2008 Non-Trad Applicants' Progress Thread

[CultureDoc]

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Quick update:

I received my first acceptance today! PCOM (where I had a nightmare of an interview) accepted me. Now I can stop formulating Plan B and start thinking about med school for next year. I have also gotten waitlists at Drexel and UVM and am patiently waiting for decisions to come from OHSU and BU. PCOM is definitely below OHSU and BU on my preference list, but it is a little more difficult when talking about UVM (not sure about moving the family to Vermont just for the MD and the tuition there is not favorable to OOS). Anyways, I have to do a lot of talking and planning with my family. I'll be sending in that deposit soon!

Congrats!!!!! That's great news! See, I told you you'd get in somewhere soon! Glad the "Plan B" pressure is off. 😀

with the MD decisions yet to be made. I'll be looking for more progess and acceptance posts from you!

 

[Lshapley]

Congrats!!!!! That's great news! See, I told you you'd get in somewhere soon! Glad the "Plan B" pressure is off. 😀

with the MD decisions yet to be made. I'll be looking for more progess and acceptance posts from you!

Thanks, culturedoc!

 

[Phoenix.]

Quick update:

I received my first acceptance today! PCOM (where I had a nightmare of an interview) accepted me. Now I can stop formulating Plan B and start thinking about med school for next year. I have also gotten waitlists at Drexel and UVM and am patiently waiting for decisions to come from OHSU and BU. PCOM is definitely below OHSU and BU on my preference list, but it is a little more difficult when talking about UVM (not sure about moving the family to Vermont just for the MD and the tuition there is not favorable to OOS). Anyways, I have to do a lot of talking and planning with my family. I'll be sending in that deposit soon!

Congrats!!!!!

 

[chemphd]

Ugh!! So sorry to hear about UCSF. 🙁 I know that was your top choice. Best of luck with Stanford.


I still have 4 schools to hear from, but I feel like it's pretty late to get an interview invite at this point, so I'm trying to regroup for next cycle. *Sigh* I knew that I applied really late, but I still thought I might get thrown a bone from somewhere. At least I certainly won't make that mistake again!

Thanks CultureDoc!

I hope some of your schools decide that they want to work out for you.

My fingers are crossed for all of us non-trads🙂

 

[4paw]

Well -

lshapley heya! i don't know if you remember me 🙂

I haven't been on this site since July, and I came on today, wanted to look up some stuff case western, since i'm accepted there 🙂

another one for the non-trads, i'm so happy to finally post that this year - enough years went into this career change, application processes over the years etc etc etc.

nontrads woo hoo!

 

[Lshapley]

Well -

lshapley heya! i don't know if you remember me 🙂

I haven't been on this site since July, and I came on today, wanted to look up some stuff case western, since i'm accepted there 🙂

another one for the non-trads, i'm so happy to finally post that this year - enough years went into this career change, application processes over the years etc etc etc.

nontrads woo hoo!

Hey 4paw! Congrats on the acceptance. Weren't we supposed to start a class rebellion, or at least settle for the MODs to make us a new sub-topic 😉

You are a reapplicant, and a non-trad, right? You must certainly feel relieved. Way to go!

 

[4paw]

lshapley,

yes we were! and i tried valiently for a while. i wrote the moderators and the main address that was listed when the forum was first introduced, and actually thought out a coherent arguement, using women's studies, social services and all sorts of other things. never even got a reply! however, i did check in on the subforum, and noticed that discussions do get to a more advanced level just as i suspected they might from the history i know of in terms of discussing women's issues and the women's movement looking for space to talk outside of the 'dominant discourse' and i noticed that once in a while there are lgbt and class issues coming up and getting discussed well and thoroughly. i was happy. so i revived a class post, 'ecdis' to make it a snappy term 🙂, and posted to put it near the top again, so that when folks go there, they might see something 🙂

in my smp experience this year i've heard just a little too much classism at times.... how many times do i have to hear white trash! so i do my part in creating snappy come-backs. hearing 'white trash' is just not o.k. i just know what will happen when people are in the e.r. and docs think that patients can't feel anything when all the insulting goes on beyond closed doors, but the fact of the matter is that in any system of oppression, it is the oppressed who know more about what's going on in the mind of the oppressor than the other way around because it's for survival. whereas those who are privileged, well their best interest is served by being oblivious to any unfairness, because that might mean that a person would feel compelled to change something...

and i mentioned che guevara in my amcas essay, along with norman bethune. so now that we've found each other again, my working-class dancer, what next???? insert scheming here.... should we go start a conversation in the other subforum, get some more typed-out discourse down and searchable for others?


yeah - 31 years old, started applying 5 years ago! of course that's a bit misleading, that first year I applied to the only school i know of that doesn't require science prereqs... mcat was written about three years ago.... and i'm canadian, so that makes it a bit bumpier in the states. did an smp this year, and also changed my province of residence, and looks like i got two canadian interviews too! this is my year! now the next bit is finaid and i'm a little worried about making this happen financially....

