2008 Non-Trad Applicants' Progress Thread

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megboo said:
My transcript was coming from a Chicago burb. Sent last Monday (6/4) and probably got to the AMCAS office on Thursday (6/7) or Friday (6/8) - usually takes 3-4 business days to mail something from here to the East Coast. I suppose it takes 7-10 business days from receipt to process..... grrr..... it's so hard to wait without knowing 😉

I requested another transcript to be sent today just in case.... I'm sure there are cases of lost transcripts and such. What makes it even more frustrating is that it's my LAST ONE! That and there's no expedited shipping I can opt for with a tracking number to make sure it was received 😱
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Good call on the backup plan, meg. Hopefully your transcript got to AMCAS but just in case things got lost during the pre-app shuffle, its good to be sure. Kinda makes me uneasy about MY transcript though...I will give AMCAS until next Wednesday before I send another transcript request to Boston. This is my last transcript as well and it is unnerving to entertain the idea that something as crucial may be easily lost....
 
Just got my MCAT scores today. 35N and I am VERY happy about it. I am no longer worried about which schools to apply to. Bring it on! ...Right after I get that PS written...
 
oy- exciting day. my last LOR has been logged into Interfolio. the deadline was 7/1- way to go, ugrad professor who hasn't seen me since 1996!!!!!!!!!

now I just get to hang around waiting for my MCAT score.. *whistles*

btw- congrats on that AWESOME score, stevie!
 
pingouin said:
oy- exciting day. my last LOR has been logged into Interfolio. the deadline was 7/1- way to go, ugrad professor who hasn't seen me since 1996!!!!!!!!!

now I just get to hang around waiting for my MCAT score.. *whistles*

btw- congrats on that AWESOME score, stevie!
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nice! when are you expecting your score back penguin?
 
Okay - TOTALLY a n00b question, but as a non-trad, what's considered a "late" AMCAS verification time? I ask this because as non-trads we try to have a leg up on the younger competition, so I'm just curious if non-trads have an earlier view of "late" as compared to what I've seen in Pre-Allo.
 
pingouin said:
btw- congrats on that AWESOME score, stevie!
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Thanks, pingouin. 😀 I stressed about that for quite a while. It's nice to know that MCAT is far behind me. I wish you the best of luck with your scores.

--Stevie
 
megboo said:
Okay - TOTALLY a n00b question, but as a non-trad, what's considered a "late" AMCAS verification time? I ask this because as non-trads we try to have a leg up on the younger competition, so I'm just curious if non-trads have an earlier view of "late" as compared to what I've seen in Pre-Allo.
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👎
 
Finished my PS. I plan on submitting my app today. Got my scores back and am disappointed but not completely. I got a 9VR, 8BS, and 8PS. I plan on retaking in Aug and applying Md/DO.

Good luck to everyone!
 
@meg: A late AMCAS verification would be late september onwards, i think. for anyone who has had experience with an august MCAT, submitting and verifying your AMCAs while others who submitted in June/July are already in-line for reviews is a disadvantage, especially nowadays where the numbers for applications is considerably larger than last year's.

An update for others waiting for transcript verification: AMCAS informed me that they allocate a 7 day mail transit time from your university registrar office and a 5-6 day processing time to enter your transcript into the system. My transcript was mailed out on Monday (4th) so it should be just about to get entered into the system if the thing got to DC safely (*crosses fingers*)....
 
And for some reason, "As early as possible," is going to have some different meaning for non-trads? Are you serious?
 
Application update...

MCAT scores are back and I got a 32R (10V, 11BS, 11PS). It is official now, the MCAT beast is dead! I just worked on proofing my amcas and aomcas (sp?) applications yesterday. Unfortunately, I realized that I do have to report getting a teacher certification. It is in something called the alexander technique, lots of performers use it to improve their coordination and posture. Anyway, we had no grades, or really any formal courses but I guess I have to get a letter saying I received the certification. I hope it doesn't slow things up too much.

