
Admissions Straight Talk
Advice from experts on the MBA, medical school, law school, and graduate school admissions process.
Latest episodes

Oct 1, 2024 • 56min
Get Accepted to the Washington University School of Medicine [Episode 595]
In this episode, Dr. Valerie Ratts, the Associate Dean for Admissions at The Washington University School of Medicine, offers an overview of the unique program. She describes the "Gateway Curriculum" which provides early clinical exposure and flexibility for students to explore different areas of medicine, including research, innovation, advocacy, and education. Dr. Ratts overviews Wash U’s holistic approach to admissions and the multi-step interview process. Listeners will also learn about the school’s robust student success program, with faculty coaches to provide personalized guidance and support throughout medical school. Relevant Links:WashU Medical SchoolMed QuizRelated Admission Straight Talk EpisodesGetting Into Med School Isn’t Easy…But This Applicant Did It! Get Accepted to Loyola Stritch Medical School Submit Successful Secondaries for Medical School Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Follow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Sep 24, 2024 • 27min
The Write Stuff: How to Create Successful MBA Applications [Episode 594]
In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham shares a strategic framework for a successful MBA application, with tips that can benefit applicants to any program. She discusses how to choose the right schools to apply to, demonstrate your knowledge of the programs you are applying to, effectively present yourself throughout the application, and review the application materials before submission.Follow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Sep 17, 2024 • 47min
Deep Dive into Duke Medical: An Interview with Dr. Linton Yee, Associate Dean of Admissions [Episode 593]
Dr. Linton Yee, Associate Dean for Admissions at Duke University School of Medicine joins us to discuss how applicants can earn a spot in this highly competitive program. Dr. Yee walks listeners through the unique curriculum which focuses on integrating basic science and clinical experiences from the first year. In addition to strong academic performance, Duke looks for clinical and research experiences, as well as a vision for the future in medicine. Dr. Yee gives an inside look at what applicants can expect from the MMI interviews.Relevant Links:Duke Med SchoolMed QuizRelated Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:Getting Into Med School Isn’t Easy…But This Applicant Did It! Get Accepted to Loyola Stritch Medical School Submit Successful Secondaries for Medical School Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Follow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Sep 10, 2024 • 46min
How to Get Accepted to UCLA Anderson [Episode 592]
Alex Lawrence, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Anderson School of Management, describes the program’s offerings. Students are offered a customizable curriculum with a wide range of elective courses and specializations. The program also includes a capstone project and focuses on developing leadership skills. The summer quarter provides students with foundational elements and an opportunity to get acclimated to the program. The program also offers a business creation program for students with an entrepreneurial mindset and an applied management research project for students to work on real business challenges. Alex discusses the flexible testing policy and shares who should take the test. Alex also highlights the program’s values and how applicants can demonstrate them in resumes, letters of recommendation, and interviews. Relevant Links:Anderson Full-time MBA How an MBA from Anderson Helped this Career SwitcherB-School for Good: Pursuing Social Impact Through UCLA Anderson’s Fully Employed MBAUCLA Anderson School of Management MBA Program Now STEM-Certified | AcceptedRelevant Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:How To Get into UVA Darden’s MBA Program How to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA How to Respond to the New Harvard MBA Essay QuestionsAce the New Michigan Ross MBA Essay Questions How to get Accepted at Michigan RossFollow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Sep 3, 2024 • 34min
How To Get Accepted To Duke’s Physician Assistant Program [Episode 591]
Dr. April Stouder, Associate Program Director and Director of Admissions at the Duke Physician Assistant Program, discusses what it takes to gain a spot in the competitive program. She discusses Duke PA program’s emphasis on community service, particularly in underserved communities and healthcare roles. April highlights the value of non-clinical volunteering, especially in healthcare or with underserved populations. She explains the admissions process, including the CASPA application and the GPA and GRE requirements. April walks us through the interview process, which is designed to assess both cognitive and non-cognitive attributes like maturity and resilience. Relevant Links:Duke PA ProgramThe Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician AssistantCASPA: Everything You Need to Know about the Experiences Section That PA Girl with Can’t-Miss Advice for Aspiring Physician AssistantsRelated Admissions Straight Talk Episodes:How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs How To Get Accepted To the University of Iowa’s PA Program An Inside Look at Yale's Online PA Program How Did This Successful PA Applicant Get Accepted?Andrea Benedict: Life as a Physician Assistant Follow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Aug 27, 2024 • 41min
