Complicated Application Process

[hp18]

It seems application process, evaluation of it etc are quite complicated in Canada. It largely seems to be subjective, hence human error (assuming there is no bias) factor can not be avoided.

[FireDragoonX]

removed...

[TimmyMax]

The system is perfect. There is no error. Ever.

[bioboy2007]

It seems application process, evaluation of it etc are quite complicated in Canada. It largely seems to be subjective, hence human error (assuming there is no bias) factor can not be avoided.

 

I think it's just as subjective in the States.

 

What do you mean by human error? Do you mean interpretation and subjective assessments of what is good/competitive by adcoms?

 

What do you suggest to amend 'human error'?

 

I understand that you may not be happy with the application process (just remembering some of your previous posts + this one) but realize that medical school is highly competitive (thousands of applicants are not accepted each year) -- all you can do as an applicant is to give adcoms little reason to reject you. Do your best in each section of your application (GPA, MCAT, EC's etc.) and you will reap the benefits. Essentially, that is all you can really do.

[EMD]

The system is perfect. There is no error. Ever.

Of course... it is like the pope-- infallible!

[hp18]

Subjective part of the process e.g. ECs & assesment during interview allows biased decision....I do not mean that this happens....but at the end of the day human beings can not be completely unbiased.....

[bustylegs]

but at the end of the day human beings can not be completely unbiased.....

 

In my humble opinion, I actually think individual bias is a good thing. Afterall, we all have perceptions of what qualities constitutes a hard worker or a compassionate person. Most importantly, I think we have a solid idea of who we would like to work with and who we would trust to cut us and our families open...

 

But those qualities of what makes an excellent physician are just that, qualities. As such, it is difficult to convert those qualities into quantitative terms.

 

From what I'm reading on this forum, although there are some people who the current med students/residents think should not have been admitted to medicine, the system is by in large working well (not without its faults, of course, so point well taken, hp18).

 

Just like Biology2007 said, all we can do is to constantly improve ourselves. The primary driving force behind wanting to improve perhaps should not be attempting to gain entrance into medical school; rather, I think we should all strive to become better people in general.

 

Best of luck!

[TonesRN]

Excellent points busty (haha, no pun intended!). I agree that people do bring their own perceptions and experiences to every situation. There is no escaping subjectivity. I also think that 'people remaining objective' is one of the biggest paradoxical statements that you'll ever find.

 

Certainly, the medical school admissions process is by no means perfect. But what process ever is? Sure, it can be thought that subjectivity negatively influenced some applicants and positively influenced others. But blaming the system is hardly the approach that will get you the results you seek. In my opinion, I feel that it would be most beneficial to work with the system in place and devise strategies which will better allow you to obtain success. For example, people in an interview will dress to impress, smile, show confidence in their responses to questions, and walk away with their heads held high. These are strategies that can work in your favor to positively influence subjective assessments. So basically, the end result (gaining admission) will justify the means to get there.

[Madz25]

Subjective part of the process e.g. ECs & assesment during interview allows biased decision....I do not mean that this happens....but at the end of the day human beings can not be completely unbiased.....

 

You think GPA isn't biased? Depending on what school you go to, which program you're in, which courses you choose, even the professor you have can influence your GPA. How do you compare an engineering degree from Waterloo to a general biology degree from UofT?

 

Also, how do you get an idea of empathy and an ability to communicate with others through GPA and MCAT? You can be the smartest person on the planet but if you can't talk to people then what's the point. Your patients wont like you, your co-workers wont like you.

 

Being a doctor is so much more than doing well in school or on standardized tests and the current admissions process is attuned to that. If you don't understand this fundamental quality about being a doctor, then maybe you should consider another field.

 

This is how it's done here and if you don't like it, nobody is forcing you to apply. Sorry if this post sounds harsh but what are you going to get out of whining about the application process? Everyone interested has to go through it so suck it up and figure out the 'complicated' process.

[TimmyMax]

Hey,

 

This is how it's done here and if you don't like it, nobody is forcing you to apply. Sorry if this post sounds harsh but what are you going to get out of whining about the application process? Everyone interested has to go through it so suck it up and figure out the 'complicated' process.

Well said, Madz, well said.

[AMmd]

everything that is looking at the human aspect can be biased.

but i think that the selection process is much better than if it was based solely on marks. in quebec, students with high averages can get into med school right out of cegep, which is rediculous because there are many that are not interested in medicine but go into it because they can. (i guess its true elsewhere).