http://forums.studentdoctor.net/ Nontraditional student discussion forum en Fri, 24 May 2013 10:14:23 GMT vBulletin 20 http://dkmg2azsloi0e.cloudfront.net/images/misc/rss.jpg http://forums.studentdoctor.net/ http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1007233&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 01:23:10 GMT Hey there all my non traditional cohorts! I check this forum out periodically and I see a lot of threads for what are my chances, read my PS, I have a (job, a family, a poodle, -insert seemingly insurmountable obstacle here) and how do I get... Hey there all my non traditional cohorts!

I check this forum out periodically and I see a lot of threads for what are my chances, read my PS, I have a (job, a family, a poodle, -insert seemingly insurmountable obstacle here) and how do I get through this process and still have my sanity type of posts here.

So first off, let me tell you that if this is your dream- you will find a way to make it happen. It might be hard, it will make you cry, it will make you laugh, you will tear your hair out at times, but it is all part of the journey and once you are on the other side of it (I.e. med school, residency, attending) it will seem like a dream.

So, how do you get to that dream like state? Well, you have already made an important first step...you have found the SDN and hopefully the oldpremeds.org forums...you are here asking for help and guidance. Great start!!! Now as we approach the beginning of a new application cycle it's time to take the next big step!

COME TO THE OLDPREMEDS CONFERENCE THIS JUNE 6-9 IN DC!

This is three full days of information packed, networking, and good times -and it is all about you! this is the forums ON CRACK- in person, with real live admissions officers, amazing speakers, and a room full of people all in various stages of this crazy game there to answer your questions!!

YOU WILL NOT GET THIS LEVEL OF PERSONAL ATTENTION TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION ANYWHERE ELSE!

Ok, so why should you come? Well, first off let me start by saying that I have been going to this conference since 2004 and I would not be where I am today if I hadn't gone. I was working a corporate job when I decided to go to med school. I was carrying the usual non trad baggage like a horrible gpa to overcome from my youth and was not competitive candidate at all. I started to loook for any help I could find.. And luckily I stumbled upon www.oldpremeds.org where I lurched in the forums and then took the plunge to go to the conference. so the first three or four years I attended the conference I was in the application process and taking the MCATS ETC. I continued to go while In the SMP at Georgetown, and while taking a year to apply again, and then getting into multiple med schools, intern year and now as a combined EM IM resident. (living the dream!)

I go because :
1 there is an entire community there to support me and help me get the info I need to succeed
2 I was able to show my stats and statements to admission officers of post bac and med schools and get amazing feedback on the spot
3 With my less than stellar stats I was able to network in a non competitive environment. Now people knew me, not my paper application...and trust me it helps!
4 I picked up a ton of great advice from people who were a bit ahead of me in the process and avoided costly mistakes...and I still have those people so when I am ready for a job, etc I have mentors!
5 I have made lifetime friends whom I couldn't of done this without
6 it helps recharge you - this is a marathon not a 100 meter dash- so spending 3 days with people who are also in the same boat is a great motivator.. You will leave feeling a little dazed and confused and overwhelmed but so freaking excited to continue to pursue this dream!
7 it s a great way to get a weekend off from life!

Okay...hope I have convinced you and I really hope to see you there in a few weeks. Make sure to find me and introduce yourself. I'm always happy to help!

Www.oldpremeds.org

NOW GO REGISTER while You are thinking about it. trust me, you will be glad you came!

Marcia ]]> Nontraditional Students marciah http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1007233 http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1007084&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:23:24 GMT First, a little about myself. I'm currently 23 years old and semi-recently graduated with my BS of Accounting. I was part of the "younger" graduates as I finished HS when I was 17 rather than the more common, 18. After HS graduation, I had no clue what I wanted in life and went to university as it was pretty much "what you were supposed to do" after HS. During my undergrad, I didn't do great as anyone knows if your not engaged in what your trying to learn you won't do well; nor did I have an interest in doing that great as honestly, at the time, I wanted more-so to be working and making money. Now that I'm a bit older, I realize a dream I have always spoke about but never considered actually pursuing, Medical School, is a possibility and something that I seem to like so much should not be over-looked.

Anyway, my plan was to go post-bac. and do well on all the Medical School pre-reqs. Currently, I've only had 2 sciences (which do not count as pre-reqs.) in undergrad which I have an A/B+ in, while in calculus I have an A. I give these grades for example as they are the only 3 classes that I took already that would probably be looked at. My cGPA isn't great, somewhere around a 2.9.

All together, I'm asking if I have a chance with the following criteria:

cGPA undergrad of 2.9.
If I finish my pre-reqs. post-bac. and earn a high GPA of between 3.7-4.0, leaving me with a sGPA of 3.7-4.0 (I assume I could get high grades in these as I've always been good at science/math)
I have done some volunteer work around my city as well as in my local hospital.
Shadowed an Oral Surgeon as well as my ENT.
Assuming I can pass the MCAT with a score of 30-32 (hopefully higher):

Will I get an offer or acceptance to some schools? More specifically, did my undergrad ruin my chances forever? Thanks in advance for those who read and any advice and what will increase my chances please feel free to respond! Thanks! ]]> Nontraditional Students Jdp00921 http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1007084