8 months: What would u do?

[marygwendelyn]

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I'm applying to post-bac pre-medical programs at top schools such as Havard, Columbia, Penn, Bryn Mawr, and so on.

I need advice.

I have a 3.96 G.P.A. (B.S. in Business Economics.) but no internship or volunteer experience and only 3 month of economic research. It seems these programs are not too selective, but should I wait to apply for a few months until I get some more volunteer/research experience in the health/medical areas?

Also, if I do get accepted into a program, classes wont begin until next fall. What do you recommend I do in the next 8 + months?

What experiences (whether research or volunteer work) did you learn most from? What types of experiences prepared you best for med-school, or more importantly, gave you a real look at the profession itself.

I'm looking for any tips, any stories, anything will help. Indeed, first hand experience is greatly welcomed.

Finally, I live in Miami, if there are any other SND's in a similar boat as me or considering post-bac studies in Pre-Med.... would be especially nice to hear from you.

a bientot, hasta luego, tschuss! 🙂

 

[Crake]

If you go to Columbia, I think you can begin in january for the spring semester. The only problem is that you kinda mess up the order of your classes by doing this (because everything is sequential) but if you still have to take Calc or take prechem you can do that in the spring and then start in the fall with the regular physics/gen chem sequence.

 

[marygwendelyn]

If you go to Columbia, I think you can begin in january for the spring semester. The only problem is that you kinda mess up the order of your classes by doing this (because everything is sequential) but if you still have to take Calc or take prechem you can do that in the spring and then start in the fall with the regular physics/gen chem sequence.

Thanx for your advice Crake. ( : I think its too late for me to apply for this coming Spring semester, but I do have to take Calc., so I'll definitely check it out. ( :

 

[Pemulis]

Harvard is not too selective, but for Bryn Mawr, GET YOUR APP IN ASAP!!!

Bryn Mawr is highly selective, and not getting your app in early will really hurt your chances (same for Goucher; you didn't mention them by name, but if you are considering them, they also are on rolling admissions). With your gpa, the volunteer experience isn't as big a deal. Get that app in pronto.

 

[Pemulis]

Oh, forgot to mention that at Bryn Mawr, at least (Goucher too), you would start at the beginning of June.

 

[marygwendelyn]

Oh, forgot to mention that at Bryn Mawr, at least (Goucher too), you would start at the beginning of June.

Thanx for your insight Pemulis! ( : I will get my apps in as soon as possible. BTW, do you think early January is early enough?

 

[Pemulis]

Thanx for your insight Pemulis! ( : I will get my apps in as soon as possible. BTW, do you think early January is early enough?

"early enough" is a subjective term...when I interviewed at Bryn Mawr a few weeks ago, they told us that we were the first round of people to be interviewed for the program this year. And they normally take 75 people. I can't imagine that between late November and early January, they would fill 75 slots, so I'm sure that there will still be seats available by then.

The point though is that their admissions are rolling, and every week you wait the number of available slots diminishes. It's only logical to assume, then, that you will face stiffer competition the longer you wait. Frankly though, with your gpa (assuming it was from a school with any kind of reputation. Doesn't have to be ivy--just as long as it's not a no-name place), you'd be a pretty strong candidate anytime.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

 

[Pemulis]

Oops. I keep forgetting to say stuff, and then having to add these addendum posts. 😀

Since you don't have volunteer/clinical experience, your essay will probably be a crucial piece of your app--you've got to convince them that you have a reasonable idea of what medicine is about, and why you feel you would be a good doctor. So, if it means a better essay, there's nothing wrong with waiting an extra week or so. Just don't deliberately put your app off any longer than necessary.

 

[junebuguf]

I'm applying to post-bac pre-medical programs at top schools such as Havard, Columbia, Penn, Bryn Mawr, and so on.

I need advice.

I have a 3.96 G.P.A. (B.S. in Business Economics.) but no internship or volunteer experience and only 3 month of economic research. It seems these programs are not too selective, but should I wait to apply for a few months until I get some more volunteer/research experience in the health/medical areas?