I'm excited to get this in and verified. Good luck to everybody who already hit that submit button!
 
zipmedic said:
And for some reason, "As early as possible," is going to have some different meaning for non-trads? Are you serious?
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Well, I spent a weekend at a conference for non-trads last weekend and every seminar stressed the importance of "early, early, early". I'm curious as to what the non-trads here consider "early". Most at the conference considered August 1 to be "late, late, late". I'm wondering what the general consensus from non-trads are about this. And yes, non-trads think differently than 20-year-old kids.

You know I'm serious and not a troll, so why are you coming down so hard on me instead of either answering my question or just ignoring it? I seriously thought I could come to this forum and get a decent response. Lord forbid you ask a question others think is silly.
 
Lshapley said:
Application update...

MCAT scores are back and I got a 32R (10V, 11BS, 11PS). It is official now, the MCAT beast is dead! I just worked on proofing my amcas and aomcas (sp?) applications yesterday. Unfortunately, I realized that I do have to report getting a teacher certification. It is in something called the alexander technique, lots of performers use it to improve their coordination and posture. Anyway, we had no grades, or really any formal courses but I guess I have to get a letter saying I received the certification. I hope it doesn't slow things up too much.

I'm excited to get this in and verified. Good luck to everybody who already hit that submit button!
Click to expand...

good job on the MCAT!
 
I think of early as the first day their out. I'm getting my aacomas ready this weekend. Ordering transcripts since I got my MCAT score back. I'm retaking in August and will update then. I think this is early but maybe b/c I know many schools will hold for my first semester grades to see how I do.

I do think as a non-trad early is important, meaning submitting by end of july so you can be complete by Sept. Ugh I haven't gotten my letters. Is everyone using interfolio? I didn't want to have to pay since I'm only applying to 2 schools but maybe I should ...
 
megboo said:
Well, I spent a weekend at a conference for non-trads last weekend and every seminar stressed the importance of "early, early, early". I'm curious as to what the non-trads here consider "early". Most at the conference considered August 1 to be "late, late, late". I'm wondering what the general consensus from non-trads are about this. And yes, non-trads think differently than 20-year-old kids.

You know I'm serious and not a troll, so why are you coming down so hard on me instead of either answering my question or just ignoring it? I seriously thought I could come to this forum and get a decent response. Lord forbid you ask a question others think is silly.
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meg,

You've been a member here since 2005. You have posted over 7,000 times. You're honestly telling me that you don't know what "apply early" means? It's not a matter of whether or not I think it's silly. (I do.) It's a matter of whether I think you should know better. (You should.) If June 5th was the first day AMCAS applications could be submitted, then your differently-thinking-non-trad deductive skills should lead you to a reasonable answer. June 5th is early. Everything after that is not as early as it could be. Since you've conceded that "earlier is better," then what's the problem? Here, I'll break it down for you:

June 5th - June 13th: "early, early, early"
June 14th - June 21st: "early, early"
June 22nd - June 30th: "early"
​
Better?
-z
 
Thanks, Mush.

I'm using interfolio and the schools I'm applying to accept it. Some even encourage it!

It would be great if schools had the option of "uploading" transcripts to AMCAS and AACOMAS! Still waiting on my one transcript for both application services.

Interfolio is actually quite cheap - I opted for the 3 year plan I think and it's $40? I can't remember exactly but that sounds right. Plus the cost of postage to mail out the LORs.

:luck: Mush! Did you get your MCAT scores back yet?
 
mshheaddoc said:
I do think as a non-trad early is important, meaning submitting by end of july so you can be complete by Sept. Ugh I haven't gotten my letters. Is everyone using interfolio? I didn't want to have to pay since I'm only applying to 2 schools but maybe I should ...
Click to expand...

