2014 Nontrad Applicants' Progress Thread

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I'm 37, Canadian mother of 2 (2 and 4), and have been an elementary school teacher (Music and French) for 15 years. Wanted to get out of teaching, always had an interest in medicine, and my fabulous husband was the one who pushed me to get started on a new career. I'm just about finished my pre-reqs and should have my MCAT score in 5 days.😱 (terrified).
 
got another one.

status so far
28 completes, of which I've:
10 interviews
5 rejects
13???
 
I wish you the best I am hoping to take more classes when we get to NC and more DO to shadow
 
Things are starting to pick up. Got my first II at ACOM next week. Rejected from Tulane and LECOM-B post secondary. Still trying to finish secondaries from PCOM-GA, WVSOM, and UAB.

Hoping to see some more II's this next week.Intel tells me WCUCOM should be sending them out soon.
 
Shjanzey said:
I have my Early Decision interview on Monday. Wish me luck, another year of my shortening lifespan is riding on this.
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I'll see ya there. Good luck!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4
 
CanePreMed said:
.
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Eh... congrats? 😉

I had my first interview today, and it was a very nice experience, though just a touch weird because I think I was the only non-trad there 🙂 I guess it's just this particular date because they do accept non-trads here.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to my next interviews!
 
NuttyEngDude said:
i'm tired of being a non-trad 😡
😛
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I think you are pretty much stuck being a non-trad for the rest of your life 🙂 You'll be a non-trad med student, non-trad resident and non-trad doctor. But it's not necessarily a bad thing.
 
I'm 30 and married with a 1 year old son.

I have an undergrad GPA of 3.56 but took some post bacc classes so I don't know if those affect (improve) my science GPA. It's somewhere between 3.4 and 3.52 depending on how the classes count.
Grad GPA 3.8
Old MCAT 27Q, new MCAT 33

This is my third time applying--first 2 times I really aimed too high and my MCAT was too low. Oops.

I was only verified last week, so I really hope I still have a chance this year.

(Ohio resident)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (secondary should be ready to submit this week)
Northeast Ohio Medical University (no secondary)
The Ohio State Univ. Coll. of Med. (secondary should be ready to submit this week)
The University of Toledo College of Medicine (secondary complete)
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (secondary complete--TOP choice)
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (secondary complete--other TOP choice)

and OOS
Indiana University School of Medicine (no secondary)
University of Louisville School of Medicine (no secondary)

I am sure I should apply to more schools but I don't know that I would be willing to move very far from Ohio. I was going to apply DO, too, but OU is just too far away and remote so my spouse does not want to live there.

I've done research (4 years) and been involved in some clinical aspects of working in a small doctor's office for the past 2 years. I haven't volunteered anywhere in the last 2 years though. I was much more active in my community before that.

Anyway--HI! good luck to everyone. 🙂
 
orthogenes said:
I'm 30 and married with a 1 year old son.

I have an undergrad GPA of 3.56 but took some post bacc classes so I don't know if those affect (improve) my science GPA. It's somewhere between 3.4 and 3.52 depending on how the classes count.
Grad GPA 3.8
Old MCAT 27Q, new MCAT 33

This is my third time applying--first 2 times I really aimed too high and my MCAT was too low. Oops.

I was only verified last week, so I really hope I still have a chance this year.

(Ohio resident)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (secondary should be ready to submit this week)
Northeast Ohio Medical University (no secondary)
The Ohio State Univ. Coll. of Med. (secondary should be ready to submit this week)
The University of Toledo College of Medicine (secondary complete)
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (secondary complete--TOP choice)
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (secondary complete--other TOP choice)

and OOS
Indiana University School of Medicine (no secondary)
University of Louisville School of Medicine (no secondary)

I am sure I should apply to more schools but I don't know that I would be willing to move very far from Ohio. I was going to apply DO, too, but OU is just too far away and remote so my spouse does not want to live there.

