Well, it’s that time of year. My Dean is in the preparation phase for writing my MSPE Letter (Medical Student Performance Evaluation) AKA Dean’s Letter. About 2 months ago we had to submit this long application with info dating back from birth through medical school, highlighting significant events. Then he has to meet with each and every one of us to go over a few additional questions and be sure that he is portraying us in the appropriate light.
I must say that I went into the meeting nervous as hell, but left feeling very confident as an applicant. He started off by saying that he didn’t even have a lot of questions for me because he has already gotten to know me so well through my leadership activities, and the 2 national scholarships (AAMC and AMA foundation) that I received. He lets me know that he would ask a few “uncomfortable” questions, which included board scores and letters of distinction (honors) received. I was so happy that those were the uncomfortable questions because I am quite comfortable with those topics! He felt that my board scores were good enough to specifically reference in the letter, and of course he’ll mention my LOD. Then he said the rest of the letter will focus on my leadership endeavors, committment to underserved communities, scholastic achievement, and my overall passion and committment to all that I do! I think it is going to be a great letter 
. I can’t wait to see the finished product next month.
Then we went on to talk about me as an applicant in general. He said that my merits and scholastic acheivement speak for itself and he felt confident “predicting” that I will match in my Top 3! He even went on to say that if for any reason I did not get an interview somewhere, that he would personally call on my behalf to vouch for me! I mean maybe he says that to all 176 of his students, but it made me feel pretty damn special at that moment.
Awww … that’s so awesome!
Did he actually show you what he’d written or was it more to get information? I don’t even know when my appt. is.
As for the appointment they are doing them in ABC order so that’s probably why I was before you. You’ll get an email from Meredith and she’ll send you a link to his calendar and you can pick any open time.
As for the letter, he had already had about a page of typed “notes” which was basically his draft of the letter from that questionnaire. He did have some additional questions to get more details in some areas. As he asked questions he put hand written notes next to the appropriate paragraphs. He said he’ll incorporate his hand written and typed notes into a final draft that is usually ready 1 month after this meeting. He said since it’s a non-waived letter if you want any adjustments made he is happy to do so, just don’t wait until October!
Congrats! I would add more to that, but I’m drawing a blank…