 

[pingouin]

This has nothing to do with the application process per se, but as a 33 y/o non-trad, I'd just like to announce that I got carded going into a bar with some friends last night. And I was the only one who was. 😀 😀

 

[CultureDoc]

This has nothing to do with the application process per se, but as a 33 y/o non-trad, I'd just like to announce that I got carded going into a bar with some friends last night. And I was the only one who was. 😀 😀

Oh SNAP!

 

[Lshapley]

in my smp experience this year i've heard just a little too much classism at times....

and i mentioned che guevara in my amcas essay, along with norman bethune. so now that we've found each other again, my working-class dancer, what next???? insert scheming here.... should we go start a conversation in the other subforum, get some more typed-out discourse down and searchable for others?

yeah - 31 years old, started applying 5 years ago! of course that's a bit misleading, that first year I applied to the only school i know of that doesn't require science prereqs... mcat was written about three years ago.... and i'm canadian, so that makes it a bit bumpier in the states. did an smp this year, and also changed my province of residence, and looks like i got two canadian interviews too! this is my year! now the next bit is finaid and i'm a little worried about making this happen financially....

Hey 4paw!

Yeah, I think we are going to have to continue the class discussion down in the underrepresented thread. While the non-trads are generally a rather kind and forgiving lot, I don't think we should take advantage of their kindness by taking over this thread 🙂

But, before we depart for another thread, I have to agree with you regarding a not so hidden bias against the poor and uneducated. It is definitely evident evident in academia, and I am also keenly aware of it from my experience in the arts. Personally, one of the reasons I am even interested in medicine is the great democratizing effect of illness. Even though we have a stratified healthcare system with different levels of care, in the end we all get sick and we all die. I know, kinda morbid, but honestly it is one of the few things in life where we are all equal in the end and a lot of the artificiality is removed, with the true essence of a person shines through. You have the chance to experience the best (and worst...) in people. Its much more appealing to me than business, for instance.

Great to hear about the Canadian interviews, too? I guess you are still in the process of deciding then? I was just accepted to OHSU yesterday, and that was my number 1 post interview, so it looks like I will be moving my wife, my mom and three dogs from Philadelphia to Portland. God help me!

Talk to you soon!

 

[4paw]

Hey 4paw!

Great to hear about the Canadian interviews, too? I guess you are still in the process of deciding then? I was just accepted to OHSU yesterday, and that was my number 1 post interview, so it looks like I will be moving my wife, my mom and three dogs from Philadelphia to Portland. God help me!

Talk to you soon!

Lshapley, Congrats!

Word won't be in from the canadian schools until May 15 (it's not rolling, so everyone finds out on the same day). My partner stayed at home this year while I'm away, and I think she'll move with me for this next leg. she'd like for me to go to the school where we're from, and i'm interviewing there this year... but there is another interview where the decision is not back yet which would be a run for the money. and i am so honoured to have the acceptance that i do. so it's just me and the two cats this year.

all the best with the cross-country move - that's awesome that you've got your wife AND yer ma! not to forget the dogs, of course not!

well - back to smp studying for me...

on the topic of the democratizing effect of illness - the one part that needs work on being equal is the treatment - warmth or a bit of recoil based on whether a person is poor/rich, sweet/cantankerous etc - that comes from the doctors treating. it's terrible to be hospitalized. there is such powerlessness etc. so to be discriminated against when so vulnerable, when dying, is even worse.... your words sorted something out for me, though so treat my comments as an extension rather than a rebuttal, will ya?

 

[CultureDoc]

I was just accepted to OHSU yesterday, and that was my number 1 post interview, so it looks like I will be moving my wife, my mom and three dogs from Philadelphia to Portland. God help me!

Woo-hoo! Congrats on OHSU! That's great news! Sounds like one cross-country adventure of a move, though!

 

[mazas]

Hi everyone - new here - but just wanted to pop in a hello. it's great to see all the support and high-fives on this forum. being a non-trad is no walk in the park and i'm glad there's a place for us to give each other an extra boost every so often.

i'm in southern CA - and i'm a very late applicant. my two top schools are UCSD, UCI (just interviewed last week at both). rejected post secondary at UCD, UCLA, and USC.

just playing the waiting game for now. good luck to everyone - and congrats to those with acceptances! 🙂

 

[UVABranch]

Hi All, I haven't posted on this thread because I didn't feel like I was making much progress, but yesterday I was offered my first interview at Howard in 2 weeks! I know the interview late and the class isn't completly full so I'm excited about that. I'm just so glad I have a chance this year to show the adcom what I'm made of! G'luck to all waiting to hear back!

 

[Phoenix.]

