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God. is. great.
2.8 UG cGPA, 28Q, 4.0 SMP GPA (non-urm)
ACCEPTED!!!
Keep hope alive everyone!!
Basically, I was immature, unfocused and irresponsible throughout my first three years of college. At the end of my Junior year when I decided to really pursue medicine, I had a ~2.6 cGPA. I remember telling my friends and other pre-meds who literally laughed at the thought of me gaining acceptance into a US MD school. At that time, I asked my pre-med advisor if I had a shot at medical school. She answered "If I say 'no,' will you not pursue medicine? The moment you decide to stop pursuing medicine is the moment you don't have a shot at medical school." That was by far the best piece of advice I received in this journey to medicine.
I know and understand that I am extremely fortunate and lucky to have an acceptance, but I just want to share my story with others who may be discouraged. So to those out there who are not so confident (like I was), or are down when times get tough... I share with you this story. A friend of mine shared with me what he did to stay motivated while he was studying for the MCAT. He would say the following to himself: "If this is what you want, then f*cking do it." I started saying this to myself when I was studying during my SMP year... and it truly helped. Honestly, if this is what you want, then do it. No if's, and's or but's about it.
I am not here to give you false hope. It will take some time... I graduated in 5 years, did a 12-month SMP, and am now working at a Dermatology clinic as a Medical Assistant (for some students, I know it takes years of post-bacc or SMP coursework in order to prove themselves). So while "traditional" students started undergrad in the Fall of 2003 and will finish Med School in Spring of 2011... I, on the other hand, started undergrad in the Fall of 2003, graduated in the Fall of 2008, finished my Masters in the Summer of 2009, and will be starting medical school in the Fall of 2010.
Anyways, beyond the numbers, this is what I think worked for me. First, I had strong extracurricular activities (<-----MDapps) and and great letters of recs. However, I did not join clubs for the sake of activities/ resume builders. Rather, I found something I am passionate about, and gave it 100%. Then, I showed passion and drive in my personal statement, and how hard I was willing to work. Also, I demonstrated what kind of physician I will be (through activities) and also stated what kind of physician I will be (through my personal statement). i.e.- serve the underprivileged? research? academic medicine?
Right now I am sitting on one MD acceptance, with another MD interview in January. Trust me... this is two more interviews than I thought I would receive... ha!
Well... goodluck all to everyone, keep fighting the good fight, and remember: if this is what you want, then f*cking do it.
Also, if any of you have questions... feel free to PM me!
2.8 UG cGPA, 28Q, 4.0 SMP GPA (non-urm)
ACCEPTED!!!
Keep hope alive everyone!!
Basically, I was immature, unfocused and irresponsible throughout my first three years of college. At the end of my Junior year when I decided to really pursue medicine, I had a ~2.6 cGPA. I remember telling my friends and other pre-meds who literally laughed at the thought of me gaining acceptance into a US MD school. At that time, I asked my pre-med advisor if I had a shot at medical school. She answered "If I say 'no,' will you not pursue medicine? The moment you decide to stop pursuing medicine is the moment you don't have a shot at medical school." That was by far the best piece of advice I received in this journey to medicine.
I know and understand that I am extremely fortunate and lucky to have an acceptance, but I just want to share my story with others who may be discouraged. So to those out there who are not so confident (like I was), or are down when times get tough... I share with you this story. A friend of mine shared with me what he did to stay motivated while he was studying for the MCAT. He would say the following to himself: "If this is what you want, then f*cking do it." I started saying this to myself when I was studying during my SMP year... and it truly helped. Honestly, if this is what you want, then do it. No if's, and's or but's about it.
I am not here to give you false hope. It will take some time... I graduated in 5 years, did a 12-month SMP, and am now working at a Dermatology clinic as a Medical Assistant (for some students, I know it takes years of post-bacc or SMP coursework in order to prove themselves). So while "traditional" students started undergrad in the Fall of 2003 and will finish Med School in Spring of 2011... I, on the other hand, started undergrad in the Fall of 2003, graduated in the Fall of 2008, finished my Masters in the Summer of 2009, and will be starting medical school in the Fall of 2010.
Anyways, beyond the numbers, this is what I think worked for me. First, I had strong extracurricular activities (<-----MDapps) and and great letters of recs. However, I did not join clubs for the sake of activities/ resume builders. Rather, I found something I am passionate about, and gave it 100%. Then, I showed passion and drive in my personal statement, and how hard I was willing to work. Also, I demonstrated what kind of physician I will be (through activities) and also stated what kind of physician I will be (through my personal statement). i.e.- serve the underprivileged? research? academic medicine?
Right now I am sitting on one MD acceptance, with another MD interview in January. Trust me... this is two more interviews than I thought I would receive... ha!
Well... goodluck all to everyone, keep fighting the good fight, and remember: if this is what you want, then f*cking do it.
Also, if any of you have questions... feel free to PM me!
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