Also, if I do get accepted into a program, classes wont begin until next fall. What do you recommend I do in the next 8 + months?

What experiences (whether research or volunteer work) did you learn most from? What types of experiences prepared you best for med-school, or more importantly, gave you a real look at the profession itself.

I'm looking for any tips, any stories, anything will help. Indeed, first hand experience is greatly welcomed.

Finally, I live in Miami, if there are any other SND's in a similar boat as me or considering post-bac studies in Pre-Med.... would be especially nice to hear from you.

a bientot, hasta luego, tschuss! 🙂

Its late, I have several exams this week, but I have to chime in:

I grew up in FL, went to UF, graduated and am in the second year of my post-bacc. I had to do two years due to poor grades, you don't. First, assess where you want to go to med school: is it at a top 20 program? Do you want to do research while in med school (MD/PhD)? Do you want to stay home and go to school in FL?

With your grades, there is no reason for you to go to a prestigious post-bacc program, *even* if you wanted to get into a top 20 program. Emory, here in Atlanta, will certainly admit you (assuming you do well in post-bacc and on the MCAT) regardless of where you went for your post-bacc studies. That said, I would not do it a place like Florida Atlantic or FIU. A really, really, good option for you to consider (particularly since you're in South Florida and apparently don't mind spending the $) is U of Miami. They have a great one or two year formal post-bacc pre-med program. Unless you're somewhat averse to staying in S. Florida (and take it from someone who's ventured up north for post-bacc studies...you will miss FL!!) or U of Miami, I really think you should stay and complete your post-bacc work there. Miami is a good school and will get you in just about anywhere. Moreso than location however, is timing: you want to be done with the pre-reqs as quickly as possible. It takes at least one year to complete them, so will not be able to apply until the 2006-2007 cycle. At Miami, you can start in the Spring with Chem, Bio and Phys, be mostly done by the end of Fall 2005 (with maybe an Orgo II class for Spring 2006) and spend Spring 2006 doing research and/or studying for the April 2006 MCAT. If you're ready and willing to start post-bacc in January, DO NOT CONSIDER ANY PROGRAM THAT WONT LET YOU DO SO!!! The prestige of programs like Columbia and JHU are nominal at best. Only in circumstances where all else is equal will completing your pre-reqs at these schools give you any competitive advantage. The loss of time, however, is critical. If you wait until Fall to start, you probably wont be ready to take the April 2006 MCAT and that will definetely hurt your application because taking it in August means a delay in your application processing time.

However, if you're absolutely set on leaving, go to Columbia, JHU or Penn's post-bacc pre-med programs.

As far as research goes, you need little, if any. Concentrate on community service or the MCAT before you devote any significant time for research. Contrary to what you see on SDN or hear from others, most successful matriculants have little (if any) research experience.

I really cant stress this enough: dont waste money on fancy programs, a good state school will get you into med school. This is particularly so if you plan on staying in FL for med school. All the FL med schools are familiar with FL programs. Pick a good one (UCF, UF, Miami even FIU or USF) and do well. Save your money, you will need it when you get in.

 

[marygwendelyn]

Its late, I have several exams this week, but I have to chime in:

I grew up in FL, went to UF, graduated and am in the second year of my post-bacc. I had to do two years due to poor grades, you don't. First, assess where you want to go to med school: is it at a top 20 program? Do you want to do research while in med school (MD/PhD)? Do you want to stay home and go to school in FL?

