Another unique thread about What are my chances :)

[ZaemonFan]

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Hi all. I am 34 and a half, single parent of a 16 year old... so I'm about as non-trad as they come. lol

So, here's the story... Married; father at 16; dropped out of highschool; GED.

Started college at 18, with no science background at all. Took remedial algebra, non-science-major nursing courses in chem/organic/biochem and biology...loved them, made A's. Decided I wanted to be a chemist...so, switched majors.

Employed for a year as a phlebotomist at the local hospital, working on every floor. In my experiences working there, especially with the patients and the doctors, I found my calling.

Took Gen Chem I/II, Organic I/II, Biology I/II, Physics I/II, Biochem I and Calculus I. Made A's in those.

To make a long story short, I had to leave school with two semesters left to graduate due to extenuating circumstances. (I was advised to leave personal stuff out of posts by a regular here😉)

Over ten years later, I was back on track.. completed my B.S. Chemistry in May 2005.

BCPM GPA: 3.9, Overall: 3.5

Have been working at a tissue cryopreservation facility since then. Although not working with patients directly, it is medically related and helps to continue putting food on the table.

I want to practice primary care in an under served community (maybe even "town doctor"). I would prefer to practice osteopathic medicine, but will be applying to both PCOM-GA and Mercer (allopathic) for Fall 2008. Also, I'll be beginning a volunteering gig at a great teaching hospital in Feb.

I will be taking the MCAT in April, studying night and day, doing full practice tests on weekends. I think I'll do fine on it.

Now that you have the background, here are my concerns:

I'm not sure if my having taken my prerequ's 10 years ago will fly. I'm really hoping maybe ADCOM can use my MCAT score as "recent" proof of academic capability.

I'm a little reluctant, after so much time, to approach past professors for a strong LOR.

My academic hiatus, while justified, might look weak on the app... ("are you sure you want to be a doctor, ZaemonFan?")

If not accepted to either school, I'll apply to SGU or Ross. I understand they're a little more lenient with non-trads also.🙄 Will make this career happen however it has to!

Would love to hear any comments or advice. Thanks.

 

[seabreeze811]

Hi all. I am 34 and a half, single parent of a 16 year old... so I'm about as non-trad as they come. lol

So, here's the story... Married; father at 16; dropped out of highschool; GED.

Started college at 18, with no science background at all. Took remedial algebra, non-science-major nursing courses in chem/organic/biochem and biology...loved them, made A's. Decided I wanted to be a chemist...so, switched majors.

Employed for a year as a phlebotomist at the local hospital, working on every floor. In my experiences working there, especially with the patients and the doctors, I found my calling.

Took Gen Chem I/II, Organic I/II, Biology I/II, Physics I/II, Biochem I and Calculus I. Made A's in those.

To make a long story short, I had to leave school with two semesters left to graduate due to extenuating circumstances. (I was advised to leave personal stuff out of posts by a regular here😉)

Over ten years later, I was back on track.. completed my B.S. Chemistry in May 2005.

BCPM GPA: 3.9, Overall: 3.5

Have been working at a tissue cryopreservation facility since then. Although not working with patients directly, it is medically related and helps to continue putting food on the table.

I want to practice primary care in an under served community (maybe even "town doctor"). I would prefer to practice osteopathic medicine, but will be applying to both PCOM-GA and Mercer (allopathic) for Fall 2008. Also, I'll be beginning a volunteering gig at a great teaching hospital in Feb.

I will be taking the MCAT in April, studying night and day, doing full practice tests on weekends. I think I'll do fine on it.

Now that you have the background, here are my concerns:

I'm not sure if my having taken my prerequ's 10 years ago will fly. I'm really hoping maybe ADCOM can use my MCAT score as "recent" proof of academic capability.

I'm a little reluctant, after so much time, to approach past professors for a strong LOR.

My academic hiatus, while justified, might look weak on the app... ("are you sure you want to be a doctor, ZaemonFan?")

If not accepted to either school, I'll apply to SGU or Ross. I understand they're a little more lenient with non-trads also.🙄 Will make this career happen however it has to!

Would love to hear any comments or advice. Thanks.

