artsy chick falls in love with medicine.........

[ljs1969]

i am 31, a professional musician with a master's degree, and i started taking science prerequisites two years ago. i have managed to stay out of the "pre-med scene" here, which i consider to be often very petty, immmature, and perhaps even damaging to one's self-esteem. i know this is a numbers game, and mine are not outstanding--(MCAT 8v, 8ps,6bio; around 3.6 GPA with 2.9 science GPA) but my apps have been sent and i feel like i have done my best to this point. i have enough life experience to know that not getting in on my first try is not the end of the world. i know i would make a great doctor, and that if it is meant to be it will be.

however...i would be interested to hear some of your thoughts on what my chances are like for getting in to a DO school, especially those who have "non-traditional", or non-science backgrounds

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[drewdo]

I think your chances are generally better at an osteopathic school. All medical schools welcome people with a variety of undergraduate and post-graduate backgrounds and are not just looking for science nerds. But I think osteopathic schools have built it in to their admissions process to attach competitive value to these life experiences earlier on in the application process. Good luck to you! Medicine needs more musicians!

 

[danH]

I am non traditional also- i took off three years and worked and backpacked around the world.
Your stats may be a little on the low side but it doesn't mean your counted out -
DO schools look more favorably to applicants with a diverse background so being non-traditional, I think, puts you at an advantage.
The best advise I can give is to apply early in the application process. Have everything sent in within the first couple of days and the chance of you being accepted will skyrocket.
Also, if you are invited to interview practice the quesitons - a good place to start is www.interviewfeedback.com
good luck

 

[ewagner]

ljs1969,

Don't worry, I love artsy chicks... I was in 2 bands prior to medschool, one an EMO-punk band, the other a performance art/noise band, which will be reborn in a month or so...and I am a 29 year old 4th year medstudent!! Hell, I have 5 tattoos. Try explaining the risk factors of Hep C to a kid when I have engaged in one of the risk factors!
We need diverse personalities in med schools, it seemed to have helped me. Well, I WAS a P.T. prior to school...but life experiences only add to your projection towards others. You probably have alot of confidence, and that will be seen during the interview...and I know patients prefer the confident student/doctor over the apprehensive 21 yr old kid!!
If you have any questions, please ask.
ew

 

[wren1976]

Hey I kind of am in the same category! I majored in horn performance, but I took time off to work in the hospital and volunteer more. I think you have an extremely good chance, as my stats are pretty similar to yours. If you want, email me and I'll tell you the specifics. Good luck to you!

 

[Peregrin]

I was a saxophone principal and dual degreed in music. Then, among other things, I taught high school for a number of years before deciding that I really wanted medicine after all.

DO schools do have the reputation of "looking beyond the numbers," so I wouldn't count yourself out yet. Make your secondaries/interviews really count (not to heap even MORE pressure on the whole thing).

Although I decided to take the MD route (and am just beginning this fall at MSUCHM), my background in music and education was looked upon quite favorably (both my interviewers considering it an asset). I would like to assume that you would receive the same treatment.

Good luck to you!

 

[D.O.'s rule]

Your stats are okay, except for the 6 on the MCAT. To compare, I am 32 and a high school dropout who went back to school years later and finished with a major in Sociology. Overall GPA was about 3.3, science was about 2.9. MCAT scores of 8,8,7,Q. LOTS of real life experience, both with employment and volunteer work. I wrote a great personal essay (was told this at interviews) and got 5 interviews (2 acceptances and 2 waitlists)the first time around. And I applied late (Oct/Nov) b/c I didn't take the MCAT until August. I think the real life experience and the fact that I really wanted to be a DO (didn't apply to any MD schools and made sure to say that in my personal statement) got me through. DO schools do look beyond the stats for thoughtful, caring persons who want to make a difference and practice primary care. I think you have a definite shot at becoming a DO if this is what you really want to do. Don't give up!! 🙂