I've done research (4 years) and been involved in some clinical aspects of working in a small doctor's office for the past 2 years. I haven't volunteered anywhere in the last 2 years though. I was much more active in my community before that.

Anyway--HI! good luck to everyone. 🙂
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Where in Ohio are you from?
 
Amygdarya said:
I'm afraid you have no choice 🙂
Being a non-trad can be a really good thing, depending on the school and, well, the non-trad him/herself.
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milski said:
I've been in undergrad with 18-21 year olds for the last three years. It can only get better from now on. 😉
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Captain Sisko said:
I feel for you.

hang in there ned!
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CW 2010 said:
I think you are pretty much stuck being a non-trad for the rest of your life 🙂 You'll be a non-trad med student, non-trad resident and non-trad doctor. But it's not necessarily a bad thing.
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hahaha thx guys. Depending on how non-trad you are, I think it matters less if you're a non-trad the farther in you go. I mean, when you're a pre-med non-trad sitting in class with a bunch of 18 year olds it is more of a striking difference compared to begin a non-trad resident or attending, at least I hope so 😛

Anyways, to keep the thread on track, just went on 4 dates with some DO schools, still waiting for MD to at least acknowledge the drinks i've been sending from across the bar.
 
NuttyEngDude said:
hahaha thx guys. Depending on how non-trad you are, I think it matters less if you're a non-trad the farther in you go. I mean, when you're a pre-med non-trad sitting in class with a bunch of 18 year olds it is more of a striking difference compared to begin a non-trad resident or attending, at least I hope so 😛
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I agree. The older people get, the more mature they are and the less noticeable the age difference is. Though I've heard that for some residencies age does matter.
 
NuttyEngDude said:
hahaha thx guys. Depending on how non-trad you are, I think it matters less if you're a non-trad the farther in you go. I mean, when you're a pre-med non-trad sitting in class with a bunch of 18 year olds it is more of a striking difference compared to begin a non-trad resident or attending, at least I hope so 😛

Anyways, to keep the thread on track, just went on 4 dates with some DO schools, still waiting for MD to at least acknowledge the drinks i've been sending from across the bar.
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Don't worry, there's plenty of time to get that attention. I'm still waiting for the waiter to deliver the drinks I ordered. 😉
 
First interview tomorrow. Woke up this morning to see my wife has shingles around her eye (3rd time in a year. She just had them 2-3 weeks ago) so she's being seen to make sure it's not actually in her eye. I haven't heard a single thing from the remaining 2-3 schools I thought I was competitive at either so so far September has been a pretty crappy month. 4 interviews in the next 5 weeks though so I'm at least thankful I have some and I'm feeling pretty good about my chances.
 
QuantumJ said:
First interview tomorrow. Woke up this morning to see my wife has shingles around her eye (3rd time in a year. She just had them 2-3 weeks ago) so she's being seen to make sure it's not actually in her eye. I haven't heard a single thing from the remaining 2-3 schools I thought I was competitive at either so so far September has been a pretty crappy month. 4 interviews in the next 5 weeks though so I'm at least thankful I have some and I'm feeling pretty good about my chances.
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Good luck! :luck:
4 interviews is a good number, and we're just in the middle of September.
 
so excited about all the interviews everyone's getting on this thread!!!!!!

no good news yet for me, but still trucking along! 🙂
 
Btw, anyone have any thoughts about how much a post-bacc helps someone with a low gpa? I know DO schools are totally fine with it, replace your grades and all that, but how about MD?

On my end, I've heard from both ends of the table. Some folks tell me that post-bacc GPA is looked at completely differently than your undergrad GPA and will actually really help someone with a lower undergrad GPA as schools. However, only if you have a decent MCAT score and good EC's, PS, letters etc. You're definitely at a disadvantage but if you put in a good effort you still have a shot even at some of the middle tier schools. These people often point out that schools explicitly say "no minimum GPA or MCAT score" required for admission. They also point out that if you're getting screened into schools, that is a positive sign that the school will look at you for more than just your uGPA (of course most schools don't screen, so not as useful).

