Savvy PreMed

November 10, 2020

COVID-19's Legacy: Predictions for the 2021-2022 Medical School Admissions Cycle

Canceled MCATs; online coursework; in-person shadowing restrictions; virtual interviewing - COVID-19 undoubtedly shifted the medical school admissions process in 2020 and created unprecedented challenges for pre-meds. But how will it impact medical school admissions moving forward? What will COVID-19’s legacy be in the 2021-2022 cycle?

September 22, 2020

7 Insider Tips on Medical School Virtual Interviews from Real Applicants

The Savvy Premed

Now that medical school virtual interviews are underway, we’ve talked to some applicants who have interviewed already, so that we could pick their brains and share some insider tips with you. Hopefully these insider tips will give you the edge you need, or at least provide some much-needed comfort during this nerve-racking time.

September 16, 2020

How to Upgrade Your Virtual Interview Appearance for Less than the Price of a Secondary

The Savvy Premed

Secondary application fees range anywhere from $75 to $150, averaging at $112.5. What if we told you that you could significantly improve your virtual interview appearance for less than a single secondary fee?

August 12, 2020

Answering Your FAQs About the New CASPer Snapshot

The Savvy Premed

The makers of the CASPer, Altus Assessments, have decided to create their own version of the AAMC Video Interview Tool for Admissions (VITA), so that they can cash in on this new market (even though they’re a bit late to the party). Now Altus will have two CASPer tests that it can charge applicants for. Maybe they should spell it CA$$$Per…

July 30, 2020

Sample VITA Practice Question and Response for Medical School

The Savvy Premed

Even if you practice for the VITA until you’re blue in the face, it might feel like you’re alone in an echo chamber, with no objective way to gauge the quality of your responses. That’s why we wanted to place you in the position of the evaluator by showing you a sample VITA response and inviting you to participate in our critique. By seeing the negatives and positives of someone else’s sample, you can hopefully improve the quality of your own answers.

July 22, 2020

Ace Your Medical School Virtual Interviews (VITA) - Performance Tips

The Savvy Premed

In the AAMC VITA, you will be presented with complex questions aiming to gauge your ability to address the AAMC pre-med competencies. Don’t panic quite yet! We’re here to cover some tips for how to ace your responses.

July 16, 2020

Ace Your Medical School Virtual Interviews (VITA) - Technology Tips

The Savvy Premed

In last week’s post, we covered how to look your best on screen during virtual interviews, including wardrobe, lighting, and backdrop. Now we’re back with more tips to ensure that your virtual interview isn’t jeopardized by faulty technology.

June 29, 2020

Everything You Need to Know About the New AAMC Video Interview Tool for Admissions (VITA)

The Savvy Premed

Imagine having to record an 18-minute speech about your qualifications for becoming a physician. Now imagine that speech being sent to all the medical schools you’re applying to, without being able to make any edits or start over. Sounds pretty terrifying, right? Well, that’s essentially how the new AAMC Video Interview Tool for Admissions (VITA) is going to work… more or less.