PODCAST

Admissions Straight Talk

Linda Abraham

Advice from experts on the MBA, medical school, law school, and graduate school admissions process.

education how to

All Episodes

30:15

How to Get into Touro University California College...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2026/04/16

Send Harold your questions!What does it take to stand out and become a competitive applicant to Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM), and what makes this program unique among osteopathic medical schools?In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted consultant and podcast host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Alesia Wagner, associate dean of academic affairs at TUCOM. Together, they explore how the school’s mission shapes its curriculum, how its 100%

26:24

Baylor College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum,...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2026/04/02

What does Baylor College of Medicine look for in applicants, and how is its program evolving to meet the needs of today’s medical students? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Jesus Vallejo, senior associate dean of admissions at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore Baylor’s dual-campus model, early clinical exposure, innovative curriculum, and extensive mentorship opportunities. Dr. Vallejo also shares how Baylor College of Medi...

28:24

Inside the Zucker School of Medicine at...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2026/03/19

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Rona Woldenberg, associate dean for admissions and interim associate dean of student affairs at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Woldenberg explains how the school’s unique partnership with Northwell Health provides students with consistent clinical training opportunities and a dynamic learning environment. The conversation highlights Zucker’s rapid rise as a top-tier research institution...

32:54

How GW Law Reviews Applications: Timing, Waitlists,...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2026/02/19

Applying to law school and wondering how admissions decisions really get made? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted Law Consultant Brigitte talks with Sophia Sim, associate dean for admissions and financial aid at the George Washington University Law School (GW Law), about what applicants need to know – from rolling admissions timelines and waitlists to scholarships, LSAT-optional pathways, and professional etiquette. With decades of experience in law school admissions, Sophia

25:43

Inside the University of Miami’s Three-Year M.D....

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2026/01/22

Can you earn an MD in three years without sacrificing training quality? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Jonathan Tolentino to explore the University of Miami’s three-year Accelerated Pathway to Residency Program.Learn how the program works, who it’s designed for, how clinical immersion and scholarly projects are integrated, and what admissions committees look for in competitive applicants. Dr. Tolentino also explains residency outcomes, specialty

24:54

The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2026/01/08

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley welcomes Dr. Glenn Cummings, associate dean and director of health professions advising at Bryn Mawr, for an in-depth look at one of the nation’s oldest and most respected career-changer post-bac pathways. Dr. Cummings explains the distinctive mission and history of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program – founded in 1972 at Bryn Mawr College – and clarifies what truly defines a “career changer” in the post-bac world. He walks

21:29

Becoming a PA at Sacred Heart: International...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/12/18

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Reynold Jaglal, program director of the Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program, for an in-depth look at Sacred Heart’s values-focused approach to physician assistant (PA) education. Dr. Jaglal breaks down the program’s 27-month curriculum, including its team-taught didactic model, hands-on clinical rotations, and distinctive international clinical opportunities

21:35

Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/12/04

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Accepted Admissions Consultant Alicia Nimonkar, an expert writing coach with a background in composition and rhetoric, to unpack one of the most important – and often most intimidating – parts of the medical school application: the personal statement. Alicia explains how applicants can use the AAMC’s premed competencies as a framework to craft authentic, focused narratives that highlight their strengths. From

24:12

Inside UMass Chan: How Wellness, Community, and...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/11/13

In this inspiring episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Tracy Kedian, professor of family medicine and associate dean of admissions at UMass Chan Medical School. Together, they explore how UMass Chan fosters not only academic excellence but also personal growth, leadership, and wellness among its medical students.Dr. Kedian discusses how programs such as WIN (“what I need”) Week and the Vista Curriculum create a supportive environment where students learn

21:35

Stanford's MCiM Degree: Where Healthcare Meets...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/10/30

What happens when you combine medicine, business, and technology? The cross-disciplinary Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management degree at Stanford University combines all three of these disciplines. Over the course of just 12 months, students gain the skills to implement cutting-edge technologies, strengthen core business and leadership capabilities, and apply innovative solutions to mee the needs of diverse populations. In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Accepted

14:02

From Med School Reapplicant to Current M1 Student...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/10/16