On the other end of the spectrum, I've heard that post-bacc does nothing. Yes, you are looked at differently, but even with good everything else, you are still not competitive. These people often point out that there is an internal screeen for GPA/MCAT even if its not posted explicitly. Folks also point out that the screened secondaries will come to you few and far in between. Also, when you have a lot of credits, doing 50 something units of post-bacc work won't affect your overall GPA much so if you are really low, you will never make up for it.

Personally, I feel like it must be a mix of both. I mean, a 2.5 will never be a 3.5 or a 3 a 3.8, but schools have to care about the dedication and devotion someone in that position puts into pushing their gpa up and sticking to their dream.

Just curious about what other people have heard, or are considering as they apply for this cycle.
 
lall said:
Btw, anyone have any thoughts about how much a post-bacc helps someone with a low gpa? I know DO schools are totally fine with it, replace your grades and all that, but how about MD?
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For MD programs, the way schools look at post-bacc work varies from school to school (you've probably seen a lot of this variation already). As far as I can tell (I did not do a post-bacc), most incorporate your post-bacc work into your undergrad. You can see how much of an impact additional courses will have by doing the calculation, assuming an additional X credit hours and receiving A grades.

lall said:
Folks also point out that the screened secondaries will come to you few and far in between.
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Again, depends on the program - but I seem to be doing OK so far in the realm of screened secondaries, despite my low undergrad GPA (went as far south as 2.08). I also submitted/was verified late (Sep 11 verified! :meanie:) so that may be a factor in having less screened secondaries at this point. But it's far from hopeless, so keep at it - and good luck!
 
lall said:
Personally, I feel like it must be a mix of both. I mean, a 2.5 will never be a 3.5 or a 3 a 3.8, but schools have to care about the dedication and devotion someone in that position puts into pushing their gpa up and sticking to their dream.

Just curious about what other people have heard, or are considering as they apply for this cycle.
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If this is your situation, you should be able to screen schools instead of the other way around. Don't get me wrong- apply broadly, but there are some schools that go by numbers and won't even look at your app that you shouldn't bother with.

Good luck to you 🙂
 
Got accepted through Early Decision at TTUHSC! I understand how stressful this process is and wish everyone the best of luck! If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them!
 
heliumfluorine said:
Got accepted through Early Decision at TTUHSC! I understand how stressful this process is and wish everyone the best of luck! If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them!
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Congratulations!!! This is incredible to hear! Love fellow non-trad success!
 
Thanks, Captain Sisko and Etyan. Very true, kind of pointless to speculate at this time. It is really reassuring to hear that you're getting screened into schools that supposedly have a strict cut off.

Any advice on which schools won't even look at the app without numbers though?

I'm in the secondary process- a few in, a few sitting on and trying to decide which schools to add.

Congratulations to everyone who is having success in the cycle!! Ya'll give me hope!

edit: schools I've applied to: with low GPA, high postbac gpa/good MCAT California resident. Not URM, but definitely URM if you consider growing up in poverty (I know its an ethnic designation mostly). One first author publication, one poster, 2+ years of experience as a clinical research coordinator at UCSF, and also coordinated a section of a free clinic.

Boston U(appreciate their holistic approach, but know they still like higher numbers),
USC,
UW (rejected pre-secondary),
UCLA,
UCSD,
UCSF,
UCDavis,
Tufts,
Rosalind Franklin,
RUSH,
Loyola,
Dartmouth

realizing I don't have very many schools and many of them may be reaches for me. Yikes.
 
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Consider TCMC, MCW, Hofstra, George Washington, Georgetown, EVMS, VCU, UVM, Jefferson, and Tulane. Do you have any huge geographical preferences?