I'm just using the pre-med letter service at my university. Unless your stats are jaw-dropping, I'd strongly recommend you apply to more than two schools. I know that we [non-trads] typically have more family/business/real estate ties to a given area that limit where we can apply, but two schools is really taking a gamble. Either way, best of luck to you!
 
zipmedic said:
meg,

You've been a member here since 2005. You have posted over 7,000 times. You're honestly telling me that you don't know what "apply early" means? It's not a matter of whether or not I think it's silly. (I do.) It's a matter of whether I think you should know better. (You should.) If June 5th was the first day AMCAS applications could be submitted, then your differently-thinking-non-trad deductive skills should lead you to a reasonable answer. June 5th is early. Everything after that is not as early as it could be. Since you've conceded that "earlier is better," then what's the problem? Here, I'll break it down for you:
June 5th - June 13th: "early, early, early"
June 14th - June 21st: "early, early"
June 22nd - June 30th: "early"
​
Better?
-z
Click to expand...
Wonderful. A complete stranger now telling me what I should and should not think.

Maybe I should clarify: What is the timeline division between being considered "early" vs. "late". For non-trads with less than a 3.8 and less than a 30 MCAT (although my scores haven't come out yet), applying early gives a better shot. Yes, we all know that, fine. However, where is this magical cutoff? And I ask this because maybe my application will be delayed for some reason. I'm still waiting on the slowest transcript in the world, my MCAT scores don't come out until "on or about July 3" and I still need to be verified by both AMCAS and AACOMAS. So, as a non-trad, I want to know what will help me and what will hurt me.

I've never applied to med school before so I am unfamiliar with this process. Sure other's applications serve as anecdotal information, but I have to worry about my OWN applications and make sure I'm on track and not freaking out unnecessarily. This means asking questions, even ones that some (you) find silly. But I have to ask to be sure.
 
zipmedic said:
I'm just using the pre-med letter service at my university. Unless your stats are jaw-dropping, I'd strongly recommend you apply to more than two schools. I know that we [non-trads] typically have more family/business/real estate ties to a given area that limit where we can apply, but two schools is really taking a gamble. Either way, best of luck to you!
Click to expand...

Mushy has her reasons.
 
megboo said:
Wonderful. A complete stranger now telling me what I should and should not think.
Click to expand...

Welcome to SDN. ...and life in general. 😀

Maybe I should clarify: What is the timeline division between being considered "early" vs. "late". For non-trads with less than a 3.8 and less than a 30 MCAT (although my scores haven't come out yet), applying early gives a better shot. Yes, we all know that, fine. However, where is this magical cutoff? And I ask this because maybe my application will be delayed for some reason. I'm still waiting on the slowest transcript in the world, my MCAT scores don't come out until "on or about July 3" and I still need to be verified by both AMCAS and AACOMAS. So, as a non-trad, I want to know what will help me and what will hurt me.
Click to expand...

For a non-trad, I'd say you should shoot to be verified before July 1. Then your app will be ready to go as soon as your MCAT scores get loaded. (Make sure you release them to AACOMAS. They're somewhat slow getting them on your application.)

I've never applied to med school before so I am unfamiliar with this process. Sure other's applications serve as anecdotal information, but I have to worry about my OWN applications and make sure I'm on track and not freaking out unnecessarily. This means asking questions, even ones that some (you) find silly. But I have to ask to be sure.
Click to expand...

All fine and good, but asking here is simply requesting more anecdotal information. None of us can tell you with any certainty. Given that your application will be submitted after the earliest date, you want it in as soon thereafter as possible. Much into July would be getting close to being late.

