Admissions Straight Talk

Linda Abraham
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  • Twice monthly

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

  1. 16 Jul

    Inside the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific: A DO School That Trains Holistic Physicians [Episode 625]

    Send us your admissions questions! What exactly is—and isn’t—a DO? And what does it take to get into a Tier 1 primary care medical school that operates across two very different campuses? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with the leadership and a current student from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western University of Health Sciences. Dr. Lisa Warren, the dean and a COMP graduate; Dr. Marcel Fraix, associate dean for admissions and also a COMP graduate; TJ Pe, assistant director of recruitment; and Sarah Shirley, a rising second-year COMP DO student, walk listeners through what makes this program distinctive. The conversation covers the school’s two-campus structure—urban Pomona, California, and rural Lebanon, Oregon—and how the shared curriculum delivers a consistent experience in two very different environments. COMP has now earned U.S. News & World Report’s Tier 1 recognition for primary care training for three consecutive years, and the panel breaks down why that matters for applicants. Sarah shares her nontraditional path: a literature degree, a career in book publishing, a mid-20s pivot, and what drew her to osteopathic medicine specifically. The panel also discusses COMP’s longitudinal student tracks (business, rural health, sports medicine, and more), the technology-infused curriculum including simulation and AI exposure, and the robust student wellness infrastructure—from free yoga to open-door faculty. For applicants concerned about GPA and MCAT thresholds, Dr. Fraix and TJ offer a candid, encouraging reality check on holistic admissions and the one-year master’s program that creates a pathway for promising candidates who don’t yet meet full admission requirements. Related Resources: College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western University of Health SciencesExperience WesternU (preview day): August 22, 2026Dr. Lisa Warren, dean, Western University of Health Sciences COMP and COMP-Northwest: lwarren@westernu.eduDr. Marcel Fraix, associate dean, admissions and enrollment chair, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation: mfraix@westernu.eduTJ Pe, assistant director of recruitment: pet@westernu.edu Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    Inside the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific: A DO School That Trains Holistic Physicians [Episode 625]

  2. 2 Jul

    How to Get Selected for a Fulbright and Other Competitive Fellowships [Episode 624]

    Send us your admissions questions! What does it take to get selected for a Fulbright or Boren Fellowship? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk podcast, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Steven Tagle, an Accepted admissions consultant and fellowship specialist, to break down two of the most prestigious, and most misunderstood, awards in graduate education. Steven draws on his own journey: a Stanford undergraduate, an MFA funded by a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship, a Fulbright that turned into eight years in Greece, and a second writing fellowship from the Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA). Today, he helps applicants navigate the entire fellowship landscape, from “fellowship matchmaking” to final interviews. The conversation covers the structure and purpose of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, including the differences between Study/Research Awards and English Teaching Assistant Awards, and how country-specific requirements shape a successful application. Steven also makes a case for the Boren Awards, an often-overlooked option with acceptance rates as high as 40%, a service requirement, and language study built in. Whether you are a college senior, a graduate student, or a professional considering funded study or research abroad, this episode offers a clear, practical foundation for approaching some of the most competitive awards available. 00:00 Introducing Steven Tagle  01:03 Steven’s Path: Stanford, Soros, Fulbright, and ICWA 02:36 What Exactly Is a Fellowship? 04:09 How Fellowship Selection Advice Works 05:52 Inside the Fulbright U.S. Student Program 10:33 Study/Research vs. English Teaching Assistant Awards 12:08 Why the Boren Awards Are Often Overlooked 14:32 When to Start Preparing a Fellowship Application 17:54 How to Submit the Most Competitive Application 19:30 Closing Thoughts and How to Work with Steven Related Resources: Steven Tagle bioAccepted’s Fellowship Consulting ServicesFulbright U.S. Student Program (U.S. Department of State)Boren Awards (National Security Education Program)Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    How to Get Selected for a Fulbright and Other Competitive Fellowships [Episode 624]

  3. 18 Jun

    USC Chan Doctorate of OT Program: Innovation, Leadership, and a Holistic Path to Occupational Therapy [Episode 623]