Just thought I'd update to say that despite my utter shock, I was not rejected from Mayo today (they finished filling the 42 MD spots last Friday). Unbelievably, I got on the alternate list today. Pretty amazed and honored, while at the same time not looking forward to the 3+ more months of uncertainty and a very slim chance of getting in. But hey, beggars can't be choosers!

But while I'm generally gung ho about Mayo (and would definitely go if accepted), I realized recently that I've been feeling less and less inclined to pick up and move again. Perhaps I'm just getting old. I used to love moving to a new city. Then again, perhaps it's because the move would be to Rochester. But seriously, while the thought of moving to D.C. for GWU (another option) is much more appealing, I still feel this reticence to actually pick up and move again. Any other non-trads feeling that recently? And it certainly doesn't help that my family (parents & siblings) has been putting the emotional pressure on to convince me to stay in Chicago.

 

[pingouin]

Just thought I'd update to say that despite my utter shock, I was not rejected from Mayo today (they finished filling the 42 MD spots last Friday). Unbelievably, I got on the alternate list today. Pretty amazed and honored, while at the same time not looking forward to the 3+ more months of uncertainty and a very slim chance of getting in. But hey, beggars can't be choosers!

But while I'm generally gung ho about Mayo (and would definitely go if accepted), I realized recently that I've been feeling less and less inclined to pick up and move again. Perhaps I'm just getting old. I used to love moving to a new city. Then again, perhaps it's because the move would be to Rochester. But seriously, while the thought of moving to D.C. for GWU (another option) is much more appealing, I still feel this reticence to actually pick up and move again. Any other non-trads feeling that recently? And it certainly doesn't help that my family (parents & siblings) has been putting the emotional pressure on to convince me to stay in Chicago.

Yeah, I'm with you. I have to move no matter what, but depending on final answers, it could be 2 (Mizzou), 7 (Creighton), or 12 (VCU) hours from where I am now.. which would (respectively) be 8, 14, or 8 hours from my family. I just got a VCU waitlist yesterday, and should hear from Mizzou by Friday. I am just not looking forward to the moving thing- especially now that I have a house full of crap, not just an apartment. The excitement of moving to a new place has lost it's shimmer when I think about everything I have to do to prep for selling the house, leaving work, etc. So much for any semblance of summer vacation. 🙁

 

[Lshapley]

Well, I actually feel the opposite about moving, Phoenix (congrats on the alternate list at Mayo, btw!) I am getting pretty sick of Philly these days, part of it is the city and part of it is this "in between" phase of my life (I'm no longer an artist, but I am also not a med student yet). In addition, part of my decision to go to OHSU is that Portland has a much higher quality of life than Philly.

Moving to a city with a similar quality of life excites me less. Boston, for instance, is pretty much the only other school under consideration (depending on financial aid and acceptance...of course!) I see it as a cross between Philly and New York, and that excites me less.

I guess what I am saying is, as I get older, the quality of life is becoming a much more important factor for me. I know medical school will be hard enough, I at least want to be able to enjoy the city I'll be living in.

I do agree with Pingouin though. As I think of all of the nonsense involved in moving, my excitement level does drop a tad.

 

[Phoenix.]

Wow - good luck ping!!! I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you for Mizzou. Keep us posted.

And L, if I were considering a move to the west coast (be it anywhere in CA, Seattle or Portland), I'd be psyched too! I loved the years I spent on the west coast - great lifestyle.

The quality of life thing definitely becomes more important. And while I don't have a family of my own, I do have a dog (stop laughing) that is my family, and if I were on the west coast, we could go to parks, sit at cafes while I study, etc., all year round, and I wouldn't feel as guilty about leaving him inside all day while in classes and then studying inside the rest of the day. I know that may seem terribly silly to some, but hey, to each their own. He's my pack.

Weather and cost of living are the only negatives I can see about staying in Chicago. But I guess you can't have everything!

 

[AMPed]

Wow - good luck ping!!! I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you for Mizzou. Keep us posted.

And L, if I were considering a move to the west coast (be it anywhere in CA, Seattle or Portland), I'd be psyched too! I loved the years I spent on the west coast - great lifestyle.

The quality of life thing definitely becomes more important. And while I don't have a family of my own, I do have a dog (stop laughing) that is my family, and if I were on the west coast, we could go to parks, sit at cafes while I study, etc., all year round, and I wouldn't feel as guilty about leaving him inside all day while in classes and then studying inside the rest of the day. I know that may seem terribly silly to some, but hey, to each their own. He's my pack.

Weather and cost of living are the only negatives I can see about staying in Chicago. But I guess you can't have everything!

I've got a lot of mixed feelings about changing location (although, I have nothing but loathing for the actual process of moving). The highest ranked school (if you believe in the validity of rankings) I have gotten into is here in San Diego. We're getting a lot of pressure from family to stay. Although, for my immediate family, moving away from SD would represent a huge improvement in lifestyle. Although the weather is great, the cost of living (particularly without me working) is oppressive, the traffic is miserable and SD is quickly becoming really overcrowded. A fresh start somewhere more family friendly is very enticing.