-z
 
zipmedic said:
I'm just using the pre-med letter service at my university. Unless your stats are jaw-dropping, I'd strongly recommend you apply to more than two schools. I know that we [non-trads] typically have more family/business/real estate ties to a given area that limit where we can apply, but two schools is really taking a gamble. Either way, best of luck to you!
Click to expand...
Well I'm taking a gamble by adding a 2nd school 😀 Its either one of these schools or bust. Hubby can't move for his job as a resident and my stats are mediocre but oh well. I've got more going on my app than meets the eye and some fabulous LOR's and experience. Part of the who non-trad thing is balancing life and family. I will not sacrafice my family who will need me during this rough time as well as I would be miserable to be apart from for medical school. Not at this point in my life. If it doesn't work out, I can try again. I'm doing a post-bacc program this year and I've spoken to the admissions offices of both schools I'm applying so I feel confident that I might have a chance. I've contemplated only applying to the one school and if I don't get in then reapply more broadly. We'll see how it all works out. God has a plan for me and I'm just trying to figure it out. So far he's pulling me in 5 million directions. :laugh:
 
mshheaddoc said:
Well I'm taking a gamble by adding a 2nd school 😀 Its either one of these schools or bust. Hubby can't move for his job as a resident and my stats are mediocre but oh well. I've got more going on my app than meets the eye and some fabulous LOR's and experience. Part of the who non-trad thing is balancing life and family. I will not sacrafice my family who will need me during this rough time as well as I would be miserable to be apart from for medical school. Not at this point in my life. If it doesn't work out, I can try again. I'm doing a post-bacc program this year and I've spoken to the admissions offices of both schools I'm applying so I feel confident that I might have a chance. I've contemplated only applying to the one school and if I don't get in then reapply more broadly. We'll see how it all works out. God has a plan for me and I'm just trying to figure it out. So far he's pulling me in 5 million directions. :laugh:
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That sounds like a great plan. I wish you all the success in the world. Good luck!
 
mshheaddoc said:
God has a plan for me and I'm just trying to figure it out. So far he's pulling me in 5 million directions. :laugh:
Click to expand...

Remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Sometimes I mistake what God wants for what I want, especially when I feel like I'm going a million miles an hour 😀

Hang in there - sounds like you've been given a plan. Just let it unfold!

Ok, now I need to take my own advice :laugh:
 
zipmedic -

Sorry for being so snarky. I'm just really anxious and nervous for this application process.

You're right that I should "know better". I just keep reading too much into the whole thing, I think!

I just reminded myself of that with my last post. 😳
 
zipmedic said:
And for some reason, "As early as possible," is going to have some different meaning for non-trads? Are you serious?
Click to expand...

i agree with megboo. in fact, every other person i have talked to that has gotten into med school for md and md/phd programs have advised me that nothing is more important than an early application to make sure that you get a better shot at being reviewed, interviewed or admitted. as a non-trad, my application has a lot of various experiences on it ranging from years worth of volunteer and clinical work to publications. if the chances of me getting a thorough review requires an early application to beat the peak of the application rush then so be it. I made sure to weigh the consequences of a late application before I started working on my app to see how much a late app would hurt me. It turned out that a lot of successful applicants advised against a late application - strongly.

Between volunteer work, the MCAT and researching schools, I have a fulltime job that I need to put food on the table...but you gotta do what you gotta do.
 
Still waiting on one transcript. Ironically enough, it's the transcript being sent from Washington, D.C., to Washington, D.C.
 
megboo said:
Remember, God never gives you more than you can handle.
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I'm questioning him on that right about now 🙄

And this application as a non-trad sucks. All these work experience and other experience etc. I don't feel like I'll get through it. Haven't even gotten to grades and my 8 transcripts!! I still have to modify my PS too. *sigh*
 
mshheaddoc said:
I'm questioning him on that right about now 🙄

And this application as a non-trad sucks. All these work experience and other experience etc. I don't feel like I'll get through it. Haven't even gotten to grades and my 8 transcripts!! I still have to modify my PS too. *sigh*
Click to expand...