I think it would be great if you could just take a few courses here and there and enroll as a part-time extension student at a university and register for some upper-division biology courses. i.e. microbiology, endocrinology, etc.
it would show admissions that you are still interested in the sciences and updating them with new grades/transcript so that they can see your progress as a returning student. I know of some non-traditional students and that's what they did...either that or enroll into a 1 year special masters type program...check out the postbac thread on SDN

 

[Vix206]

well, it's not that your grades from 10 years ago won't "fly." one of the other purposes of the mcat (besides being the great equalizer) is to also show adcoms that you still have the ability to succeed in med school even after 10 years has passed; it's going to be the most recent "academic record" that they'll have. having grades from 10 years ago might be a slight, slight disadvantage (if any) but there's nothing you can do about it. it's not like they're going to make you take them over! it seems like you're on the right track to getting to your goal. study hard for the mcat (which you already know), get a stellar score, and proove that the validity of those grades still stands.

as for LOR's, i do agree with taking grad courses or enrolling in a postbac program. in addition to getting "newer" grades, those letters will probably be a lot stronger than professors from years ago.


PS your non-trad status as a father, having previous jobs, etc. is also something that's unique that younger applicants don't have. so consider that a plus.

so good luck

 

[122206DO]

with stats like that and a decent MCAT score, you'll make it....what a great story to share when you do get into medschool!!!! More power to ya!

 

[DoctorMom78]

I think that you will definitely get accepted somewhere, provided you do reasonably well on the MCAT. Your ECs are great, GPA is great, science GPA is AMAZING, and your application really looks good. Why not add more schools? Even with a strong application like yours, you hurt your chances by only applying to two schools. I think you have more than made up for your past, so don't worry about that. Any school would be lucky to have you as a student. As for your letters, don't you have any professors from more recently that could write letters for you? You don't have to use the committee letter. You can also get letters from your employers or volunteer positions. You may want to try to squeeze in some time shadowing a DO. I didn't shadow one, but I had years of clinical experience. You will probably need a DO letter too. I admire your determination and your ultimate goal. Maybe you can come practice rural family medicine with me someday...😉 😀 I really don't have much more to say than that. I am certain that you will get an acceptance and that you will succeed. The only thing I think you should consider is adding more schools. Congratulations on getting this far!!! It is always great to see people who are able to overcome things like you have and move on with their lives and careers. Best of luck to you!

 

[MadHopsMD]

When you start studying for the MCAT, especially the bio section...you are gonna be in for a HUGE suprise. 🙄. LOTS of things have happenned after 10 years...

 

[MJB]

When you start studying for the MCAT, especially the bio section...you are gonna be in for a HUGE suprise. 🙄. LOTS of things have happenned after 10 years...

Agree with this...I hadn't had Physics or Bio in about 8-10 years when I took the MCAT last summer...ouch.

Anyway, the first thing i would do is get in touch with the Director of Admissions type at the schools you plan to apply to and get their advice...

 

[ZaemonFan]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I am going to apply to pcom-ga's biomedical sciences one-year program for recent coursework and LORs. I'll also apply to other schools I may have a shot at. 👍

 

[DragonWell]

I was in a somewhat similar situation - out of school for about 7 years. Most of the schools I talked to strongly recommended retaking prereqs after 6-7 years had elapsed. I'm not saying this is a set in stone rule, but merely the advice I was given, the rationale being that in addition to changes in content, this also gives schools a chance to see that you can still juggle the time commitments involved. Doing the postbacc is a good (and expensive) way to refresh your prereqs. I just redid them in night school at a relatively inexpensive state school. The advice about rocking the MCAT is true, it is your ticket to the dance. Without it, you will likely not even get in the door. Good luck!

 

[seabreeze811]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I am going to apply to pcom-ga's biomedical sciences one-year program for recent coursework and LORs. I'll also apply to other schools I may have a shot at. 👍

also try the SMP's like Boston University, Drexel, or Georgetown...

 

[Nate]

I'm a single father also and now I am in my second year med school, you can do it just keep jumping those hoops. DO schools will probably be more forgiving of your age and status as a single father, that was probably my main problem with the allo schools. Good luck

 

[samkell]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I am going to apply to pcom-ga's biomedical sciences one-year program for recent coursework and LORs. I'll also apply to other schools I may have a shot at. 👍

I'm in the same situation. My pre-req's were around 10 years ago, and it showed up in my MCAT even though I took a Kaplan Course (not worth the money, by the way). I am currently in PCOM-Ga's program, so if you have any questions, please let me know. It's a good program, but unlike LECOM who grants admission after the program, PCOM-GA only guarantees an interview. Good luck with everything.

