PLM Series: The "secrets" (ways) to get in to PLM Med that no one tells you about

This is the final part of my PLM College of Medicine series. If you haven't read the first 3 blogs about PLM College of Medicine, below are the quick links and I would suggest you to read these first.

1.PLM Series: Applying to PLM College of Medicine

2.PLM Series: Braving the MCAT

3.PLM Series: The College of Medicine Interview  

You're probably here reading my blog because the list of accepted of applicants is released and you didn't find your name on it. It's okay, in this blog post I'll give you tips on how you can still get a chance to get in to PLM Medicine. However, this is NOT a "sure in" or an "express pass" to get in but just ways you can do and try to make it. Who knows? There's no harm in trying.

As soon as the list of accepted applicants is released, don't waste any time and write your reconsideration letter to the college of medicine and send it to the dean's office right away. Yes, they do accept reconsideration letters and not everyone is aware of this - most people thought that once the list is out, it's over but it is not. I know a couple of people who got in to PLM through reconsideration, given that PLM took forever to release the list of students most of them (made it to the first list) are already enrolled to other medical schools. This comes to your advantage, it is truly applicable in PLM admissions: matira ang matibay maghintay.

Your letter should include why you should be reconsidered and emphasize your GWA and NMAT which could be an edge for you over other applicants who are also asking to be reconsidered. Also, mention why you always wanted to go to PLM med and why they should reconsider your application. Keep your letter short hence concise because the dean will surely receive lots of letter and he/she won't take much time reading a really long letter so keep it direct to the point and impacting.

Aside from a reconsideration letter addressed to the dean, make three (3) more letters addressed to the Executive Vice President of PLM, Mayor of Manila and Vice Mayor of Manila and hand it to their respective offices as soon as possible. Personally, I never thought the Manila's mayor and vice mayor offices accept these kind of letters but they do and they are aware of it so this is not something new. Submit the letters asap as there's a deadline/quota/cut off when they can accept applicants to recommend to PLM However, for the vice mayor's office, unfortunately, they only accept letters from Manila residents so if you're not a Manila voter, they won't entertain your request unlike in the mayor's office but again, there's no harm in trying. These offices will sort of endorse you to PLM and will give you a code which will help them identify your request once you make your follow up through call, three (3) working days later.

Just be patient and be diligent in calling for follow ups in the mayor's office and the dean's office of the PLM college of medicine for updates. It is not common that they will release a 2nd list or a 3rd list of accepted applicants unless there's a lot of vacant slots from the first list. They normally contact reconsidered applicants through text  messages and will ask you to come to the dean's office and voila! Welcome to PLM College of Medicine. Just make sure that you come to the time instructed to you and your requirements are complete so you won't have any delay.

Another way you can try is to seek help/ask for tips from students of the PLM CM especially those medical scholars/sororities and fraternities who are helpful during the entire admissions period. Trust me when I say that they will be more than willing to help you with your inquiries and support you emotionally so do not be shy to reach out to them thru social media or mobile numbers (if you have any) for tips and tricks that you can do to still get reconsidered.

Lastly, on your letter to the dean, if someone from PLM can piggy back your reconsideration letter by placing some endorsement/request/signatories in your letter, this might be considered by the dean and weigh better.

Again, this is NOT a sure way to be accepted to the college of medicine just taking your chance to get in to their medicine program. It is critical because you only have one shot to make it to PLM College of Medicine because they do not allow reapplication unlike in other medical schools.

If you have questions, feel free to comment or send me an email. Thank you and good luck pinoy doctors!