With your grades, there is no reason for you to go to a prestigious post-bacc program, *even* if you wanted to get into a top 20 program. Emory, here in Atlanta, will certainly admit you (assuming you do well in post-bacc and on the MCAT) regardless of where you went for your post-bacc studies. That said, I would not do it a place like Florida Atlantic or FIU. A really, really, good option for you to consider (particularly since you're in South Florida and apparently don't mind spending the $) is U of Miami. They have a great one or two year formal post-bacc pre-med program. Unless you're somewhat averse to staying in S. Florida (and take it from someone who's ventured up north for post-bacc studies...you will miss FL!!) or U of Miami, I really think you should stay and complete your post-bacc work there. Miami is a good school and will get you in just about anywhere. Moreso than location however, is timing: you want to be done with the pre-reqs as quickly as possible. It takes at least one year to complete them, so will not be able to apply until the 2006-2007 cycle. At Miami, you can start in the Spring with Chem, Bio and Phys, be mostly done by the end of Fall 2005 (with maybe an Orgo II class for Spring 2006) and spend Spring 2006 doing research and/or studying for the April 2006 MCAT. If you're ready and willing to start post-bacc in January, DO NOT CONSIDER ANY PROGRAM THAT WONT LET YOU DO SO!!! The prestige of programs like Columbia and JHU are nominal at best. Only in circumstances where all else is equal will completing your pre-reqs at these schools give you any competitive advantage. The loss of time, however, is critical. If you wait until Fall to start, you probably wont be ready to take the April 2006 MCAT and that will definetely hurt your application because taking it in August means a delay in your application processing time.

However, if you're absolutely set on leaving, go to Columbia, JHU or Penn's post-bacc pre-med programs.

As far as research goes, you need little, if any. Concentrate on community service or the MCAT before you devote any significant time for research. Contrary to what you see on SDN or hear from others, most successful matriculants have little (if any) research experience.

I really cant stress this enough: dont waste money on fancy programs, a good state school will get you into med school. This is particularly so if you plan on staying in FL for med school. All the FL med schools are familiar with FL programs. Pick a good one (UCF, UF, Miami even FIU or USF) and do well. Save your money, you will need it when you get in.

Hello JunebugUF,

I'm a gator too! ( : Thanx for all the helpful information! As a UF grad, I know what an excellent education a student can receive outside the "Top" Ivy schools and for a fraction of the price.

So, I will also be applying to UM, especially after reading your high opinion regarding that program (UF too). That said, because I didn't take any science courses (nor Calc, or even English) while at UF (AP credits), I believe it will take me two years to finish my post bac studies. Thus, I was planning on taking the MCAT Spring 2007.

Clearly, its too late to start any program this Spring, but do you think its worth starting in summer 2005? My main concern is being ready to take the MCAT by Spring 2007.

Finally, I'm not sure if I understood correctly, but are you at Emory right now? If so, how do you like it up there? Sounds like another good choice.

Well, thanx again for all the good advice and good luck with everything!

-marygwendelyn ( :

 

[marygwendelyn]

"early enough" is a subjective term...when I interviewed at Bryn Mawr a few weeks ago, they told us that we were the first round of people to be interviewed for the program this year. And they normally take 75 people. I can't imagine that between late November and early January, they would fill 75 slots, so I'm sure that there will still be seats available by then.

The point though is that their admissions are rolling, and every week you wait the number of available slots diminishes. It's only logical to assume, then, that you will face stiffer competition the longer you wait. Frankly though, with your gpa (assuming it was from a school with any kind of reputation. Doesn't have to be ivy--just as long as it's not a no-name place), you'd be a pretty strong candidate anytime.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

Thanx a million for all the good tips. BTW, were u interviewing for a spot at Bryn Mawr for Fall 2004 or Sping, Summer, or Fall 2005? thanx.

 

[junebuguf]

Hello JunebugUF,

I'm a gator too! ( : Thanx for all the helpful information! As a UF grad, I know what an excellent education a student can receive outside the "Top" Ivy schools and for a fraction of the price.

So, I will also be applying to UM, especially after reading your high opinion regarding that program (UF too). That said, because I didn't take any science courses (nor Calc, or even English) while at UF (AP credits), I believe it will take me two years to finish my post bac studies. Thus, I was planning on taking the MCAT Spring 2007.

Clearly, its too late to start any program this Spring, but do you think its worth starting in summer 2005? My main concern is being ready to take the MCAT by Spring 2007.

Finally, I'm not sure if I understood correctly, but are you at Emory right now? If so, how do you like it up there? Sounds like another good choice.

Well, thanx again for all the good advice and good luck with everything!

