This was a message sent by the postbacc leadership to their listserv members.  It’s well written and so I thought others would benefit from this as well!

WORKING WITH THE PRE-HEALTH OFFICE: “HELP THEM HELP YOU”

Everyone with whom you interact is subject to be a witness for and against you. So be nice. Very nice! Appreciative! Respectful! Courteous! all that. This goes for not only your professors and advisors, but all administrative, secretarial and other staff. Every interaction you have on this campus has the potential to make its way into your committee letter – good AND bad.

Occasionally, some students carry themselves in an entitled, demanding, rude manner, adopting an “I pay tuition, therefore life should be as I say it is” attitude. Not going to fly. Unfortunately, there has often been an over-representatation of this behavior in the post-bacc population. It is up to this class of post-baccs to turn it all around, to improve how we are received on campus. Our reputation has implications for many things; registration policies, special exemptions granted, a future certificate program, and even opening the door  to some programs (discount MCAT courses, special admissions panels) now reserved for undergraduates.

You’ll learn the difference between diligent follow-up and entitled pushiness. But here’s the take-home point: BE NICE. Be the caring, considerate healthcare provider-type that you’re going to ultimately request that these folks endorse that you are.