I feel that the process of applying to med school is tough as well but it isn't as tough as the other things I have had to put up with in my life to get where I am today. Sometimes I think I should have had therapy or something but taking everything in stride, assessing my options objectively and facing obstacles with a gung-ho attitude has always been one of my strongest assets. Hang in there, there are a ton of us in the same boat🙂
 
YEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

My last transcript was finally recorded into AMCAS and now I'm ready for review. Hopefully mine will go as fast as some of the others around here 🙂
 
My last transcript just arrived; w00t!

I'm going to tweak my PS and submit today. And then the fun begins for another cycle. 🙄

I took UPenn off of my list; I'm just not feeling it.
 
Quix said:
My last transcript just arrived; w00t!

I'm going to tweak my PS and submit today. And then the fun begins for another cycle. 🙄

I took UPenn off of my list; I'm just not feeling it.
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Yeah - UPenn has too many hoops for me to want to jump through.

Hooray for transcripts!
 
megboo said:
Remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Sometimes I mistake what God wants for what I want, especially when I feel like I'm going a million miles an hour 😀

Hang in there - sounds like you've been given a plan. Just let it unfold!

Ok, now I need to take my own advice :laugh:
Click to expand...

We all need to take your advice! LOL!
 
Bah. Rewriting this thing is like pulling teeth. Somehow I need to stretch "I'm modest, but exceptionally awesome" into 5300 words. 😀






In all seriousness, I actually have done quite a bit since a submitted my 2007 AMCAS, and trying to keep the cool bits from the old one and updating them with the new is proving difficult.
 
Submitted and in the process of being verified! Hopefully it won't take too long. It says it is currently under review.
 
mshheaddoc said:
I don't if someone already asked this, how far back for work experience are you guys going?
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I'm covering everything post-masters that was within my profession (9 years now :wow: time flies). And then I did a full-time volunteer year post-BS and pre-masters, so I included that. Plus a few college activities which I did over the course of 2-3 years each...

I left out the part-time retail stuff that got me through grad school and beyond..
 
Jumping in on a maybe dead discussion, but my thought is that July is still early. The whole being able to take the MCAT at lots of different dates might change things a bit though because more applicants might have the MCAT done before August. With DO applications, I'd say September is still early. The people who get burnt by applying too late to DO schools are the people who wait until they realize allopathic programs aren't working out for them and apply in January. I've seen lots of otherwise good applicants be rejected probably just for that reason.

I'd also highly recommend using interfolio (or maybe virtualevals -- don't know much about their service). It really makes life so much easier, and I've read way too many horror stories on SDN about letters getting lost.
 
pingouin said:
I'm covering everything post-masters that was within my profession (9 years now :wow: time flies). And then I did a full-time volunteer year post-BS and pre-masters, so I included that. Plus a few college activities which I did over the course of 2-3 years each...

I left out the part-time retail stuff that got me through grad school and beyond..
Click to expand...
I'm considering doing everything from high school (past 10 years) so that is why I was wondering ...
 
pingouin said:
I'm covering everything post-masters that was within my profession (9 years now :wow: time flies). And then I did a full-time volunteer year post-BS and pre-masters, so I included that. Plus a few college activities which I did over the course of 2-3 years each...

I left out the part-time retail stuff that got me through grad school and beyond..
Click to expand...

Ditto. I've had lots of different employment types in my field, too. I had a couple experiences that I consider volunteer (although I was compensated for some room and board type stuff) during college, too.

I left out the pizza delivery and internet tech support jobs in college because it's really extraneous and about 20th down my list of jobs from now through the past 🙂
 
mshheaddoc said:
I'm considering doing everything from high school (past 10 years) so that is why I was wondering ...
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well, see thing is, I work 3 clinical jobs right now. so when I only have 15 spaces, and everything post-masters is clinical... I was running out of room FAST. so the day camp I worked at for 7 summers, including one summer as director? not on there. 🙁 my retail job was for 4 years- not on there.

and then there's this web forum that asked me to be an advisor? and that was really exciting, but they asked me to do it the day after I submitted my AMCAS. 😉
 
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