looks like and how schools notice[23:31] — How admissions committees pick up on lack of engagement through portals and communications[25:32] — Letters of interest vs. letters of intent: what the MSAR now tells you[27:32] — The waitlist communication balance: enough to stand out, not enough to seem desperate[30:10] — Reason #3: Not being assertive with waitlists[31:00] — How waitlists actually work and what happens after May 1st commit-to-enroll[33:51] — The letter of intent: when to send one, what to include, and why it matters[35:31] — A full outline for writing an effective letter of intent[37:52] — Reason #4: Getting distracted by high stats[39:48] — What high GPA and MCAT actually signal — and what they don't[43:00] — Case Study: 518 MCAT, 3.9 GPA, 30 hours of community service — and no acceptances[44:05] — Why you need a well-stratified school list regardless of your numbers[46:56] — Reason #5: Not addressing experience gaps during the cycle[47:00] — The most common experience gaps: community service, patient-facing hours, long-term commitments[49:07] — Do special master's programs actually fix academic gaps?[50:5LINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SummaryIn this episode of The Oath Podcast, Dr. Jessica Freedman interviews Cason Cox, a Texas A&M senior accepted to medical school, sharing his journey through pre-med, TMDSAS and AACOMAS application strategies, and insights into the med school application process. Discover practical advice, inspiring stories, and tips for aspiring medical students.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:05 Meet Cason Cox: A Texas A&M Senior Accepted to Med School02:01 Cason's Background and Motivation for Medicine02:55 Applying as a Traditional Applicant at end of Junior Year03:56 Cason's Community and Healthcare Experiences 05:46 The Impact of Rural Healthcare Disparities08:11 Cason's Academic Path and Pre-Med Planning11:11 Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Roles15:50 Research and Healthcare Shadowing Experiences29:08 TMDSAS Application Components and Personal Statements34:55 Writing a Compelling Personal Statement38:03 TMDSAS Personal Characteristics and Unique Experiences41:04 Applying to Texas and Osteopathic Schools42:06 Interview Experiences and Tips44:54 The Texas Match Process and Pre-Match System47:57 Cason's Med Schol50:56 Aligning Mission and Personal Values in Applications53:12 Final Advice and GratitudeJoin our Facebook Group!LINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SummaryIn this episode, Jessica Freedman and Laurie Tansey discuss the journey of a unique medical school applicant who submitted a late application but ultimately achieved remarkable success. They explore the importance of individual paths in the admissions process, the significance of research experience, and the impact of mentorship and feedback. The conversation highlights the applicant's meaningful experiences, the role of personal statements, and the intricacies of the interview process, culminating in the applicant's acceptance into prestigious medical schools.TakeawaysThis applicant's journey is an outlier, showcasing unique circumstances.Late applications can still lead to success with the right strategies.Research experience is crucial for competitive medical school applications.Individual paths to medical school vary greatly and should be embraced.Mentorship and feedback play a significant role in applicant confidence.Meaningful experiences can be diverse and do not need to align perfectly with career goals.Personal statements should tell a cohesive and engaging story.Interview preparation is key to success in the admissions process.Patience is essential throughout the medical school application cycle.Engagement with the application process can lead to better outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Applicant's Journey03:05 Understanding Late Applications and Strategies05:50 The Importance of Research Experience08:48 Exploring the Applicant's Unique Background12:07 The Role of Mentorship and Feedback15:12 Highlighting Meaningful Experiences17:58 The Impact of Personal Statements20:52 Navigating the Interview Process24:11 Outcomes and Acceptance into Medical Schools26:48 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysLINKS:VIDEO: How to Get Into Harvard Medical School: Applicant Data and ResultsLINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Jessica Freedman and Laurie Tansey discuss a real applicant's journey to medical school, highlighting the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the ultimate success achieved. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal narratives, meaningful experiences, and the unique timelines of each applicant. Through a detailed case study, listeners gain insights into the medical school admissions process and the qualities that can lead to success, regardless of traditional pathways.Whether you’re worried about a late MCAT, a 3.6-range BCPM GPA, choosing a humanities major, or taking multiple gap years, this case study will show you what’s still possible when your application is authentic, reflective, and strategically constructed.TAKEAWAYSThe medical school admissions process is highly individualized and personal.Overcoming hurdles is possible with the right support.A strong medical school personal statement can significantly impact an application.Humanities majors can excel in medical school admissions.Confidence in one's abilities is crucial during the application process.Engagement with mentors can enhance the application experience.Not all experiences need to be directly related to medicine.A med school application late application can still lead to success.Writing skills are essential for compelling applications.Maintaining motivation and engagement is key throughout the process.CHAPTERSChapters00:00 Introduction to the Case Study02:46 Understanding the Applicant's Journey07:01 Academic Background and Unique Challenges12:42 Evaluating the Applicant's Experiences16:20 Diving into Most Meaningful Experiences21:10 Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement29:09 The Impact of Personal Narrative34:31 Final Thoughts and OutcomesLINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SUMMARYIn this episode of The Oath podcast, Dr. Krystal Ripa and Dr. Jessica Freedman discuss the critical role of authenticity in the medical school admissions process. Dr. Ripa emphasizes the importance of intentionality in choosing experiences that align with personal values and aspirations, rather than simply checking boxes. The conversation explores various aspects of the pre-med journey, including clinical exposure, community service, and the significance of personal narratives in applications. Dr. Ripa shares insights on how students can differentiate themselves through genuine experiences and the impact of their backgrounds on their medical aspirations.TAKEAWAYSAuthenticity is crucial in the medical school admissions process.Students should focus on experiences that genuinely resonate with them.A checkbox approach can hinder a student's application success.Community service and advocacy are essential components of a strong candidacy.Clinical exposure should be meaningful and not just a requirement.Research experience is valuable but not the only path to success.Personal narratives can significantly influence admissions decisions.Students should explore diverse interests and how they relate to medicine.Engaging with local communities can enhance understanding and empathy.It's important to critically assess whether activities serve personal growth or just the application. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Authenticity in Medical Admissions03:05 The Importance of Authenticity in the Premed Process06:11 Examples of Authenticity in Student Applications09:01 Navigating the Premed Journey12:06 Exploring Clinical Exposure and Community Service15:07 The Role of Research and Non-Traditional Experiences18:07 Building a Unique Candidacy20:51 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Medical Aspirations23:51 The Importance of Community Engagement27:04 Creative Approaches to Clinical Exposure29:50 The Value of Diverse Experiences in Medicine32:45 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Medical School AdmissionsLINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SUMMARY: In this episode of the Oath Podcast, Dr. Jessica Friedman and Sydney Webster discuss the intricacies of the residency application process. They cover essential topics such as residency signaling, geographic preferences, crafting a compelling personal statement, and the new scholarly work section. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity, mentorship, and strategic planning in becoming a competitive residency applicant.TAKEAWAYS:• Residency signaling is crucial for competitive specialties.• Geographic preferences help demonstrate commitment to a program.• The residency personal statement(s) should reflect authenticity and personal narrative.• Activities should showcase depth and impact, not just breadth.• The ERAS new scholarly work section emphasizes quality over quantity.• Mentorship is vital for guidance and support in medical school.• Students should be honest about their competitiveness when choosing specialties.• Tailoring applications to specific programs can enhance chances of success.• Every part of the application should tell a cohesive story.• Planning early in medical school is essential for success.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the Residency Process01:38 Understanding Residency Signaling14:09 Geographic Preferences in Residency Applications24:14 Crafting the Personal Statement27:57 Crafting a Personal Statement36:25 Navigating Experiences and Activities41:48 Understanding the New Scholarly Work Section50:51 Final Tips for Medical StudentsLINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SHOW NOTESIn this episode, Dr. Jessica Freedman and Sydney Webster discuss the intricacies of the residency match process, especially in light of the recent changes to the Step 1 exam. They cover essential strategies for medical students, including the importance of mentorship, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. The conversation also delves into the significance of research and away rotations in building a competitive profile for residency applications. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for medical students navigating their journey toward residency.TakeawaysThe residency match favors applicants, providing them with a slight advantage.Starting day one in medical school, students should seek mentors and shadow professionals.Letters of recommendation are crucial for distinguishing candidates in a competitive match process.The MSPE (Medical Student Performance Evaluation) summarizes a student's performance and is vital for residency applications.Engaging in community service helps build a narrative that resonates with residency programs.Research involvement is important, but it doesn't have to be limited to a specific specialty.Away rotations can help students break into competitive regions and programs.Building relationships during medical school is key to a successful residency application.Extracurricular activities should demonstrate leadership and commitment to the medical community.Students should be proactive in seeking research opportunities and mentorship throughout their medical education.PLAY BY PLAY00:00 - Introduction to the Residency Match Process04:47 - Understanding the Residency Match Algorithm05:36 - Starting Medical School: Day One Considerations10:45 - The Importance of Metrics in Residency Applications14:47 - Exploring the MSPE: Medical Student Performance Evaluation20:47 - Core Rotations and Grading in Medical School23:40 - Setting Yourself Apart: Activities and Involvement27:17 - The Importance of Community Engagement29:44 - Hobbies and Personal Interests in Medicine32:00 - Research and Scholarly Work39:20 - Letters of Recommendation and Their Impact44:46 - Navigating Away Electives56:53 - Building a Competitive Medical ProfileRESOURCES:VSLO: Everything You Need to KnowResidency Match Timeline4 Residency Match ChangesNRMP Data and ReportsProgram Director SurveyLINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Show NotesIn the inaugural episode of The Oath podcast, Dr. Jessica Freedman and Laurie Tansey discuss the essential aspects of preparing for medical school applications. They cover the importance of self-assessment, understanding GPA and MCAT requirements, the significance of experiences, and the application process. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and realistic expectations in the journey to becoming a physician.TakeawaysSelf-assessment is crucial for determining readiness to apply to medical school.GPA and MCAT scores are fundamental metrics for medical school admissions.The trend of taking a gap year has become the norm for applicants.Experience in healthcare settings is vital for a competitive application.Students should pursue authentic experiences that reflect their interests.Research experience is valued, but not mandatory for all applicants.Medical schools look for a balance of scholarly work, community service, and exposure to medicine.Authenticity in applications is more important than following a checklist.The application process is nuanced and requires careful planning and timing.Not every student is suited for medical school; exploring other healthcare paths is important.Play by Play00:00 - Introduction to The Oath Podcast02:12 - Assessing Readiness for Medical School Applications12:33 - Understanding GPA and MCAT Requirements19:57 - The Importance of Premed Experience Profiles22:18 - Navigating the Medical School Application Timeline27:36 - Understanding Student Anxiety in Medical Applications29:56 - The Importance of Early Medical School Applications32:29 - Navigating Medical School Decisions35:36 - The Value of Distinctive Experiences39:39 - Authenticity in Medical School Applications46:16 - Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsRESOURCES:MSAR - Medical School Admissions RequirementsWhat MCAT Score Do You Need to Get Into Medical SchoolLINKS AND RESOURCES❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor.📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.