Profile Link: https://acceptedtogether.com/consultants/Ashwin-fQEcd
Q1:What is your position and at which school?
Medical Student, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
Q2: Tell us a bit about yourself!
In my free time I like to read, spend time with friends, cook, and play video games.
Q3: What’s one thing that others may not know about you?
I once slept through a fire alarm!
Q4: If you didn’t go into the field you are in right now, what field would you have gone into?
Likely into the field of global and public health, starting with a Masters!
Q5: What is the most difficult interview question in your opinion?
Why should we pick you over other applicants?
Q6: What do you think contributed the most to your success?
Rest and relaxation! It might sound a little cliché but taking time to rest when I was feeling burnt out was the single best thing I did for myself. The entire application cycle, as well as wherever your future takes you, is a marathon and not a sprint. Take the time you need to relax and you’ll be so much better off in the long run.
Q7: What was your application journey like?
To summarize: I wrote the MCAT in the summer after 2nd year, then applied to medical school in third year. I was fortunate enough to get an interview at McMaster and spent my time from January to the end of March preparing for said interview. I was accepted into McMaster in early-mid May!
Q8: Would you like to share some statistics with us? (This can be in the form of GPA/MCAT/Casper scores, the number of schools you applied to and got accepted, etc.)
Casper – 4th Quartile, GPA – 4.0, MCAT – 520 (130/129/131/130)
Q9: What services do you offer?
Casper Prep, Interview Prep, Application Formation and Editing, and general advice and tips!
Q10: What’s your biggest tip for students applying to your field?
Similar advice from before but taking care of your wellness should be a priority. If you don’t develop the habits now, you won’t magically have them when you get into medical school. Do things that help you recharge and be happy now, because getting into medicine won’t solve all of your problems.
Q11: Why should students choose you as their consultant?
While my pathway was more traditional, the lessons I’ve learned through my own experience and from others will be beneficial to anyone in the application cycle, regardless of how far along in life they are. Developing one’s application and learning skills won’t happen in one session, and having a consultant that understands that and is eager to accompany you on your journey through the application cycle is important. I hope to do that for you!
Q12: Any other information you would like to share with students?
The application cycle is brutal and daunting for EVERYONE, it’s a long process with so many hurdles and feeling overwhelmed is 100% natural. I promise you that if you’re feeling that way, you can easily find others with the same worries. Support yourself and each other first and foremost.