**2016-2017 URM Medical School Application Thread**

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Yes to giving away books! If someone did not give me my books for free I surely would not have done well on the MCAT, probably would not have been able to apply this cycle too. I gave those books away to a financially struggling premed student and made them promise to give it to another financially struggling premed student.
 
Does anyone have the CARS and Phys TPR MCAT 2015 books so we can give out a complete set to a student?
 
I've been pretty silent, but have been following since the beginning of the cycle and you all have been a huge source of encouragement. I just received my first interview invite!! So excited, and hope to be able to call myself a medical student by the time this is all said and done!
 
I've been pretty silent, but have been following since the beginning of the cycle and you all have been a huge source of encouragement. I just received my first interview invite!! So excited, and hope to be able to call myself a medical student by the time this is all said and done!

Congratulations!!! It only takes one.
 
Once I retake my MCAT for the second/last time I'd be willing to give my Kaplan books!
 
You're right... Hey yall I have a TPR biology and biochem MCAT 2015 and Psych/Soc book that I want give away to a struggling (financial) URM student planning on taking the MCAT. I know that it's missing CARS and P/C but covers half the material. Im not in college so was hoping that yall knew of someone (PM me). Also, since this cycle has been so supportive and so active, do y'all think that we should start something where we can help the next gen of students with something more than information?
gonna pm now 🙂
 
Does anyone have the CARS and Phys TPR MCAT 2015 books so we can give out a complete set to a student?

I have the full TPR set as well as the old Kaplan and EK ( one might be missing from the latter). I'd be willing to give away if the person can pay shipping costs.


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Honestly I feel you guys really bought into the Hillary campaign demonization of the other. I am not scared for my safety or of a whitelash and I think it's shortsighted to think trump voters are a bunch of racist. I really hope he does well aND we come together as a country. And I don't think you can use a isolated case of Muslims being targeted and say this is representative of things to come. If anything I am much more worried about the pepole neglecting the Democratic process saying trump isn't a legit prezy
 
Honestly I feel you guys really bought into the Hillary campaign demonization of the other. I am not scared for my safety or of a whitelash and I think it's shortsighted to think trump voters are a bunch of racist. I really hope he does well aND we come together as a country. And I don't think you can use a isolated case of Muslims being targeted and say this is representative of things to come.

To each their own.

I didn't buy into anything and I don't believe you can have so many people support a candidate like him without prejudice. Honestly it's not demonization when it was clearly documented and displayed with pride.

Anyway good for you. Anxiety sucks so great that you escaped it. But it's not isolated and there is a growing trend.

I think everyone here wants the country to come together. I'm done talking about it for that very reason. Time to focus on what we can do to counteract negativity.
 
To each their own.

I didn't buy into anything and I don't believe you can have so many people support a candidate like him without prejudice. Honestly it's not demonization when it was clearly documented and displayed with pride.

Anyway good for you. Anxiety sucks so great that you escaped it. But it's not isolated and there is a growing trend.

I think everyone here wants the country to come together. I'm done talking about it for that very reason. Time to focus on what we can do to counteract negativity.
I respect your opinion and point of view. And hope everything works out for you and you don't experience any uptick in ignorant actions by others.
 
Hey do y'all think the old books are still good to send out? I have a friend who bought all of the old sets for basically ever brand but decided to drop pre med.

I am thinking of giving her a call.
 
I respect your opinion and point of view. And hope everything works out for you and you don't experience any uptick in ignorant actions by others.

Same to you. Everyone has a right to voice their opinions. Just to be clear I didn't make any generalizations about the entirety of his support.
 
You are killing it this cycle!! Goals 🙂

Thank you! You are going to do the same next cycle. Do well on your MCAT retake and miracles will happen for you (even if you don't perform well on one section or as well as you would like in total it's not the end of the world either). The MCAT has been one of the biggest difference makers in my current application. All the best and if you have any questions feel free to PM me.


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Hey do y'all think the old books are still good to send out? I have a friend who bought all of the old sets for basically ever brand but decided to drop pre med.

I am thinking of giving her a call.


I think they are if someone knows how to use them properly. Ex. Going though the contents and making sure to exclude information that is no longer tested, making use of the right kind of passages, and supplementing with Khan, YouTube etc for material that aren't in the old books.


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So guys a friend of mine, well family basically, is also in the application cycle and has received some MD rejections but also a DO acceptance. Problem is he also applied Caribbean and is telling me the gave him a November deadline and he is considering it.

I have tried everything I can to convince him to go DO if he doesn't get into a MD school BU he seems convinced that going Caribbean is better. He is dead set on one of the most competitive specialties and I am telling him he is shooting himself in he foot. But honestly he will not listen, and I am so worried he is about to jeopardize his future.

He won't retake the MCAT because he studied for it the wrong way to begin with (a year on and off with no consistency) and wouldn't take my advice on that front either so I know he won't this time around.