    Send us your admissions questions! This episode of Admissions Straight Talk covers what it takes to get accepted into the top-ranked Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Amber Bennett, associate professor of clinical occupational therapy at USC Chan, to break down how the occupational therapy (OT) field has shifted and what makes the school’s top-ranked curriculum stand out. This episode is especially valuable for OT school applicants seeking a competitive edge in the graduate admissions process. Dr. Bennett highlights the division’s historic commitment to clinical innovation, its extensive experiential learning partnerships, and the vast professional power of the global USC Trojan alumni network. Listeners will discover how the unique 14-week doctoral capstone allows students to complete their final year remotely while translating cutting-edge clinical research into direct healthcare advocacy and community action. For future applicants, Dr. Bennett delivers essential, hands-on strategies for mastering the program-specific prompts within the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) application portal. Listeners will gain concrete insights into how to build a highly structured and reflective personal narrative, how to strategically select recommenders who can share character-driven examples, and how the USC Chan admissions committee evaluates applicants using a holistic review framework. 00:00 Introducing Dr. Amber Bennett, Associate Professor at USC Chan 00:39 The Evolution of Occupational Therapy and the Shift to the OTD Program 04:19 Why USC Chan Is the Nation’s Top-Ranked OT Program 08:39 Hands-On Learning, Fieldwork, and Student Experiences 12:15 Where Occupational Therapists Work: Traditional and Emerging Career Paths 14:44 Inside USC Chan’s 14-Week Doctoral Capstone 17:34 Application Essays: How to Answer USC Chan’s Prompts Effectively 20:05 What Makes a Competitive OTD Application? 24:13 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Final Advice for Applicants Related Resources: Dr. Amber Bennett bio USC Chan Department of Occupational Science and Occupational TherapyUSC Chan Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree programExtracurricular Activities Can Help You Get Accepted to Graduate Therapy Programs Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    USC Chan Doctorate of OT Program: Innovation, Leadership, and a Holistic Path to Occupational Therapy [Episode 623]

  4. 4 Jun

    WashU Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions: Inside a Top-Ranked Program [Episode 622]

    Send us your admissions questions! What should applicants know about WashU Medicine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Steven Ambler – professor of physical therapy and orthopaedic surgery, division director of education, and DPT program director at WashU Medicine – about the program’s curriculum, culture, student support, research opportunities, and admissions process. Dr. Ambler explains how WashU integrates early clinical experience into the curriculum, why the program emphasizes collaboration over competition, and how faculty coaching helps support students throughout their training. He also shares how the admissions committee evaluates applicants holistically and what qualities make an application stand out. If you’re considering physical therapy school and want an inside look at one of the country’s most respected DPT programs, this episode offers practical guidance and useful perspective. 00:00 WashU Medicine DPT Program Overview 01:22 Why the WashU DPT Program is Top-Ranked 04:08 Early Integrated Clinical Experience 07:05 Alumni Preceptors and Clinical Placements 07:53 Student Support, Collaboration, and Coaching 13:20 Research Opportunities for DPT Students 17:42 Holistic Admissions Review at WashU  21:53 What Makes a Competitive WashU DPT Applicant Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    WashU Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions: Inside a Top-Ranked Program [Episode 622]

  5. 21 May

    How This Reapplicant Got into PA School [Episode 621]

    Send us your admissions questions! This episode of Admissions Straight Talk covers the essential strategies for overcoming rejection and successfully reapplying to physician assistant (PA) programs. In this episode, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Cassandra Zoetjes, a first-generation college student and current PA student at Sacred Heart University who successfully navigated three application cycles. Cassandra shares how she transformed her candidacy by pursuing a master’s in nutrition at Columbia University and diversifying her clinical experiences as a scribe and a medical assistant. This conversation is especially valuable for reapplicants facing an unsuccessful cycle or those considering a graduate degree to bolster their academic profile. Cassandra provides a transparent look at the emotional toll of the “drinking from a fire hose” aspect of PA school and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Her story serves as a road map for applicants who need to add depth to their writing and medical knowledge. Listeners will gain concrete insights into these topics: How a specialized master’s degree can demonstrate academic rigorThe benefit of diversifying patient care experience across specialtiesStrategies for crafting a resilient mindset and an honest personal statementWhat to expect in a PA curriculum0:00 Introducing the Journey to PA School 1:06 Meet Cassandra: First-Gen Student Success 2:11 Choosing the PA Profession 3:39 Navigating Three PA Application Cycles 4:52 Strengthening Your GPA With a Master’s Degree 7:28 Diversifying Clinical and Volunteer Experience 9:58 Surviving the PA School Curriculum 11:47 Leadership and Student Government Opportunities in PA School 13:04 Advice for Reapplicants and Future PAs Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    How This Reapplicant Got into PA School [Episode 621]

