Hi all - I'm new to these forums, but am seeking your general input... I've been lurking for a while, never posted. I'll explain my story a bit, and then post my questions.
I've decided to pursue a career in medicine, and have a BA in Political Science. I graduated with a 3.9, summa cum laude, honors, and held several leadership positions, even started a successful club. My resume looks great, and I have tons of comm. service + 3 months in the ER (which I plan on continuing... I also have plans to begin shadowing soon).
I only need pre reqs...Thus, postbacc is the answer for me. I applied to several prestigious programs and was accepted (! was very happy about this); however, I've decided to complete the pre-reqs at my state university in order to save money and live at home + other practical reasons. This is the same University from which I graduated, so I don't forsee ADCOMs questioning "Why the state university?" It has a solid pre-med postbacc program with a high success rate... and lets face it, it's my home University, and I'm confortable with the environment and the student life on campus. Plus, not having to re-locate is a plus right now as I'm already financially strapped.
1) Will this be seen as an "easy way out" even though it is my home University? opinions?
Now here is the other thing I am concerned about - I have only taken one science (bio) and one math in my undergrad. (As in both). The Pre Med advisor at my U has suggested Gen Chem I and II (+labs) over the summer session. I found a Bio in Summer II I want to take, in order to alleviate some of my coursework next year. Next Fall would be: Physics I, Orgo I, and another Bio (all +labs). Spring would be: Physics II, Orgo II, and some other science elective + MCAT prep. This is standard postbacc from what I've heard, but I am so concerned about the workload, plus studying for MCAT.
1) Should I aim for the April MCAT, or take a summer MCAT instead?
2) If I submit my applications by June 2011 (my goal), take the April MCAT, don't like my score, and take it again later in the summer... what happens to my applications? Are they thrown out, because ADCOMs don't know I am planning to retake the test and perform better after more preparing?
Reassuring words from anyone who has done this? Suggestions? Concerns?
Thank you... Sorry this was so long! Im just worried...
I've decided to pursue a career in medicine, and have a BA in Political Science. I graduated with a 3.9, summa cum laude, honors, and held several leadership positions, even started a successful club. My resume looks great, and I have tons of comm. service + 3 months in the ER (which I plan on continuing... I also have plans to begin shadowing soon).
I only need pre reqs...Thus, postbacc is the answer for me. I applied to several prestigious programs and was accepted (! was very happy about this); however, I've decided to complete the pre-reqs at my state university in order to save money and live at home + other practical reasons. This is the same University from which I graduated, so I don't forsee ADCOMs questioning "Why the state university?" It has a solid pre-med postbacc program with a high success rate... and lets face it, it's my home University, and I'm confortable with the environment and the student life on campus. Plus, not having to re-locate is a plus right now as I'm already financially strapped.
1) Will this be seen as an "easy way out" even though it is my home University? opinions?
Now here is the other thing I am concerned about - I have only taken one science (bio) and one math in my undergrad. (As in both). The Pre Med advisor at my U has suggested Gen Chem I and II (+labs) over the summer session. I found a Bio in Summer II I want to take, in order to alleviate some of my coursework next year. Next Fall would be: Physics I, Orgo I, and another Bio (all +labs). Spring would be: Physics II, Orgo II, and some other science elective + MCAT prep. This is standard postbacc from what I've heard, but I am so concerned about the workload, plus studying for MCAT.
1) Should I aim for the April MCAT, or take a summer MCAT instead?
2) If I submit my applications by June 2011 (my goal), take the April MCAT, don't like my score, and take it again later in the summer... what happens to my applications? Are they thrown out, because ADCOMs don't know I am planning to retake the test and perform better after more preparing?
Reassuring words from anyone who has done this? Suggestions? Concerns?
Thank you... Sorry this was so long! Im just worried...