Application Dilemma

[bvj123]

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I am 29 year-old non-trad student looking to get into a Podiatry program (haven't decided upon schools yet). I went to a top-tier liberal arts college and graduated with a 3.2 in Political Science (but had no BCPM sciences). During college I had a job as a home health aid and worked in a local hospital too and thus decided I wanted to change my path from pre-law to pre-med. Shortly after college I was accepted to a good post-bac program and I registered for a night class in general chem. I never went. Instead I withdrew several weeks into the course due to financial and employment difficulties.

I then decided I couldn't afford a post-bac and applied to law school, and subsequently I was accepted. I registered for classes and a week before starting I got cold-feet and decided law wasn't for me. Looking at my civ-pro and con-law books I decided I still wanted medicine as a career. I submitted forms to withdraw or drop my classes (I forget which one b/c it was four years ago) and thought that was that. Three months later I received a letter from said law school stating my final examination times for that semester. Through some administrative policy that I did not follow my classes never got dropped. I never attended a class but received F's - I'm assuming - I never looked at the transcript. And I had to pay tuition for that semester which I just recently paid-off.

Now years later I decided to give a post-bac program a try again hoping that maybe I could get into a physical therapy program. I actually did real well. I received at 3.7 BCPM and a 30 on my MCAT. Not too shabby. I then started to consider PA school, but then I decided to shadow a family friend who is a Podiatrist. After talking to him and researching the field I am sold. I really like the field and the lifestyle that Podiatrists enjoy.

My dilemma is the failed attempt at Chem and Law School on my transcripts. Obviously I will not omit them - for ethical reasons and plus I don't want to get booted from school 2 years into it. But do I have a shot? That was four+ years ago. I accept responsibility for failing to properly complete a class and withdraw properly from law school, but I am older, more mature, and hopefully my current record shows that I am focused and willing.

What do you guys think? Should I write an addendum? Should I even bother applying? Will they just see me as a risk?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[nomembername]

Although I am relatively new at this, I would completely suggest sending an app in. Your MCAT scores are excellent in terms of pod schools (and could prob get you into an md program with a decent gpa etc). I would send in an addendum just because it couldn't hurt, and it makes you look proactive. Everything you stated in your post could be explained in an interview and I definitely think you will be granted one based solely on your undergrad and post bac gpas, and your mcat (based on my knowledge of average scores for applicants that I have read). So, ya, I would definitely apply, worst case scenario you spend the 100 or so dollars and don't get the interview.

 

[Buspar]

Your MCAT and GPA will definitely get you lots of interviews…you just have to show that you’re passionate about Podiatry during your interview. Good Luck!

 

[narkotiks]

I am 29 year-old non-trad student looking to get into a Podiatry program (haven't decided upon schools yet). I went to a top-tier liberal arts college and graduated with a 3.2 in Political Science (but had no BCPM sciences). During college I had a job as a home health aid and worked in a local hospital too and thus decided I wanted to change my path from pre-law to pre-med. Shortly after college I was accepted to a good post-bac program and I registered for a night class in general chem. I never went. Instead I withdrew several weeks into the course due to financial and employment difficulties.

I then decided I couldn't afford a post-bac and applied to law school, and subsequently I was accepted. I registered for classes and a week before starting I got cold-feet and decided law wasn't for me. Looking at my civ-pro and con-law books I decided I still wanted medicine as a career. I submitted forms to withdraw or drop my classes (I forget which one b/c it was four years ago) and thought that was that. Three months later I received a letter from said law school stating my final examination times for that semester. Through some administrative policy that I did not follow my classes never got dropped. I never attended a class but received F's - I'm assuming - I never looked at the transcript. And I had to pay tuition for that semester which I just recently paid-off.

Now years later I decided to give a post-bac program a try again hoping that maybe I could get into a physical therapy program. I actually did real well. I received at 3.7 BCPM and a 30 on my MCAT. Not too shabby. I then started to consider PA school, but then I decided to shadow a family friend who is a Podiatrist. After talking to him and researching the field I am sold. I really like the field and the lifestyle that Podiatrists enjoy.

My dilemma is the failed attempt at Chem and Law School on my transcripts. Obviously I will not omit them - for ethical reasons and plus I don't want to get booted from school 2 years into it. But do I have a shot? That was four+ years ago. I accept responsibility for failing to properly complete a class and withdraw properly from law school, but I am older, more mature, and hopefully my current record shows that I am focused and willing.

What do you guys think? Should I write an addendum? Should I even bother applying? Will they just see me as a risk?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

call each of the schools, and explain your situation to the dean/assistant dean of addmissions. this would be mark weinberg at florida, meghan goode(sp) at iowa, lois lott at ohio, etc... have a chat with them, and explain everything. it makes no sense to lie about anything--they will see it eventually. just be forthcoming and sincere. if they tell you you have a shot, apply. if they don't....do what you would like. i bet at least one school with great weather would give you a shot!!
good luck!

 

[OSUDDS]

call each of the schools, and explain your situation to the dean/assistant dean of addmissions. this would be mark weinberg at florida, meghan goode(sp) at iowa, lois lott at ohio, etc... have a chat with them, and explain everything. it makes no sense to lie about anything--they will see it eventually. just be forthcoming and sincere. if they tell you you have a shot, apply. if they don't....do what you would like. i bet at least one school with great weather would give you a shot!!
good luck!

good try to church it up.... its marc weiner