Anyone with similar history who's been accepted?

[Schemp]

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This isn't really a question of whether I will be accepted because I know I'll get in somewhere, but I'm curious about where other non-trads with a similar history have actually been accepted to. Hopefully this difference is reasonable enough to allow the post to stay here instead of "What are my chances?"

As far as where I'm coming from:

3 different institutions:

Community college #1: 2.09 GPA
3 year break, then decided I wanted to go back to school to become a doctor
Community college #2: 3.78 GPA
University: 3.63 GPA (~3.86 the last two of four quarters here)

Cumulative GPA: ~3.2
Science GPA: ~3.65

MCAT: 38P

Extracurriculars:
About 15 months volunteering at a hospital, 4 hours a week.
Tutoring for several quarters, both free and paid.
Assisting high school students with college admissions (7 months).
About 80 hours of doctor shadowing.
Employed for 3 years full time while out of school, about 18 months of that time as a supervisor and trainer for about 15 employees at a time at a very large multi-national corporation.


So, anyone else who has done very poorly in school then returned and done pretty well, did you find that top-tier and mid-level schools were harsh when it came to accepting you despite your flawed history, or fairly understanding? Columbia is my top choice, but I know that even though my recent performance is up to their standards, they will take a hit in their stats by accepting someone with a 3.2. Where did you choose to apply, and perhaps more importantly, where did you actually interview and/or get accepted? Any advice or feedback you have to offer, or were offered by the adcoms themselves would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[7starmantis]

I'm probably not the most popular opinion here as I dont buy the "top tier/ mid level" school idea at its core. I dont think a "top tier" school (which is amazingly hard to quantify) makes one a better physician than the "sucky" state school.

That being said, you have a great app on paper, you will get plenty of interviews, thats where you will either be accepted or denied I would say. I only applied to my state schools but more power to you, I think you have a great shot at many medical schools.

 

[Schemp]

I agree with you quite a bit regarding "top-tier" and similar terms, particularly in terms of actual curriculum. However, I have a very strong interest in health care policy (and policy in general), and feel that having a recognizable school name next to my M.D. may lend me more credibility when and if I put forth actual policy suggestions or seek a position in policy - especially a public one where the average person will see "Harvard Medical School" and think "Well there's a smart guy, maybe I should listen to him." It's stupid, but if it has the slightest chance of helping me out in my career, I'm gonna at least go for it.

Also I only have one state school so I'll be applying to quite a few elsewhere. 😛

P.S. - Nice avatar, haha. It's cocaine in a can!

 

[235750]

My first degree was EMT-P followed by an LPN. Can't remember my GPA, but it was around 2.5 At the time all I was looking to do was pass, and I was accepted eventually.

I'm probably not the most popular opinion here as I dont buy the "top tier/ mid level" school idea at its core. I dont think a "top tier" school (which is amazingly hard to quantify) makes one a better physician than the "sucky" state school.

👍

Just getting into a US school is amazing enough. Be happy with that

 

[NTF]

The only wow factor I see in your app is your MCAT. Your GPA and ECs are average to below average compared to the applicant pools that top schools would see. I would say your chances at top tier schools are slim to none. I don't think it's your GPA that will sink you (cuz your MCAT and upward swing tell me you've got the academic chops) but more your ECs unless there's something you're not telling me. But hey, stranger things have happened so definitely include your dream schools in your spread.

I agree that you'll definitely get in somewhere. Do well whereever you go and get into a top-tier residency. If people see that you did your post-grad training at a "harvard" or "johns hopkins", trust me they'll be plenty impressed.