  6. 30 Apr

    How to Get the Most Out of Premed Shadowing [Episode 620]

    Send us your admissions questions! What does it take to maximize your premed shadowing opportunity, and why does this experience matter so much in your application? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Rachel L. Schreiber, a board-certified allergist/immunologist and former president of the Greater Washington Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society. Recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington Consumers’ Checkbook, Dr. Schreiber shares practical advice on finding shadowing opportunities, keeping a journal, and asking the right questions. Additionally, Dr. Wherley and Dr. Schreiber address the nonnegotiable topic of patient confidentiality. From HIPAA requirements, to what you can safely write about in your application essays, to the risks of discussing patients on social media, the bottom line is this: you must conduct yourself with professionalism from the moment you walk in the clinic, including after you walk out. If you are preparing to apply to medical school, this episode will change how you think about every hour you spend shadowing. 0:00  Meet Dr. Rachel L. Schreiber 0:30  Finding and Securing Premed Shadowing Opportunities 3:14  The Real Purpose of Shadowing Before Med School 4:23  Why You Should Keep a Shadowing Journal 7:08  Asking Questions and Choosing Specialties 13:25  Patient Privacy and HIPAA Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    How to Get the Most Out of Premed Shadowing [Episode 620]

  7. 16 Apr

    How to Get into Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 619]

    Send us your admissions 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% residency match rate reflects the breadth of specialty opportunities available to students, and how TUCOM’s approach to clinical education prepares future osteopathic physicians for a wide range of medical careers. If you are researching osteopathic medical schools or preparing your application, this conversation provides valuable insight into what sets TUCOM apart and what it takes to be a competitive applicant. 0:00 Meet Dr. Alesia Wagner, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at TUCOM 0:42 Overview of Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine 4:56 Residency Match Data: Specialties and Outcomes 6:50 Clinical Rotation Sites and Student Placement at TUCOM 9:53 Primary Care vs. Specialty Matches: Breaking the Pigeonhole Myth 11:13 TUCOM’s Pre-Clinical Electives and the Clinical Distinction Program 16:34 Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Education Electives 19:56 Interprofessional Education and the Student-Run Free Clinic 23:53 What Makes a Competitive Applicant 29:11 Life on TUCOM’s Campus in Northern California Related Resources Bio for Dr. Alesia WagnerTouro University College of Osteopathic MedicineTouro’s Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Clinic at MiddletownTUCOM AcademicsRelated Episodes How to Get into MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 537]The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612] Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    How to Get into Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 619]

  8. 2 Apr

    Baylor College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum, and What Makes a Strong Applicant [Episode 618]

    Send us your admissions questions! 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 Medicine evaluates applicants holistically and what distinguishes those who stand out in a highly competitive pool. If you’re applying to medical school or considering Baylor, this episode offers valuable insights to guide your strategy. 00:00 Baylor College of Medicine Overview 00:30 Baylor College of Medicine: Houston versus Temple Campus Experience  02:10 In-State versus Out-of-State Admissions at Baylor College of Medicine 04:10 Early Patient Exposure at Baylor College of Medicine 06:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s Modern Curriculum and Learning Style 10:10 Research Requirements for Baylor College of Medicine Applicants 14:25 Baylor College of Medicine’s Mentorship and Student Support Programs 20:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s HEAL Program and Humanities in Medicine 24:05 What Baylor College of Medicine Looks for in Applicants 25:50 Final Advice for Medical School Applicants Follow Us YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Contact Us www.accepted.com support@accepted.com +1 (310) 815-9553

    Baylor College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum, and What Makes a Strong Applicant [Episode 618]
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Linda Abraham
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Admissions Straight Talk
  • Show Website
    Admissions Straight Talk

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