~10 Year Old IA

[WiscFresh2010]

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Hi all -- I am considering a career change (I'm currently a management consultant), but have a concern about an IA that I received during college in 2012.

For background, I began college in in 2010 as a science major with intentions of applying to medical school. During my junior year, a classmate saw an ochem exam in the print shop at my university and sent a photo of it to me prior to the exam. My professor found out and, rightfully so, my classmate and I were charged with academic dishonesty. At that time, I withdrew from the course and, fully believing that my chances of matriculating at a medical school were over, changed majors.

I graduated with a 3.96 GPA and a degree in Economics. I have previously taken Gen Chem, Gen Bio, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Anatomy, and Genetics. I've also done undergraduate biochemistry research, shadowed physicians, and volunteered at a hospice center. Since the IA in 2012, I've had no academic, criminal, or work-related issues. I have excelled in my career, but have not felt fulfilled. I've thought about a career in medicine regularly since the incident occurred.

I plan on finishing prerequisites in the upcoming years (Ochem: Fall 2020/Spring 2021, Biochem: Summer 2021, Physics: Fall 2021/Spring 2022) while working full-time and applying to medical school for Fall 2022. If I am able to get satisfactory grades, gain clinical experience through shadowing/volunteer work, and achieve a solid MCAT score, will the IA severely impact my chances at being accepted to a medical school?

I take complete ownership for the decision I made, still regret it to this day, and will be upfront about the IA on the AMCAS.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance/feedback/recommendation that can be given. Please let me know if any further information is required.

Thanks so much!

 

[Splenda88]

I think if you maintain that GPA and do well in the MCAT, you will find some schools that will give you a chance... I would suggest that you also apply to a few DO schools since they are generally more forgiven than MD.

 

[GreenDuck12]

will the IA severely impact my chances at being accepted to a medical school?

I mean, I think the obvious answer is yes, the IA will significantly impact your application. You’re applying to a profession where integrity and professionalism are highly valued and will need to disclose a significant shortcoming in those areas. This makes you a riskier applicant at a time when medical admissions is a buyers market and programs can afford to be picky. Full disclosure: I interview dozens of applicants for a service organization and even if an applicant makes it to the final stage, an IA is nearly always cause for a rejection. Simply put, because of the work we do, we cant afford to risk it. My guess is that you will likely need to apply very broadly and include programs where your gpa and MCAT are well above the median for accepted applicants.

Now all of that being said, the good news is that for you there is 10+ years between your IA and when you will apply to medical school. That’s enough time to help put some distance between who you were when the IA occurred and who you are now. You’re going to have to demonstrate a significant amount of growth and dedication to serving others through clinical and non clinical volunteering. In short, you’re really going to have to show why you will make a great doctor who would never have a lapse in judgement like this again.

As a side note to your plan, I believe I am correct in assuming you graduated 4-6 years ago? If so, I highly recommend taking 2 courses per semester while working full time. One course per semester will not demonstrate that you are still a strong student and can handle a rigorous full time medical education. make sure you complete all prereqs before the MCAT and before submitting your application. Normally the advice is to have a plan to complete them prior to matriculation. In your case, I think you’re going to need them to be complete so you have the strongest possible application. Best of luck to you.

 

[WiscFresh2010]

I think if you maintain that GPA and do well in the MCAT, you will find some schools that will give you a chance... I would suggest that you also apply to a few DO schools since they are generally more forgiven than MD.

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into both MD/DO programs.

 

[WiscFresh2010]

will the IA severely impact my chances at being accepted to a medical school?

I mean, I think the obvious answer is yes, the IA will significantly impact your application. You’re applying to a profession where integrity and professionalism are highly valued and will need to disclose a significant shortcoming in those areas. This makes you a riskier applicant at a time when medical admissions is a buyers market and programs can afford to be picky. Full disclosure: I interview dozens of applicants for a service organization and even if an applicant makes it to the final stage, an IA is nearly always cause for a rejection. Simply put, because of the work we do, we cant afford to risk it. My guess is that you will likely need to apply very broadly and include programs where your gpa and MCAT are well above the median for accepted applicants.

Now all of that being said, the good news is that for you there is 10+ years between your IA and when you will apply to medical school. That’s enough time to help put some distance between who you were when the IA occurred and who you are now. You’re going to have to demonstrate a significant amount of growth and dedication to serving others through clinical and non clinical volunteering. In short, you’re really going to have to show why you will make a great doctor who would never have a lapse in judgement like this again.

As a side note to your plan, I believe I am correct in assuming you graduated 4-6 years ago? If so, I highly recommend taking 2 courses per semester while working full time. One course per semester will not demonstrate that you are still a strong student and can handle a rigorous full time medical education. make sure you complete all prereqs before the MCAT and before submitting your application. Normally the advice is to have a plan to complete them prior to matriculation. In your case, I think you’re going to need them to be complete so you have the strongest possible application. Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the input and well wishes -- it's greatly appreciated!

I'll look to see if I can add some additional courses in the upcoming semesters to strengthen my application. I realize I'm fighting an uphill battle here, but I really can't see myself doing anything else anymore.

Thanks again!