 

[Phoenix.]

Just thought I'd update to say that despite my utter shock, I was not rejected from Mayo today (they finished filling the 42 MD spots last Friday). Unbelievably, I got on the alternate list today. Pretty amazed and honored, while at the same time not looking forward to the 3+ more months of uncertainty and a very slim chance of getting in. But hey, beggars can't be choosers!

Just found out they alternate listed 100 people, and about 10-15 traditionally get in off the waitlist. Also, it's unranked, and they way they pick you, is if someone who is similar to you withdraws. How many 30-something females and/or former JDs do you think are holding one of those 42 Mayo acceptances right now AND are going to decline? Heh. Ah well, still an honor. Guess I should do my best to consider this a rejection.

Looks like I'm back to debating whether, if I stay in Chicago, I stay in my somewhat pricey ($1500) downtown 1-bedroom that's a 30 minute drive (in traffic - 15 minutes without) from Loyola, or rent my place out and rent a place in Oak Park (in the burbs) about a 10 minute drive from Loyola for 2-4 years. I'd save a little dough (1-bedrooms tend to be $800-$1200 in Oak Park, but harder to find one that allows pets), and I'd be able to go home during 1 hour breaks to let the pooch out. Hrm. Guess there's no rush to figure this one out.

And although I obviously can't go through with my plans to go to Costa Rica this July (just in case I got off the waitlist), perhaps I'll make slightly more extended trips to revisit GWU and Tulane in April. The cost of living in D.C. is really high, but I LOVE the idea of living there, and the health care policy opportunities at GWU (minus the curriculum I don't like). As for Tulane, my sister (who went there undergrad) says it's inhumane that they would have med school continue through the summer (EVERYONE who can leaves New Orleans in the summer months because it's so brutal). Ok, I'll stop babbling. Guess I should be productive now.

Bottom line is - it's all good. To be honest, I still can't believe I'm going to be a doctor!!!

 

[montessori2md]

I think pingouin should move to Richmond! (fingers crossed) and phoenix to dc, so that we can get together at INOVA 3rd year 🙂

Good luck to you both! My sympathies on the move, this is why I'm "commuting" to Richmond for 2 years, it was cheaper and easier than trying to uproot the family and sell the house and have my DH shop for a new job.

DC cost of living is high, but the real estate market is tanking, so you might try renting a home/condo, especially if you're willing to shop around a little. Plus, you don't really need a car if you're living w/in walking distance of a metro stop, so that helps to balance out the extra rent. Plus, you'd be in town for all the inauguration parties (think they'll have class that day?)

 

[pingouin]

I think pingouin should move to Richmond! (fingers crossed) and phoenix to dc, so that we can get together at INOVA 3rd year 🙂

awwww.. thank you!! unfortunately, I'm on the wait list at VCU. It's unranked, so I have NO idea where I am on that thing..

Plus.. I got waitlisted at Mizzou today. 😍 This is big news because their list is pretty small (96) and they tend to go pretty deep (54 last year). I'm #24 😀 😀 😀 So not an acceptance, but a VERY GOOD DAY anyway. In neurotically reviewing last year's Mizzou thread, I determined that #26 got accepted sometime mid-May last year so hopefully an update then.. 👍

 

[mazas]

I've got a lot of mixed feelings about changing location (although, I have nothing but loathing for the actual process of moving). The highest ranked school (if you believe in the validity of rankings) I have gotten into is here in San Diego. We're getting a lot of pressure from family to stay. Although, for my immediate family, moving away from SD would represent a huge improvement in lifestyle. Although the weather is great, the cost of living (particularly without me working) is oppressive, the traffic is miserable and SD is quickly becoming really overcrowded. A fresh start somewhere more family friendly is very enticing.

Hi AMPed - congrats on UCSD! I'm surprised that you're so hesitant to remain in San Diego - wouldn't the instate tuition help out a bit? I have lived in San Diego for five years, and would love to stay. Isn't Rubio's enough reason? 🙂 Anyways, just curious. Congrats again on all your acceptances.

 

[AMPed]

Hi AMPed - congrats on UCSD! I'm surprised that you're so hesitant to remain in San Diego - wouldn't the instate tuition help out a bit? I have lived in San Diego for five years, and would love to stay. Isn't Rubio's enough reason? 🙂 Anyways, just curious. Congrats again on all your acceptances.

Thanks, Mazas. I have a number of family considerations that are shaping my decision as to where to go. Potentially forcing my decision. It isn't that I don't like San Diego... in fact, I'll likely return here for my career. However, I also see a lot of good things about moving elsewhere, both in the short term and in the long run. If I were a single 20 something, I wouldn't hesitate. I just have a lot of factors outside my control that I need to consider right now.