If you are a medical school reapplicant, tune in for today's episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast! Accepted medical school expert Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Mory Gould, current M1 medical student and former Accepted client who worked with Valerie when reapplying to medical school. Mory discusses the med school application process, the weaknesses he identified in his profile after not receiving any acceptances, and how he and Valerie made his second application cycle a success

20:42

The Fastest Way to Medical School Is Slowly: Avoiding...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/10/02

In this episode of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast, Dr. Valerie Wherley is joined by Accepted medical school consultant Dr. Barry Rothman. Valerie and Barry discuss some of the common mistakes that pre-med students make early on in their journey to medical school. Barry shares his thoughts on undergraduates majors, osteopathic medical schools, and the best types of patient-facing experience. If you are an undergraduate student planning to apply to medical school, you won't want to miss

18:55

How Many Medical Schools Should You Apply To?...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/09/18

The Admissions Straight Talk podcast is back with a fresh look, and new host! After retiring this summer, Accepted founder Linda Abraham turned the podcast reigns over to Accepted admissions expert Dr. Valerie Wherley. In this week's episode, Valerie talks with Dr. Herman "Flash" Gordon, Accepted medical school consultant and former admissions committee chair at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Valerie and Flash discuss a question we hear almost daily from medical school

17:55

From Founder to Farewell: Lessons from 30+ Years in...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/07/15

In her final episode as host of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted founder Linda Abraham shares reflections and lessons from over 30 years in the admissions world. As she prepares for retirement, Linda offers a mix of personal insight, practical advice, and hard-earned wisdom on navigating both graduate admissions and life’s challenges. She discusses stress, imposter syndrome, setbacks, and the power of resilience, encouraging listeners to take control of their future, own their story, and pu...

34:07

How to Overcome the Biggest Weaknesses in Med School...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/06/10

In the 605th episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Barry Rothman, current Accepted consultant and former Health Professions Advisor and Director of San Francisco State University’s Pre-Health Professions Certificate Program, joins Linda Abraham to explore how med school applicants can overcome common application weaknesses. From low GPAs and MCAT scores to limited clinical experience, research, or community service, Dr. Rothman shares practical strategies for strengthening your candidacy and

40:40

What You Need to Know about Duke’s Master of...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/05/06

In this episode of Admission Straight Talk, Linda Abraham interviews Dr. Christy Bozic, the Executive Director of Duke University's Masters of Engineering Management (MEM) program. They discuss the unique aspects of the MEM program, including its focus on blending technical engineering skills with business acumen, the differences between online and in-person formats, and the importance of professionalism in engineering management. Dr. Bozic shares insights into the admissions process, the

28:37

Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum,...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/04/08

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, the Assistant Professor and Director of Admissions at the Emory University Physician Assistant Program, Allan Platt, offers an insightful look into the Emory University’s Physician Assistant Program. He breaks down the program's distinctive curriculum, including its unique approach to anatomy, and shares valuable advice for prospective students. Allan dives into Emory's PA program admissions process, emphasizing the importance of clinical

36:09

Inside Pitt Med School: Innovations in Medical...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/03/11

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Beth Piraino, Associate Dean of Admissions at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM), explores the school’s innovative Three Rivers Curriculum, emphasizing small-group learning, early clinical exposure, and the integration of "Streams" (special interest areas) and Threads" (core competencies like leadership and clinical reasoning). Dr. Piraino also discusses the role of secondary essays in evaluating applicants and

58:43

Navigating Admissions at the University of Washington...

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/02/11

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Linda Abraham interviews Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM). Dr. Muzquiz, a graduate of UWSOM and a family physician with ties to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, discusses the unique five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) curriculum, which allows students to complete their foundational training in their home states. The School of Me...

38:47

Inside Geisinger Med School Admissions with Dr....

Admissions Straight Talk ·

2025/01/07

Welcome to the 600th episode of Admissions Straight Talk! In this milestone episode, host Linda Abraham sits down with Dr. Michelle Schmude, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Professor of Medical Education at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, to explore the innovative and comprehensive Total Health Curriculum.Dr. Schmude shares how this evidence-based program prepares medical students for the complexities of 21st-century healthcare through early clinical experiences, team-ba...

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Admissions Straight Talk

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