Advice: Ready to Apply?

[GoTeam]

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My husband decided last Christmas that he wanted to become a doctor. He had mentioned to me several times in the past that he considered becoming a doctor, but I didn't think he was serious. Now he is very serious and I want to be on-board and help where I can. He isn't a big fan of message boards, so I thought I could solicit helpful outside advice on his behalf (behind his back 🙂 ).

He has completed one pre-req class and has started his second. He can finish all of them by next summer, so he could enroll in 2011 if he were accepted. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a 3.5 gpa (I don't know what all counts as science and what doesn't). He has an A in his one pre-req so far. He plans on taking the MCAT in July, and has done well on practice tests (29-32).=, but hasn't started on LORs or anything else. No volunteer time, no shadowing.

As a working professional, should one of his LOR be from his boss? How do people handle telling their employers that they may not be there next year?

Should he wait to apply and work on ECs and class, or should he go for it this year? We're in Ohio and have several state schools nearby (UC, Wright State, Ohio State), so I think he might have a better than average chance of getting in....plus I want him to start as soon as possible (it feels like a big question mark is hanging over our heads).

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[aynmar]

As a fellow wife of a husband who rarely likes to get on the forums, I can at least let you in on what I have learned.

He is also started his pre-reqs this summer. He plans to apply June 2011 as to have all his pre-reqs done when he sends in his applications. When you apply June 2011, you won't matriculate until Fall 2012. Talk about a long journey.

My advice (and I don't know much compared to everyone here) is to also make sure you get a head start on those LORs, because people writing them do not want to be rushed. I have heard of some great services like Interfolio where they can just upload them when they are done.

Also, start getting some clinical and volunteer experience, maybe some shadowing. If you work your plan backwards (like we have from June 2011-June 2010) and make sure you have a good timeline of when you need to get everything done/in by, it will help you from having to scramble last minute.

I wish we had more state schools here, just 2! Hubby's GPA is not that stellar so we are crossing fingers, toes, and praying that he can get into a state school, the tuition is so much better instate, plus we love Alabama!

Good luck to you guys!