 

[thalamatic]

Here are my stats

UG
Electrical Engineering (Top 10 school)
GPA - 3.3 overall, 3.5 Science

Masters
Biomedical Engineering (Top 10 school)
GPA - 3.9 overall

PostBacc
Biology
GPA - 3.9 overall/science

MCAT: PS: 14, VS: 12, BS: 11

Experience: Science/Engineering (non-medical) full-time job, 5 years. NIH summer IRTA internship.

EC: Hospice, Tutoring, etc..

I applied to 7 schools. Got interviews at the 2 in my home state, the ones I really wanted to go to. Got waitlisted (deep on the WL) at both.

I don't think I'm gonna get into med school this year. Where do you think I went wrong?

 

[AMPed]

Here are my stats

UG
Electrical Engineering (Top 10 school)
GPA - 3.3 overall, 3.5 Science

Masters
Biomedical Engineering (Top 10 school)
GPA - 3.9 overall

PostBacc
Biology
GPA - 3.9 overall/science

MCAT: PS: 14, VS: 12, BS: 11

Experience: Science/Engineering (non-medical) full-time job, 5 years. NIH summer IRTA internship.

EC: Hospice, Tutoring, etc..

I applied to 7 schools. Got interviews at the 2 in my home state, the ones I really wanted to go to. Got waitlisted (deep on the WL) at both.

I don't think I'm gonna get into med school this year. Where do you think I went wrong?

Your stats look good - your GPA is way better than mine. What kind of medical experience have you had? Are you interested in academic medicine and research? That's my interest and I played up my research experience and how it would make me a great physician-scientist. Also, you may need to apply more broadly to schools, focusing on those that appreciate/like non-trads. Some school just don't seem like us.😡

 

[Phoenix.]

Here are my stats

UG
Electrical Engineering (Top 10 school)
GPA - 3.3 overall, 3.5 Science

Masters
Biomedical Engineering (Top 10 school)
GPA - 3.9 overall

PostBacc
Biology
GPA - 3.9 overall/science

MCAT: PS: 14, VS: 12, BS: 11

Experience: Science/Engineering (non-medical) full-time job, 5 years. NIH summer IRTA internship.

EC: Hospice, Tutoring, etc..

I applied to 7 schools. Got interviews at the 2 in my home state, the ones I really wanted to go to. Got waitlisted (deep on the WL) at both.

I don't think I'm gonna get into med school this year. Where do you think I went wrong?

What state are you in? And what were those seven schools? Were the 5 outside of your state all "upper tier" schools? I.e., very competitive (Cornell, Michigan, a UC, etc.)? Did you apply early (June-Aug) or late (Sept-Dec)? Did you have solid clinical experience where you could write about your experiences in your personal statement and secondaries to show you really know what you're getting into? Was your personal statement convincing and compelling regarding your career change and why you've decided to pursue medicine (i.e., running toward medicine, not just running away from something)? Did your passion for practicing as a physician (and not just doing research) come across? Did it come across in your interviews? Did you try mock interviews with a pre-med advisor at your post-bac? Anyway, these are just some thoughts I had that could definitely impact your chances, and could help explain why you are where you're at.

The bottom line is - I'd call and make an appointment (in person or for over the phone) to discuss your application with those schools that rejected you. Some schools will give you advice on how to improve your application and why you didn't make the cut. I think you should definitely pursue this at your state schools in particular.

 

[AMPed]

The bottom line is - I'd call and make an appointment (in person or for over the phone) to discuss your application with those schools that rejected you. Some schools will give you advice on how to improve your application and why you didn't make the cut. I think you should definitely pursue this at your state schools in particular.

Good advice. Also, if you haven't talked to your UG pre-med advisors about your application, that may be another place to get some advice for improving your app.

 

[chemphd]

My Stanford interview was yesterday. I liked it (Of course it helps that it's across the street from my current lab, and I would get to stay in the Bay Area). It was the first place where I felt like my background in research was an asset, rather than a liability, which was really nice, and I was completely relaxed the whole day. The interviewers were really interesting people, and I felt like they just wanted to chat rather than antagonize me (interviewers other places seemed to think that the fact that my parents were divorced rendered me incapable of being a decent physician). And they have good financial aid there (which makes the 67K/year seem less dauting, though the number still freaks me out). Other than that, I'm looking into some jobs just in case this doesn't work out for me... But my fingers are crossed!

Congrats to all of you non-trads holding acceptances! Woohoo!😀

 

[CultureDoc]

Hello to all!

Wow . . . I haven't been on SDN in what feels like ages (haven't felt like pouring salt on my wounds, basically 😉), but there certainly has been lots of news since I last checked in! Congrats on all the acceptances/WLs/interviews! LShapley - BU too? Woo-hoo! WTG! Pingouin - you are SO getting in to Mizzou! Congrats! ChemPhD - your Stanford interview sounded awesome! I'll keep my fingers crossed that that works out for you.

