Out-of-State, former resident, applying for state school

Nontraditional Premed Discussion
1

Hello everyone,



I’m applying in the upcoming cycle (June 2017) and am curious as to how I should go about contacting admissions at a state school which generally offers an extremely low number of interviews to OOS applicants. I’ve been discouraged from even submitting an application by a PM adviser at this school for this exact reason. However, I actually did live in this state (for less than 1 year, within the last 5 years) and have immediate family in the vicinity of the school (my brother, sister, and mother).



I’m drawn by the school’s commitment to service in the community and general leadership by the school in the field of medicine, and of course, by its proximity to my family. Any suggestions on who to contact at Med School X with app season coming up, and what I should say, regarding interest and my complicated residential history there? Thank you for your help!!



Note: I did not attend high school in this state.

2

I don’t really think you can call anyone to explain your reasoning. It will really boil down to what you write in your personal statement (hard because it’s a blanket document) and secondary applications as to whether the school will give you an interview. The best you can probably do is explain on the secondary why it is you feel you have great ties to the area even though you don’t live there now. Your reasoning above is a good start.



OOS interviews are possible, and someone that is OOS will get those interviews. It can definitely be you. I have absolutely no ties to AZ and was put on their interview waitlist after applying very late, and I was by no means a stellar candidate. It really depends on how competitive you are based on what that particular school is looking for. Perhaps your adviser doesn’t realize that OOS statistics are filled by OOS applicants…

3

Thanks Kennymac, you’re always ready with some great advice!

4

Thanks. I guess I should caveat the whole OOS applications thing with making sure it’s “economically feasible.” If you’re strapped for cash and don’t qualify for whatever subsidies the application services offer, then you might not want to apply to (m)any OOS places. If you can burn the $35 or whatever it costs per app, I say go for it.



My strategy was to apply to anyplace that a) my wife would stand to live and b) looked like they would at least consider my app.