Get Accepted to Cornell School of Law [Episode 590]
This week, Linda Abraham welcomes Dean Shane Cooper, Senior Associate Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Services at Cornell School of Law. Dean Cooper shares insights into the admissions process at Cornell Law School, emphasizing the mutual goal of finding the right fit between the school and the applicant. We discuss the benefits of small class sizes, close faculty interaction, and strong international programs. Despite its Ithaca location, the school offers abundant opportunities for experiential learning. Dean Cooper explains that Cornell accepts LSAT, GRE, or GMAT scores without preference, with financial aid linked to the strength of these scores. He highlights the importance of diverse experiences and well-rounded characters in applicants, and we explore how interviews, re-applicant growth, and the Why Cornell essay play significant roles in the admissions process. Dean Cooper underscores Cornell Law’s commitment to opening doors for students and making a positive impact on the legal community.Mentioned in today's episode:Cornell Law School JD ProgramAre You Ready for Law School?, Accepted's Free Law School Admissions Quiz Related Admissions Straight Talk episodes:How to Get Into George Washington School of Law How to Get into Washington University in St. Louis School of LawHow to Get into USC Gould School of LawJD-Next: A Great Option for Law School ApplicantsHow to Get into the University of Chicago Law SchoolFollow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Aug 20, 2024 • 42min
How to Get a U.S. Student Visa – Even When There Are Complications [Episode 589]
This week, we hear from Marla Schechter, a US immigration lawyer with 20+ years of experience. Marla shares her expertise on various topics related to obtaining a visa for studying in the United States. She covers the process of obtaining an F-1 visa, the advantages of studying in a STEM-certified program, the H-1B visa for working in the US, and the Green Card process. She also highlights common mistakes made by student applicants and the potential challenges of obtaining a visa for individuals with criminal records.Relevant Links:Schechter Immigration LawFitting in and Standing OutRelevant Admission Straight Talk Episodes:Applying to U.S. Business Schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle EastFormer Wharton/Lauder Admissions DirectorAll You Need to Know About the New, Shorter GRE Get Accepted to PhD Programs in the Humanities How to Apply Successfully to STEM PhD Programs Follow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Aug 13, 2024 • 34min
How to Prepare for the Shorter GRE and GMAT Focus [Episode 588]
Bara Sapir joins Admissions Straight Talk to discuss the benefits and challenges of the GRE and GMAT exams. She delves into the structure and length of the exams and also discusses the challenges unique to each one. Bara shares her expert tips on how to overcome these challenges, including being an active participant in test preparation and developing test-taking strategies. Bara and Linda have a discussion on the value of these exams and the importance of reframing the test-taking experience.Relevant Links:Free Consultation with AcceptedCity Test PrepMindFlow Speed ReadingGet Ready for the New GRE MBA WavesRelevant Admission Straight Talk Episodes:All You Need to Know About the New, Shorter GREWhat You Need to Know to Ace the GMAT JD-Next: A Great Option for Law School Applicants Oxford Lecturer Joins AcceptedFollow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Aug 6, 2024 • 50min
How To Get Into UVA Darden’s MBA Program [Episode 587]
Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden, returns to Admissions Straight Talk to discuss various aspects of the Darden MBA program, including experiential learning opportunities, global study opportunities, the use of AI in the program, the application process, and common mistakes made by applicants. Dawna emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the application and provides examples of successful essays. She also discusses the interview process and suggests that applicants ask thoughtful and probing questions to demonstrate their research and interest in the program.Relevant Links: UVA Darden MBADiscover Darden Blog Accepted Darden Essay Tips MBA Admissions Quiz – Are you ready?Relevant shows:Do You Have the Spike for Toronto Rotman MBA? How to get Accepted at Michigan RossSo You Want to Do an MBA Outside the U.S. Former Wharton/Lauder Admissions DirectorFollow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553

Jul 30, 2024 • 47min
How to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA [Episode 586]
In this episode, Eddie Asbie, Executive Director of Admissions and Scholarship at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, shares an overview of the admissions process. He provides insights into the application process at Cornell Johnson, including the testing and test waiver policy, the interview process, and advice for re-applicants. He offers details on the new essay questions for the upcoming application cycle and shares his thoughts on using AI for essays.Relevant Links:Cornell Johnson Full-time MBAMBA Admissions QuizRelevant shows:Do You Have the Spike for Toronto Rotman MBA?So You Want to Do an MBA Outside the U.S.How to get Accepted at Michigan RossFormer Wharton/Lauder Admissions Director How to Get into HEC Paris MBA?Follow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553