To contribute to the "moving" discussion, I say yes, PLEASE!!!!! This process has been seriously rough. To add insult to injury, though, not getting in this year (which is almost certain at this point) means I don't get to move yet! ARRRRGH! (always wanted to use that one! . . . and yeah, that's how I feel!) I'm dying to leave this city for a bigger, better one and -- nomad that I am -- having been here for almost five years just makes me itch to leave! But of course, there's more to it than that . . . my hubby (J) wanted to start his architectural internship wherever we'd be for the next 4 years, but instead, he'll have to start that here and transfer hours when we move (an ugly process that results in time added to your "internship years" before you can sit for the licensing exam. Ugh.). Also, I am SO ready to not be in a "holding pattern" anymore! I'm tired of doing the 9-5 thing for a job I don't like (hopefully I'll get a new one this summer, though!). I want to BUY, not rent, a home and do all of the fun things that go along like buying furniture and decorating and gardening (even if it's only in pots!) . . . in terms of quality of life, being in an apartment has seriously affected mine, I think. We have done so little with ours because we've been in this "we're only going to be here for a year or so" mode of thinking. So, our bed is on the floor (you can't buy a giant wood bed frame for a third floor apartment with no elevator!); most of our gazillion books are in boxes because J doesn't want to custom-build bookshelves for such a temporary space, and so on. Oh, and it's indicative that my idea of "making it" now means having my very own washer and dryer . . . and a dishwasher!

Most of all, I think I just want to feel settled. To know rather than trust that I AM going to be a doctor and to be studying toward that goal . . . to find a city we love and to stay there forever (no more nomadic desires!) . . . to have a kid before I'm 35, maybe? That all just sounds amazing, fanstastic, idyllic . . . I guess that's what moving represents to me . . . and I want to take the exit onto that road, rather than cycling on this one for another year. *Sigh.*

Just to show you how much we want to move, we seriously (ok, maybe for like a day) considered shelling out for me to do an SMP just so we could go somewhere else and begin (sort of) that next phase NOW! However, I don't think an SMP would be the answer to the issues with my app, and I can't in good conscience take out all those extra loans AND not earn money for a year . . . AND there would be no guarantee that we wouldn't have to move again in a year OR that I'd get in anywhere. But DAMN, I want to move!!!

Ooh, and Phoenix, I totally love that you have talked about the effects on your dog as part of the "quality of life" issue! I absolutely feel the same. Other than J, my dog is my life too. (Actually, I may spend more time with my dog!) We (who are not cat people) even got a cat for her because we thought she was lonely (now everyone can laugh at me). Anyway, one of us takes her to the local dog park EVERY morning, rain or shine, so she can get the exercise she needs, given our apartment-dwelling status. So, there has to be a good dog park wherever we go OR a good-sized yard for her (unlikely, given my strong desire to be a city-dweller). A nice climate sounds great, too (although Ginger could care less about that! That would be for us, standing out there with her!) . . . but I'm not so sure how I feel about California. I'd probably like it, but it's so far from our relatives. Ginger would never see her sister (J's parents' dog), then!. And the three hour time difference to call home would SERIOUSLY suck, seeing as how my mom goes to bed at 9. 🙄

Ok, so how's that for lots of crazy rambling?

 

[kronickm]

Got my interview for linkage this saturday 4/12, followed by my MCAT 4/18. To be honest, I am not worried in the least about the MCAT, although the interview is a slightly different story. I was given the tip of typing up answers to likely questions and descriptions of most of the stuff on my app, which I did. Most of the blurbs turned out fine, except for "Tell me a little about yourself." which turned into about a 5 page rambling essay which basically went in circles. 😴 Anyone got any secrets on how to attack that question?

All in all, it feels very good to know that in a week and a half, I will have done all I could over the last two years and it will be officially out of my hands. Although I won't find out about conditional acceptance until the end of April, and then won't find out if I keep it (provided I get it) until my MCAT scores come back on aroud 5/20.

 

[Lshapley]

Hey Culturedoc, good to see your face around. That sucks about this cycle. I know what you mean about the limbo feeling you are having down in New Orleans. My wife and I are dying to get out of Philly. I actually chuckle everytime I see a post from some incoming med student here who is excited about going to one of the Philly schools. I have my fingers crossed for you.

And please add me to the list of SDN dog lovers. We have a little miniature pinscher who is basically our "child" as well!

 

[ruraldr]

Thanks for the "rambling" culturedoc--summed up many of my feelings after going through this cycle and likely facing the next one.

Helps as a non-trad to hear someone else feeling the same things. 🙂

 

[chemphd]

Stanford sent me a rejection letter today (that was fast!). I'm going to go find a "real" job, and try to figure out if I want to go through this again next year or wait another year.

