Ask me (almost) anything

[LizzyM]

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Hello,

I am writing application essays now and one is about the best leader and another is about who helped me the most in my life. For the best leader, I wrote about my father and was able to provide a good answer. But for the second one, though I am able to provide a good answer, I am concerned about writing about my parents in two questions. I think this way cause I read that writing about one's sick family members is the worst cliche, because everyone expresses compassion to family members. My concern isn't valid. correct?

Isn't it a bit late to be writing secondaries? 😕

Dear dead grandmothers are a cliche.

I think that the first question is really interested in knowing how you define a leader which is what you'll do as you describe why you have identified the person you have chosen. The second one is interesting... it may be probing for what you have most needed help with and therefore who has most helped you.... it would not seem unreasonable to choose someone who has helped you in so many ways for all of your life.

 

[Remedies]

Can a class that was cross referenced as ENGL/THEA count as for the english requirement even though I took it as THEA? If so, how do I do it?

Thank you once again LizzyM. I hope your 2012 has gone well thus far!

 

[LizzyM]

Hi LizzyM,
I transferred from a private college my first year to a public university for their honors college my second year. My first year college contained a-'s but when I transferred to the university my gpa transferred over with those grades as a's which increased my freshman gpa a great bit. How do you look on a-'s from my first year college? Do you take those into consideration or do you look at the gpa my university gave me with the a's on my transcripts and no a-'s. Thanks!

You will need to supply the transcript from your private college and you will need to show the A- on the AMCAS application. AMCAS will calculate your gpa based on the grades you earned at each school, not the way one school interpreted grades awarded at another school.

 

[SilentSoldier]

So many pages so I apologize if this question has already been asked. What was the lowest GPA/MCAT combo you've interviewed? What was it about that person that granted him/her the invite?

 

[LizzyM]

Can a class that was cross referenced as ENGL/THEA count as for the english requirement even though I took it as THEA? If so, how do I do it?

Thank you once again LizzyM. I hope your 2012 has gone well thus far!

Not a good question for me. I have no idea as I have never completed the AMCAS application and don't keep up on those rules. Better to start a new thread for that one.

 

[LizzyM]

This is kind of long, so if you don't want to read the whole thing, then go to the TL;DR section.

I have a question about service to the community (aka community service).

About community service: I don't have any because I wasn't very interested in serving the community.

But I am the Director of the Economic Development Center at my school and I will have been involved in it for three years by the time I apply.

The center partners with community organisations to spur economic development in the New Haven. For example one semester we partnered with the START community bank to bring a franchise to the area.

This semester I am leading a project where we partner with the Community Action Agency of New Haven to develop strategies to educate community members about tax credits for low income individuals and we are researching statistics on the number of individuals in the new Haven area eligible for the tax credits.

This is going to take up a considerable amount of time because it involves direct interaction with the CEO of the organization on my part.


Can this count as community service?


TL;DR

Can activities related to bettering the community count as community service? Even if they are not direct volunteering at community organizations?

This gives me pause. It could be called "volunteer, non-clinical" however it is more administrative/management oriented rather than direct face-to-face service with the poor. Almost like the difference between hospital management and direct patient care. If you enjoy it, heavens knows that the people of New Haven need your help in making these community improvements. If you can be enthused about it during an interview, that's great.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi Lizzy,

I took an EMT course (lecture + training on field) and also a CNA class this past year. Can I use the hours I spent with patients as part of clinical?

I don't know what you mean by "part of clinical". You certainly can't call it "volunteer, clinical" as you really weren't doing anything to help... you were there as a trainee, not a volunteer.

I've also got my EMT license but have trouble finding a volunteer position/part-time paid position~ would adcoms look down this?

Yes. It is rather useless to have the credential and not use it. Working or volunteering as an EMT shows that you have worked or volunteered as an EMT while just being trained to be an EMT doesn't say much.

I started the pre-med route pretty late (having realized it after getting my B.A.,) ~ and was wondering, what typical questions would I get from adcoms in regards to this? If so, just how much 'commitment' do I need to have (via clinical and non-clinical ECs) for adcoms to dismiss my late start?

Why have you chosen to pursue a career in medicine? How did you test your interest in medicine after it first entered your mind? What other careers did you consider before deciding on medicine? Why medicine? If you couldn't be a doctor, what would you choose to do instead?