 

[ZaemonFan]

Finally, MCAT is over and results are in, though not as pleasing as I had hoped: V: 7, PS: 8, BS: 10 or 25L. 🙁

I've been earnestly working on both AACOMAS and AMCAS apps since the test, but now that I have results, I don't know whether it's worth throwing more money at the process with my score.

During the exam, I ran out of time in all sections except PS, which is the one I felt pretty good about coming out of it. LOL Completely my fault, as I took only one AMCAS practice exam prior to real thing (the free one, the day before). Advice to anyone reading this who will take the MCAT: comprehension and even memorization of certain things are important elements, but take as MANY practice tests under realistic testing conditions as possible! The time factor was my greatest enemy.

The original plan was to apply to DCOM and PCOM for AACOMAS and all my state schools, plus Tulane, for AMCAS...but, then again, the plan was to score 30+.... heh, wishful thinking.

Well, I didn't "rock" the MCAT, and now I have to consider if it's practical to apply anywhere, considering the costs involved. If there's a chance of being considered anywhere, I'll definitely find the money, somehow. The alternative, I suppose, is to retake MCAT and lose the cycle. Any advice, guys?

 

[prionsRbad]

Have been working at a tissue cryopreservation facility since then. Although not working with patients directly, it is medically related and helps to continue putting food on the table.

Do you work at Cryolife? It just seemed like you might . . . gathering from where you want to go to school and all. PM me if you do. I used to work there! 🙂

 

[prionsRbad]

Finally, MCAT is over and results are in, though not as pleasing as I had hoped: V: 7, PS: 8, BS: 10 or 25L. 🙁

I still think you should apply now for 2008 admission. Your GPA is above average and your MCAT is right on the average mark for DO schools! Plus, DO schools are more accepting of non-trads (and sometimes even prefer them). I think you have a shot.

Good Luck

 

[ZaemonFan]

Thanks for the luck...I'll need it. 🙂

I shot a PM to your account, btw.

I felt discouraged, because PCOM's brochure lists their minimal score as 24, with 08 per section.... and I missed verbal with a 07. 🙁

I'm not sure if they'd allow GPA to compensate, but that would definitely be cool!

Anyway, thanks for the encouragement!

 

[medschoolsoon]

Thanks for the luck...I'll need it. 🙂

I shot a PM to your account, btw.

I felt discouraged, because PCOM's brochure lists their minimal score as 24, with 08 per section.... and I missed verbal with a 07. 🙁

I'm not sure if they'd allow GPA to compensate, but that would definitely be cool!

Anyway, thanks for the encouragement!

Definitely apply this cycle. I got a 25P with a 3.6 GPA and (I think) a 3.5 science and got 3 acceptances. I would have had more but I canceled all other interviews. Just apply broadly and mainly DO. I was unsure of the DO route at first but after talking to a world-renowned pediatric surgeon (MD) he told me to apply MD and DO and just go where I got in. You will definitely get in with those stats and yes, your background is a plus. Just apply to about 10-15 schools and APPLY EARLY!!!!

Don't worry, you'll be fine if this is really what you want to do.

Good luck and keep us updated!!!!

 

[DoctorMom78]

Apply to several DO schools and apply now!!!! I am sure you will get an acceptance at DO school. I think that DCOM's average this year was 24. I got in with a 3.2 and a 23Q. I don't know what PCOM will think about the 7. I would call them and find out what they have to say. In term of which schools to apply to, I would skip NYCOM unless you are instate and UNECOM has a minimum of M on the writing sample. Of course, you have to apply to DCOM. LOL! 😍 Wherever you decide to apply, definitely apply for this cycle. I wouldn't waste my money on allo schools with that score, but you should be fine for a DO school acceptance. Lots of luck!!!!🙂

 

[ZaemonFan]

Thanks for posting DocMom... appreciate your encouragement, and you always have something enlightening to add. Yes, both PSCOM and DCOM 😀 are certainly on the growing list, in addition to my first choice, PCOM-GA. I suppose you're right about 86ing AMCAS for now.... just not in the budget to do both simultaneously, unfortunately. I am trying to complete my PS now..ughh. Another hard part of the process; even if I may have a good story to tell, articulating it creatively is tough... lol. I am making progress, though, albeit slowly. 😳

If anyone has any general advice on they made their own story more interesting, more "eye grabbing," it would be appreciated. Long live SDN! 🙂

 

[ZaemonFan]