I'm so happy to hear that this year is working out for so many people, and for those of you waiting, good luck!

 

[CultureDoc]

Thanks for the "rambling" culturedoc--summed up many of my feelings after going through this cycle and likely facing the next one.

Helps as a non-trad to hear someone else feeling the same things. 🙂

Whew! Glad to hear that airing my long-winded frustrations on a public forum was therapeutic for someone other than me! 👍 It's always nice to know that there is someone out there who shares your pain.

Ruraldr - we should bond as non-trad reapps this coming year! Best of luck to you this coming cycle!

 

[CultureDoc]

Stanford sent me a rejection letter today (that was fast!). I'm going to go find a "real" job, and try to figure out if I want to go through this again next year or wait another year.

I'm so happy to hear that this year is working out for so many people, and for those of you waiting, good luck!

What an absolute bummer. 🙁 I was definitely pulling for you, chemphd. I'm absolutely shocked and sorry to hear that it didn't go your way this year. CA schools are just brutal. 👎

Best of luck with the search for a "real job." I'm definitely in the market for one of those as well! I have come to realize that no matter how well I "spin" my current job on an app (and believe me, I tried my best!), the title still contains the word "administrative," and that's just not going to help my cause. Thankfully for my bleeding heart, I'll have an easy out shortly when the funding for our major grant comes to an end.

 

[chemphd]

What an absolute bummer. 🙁 I was definitely pulling for you, chemphd. I'm absolutely shocked and sorry to hear that it didn't go your way this year. CA schools are just brutal. 👎

Best of luck with the search for a "real job." I'm definitely in the market for one of those as well! I have come to realize that no matter how well I "spin" my current job on an app (and believe me, I tried my best!), the title still contains the word "administrative," and that's just not going to help my cause. Thankfully for my bleeding heart, I'll have an easy out shortly when the funding for our major grant comes to an end.

"Administrative" means that you have amazing organizational skills and are able to play nicely with others🙂 Best of luck with your "real job" search as well, CultureDoc! I hope it goes well. Mine is coming along slowly- I'm in the "informational interview" stage right now, and trying to figure out which road to take.

 

[Purposed]

mcat in september 2008..can u tell i'm scared😱

 

[realjara]

I'm new to SDN forum posts and glad to have found nontrad applicants. I'm accepted at UMiami Class of 2012. Yeah! I'm 33 and although MCAT and grades are good, I didn't have many ECs. Congrats to all that have been accepted and to those who haven't yet: keep trying! It is possible.

 

[pingouin]

OK, I'm officially done for the application cycle. I got pulled off Mizzou's alternate list Thursday night, which means I'm withdrawing my other acceptance and wait list. This has been a long, hard, humbling process, and I expect that the next 4 years (ok, 8 or 9, really) will be no different. Congratulations to everyone who achieved their goals this year, good luck to everyone who's applying for '09, and thanks to all of you for the ongoing support! Specific thanks from this thread go to Quix for the poetry (I need a new one), megboo for the rambling phone calls, CultureDoc for fabulous Greek food and (one of these days) shooz shopping, and Captain Fantastic for actually thinking he wants to be my classmate for the next four years. I'm warning you now- be careful what you wish for, my friend.

 

[CultureDoc]

OK, I'm officially done for the application cycle. I got pulled off Mizzou's alternate list Thursday night, which means I'm withdrawing my other acceptance and wait list. This has been a long, hard, humbling process, and I expect that the next 4 years (ok, 8 or 9, really) will be no different. Congratulations to everyone who achieved their goals this year, good luck to everyone who's applying for '09, and thanks to all of you for the ongoing support! Specific thanks from this thread go to Quix for the poetry (I need a new one), megboo for the rambling phone calls, CultureDoc for fabulous Greek food and (one of these days) shooz shopping, and Captain Fantastic for actually thinking he wants to be my classmate for the next four years. I'm warning you now- be careful what you wish for, my friend.

SCORE!!!!

Ping, I am SOOO happy for you! That totally rocks! (and yes, we need to have a shooz playdate . . . soon!)

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Captain Fantastic for actually thinking he wants to be my classmate for the next four years. I'm warning you now- be careful what you wish for, my friend.

Be aware: that street goes both ways. You had your chance to attend another school but have elected to try and make sense out of my PBL objectives! Good luck!

 

[pingouin]

SCORE!!!!

Ping, I am SOOO happy for you! That totally rocks! (and yes, we need to have a shooz playdate . . . soon!)

I have a coupon.

Be aware: that street goes both ways. You had your chance to attend another school but have elected to try and make sense out of my PBL objectives! Good luck!

I sense a formidable opponent in my midst... 😀

 

[Phoenix.]