-apologize for typos, screen shattered and it's hard to see and type


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So guys a friend of mine, well family basically, is also in the application cycle and has received some MD rejections but also a DO acceptance. Problem is he also applied Caribbean and is telling me the gave him a November deadline and he is considering it.

I have tried everything I can to convince him to go DO if he doesn't get into a MD school BU he seems convinced that going Caribbean is better. He is dead set on one of the most competitive specialties and I am telling him he is shooting himself in he foot. But honestly he will not listen, and I am so worried he is about to jeopardize his future.

He won't retake the MCAT because he studied for it the wrong way to begin with (a year on and off with no consistency) and wouldn't take my advice on that front either so I know he won't this time around.

-apologize for typos, screen shattered and it's hard to see and type


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But autocorrected to BU lol you know you're applying to med school when...
 
People tend to believe they will be an exception, unfortunately. But that read should definitely be enlightening.

You are right. I've given him the synopsis of some of the stories we all know. The thing is he scribes at a hospital that has a Caribbean MD (internal medicine as well, in a rural area) and the guy tells him people are just bias against Carib and it isn't bad. He also has a misconception that the horror stories are from people who didn't work hard enough or were to distracted by island living. Sigh

He said he still has 7 MD schools to hear from. Why not wait and see what happens. I never understand the need for instant gratification like that.

Edit: typos

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Last edited:
You are right. I've given him the synopsis of some of the stories we all know. The thing is he scribes at a hospital that has a Caribbean MD (internal medicine as well, in a rural area) and the guy tells him people are just bias against Carib and it isn't bad. He also has a misconception that the horror stories are from people who didn't work hard enough or were to distanced BU island living. Sigh

He said he still has 7 MD schools to hear from. Why not wait and see what happens. I never understand the need for instant gratification like that.



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also one thing that I thought of since being competitive for match is his primary concern I would show him the match lists from different DO schools so he can see that people that go DO match into every sort of specialty. I'm sure including the school that he goes to would help as well. I dont really know how he's not listening considering your success this cycle...clearly you know what you're talking about.
 
also one thing that I thought of since being competitive for match is his primary concern I would show him the match lists from different DO schools so he can see that people that go DO match into every sort of specialty. I'm sure including the school that he goes to would help as well. I dont really know how he's not listening considering your success this cycle...clearly you know what you're talking about.
You can't control people. You can educate as much as you can, while trying to not make someone feel dumb. Obviously, the islands are a terrible option but at the end of the day it's his/her choice. Plus, it's not like patients listen to doctors anyway.
 
I agree with everything everyone said.

There is only so much warning and advice I can give. I just thought as a last effort to get some advice from you guys because I don't want him to make a big mistake. In the end it will be his decision.


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Update: he just read everything and basically sent me a long ass text saying everyone has their opinions and he has only met Caribbean grads who are successful (naming their specialties and incomes) and that he has never met any that failed out and people like to blame others for their failures and he has no idea whether or not the person studied or did what they were supposed to bla bla bla. I said that it's his decision and I don't have much else to say of the matter and I wish him all the best.

This conversation especially over the last two days had become exhausting in all honesty. I hope it works out for him.



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so he doesn't want to go DO? Why did he apply?
 
Update: he just read everything and basically sent me a long ass text saying everyone has their opinions and he has only met Caribbean grads who are successful (naming their specialties and incomes) and that he has never met any that failed out and people like to blame others for their failures and he has no idea whether or not the person studied or did what they were supposed to bla bla bla. I said that it's his decision and I don't have much else to say of the matter and I wish him all the best.

This conversation especially over the last two days had become exhausting in all honesty. I hope it works out for him.



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I can't even.... just no.
 
so he doesn't want to go DO? Why did he apply?

He said in the beginning he would have no problem going DO but everything he has learned in his research has shown him that it's just a bias or people not working hard enough in Carib and he would be better off with an MD


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He said in the beginning he would have no problem going DO but everything he has learned in his research has shown him that it's just a bias or people not working hard enough in Carib and he would be better off with an MD


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Yeah, you can't help someone like that. The sad part is, even his best outcome won't be worth overlooking a US DO school. Money, time, travel, living conditions, facilities, hospital access, faculty quality.... the list goes on.
 
Bruh, smack some sense into that individual. The Caribbean is a false promise, much like this presidential election. But hey at the end of the day, you can't force anyone to do anything, let them learn the hard way.
 
This election.
14910507_10153810240852245_6752344112892864812_n.jpg
 
So guys a friend of mine, well family basically, is also in the application cycle and has received some MD rejections but also a DO acceptance. Problem is he also applied Caribbean and is telling me the gave him a November deadline and he is considering it.

I have tried everything I can to convince him to go DO if he doesn't get into a MD school BU he seems convinced that going Caribbean is better. He is dead set on one of the most competitive specialties and I am telling him he is shooting himself in he foot. But honestly he will not listen, and I am so worried he is about to jeopardize his future.