Today I got an II from Rosalind Franklin, and a job offer!
 
congrats! and thanks for the suggestions. just applied to vcu and am researching your other suggestions! good luck with the interview-- job offer at Rosalind Franklin as well?
 
Haha I phrased that poorly. Job offer here in Boston.
 
lall said:
congrats! and thanks for the suggestions. just applied to vcu and am researching your other suggestions! good luck with the interview-- job offer at Rosalind Franklin as well?
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QuantumJ said:
First interview tomorrow. Woke up this morning to see my wife has shingles around her eye (3rd time in a year. She just had them 2-3 weeks ago) so she's being seen to make sure it's not actually in her eye. I haven't heard a single thing from the remaining 2-3 schools I thought I was competitive at either so so far September has been a pretty crappy month. 4 interviews in the next 5 weeks though so I'm at least thankful I have some and I'm feeling pretty good about my chances.
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Hope she gets well soon! 4 interviews is a lot. Yay! Good luck.

Shjanzey, good luck
heliumfluorine, That is awesome! Congratulations!
lall: me too, trying to get 2 more essay laden secondaries in. Ack.
pose: Acceptance and job offer all in one? That rocks.
 
lall said:
Thanks, Captain Sisko and Etyan. Very true, kind of pointless to speculate at this time. It is really reassuring to hear that you're getting screened into schools that supposedly have a strict cut off.
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Wow, we're both Cali! Your GPA is way better than mine, though 😎

Waiting for my latest MCAT score to come out on Oct 1st :luck::luck:

Perhaps look into Iowa-Carver? They screen, but are pretty fair to OOSers.

I'm trying to knock out my UCLA secondary right now. So many essays! :laugh:
 
lall said:
edit: schools I've applied to: with low GPA <3.2, postbac: 3.83 /decent MCAT (35) California resident. Not URM, but definitely URM if you consider growing up in poverty (I know its an ethnic designation mostly).
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I just noticed you did a postbacc and come from a potentially underserved community. You should definitely add UC Irvine - they look favorably upon the combination of those two factors! Have you considered PRIME?
 
I just wanted to check in on here. I just had my third interview today and I feel very grateful that I've been doing so well so far. I'm at 17 completes, 6 IIs, and 11 I'm-still-in-the-running.

It's funny. I find that I always start off feeling intimidated when I show up and meet the other interviewees. I feel old, being 39 surrounded by mostly 22-year olds. But when my age comes out, I have not yet had a single negative reaction. I guess I need to give the trads more credit. Everyone has been so great so far.

Congrats and good luck respectively to all the other non-trads on here!
 
Shjanzey said:
Finished my Early Decision interview yesterday. Was more stressful than I hoped, but I think it went okay. I'll know in a few weeks.
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heliumfluorine said:
Got accepted through Early Decision at TTUHSC! I understand how stressful this process is and wish everyone the best of luck! If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them!
Click to expand...

Pose said:
Consider TCMC, MCW, Hofstra, George Washington, Georgetown, EVMS, VCU, UVM, Jefferson, and Tulane. Do you have any huge geographical preferences?

Today I got an II from Rosalind Franklin, and a job offer!
Click to expand...

Do Something said:
I just wanted to check in on here. I just had my third interview today and I feel very grateful that I've been doing so well so far. I'm at 17 completes, 6 IIs, and 11 I'm-still-in-the-running.

It's funny. I find that I always start off feeling intimidated when I show up and meet the other interviewees. I feel old, being 39 surrounded by mostly 22-year olds. But when my age comes out, I have not yet had a single negative reaction. I guess I need to give the trads more credit. Everyone has been so great so far.

Congrats and good luck respectively to all the other non-trads on here!
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That's really cool.
So... you applied to 28 schools? Gee, I really need to apply more places!
 
orthogenes said:
That's really cool.
So... you applied to 28 schools? Gee, I really need to apply more places!
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Oops! If you're referring to me, I meant I have 17 completes, and out of the 17, I have 6 IIs and I'm still waiting on the other 11.
 
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