Advice on Re-Entering Pre-Med

[epitomed23]

Hi everyone. I’m (URM, 25F) currently in a position where I regret not going after medicine and medical school when I had a better chance. I allowed imposture syndrome and other mental difficulties to hold me back. I’m in a better place mentally now, and I’m succeeding with things I struggled with in the past.

I graduated undergrad with a degree in Psychology and minors in Public Health, Biology, and Chemistry in 2019 (cGPA: 3.71, sGPA: 3.49) and obtained a Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology in 2021 from Emory University (GPA: 3.9). In undergrad, I had a lot of leadership experience, I shadowed and volunteered, but I didn’t have much clinical volunteer experience. I have a decent amount of research experience from my Master's and my current job as an epidemiologist, including 1 publication.

I’m concerned about my classes being too old to be used for applying.

Biology I/ Chem I: Fall 2015

Biology II/ Chem II/Ochem I: Spring 2016

Phys I/Phys II: Summer 2016

O Chem II: Fall 2016

Biochem: Spring 2017

Any other courses that would be considered BCPM would have been taken during Spring 2018 and before.

I’m worried about being a strong candidate since I’ve been really focusing on my epidemiology career since graduating undergrad. My current job allows me to work with medical records, but that’s most of the extent I have in the clinical world since graduating in 2019. Any advice on how to better boost me as a candidate due to my gap in experiences between 2019 and now/when I apply.

I’m considering either applying to medical schools in 2023 to start in 2024 or applying to SMP or other post-bacc programs that have linkage agreements this year to start in 2023 and then subsequently start med school in 2024. I know some SMP/Masters programs say they want you to have some of the courses I listed done in the past 5 years. Any advice on which I should do is also appreciated.

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[_med21_e]

Why SMP? Your undergrad GPA is great for DO, and good enough for MD. What's your MCAT score?

 

[epitomed23]

Why SMP? Your undergrad GPA is great for DO, and good enough for MD. What's your MCAT score?

Haven’t taken the MCAT yet. I kept psyching myself out when it was time to take it. I was thinking of doing an SMP or post bacc because some of my classes are like 6/7 years ago now and would be about 7/8 years ago by the time I apply. Also for a committee letter. I was looking at some programs that also had MCAT prep and linkages.

 

[_med21_e]

Haven’t taken the MCAT yet. I kept psyching myself out when it was time to take it. I was thinking of doing an SMP or post bacc because some of my classes are like 6/7 years ago now and would be about 7/8 years ago by the time I apply. Also for a committee letter. I was looking at some programs that also had MCAT prep and linkages.

Skip the SMP. Majority of SMPs/linkages (although I think every single one of them) are gonna require you to take the MCAT and get a minimum score anyways. Save yourself the 50K, invest 1-2K IF YOU MUST on a MCAT prep course, and kill the MCAT within 3 months. Cheapest and fastest way. SMPs aren't for people like you.

 

[MedicallyEnthused]

Haven’t taken the MCAT yet. I kept psyching myself out when it was time to take it. I was thinking of doing an SMP or post bacc because some of my classes are like 6/7 years ago now and would be about 7/8 years ago by the time I apply. Also for a committee letter. I was looking at some programs that also had MCAT prep and linkages.

Most schools do NOT have expiration dates on courses. And those that do, most commonly have them at ten years. You do no need to retake any of your courses. As for the MCAT, if you need a prep course there are lots of online programs. You do not need to attend a postbacc to do so.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Your undergrad science GPA as listed doesn't indicate going for a SMP. I'm guessing some of your MPH faculty have appointments or collaborations with the medical school. Ask for advice.

The MCAT is the next mountain to climb so plan carefully.