-marygwendelyn ( :

Let me be clear about something: you want to finish post-bacc and apply to med school ASAP!!! Taking undergrad level classes (particularly introductory bio, chem and phys) is a chore. Its filled with kids several years younger than you and a lot of tedious work. Plus you will have to bust your ass to get good grades. Do you want to stay in FL for med school? UF accepts AP credits for English in lieu of coursework. I believe USF and Miami do too. YOU DO NOT NEED CALCULUS TO APPLY TO MED SCHOOL!!! None of the FL schools require it, and I dont know of too many other schools that do, either. If youre planning on taking it for Physics, DONT!!! Do not take calculus based physics. You dont need it for the MCAT or for med school applications. Unless you have a sound mathematical background, calculus based physics will complicate what most people find to be tough introductory physics concepts. Algebra based physics is recommended to most natural science students, and should be what you take. These are all the classes you need, and the timeline for taking them:

Spring 2005:
Bio I
Chem I
Physics I (algebra based)

Summer 2005:
Bio II
Chem II

Fall 2005
Physics II
Orgo I
Genetics

Spring 2006
Orgo II
Molecular Bio
Biochem
Study for the MCAT, take it in April

Summer 2006
Submit AMCAS

This is a resonable schedule and will allow you to perform community service and pursue research in Spring 2006, if you wish. Also, because you dont have a science background, dont rush into a full time science courseload.

As I said before, your goal should be to complete the pre-reqs as soon as possible and submit an amcas immediately after completing the pre-reqs and taking the MCAT. You dont need to waste 2 years before applying.

Lastly, I should have mentioned this earlier. Because you have such a high gpa, you would be an excellent candidate for linkage programs. These are offered through Columbia, Penn and JHU, among others, and allow you to skip the lag year between completing the pre-reqs and entering med school. You should definetely apply through these programs. As long as you do well in the classes and perform reasonably well on the MCAT, you are assured a seat at schools like GWU, Temple, Brown (I think..). This would enable you to enter med school in Fall 2006 *without* all the stress of applying through AMCAS, the interviewing and biting fingernails waiting for an acceptance.

You are in a very fortunate position. You should take advantage of your grades and use them to get into med school in the earliest possible timeframe. Dont waste time taking useless classes and pursuing prestigious programs.

 

[Pemulis]

Thanx a million for all the good tips. BTW, were u interviewing for a spot at Bryn Mawr for Fall 2004 or Sping, Summer, or Fall 2005? thanx.

Summer '05.

To give a different opinion than Junebug, btw, I would just add that the entire reason for doing a prestigious post-bac program is to get into med school in the shortest amount of time.

I agree that you don't need to go to one; if you want to you can go to a state school. BUT, many people have trouble handling the full-time courseload. What a program like Bryn Mawr or Goucher gives you is the support to handle it. They also give you great advising, and the comraderie of going through the process with a group of like-minded students in a non-competitive atmosphere. (or at least a less competitive one). I'm going to spend 25k to go to Goucher, instead of my state school, but I feel that the advising and support I'll receive, and the chance to link directly into a med school and skip any glide year, will more than pay for that money in the long run. And despite what Junebug says, it can be an advantage in the admissions process to have that top name on your app. There's a reason why Bryn Mawr and Goucher get 100% of their grads into med school, and its not just that they only take good students.

You'll have to decide ultimately for yourself, though. There's no one-size-fits all solution to doing this. Make the right choice for you.

 

[marygwendelyn]

Summer '05.

I agree Pemulis with all your points, that's why Bryn Mawr is probably my first choice (I'm not familiar with Goucher yet). I received a great education at UF (and for free), but now I look forward to being part of a smaller group of students and not having to worry so much about competing for attention, advice, etc. from faculty and other staff. Plus, like you said, the linkage programs in themselves are worth the extra cost (time is money too!)

That said, I'll still be applying to a few of my state schools "just in case" I don't get into Bryn Mawr and the likes. There is definitely many advantages to keeping your costs & student loans low, especially before starting Med-school. All in all though, I think its a wise investment to go for the presitigious programs that offer more individualized attention and linkage programs.