He won't retake the MCAT because he studied for it the wrong way to begin with (a year on and off with no consistency) and wouldn't take my advice on that front either so I know he won't this time around.

-apologize for typos, screen shattered and it's hard to see and type


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Update: he just read everything and basically sent me a long ass text saying everyone has their opinions and he has only met Caribbean grads who are successful (naming their specialties and incomes) and that he has never met any that failed out and people like to blame others for their failures and he has no idea whether or not the person studied or did what they were supposed to bla bla bla. I said that it's his decision and I don't have much else to say of the matter and I wish him all the best.

This conversation especially over the last two days had become exhausting in all honesty. I hope it works out for him.



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Well like my mother told me in Jamaican patois, "hardest Pitney must feel."

You warned him several times and he refuse to listen to your advice. He will learn his lesson in the long run.
 
So guys a friend of mine, well family basically, is also in the application cycle and has received some MD rejections but also a DO acceptance. Problem is he also applied Caribbean and is telling me the gave him a November deadline and he is considering it.

I have tried everything I can to convince him to go DO if he doesn't get into a MD school BU he seems convinced that going Caribbean is better. He is dead set on one of the most competitive specialties and I am telling him he is shooting himself in he foot. But honestly he will not listen, and I am so worried he is about to jeopardize his future.

He won't retake the MCAT because he studied for it the wrong way to begin with (a year on and off with no consistency) and wouldn't take my advice on that front either so I know he won't this time around.

-apologize for typos, screen shattered and it's hard to see and type


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

DO! DO! There are so many successful DO's out there who go out into many different specialties!
 
& speaking of *~specialties*~ just out of curiousity...do any of y'all have an idea of what you'd like to go into?

I work with Hospitalists and my male attendings are ALWAYS trying to steer me towards "family friendly" specialties. It's lowkey paternalistic, God bless their heart. They're always like "Have you thought about family medicine? You definitely want to consider your husband and your children." Why do they assume that every woman wants to be a human incubator. Ugh. :yeahright:
 
& speaking of *~specialties*~ just out of curiousity...do any of y'all have an idea of what you'd like to go into?

I work with Hospitalists and my male attendings are ALWAYS trying to steer me towards "family friendly" specialties. It's lowkey paternalistic, God bless their heart. They're always like "Have you thought about family medicine? You definitely want to consider your husband and your children." Why do they assume that every woman wants to be a human incubator. Ugh. :yeahright:
I'm thinking either cardiology or neurology... possibly even cardiac surgery but I really value the patient interaction 😀
 
@SydSing this is very random but if you are willing.. I'd love to chat with you about preparing my app for this upcoming cycle! My stats will be kind of similar to yours (if not a little lower gpa wise.. and I'm working my butt off to do well on the MCAT this time around). I have my personal statement done already and would like some advice!
 
& speaking of *~specialties*~ just out of curiousity...do any of y'all have an idea of what you'd like to go into?

I work with Hospitalists and my male attendings are ALWAYS trying to steer me towards "family friendly" specialties. It's lowkey paternalistic, God bless their heart. They're always like "Have you thought about family medicine? You definitely want to consider your husband and your children." Why do they assume that every woman wants to be a human incubator. Ugh. :yeahright:

HA yes, so much of this. It's always weird when they keep prodding and I also tell them that I don't plan on having a husband at all either... awka-awkward.

I am considering radiology or surgical oncology. I'm currently doing research in pediatric oncology and I love the field. Trying to stay in something related to cancer treatment for personal reasons.

But it may change. Who knows?
 
@SydSing this is very random but if you are willing.. I'd love to chat with you about preparing my app for this upcoming cycle! My stats will be kind of similar to yours (if not a little lower gpa wise.. and I'm working my butt off to do well on the MCAT this time around). I have my personal statement done already and would like some advice!

Oh yay! Message me.
 
I'm thinking either cardiology or neurology... possibly even cardiac surgery but I really value the patient interaction 😀

I have this weird super cute bond with the neurosurg department at my hospital lol i LOVE neuro. Very interesting stuff. I also run a cards clinic so I can understand why people Stan for hearts. They're really smart. Like spontaneously convert from SVT to normal sinus smart. Very pretty too.

HA yes, so much of this. It's always weird when they keep prodding and I also tell them that I don't plan on having a husband at all either... awka-awkward.

I am considering radiology or surgical oncology. I'm currently doing research in pediatric oncology and I love the field. Trying to stay in something related to cancer treatment for personal reasons.

But it may change. Who knows?

I see you wit the ROAD specialty lol as much as I like to think I'm tough, I'm def too much of a softie for any kind of oncology.

For myself, my eyes are currently on General surg/anesthesia/IM to critical care, neurosurg, or CT surg. But again who knows, I might end up doing peds or something lmao
 
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