4th time applying, Turning into Non-trad.. :)

[ddc150]

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Just got my mcat scores back today so thought I'd post a thread here. This will be my 4th time applying, hopefully it'll be the year. Undergrad GPA 3.19 in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (3.05 in BCPM), I attended a DO school for one year in 2008 and was top 10% of the class (3.75 GPA, 12/167 ranking). I withdrew from the school at the beginning of second year for personal reasons (depression).

After some personal growth and counseling, I decided it is still in my heart to pursue medicine. I thought it would be good to pursue an SMP for a MS in Pharmacology and finished the Masters Program to not only improve my credentials but to show affirmation of continuing to pursue my dream. I finished the SMP with a 3.72 (top 25% out of the 14 people in program, graduated w honors, received highest grade in medical pharmacology of the program fall semester) and studied to take the mcat this past spring.

I retook the mcat 5/31/12 and got a 31M, which is the same numerical score that I got 6 years ago.. I guess there is nothing wrong with consistency, hopefully its enough.


My extracurriculars include:

-2 years as Research Assistant at a Biochemical Pharmacology lab at WRAIR (Army Research Lab)
-5 Medical Mission Trips to Mexico, Korea, and Nepal - volunteered to help set up temporary, short term clinics to orphanages and other underserved communities
-Pharmacy Technician 1 yr
-Clinic Assistant at my father's Internal Medicine Practice for 2+ years
-Clinic Volunteer at Free Medical Clinic (healthcare for working, uninsured)
-Restaurant Server during periods between working health care related jobs
-National Society of Collegiate Scholars member


Being a TN resident, I plan on applying this cycle to:

University of Tennessee
East Tennessee State University
Meharry Medical College
Penn State University
Rosalind Franklin University
Rush Medical College
Loma Linda University
Drexel University
Wake Forest University

Some reaches:
University of Iowa
University of Wisconsin
University of Maryland
Ohio State University
Vanderbilt University


Any words of encouragement, advice, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Good luck with everybody else applying the 2012-2013 cycle.

 

[rubisco88]

I would think you have very little chance at regaining an acceptance after dropping out. You've already proven that you can't handle the stress. Depression is not a good reason. If you couldn't handle your emotions then, med schools will probably doubt your ability to handle a difficult courseload and control your depression the second time around. Your best bet might be to apply to lower tier DO schools (new ones) and carribbean schools.

 

[Ironmandoc]

You are going to have an almost impossible time getting into an MD program with your poor undergrad performance. Also, dropping out of a DO school isn't going to help at all. I wouldn't get your hope up for this cycle and would honestly begin to investigate other career options.

 

[ddc150]

Well, I have an interesting story and my journey has been a remarkable one. I'm hoping they see the perseverance and determination. Anyhow, I'm glad that rubisco88 and ironmandoc are not adcom members 🙂

 

[235788]

oh man...



How can depression ever justify leaving medical school. It is a treatable disease. Did you fail out due to depression or did you leave on your own terms?


How did you do a SMP, finish in the top 25% and not matriculate into the medical school? Do a real SMP WITH linkage. Schools are probably going to be reluctant to give you a second chance. A SMP will provide a backdoor into a MD school (granted you do the work).

I personally think you'll have a disappointing cycle without the help of a real SMP to get you into the linked medical school. Schools are not too forgiving of 3.0's (there are always exceptions and everyone seems to know someone who got in with a 3.0 or less). Your reach schools are borderline unrealistic, maybe drop vandy and iowa.

 

[ddc150]

I took a leave of absence in the third week of the beginning of the second year, and although the leave of absence was not for punitive reasons, the dean recommended it was not in my best interest to return. Thus, I subsequently withdrew.

My mcat scores expired and was able to only apply to one school this past cycle. Retook the mcat this past may and now am able to be current with other schools. The SMP was relatively new at the school and did not necessarily have guaranteed slots for the top students in the program. Part of me wishes I did an SMP at another school (which had the option to) in order to be able to have that option, but at this point am just moving forward and not giving up on my dream. I know, by God's grace, if I land some interviews, my story will spark interest and will stand out with maturity, resolve, determination, and compassion. These past few years have been a wonderful opportunity for growth and am excited to continue my pursuit.

 

[Ironmandoc]

I wasn't hating, I was just giving you the most realistic answer which is, no you will probably not be able to get into medical school. You have low stats, have been once, and failed. That's it. Have you done anything to significantly improve your application from last (3rd time) you applied? It is difficult enough as a reapplicant, not to mention a 4th time and a drop out...

Just saying

 

[ddc150]

I only applied to one school the 3rd time around. Now with the Masters in the books and a refreshed mcat, I can apply to more schools. I appreciate the realistic outlook, but I guess we'll see. Btw, I guess you haven't taken medical pharmacology yet 🙂

 

[K M R]

I only applied to one school the 3rd time around. Now with the Masters in the books and a refreshed mcat, I can apply to more schools. I appreciate the realistic outlook, but I guess we'll see. Btw, I guess you haven't taken medical pharmacology yet 🙂

How has your application improved since last year? Additional degrees, improved undergrad GPAs, additional volunteer/clinical hours, additional work experience, etc.

Also, did you get any interviews in previous cycles? Is there something about you that might be a turn-off? What about your letters of recommendation?