Well, good luck with getting into Goucher and other programs. Hope to hear back from you when u get your "fat" letter in the mailbox. So, keep us posted.

Thanx again. ( :



Good luck with

 

[PublicEnemy]

hey, consider the postbacc program at penn. it has several nice linkages, especially for students who have not taken any pre-reqs yet.

also, penn is a great place where you can get tons of research experience while taking your classes. its very easy to work in a lab and/or volunteer at the hopsital or the childrens hospital.

in fact, i'm in a graduate program at penn completely for free because i do research full time and as part of my benefits, i get free tuition.

 

[Pemulis]

Well, good luck with getting into Goucher and other programs. Hope to hear back from you when u get your "fat" letter in the mailbox. So, keep us posted.

Well if you're talking about the fat letter from a post-bac, I've already got mine. I was accepted at both Bryn Mawr and at Goucher within the past few weeks, and have already sent in my responses; I'll be starting the Goucher program next summer. If you mean the fat letter from med school itself, that's gonna have to wait a year or two. 😀

From what you're describing you might really like the Goucher program. It's very similar to Bryn Mawr's, but a lot smaller (only about 30 students). Has a bunch of linkages, too (7, to be exact). Some people also like Bennington for small programs, although I don't know as much about them.

Columbia is HUGE and has a rep for being a real beauracratic nightmare. Penn and Harvard are both great, but if you want small classes and a lot of attention, you probably won't be happy at them.

Just passing the word on the street along. Keep us posted, too.

 

[wilson04]

I'm applying to post-bac pre-medical programs at top schools such as Havard, Columbia, Penn, Bryn Mawr, and so on.

I need advice.

I have a 3.96 G.P.A. (B.S. in Business Economics.) but no internship or volunteer experience and only 3 month of economic research. It seems these programs are not too selective, but should I wait to apply for a few months until I get some more volunteer/research experience in the health/medical areas?

Also, if I do get accepted into a program, classes wont begin until next fall. What do you recommend I do in the next 8 + months?

What experiences (whether research or volunteer work) did you learn most from? What types of experiences prepared you best for med-school, or more importantly, gave you a real look at the profession itself.

I'm looking for any tips, any stories, anything will help. Indeed, first hand experience is greatly welcomed.

Finally, I live in Miami, if there are any other SND's in a similar boat as me or considering post-bac studies in Pre-Med.... would be especially nice to hear from you.

a bientot, hasta luego, tschuss! 🙂

Hi MaryG,

We're in a similar situation.

I just finished my undergrad in June, am currently teaching English in China (though also volunteering at a clinic here, which has been pretty cool), and now waiting to start at Bryn Mawr in May. I have five months before classes begin, so, like you, I'm also currently trying to figure out how best to prepare myself for Bryn Mawr and then med school.

Though not particularly creative, I'm making plans to return to the states in March and volunteer at a hospital near my home for about 8 weeks. I'm hoping I can do some shadowing while there as well. The clinical experience will be valuable and, when I'm working on my first all-nighter in June, probably key to reminding me what's at the end of the pbpm/med school rainbow.

Good luck - let me know if you think of anything else that might be a bit more exciting!

 

[marygwendelyn]

Hi MaryG,

Hello There,

Well, it sounds to me that you already have many great experiences to draw from, especially from your time in China, when it comes time to write your essays for Med-school or simply talk about yourself during interviews.

Volunteering at a clinic or hospital and doing some shadowing is what I hope to do as well in the next few months. However, I still have to apply and get accepted into one of these post bac programs... so, we'll see... ( : ... Im keeping my fingers crossed.

If you do plan on volunteering when you come back to the States in March, consider volunteering in other areas outside of medicine. Perhaps you have other talents that you could put to use somewhere else. I don't believe its necessary to have worked in a hospital to apply to medschool. And, there's certainly a lot of people who can use an extra hand, outside the hospital/clinic setting. Needless to say, it could be supplementary to your volunteer work at a hospital/clinic, and also, an opportunity to discover something completely new outside the "Medical World."

So, good luck with everything!

Best wishes,

marygwendelyn ( :