I'm going to post CONGRATS to ping in this thread too - it bears repeating! 😀

So, any of you non-trads have any advice for me? You can see my dilemma laid out more specifically in my mdapps, but I'm really torn between Loyola and George Washington. Or rather, I'm torn between staying in Chicago (albeit moving to Oak Park for at least two years) and moving to Washington D.C. As a single 33 year old woman, I feel like living in DC would be a lot better for getting out and meeting people while in med school. I hate to think of the next four years as a medical monastery, but I figure to some extent it will be one if I'm in medical school in the west burbs of Chicago (unless, of course, I happen to find people to date in the med school - a bad idea, I figure). And while the cost of living in DC is killer, it seems like there are a ton of single people my age, and a ton to do. It's also much more conducive to walking a dog year-round. 🙂 I'd be sacrificing having my support network of family for my dog, but then again, for really bad third year rotations, I could just fly him to my parents' house in Chicago and leave him there for two months. And from what I've heard, I could do almost my entire fourth year rotations back in Chicago (which is where I'd like to end up for residency). I discuss the curriculum (love Loyola's - hate GW's), health care policy issues (amazing opportunities at GW, not as many at Loyola), and costs (Loyola cheaper) in my mdapps more, so I'll just cut this rambling post short now. Anyone? Should I go with the school I love (Loyola) in a very quiet suburban location, or go with a city I'm excited by with great health care policy opportunities, but a higher cost and a traditional and lecture-heavy curriculum I'm not excited by?

 

[Quix]

OK, I'm officially done for the application cycle. I got pulled off Mizzou's alternate list Thursday night, which means I'm withdrawing my other acceptance and wait list. This has been a long, hard, humbling process, and I expect that the next 4 years (ok, 8 or 9, really) will be no different. Congratulations to everyone who achieved their goals this year, good luck to everyone who's applying for '09, and thanks to all of you for the ongoing support! Specific thanks from this thread go to Quix for the poetry (I need a new one), megboo for the rambling phone calls, CultureDoc for fabulous Greek food and (one of these days) shooz shopping, and Captain Fantastic for actually thinking he wants to be my classmate for the next four years. I'm warning you now- be careful what you wish for, my friend.

Congrats, again. I'll work on the new poem. 😉

I'm thinking along the lines of:

"Hah! Now I'm a doctor, so you all can suck it."

It's still a bit rough.

I may change it to "Hah. Soon I'll be a doctor, so you all can suck it."

 

[pingouin]

Congrats, again. I'll work on the new poem. 😉

I'm thinking along the lines of:

"Hah! Now I'm a doctor, so you all can suck it."

It's still a bit rough.

I may change it to "Hah. Soon I'll be a doctor, so you all can suck it."

No sweetie, I need a sig line. What you just wrote is my resignation letter from work.

 

[Phoenix.]

GW it is! 😀 Any other non-trads headed for D.C. this summer?

 

[pingouin]

Awww.. Phoenix.!!!! 😍 That's so awesome!!!!!!!!!!! DC's a wonderful city!! I was going to respond the other day, and then my computer started doing some really funky things and I didn't get back to it.. But I'm so glad for you!!

 

[CultureDoc]

I have a coupon.

SCORE! We need to do this! . . . except that my calendar is filling up at a rapid rate - mostly by the upcoming app cycle and my MCAT retake. Argh! I think I will need at least one forced study break, though! 😉

GW it is! 😀 Any other non-trads headed for D.C. this summer?

Congrats!! That's so exciting!! I did an internship in DC one summer and enjoyed every minute of being in the city. (Coincidentally, I lived in the GW dorms . . . and paid my entire internship stipend in rent for a tiny TRIPLE! . . . but that's another story. 🙄)

My best friend actually lives in Arlington/works in DC right now and has been there for the past 5 years (and has moved several times), so I'd be happy to volunteer her as a source of info on housing, DC life, etc. (and I know she'd be happy to oblige.) PM me if you're interested. Oh, and she co-manages a funny blog called Eavesdrop DC (it's silly quotes heard in and around the city . . . to get you in the spirit of DC!) . . . and she writes a great real-person cooking blog (not much DC info, but still fun 😀). I would love to end up there as well, but we'll see what this cycle brings!


On the progress front, I am gearing up, putting the finishing touches on my AMCAS re-app and sighing a lot over my MCAT study books 👍. It's going to be an arduous summer. Can't wait to hurry up and wait! 🙄

Speaking of progress for '09, though, me thinks someone needs to start an '09 non-trad progress sticky. This one got started in early May last year. I would do it, but I feel like you have to be a mod to do that sort of thing (maybe I'm wrong about that?) Anyway, it'd be nice to have a little group to commiserate with!

 

[pingouin]

I just took the liberty of un-sticking the 2008 Interview Invite thread since interviews are over for this season.. CD, you're welcome to start the '09 NT Progress thread and Phoenix or I can stick it for you guys. (Or njbmd.. or Q.. or Scottish Chap..)