Interviewed at GA-PCOM on Jan 16th and it went really well. Wasn't asked any particularly hard questions and it only lasted about 15 minutes or so.... don't know if that's good or bad. 😳 I only experienced good vibes throughout, though. Will be interviewing at LMU-DCOM this week and am hoping it is as smooth. I'll be happy to be accepted to either school and am excited about potentially beginning my medical education in the Fall! 🙂

 

[prionsRbad]

Interviewed at GA-PCOM on Jan 16th and it went really well. Wasn't asked any particularly hard questions and it only lasted about 15 minutes or so.... don't know if that's good or bad. 😳 I only experienced good vibes throughout, though. Will be interviewing at LMU-DCOM this week and am hoping it is as smooth. I'll be happy to be accepted to either school and am excited about potentially beginning my medical education in the Fall! 🙂

Woo Hoo!!!! I'm so happy for you! That would be cool if you went to DCOM, because that's where I'll be! Congrats again!! 👍😀

P.S. You remember me, right? Cryohell buddy? 😉

 

[TexasTriathlete]

GA-PCOM is the best medical school in the history of medical school, and they seem to like the older applicants, and "hidden gems" in the applicant pool. That is, applicants who may be overlooked at a lot of places, for whatever reason, but still have demonstrated the ability to do the work.

When I interviewed there, there was a girl in my group who was 36 (but looked about 25), and also some dude who looked like he was about 21. I had just turned 30.

Anyway, good luck. You should be hearing back from them soon.

 

[ZaemonFan]

Prions, of course I remember you... The "cryo" stuff did come up in the interview, btw, in the form of, "what have you been doing since graduation?" They seemed to have liked what I had to say and had a few follow-up questions related to it. good stuff. When I was leaving, shaking hands with interviewers, etc., one of them kept giving me the smile & winking... 👍 Tex, thanks for the ! While I was the oldest interviewee in my bunch, I think I was also the most relaxed and confident about the whole thing. There was a girl there who we repeatedly had to "talk down from the ledge." Absolutely loved the school facilities and students I met, btw...😍

 

[spazzz]

if you take the MCAT in april, apply in june, you'll have the pick of the litter as far as schools are concerned. your story sounds amazing.

 

[reaton]

Good for you!!! Know you will make it with no problems. Love stories like yours. So if I do I know adcom's will.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Reaton, the story I want to hear is where you get back from all your badass altitude training in Kenya and you decide to dominate the world of multisport before you start medical school.

 

[ZaemonFan]

Interviewed at LMU-DCOM...went well. Accepted at GA-PCOM. Was in the mail the day I got back from TN. Yeah!😀

 

[Halloweenie]

(and so does DCOM!) Aren't you glad you applied now?! 😛

 

[Porco Rosso]

 

[nascardoc]

Hey Zaemon,

Glad to hear everything went well during your interview at DCOM. It was nice meeting you guys at Oasis. Congrats on the acceptance to PCOM-GA!!!!!!!!! That's awesome. Now we'll just have to see if you have to make any decisions in a little over a week. After meeting you and reading your story, I think your chances are very good. Any school is lucky to have students like this - thats for sure. Let us know how everything goes and what your final decision is.....Good Luck and congrats again!!!!!!!

 

[MaximusD]

When you start studying for the MCAT, especially the bio section...you are gonna be in for a HUGE suprise. 🙄. LOTS of things have happenned after 10 years...

In intro bio and chemistry... riiight.

 

[ZaemonFan]

Thanks Nascar, it was great meeting all of you too. I agree, it's great to have options, but I'm definitely happy to be accepted anywhere.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

You have been accepted to the best medical school in the country. Congratulations.

 

[ZaemonFan]

You have been accepted to the best medical school in the country. Congratulations.

Thanks Tex, truly appreciated! I'm psyched! 👍

 

[ZaemonFan]

Accepted at LMU-DCOM today! I really liked this school too... campus, students, curriculum, faculty all rocked. Heh, never thought I'd be in a position to have to make a decision about which medical school to attend.

 

[nascardoc]

CONGRATS MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now you get to make a decision....

*cues jeopardy music*

 

[prionsRbad]

Woo Hoo! Congrats! I think you should come to DCOM! 😉 A change of scenery might be nice . . . get outta GA for a while. haha.

Seriously, way to go! Best of luck making your decision! 🙂

 

[LauraDO]

Accepted at LMU-DCOM today! I really liked this school too... campus, students, curriculum, faculty all rocked. Heh, never thought I'd be in a position to have to make a decision about which medical school to attend.

Great job I love when the good guys finish first!!! You have gotten accepted to two of the best schools in the DO World