Visiting programs this fall...

nec · Jul 27, 2004

Donn what schools are you actually planning on looking at and where? just wondering :) nec

etherbun · Jul 27, 2004

I do not recommend just stopping by to have a chat. Program directors and students are extremely busy and visits to a program should be by invitation. You are basically asking the program to make a decision about your candidacy before they have even looked at your admission qualifications. Admission interviews take a lot of time and planning.

If you have specific questions about a program, you could go to their web site, email the program director, or call to ask your questions. Stopping by without being invited is not in your best interests and you may not leave with a good impression if no one is able to take the time to show you around or answer your questions. Students may not be available either, they may be in class or off studying.

So I suggest you do some research, and then fill out applications and wait to be invited for an interview.

Good luck!!

Etherbun

I'm looking to visit three schools this fall when myself and my family fly back to the east coast for a vacation. I know the basics, wear a suit, act professional, etc...but should I take transcripts, a curriculum vitae/resume or anything else? In addition to visiting the schools and the general areas, I also want to learn more about their programs first hand before I apply. Is it ok to ask questions regarding the clinical experience? I don't want to come off snotty or anything but want as much information as possible to make a sound decision should I have a choice of schools. I don't fly back until October, but I want to plan ahead of time and not look like a bumbling idiot. First impressions are huge....
Here are a couple of questions I've come up with...
Does the program offer regional experience and if so is it observational or actual hands on?
What kind of line placement experience is available (A-lines, central lines, Swan insertion)?
Is there competition with MDA residents for cases (if applicable)?
Any advice and words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Donn C.

pgreen · Jul 27, 2004

I do not recommend just stopping by to have a chat. Program directors and students are extremely busy and visits to a program should be by invitation. You are basically asking the program to make a decision about your candidacy before they have even looked at your admission qualifications. Admission interviews take a lot of time and planning.
If you have specific questions about a program, you could go to their web site, email the program director, or call to ask your questions. Stopping by without being invited is not in your best interests and you may not leave with a good impression if no one is able to take the time to show you around or answer your questions. Students may not be available either, they may be in class or off studying.
So I suggest you do some research, and then fill out applications and wait to be invited for an interview.
Good luck!!
Etherbun

Hi, Donn I visited several of the programs that I applied to prior to submitting my application, just to make sure that they were a good fit for me. I contacted the program prior to my visit to set up an appointment with the director, they were all very accepting and informative, and they seemed pleased that I showed an interest in the anesthesia field.

want2passgass · Jul 27, 2004

I'm looking to visit three schools this fall when myself and my family fly back to the east coast for a vacation. I know the basics, wear a suit, act professional, etc...but should I take transcripts, a curriculum vitae/resume or anything else? In addition to visiting the schools and the general areas, I also want to learn more about their programs first hand before I apply. Is it ok to ask questions regarding the clinical experience? I don't want to come off snotty or anything but want as much information as possible to make a sound decision should I have a choice of schools. I don't fly back until October, but I want to plan ahead of time and not look like a bumbling idiot. First impressions are huge....
Here are a couple of questions I've come up with...
Does the program offer regional experience and if so is it observational or actual hands on?
What kind of line placement experience is available (A-lines, central lines, Swan insertion)?
Is there competition with MDA residents for cases (if applicable)?
Any advice and words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Donn C.

Donn--

This past spring I wanted to better explore an anesthesia program and I wanted my husband to go with me so he could see the demands of the program and the atmosphere. I contacted the program director and stated that I was interested in the program and had alot of questions and was interested in a campus tour. The program director was more than happy to schedule an appointment and took about 2hours out of his day to answer questions and show us the campus. I went in hand with a list of questions including all of the ones you mentioned. I also asked about class schedules, clinical rotations, preceptors, instructors, clinical dynamics, study groups, etc. He was more than willing to answer my plethora of questions and then offered for me to email or call with any more questions that I could think of later.

The director was also more than happy to meet with my husband and made sure that he was an integral part of the conversation.

I dressed casually--pants and sweater set. My thoughts were I wanted to look respectable, clean, well groomed, but this was an opportunity for me to interview them. I found the staff to be laid back and welcoming---I think if I would have dressed up anymore I would have been too uncomfortable....however, go with your gut.

Good Luck!:)

UCDSICURN · Jul 27, 2004

Thanks for the feedback folks.

Etherbun, I wasn't stopping in for an interview. I'm fully aware of the admissions process and have researched these programs as much as I can from the internet perspective. My plan is to visit and ask questions. I'm not asking them to make a decision on anything. I'm not quite sure how you came up with your conclusions on my intentions. I think I made it clear I want to visit the campus, which many students do, otherwise they wouldn't have open houses. Given that I live on the opposite side of the US, I can't just swing over for the open house, hence my request for a visit when I'm in the area, and about two years out from even applying.

Sent you a pm Nic.

Keep the feedback coming, even if it's just confirmational.

Donn C.

etherbun · Jul 27, 2004

Sorry, but I did not see in your first post where you were going to actaully schedule a visit, so I was warning you that you might not get as thorough visit as you would if you were there as an invited candidate. If you are calling ahead, then I don't see where there would be a problem. I have sat on our admissions committee as a student and as a CRNA so I just wanted you to put your best foot forward. When you go, make sure you get some time to meet with students too.

Thanks for the feedback folks.
Etherbun, I wasn't stopping in for an interview. I'm fully aware of the admissions process and have researched these programs as much as I can from the internet perspective. My plan is to visit and ask questions. I'm not asking them to make a decision on anything. I'm not quite sure how you came up with your conclusions on my intentions. I think I made it clear I want to visit the campus, which many students do, otherwise they wouldn't have open houses. Given that I live on the opposite side of the US, I can't just swing over for the open house, hence my request for a visit when I'm in the area, and about two years out from even applying.
Sent you a pm Nic.
Keep the feedback coming, even if it's just confirmational.
Donn C.

UCDSICURN · Jul 27, 2004

Thanks Etherbun will do.:)

Donn C.