And last of all ~ I've taken 'Intro to Stats' and got an A, then 'Psych stats' and got a B, and lastly took 'Biostats' and got an A'. These classes are under their respective departments (Stats, Psych and Biostats) ~ do you recommend labeling the latter 2 as BCPM?

Give it a shot. You should get BCPM for stats and biostats... not sure about psych stats.

 

[LizzyM]

So many pages so I apologize if this question has already been asked. What was the lowest GPA/MCAT combo you've interviewed? What was it about that person that granted him/her the invite?

I have no idea. I have done a few interviews that were extended as a courtesy because someone highly place in the university made a phone call or wrote a letter to make an appeal on the applicant's behalf. Frankly, these applicants don't have a prayer but we like to be able to say to the bigwig that we gave the candidate every consideration and we are able to give the applicant some advice after the cycle is over as to how they might improve their application.

If I were going to guess, I'd say these tend to be along the lines of gpa < 3.5 and MCAT < 25.

 

[Mazdave]

When an interviewer asks where else you've applied or interviewed, is that just curiosity or is there some deeper meaning? How would you recommend answering that question?

 

[SilentSoldier]

I have no idea. I have done a few interviews that were extended as a courtesy because someone highly place in the university made a phone call or wrote a letter to make an appeal on the applicant's behalf. Frankly, these applicants don't have a prayer but we like to be able to say to the bigwig that we gave the candidate every consideration and we are able to give the applicant some advice after the cycle is over as to how they might improve their application.

If I were going to guess, I'd say these tend to be along the lines of gpa < 3.5 and MCAT < 25.

lower than a 25? Crazy! I guess a follow up question would now be has there been a happy ending to any of these courtesy interviews given.

 

[LizzyM]

When an interviewer asks where else you've applied or interviewed, is that just curiosity or is there some deeper meaning? How would you recommend answering that question?

😱 First, I'll say that I've never asked that question and I think it takes cojones to ask it.

I don't know if they are trying to gauge where they stand with you and if you are using them as a safety or if you are seriously interested.

Let's say they ask and you say, "I've applied to so many schools... there are really no sure things in this process; you know how it is... That said, I'm particularly interested in ___ (being in a school close to my support network, staying "in-state", being involved in cancer research, attending a Jesuit medical school, being in a city that would offer job opportunities for my spouse) and so [school's name] is very attractive to me and I am so glad to be here."

 

[LizzyM]

lower than a 25? Crazy! I guess a follow up question would now be has there been a happy ending to any of these courtesy interviews given.

It is really, really rare and usually involves a huge investment of time discussing the pros and cons. It always come down to the fact that the interview was amazing and something about the academic record suggested that the applicant had enough strength of be able to survive academically. We take a big chance and hope we aren't making a mistake that will hurt the applicant (who will flounder and fail) and come back to haunt us.

 

[shivasdance121]

I have lurked around SDN for many years, but have yet to post.

I graduated from a top UG school a few years ago with a BA. Although my parents wanted to help me, they were unable to and I have worked 30+ hours since the age of 17 to support myself. I did take out a small loan, which I have since repaid.

After much soul-searching and exploring many different careers, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in health care. I landed a job as an ED scribe, and envision I will have 6000+ scribing hours when applying (I have already been a scribe for a few years). Anyway, I love working with physicians and dream of being a physician one day. Everyday I work as a scribe confirms my desire to attend medical school to become a physician.

Since I have a BA, I still need to take many of the science pre-reqs, as well as any upper division science classes. I signed up to take some of the pre-requisites at a local community college, mainly because I can't afford to pay $1200 per class at a university.

My question is, is this the right way to approach getting the rest of the classes done, and making myself a competitive applicant for medical school? Should I look into a post-bac program instead? Does it matter? Taking them at a community college is significantly cheaper than a formal program, but if it makes a big difference, then I will look into a formal program (and will take out loans).

What about doing a second bachelors? What is the best way to complete these classes if you already have a BA?

Also, if I do take them at a community college, will LORs from community college professors be OK? Many physicians I work with are supportive and have offered to write me letters, but I am concerned about the required science LORs.

Also, will it help my chances that I have worked to support myself from a young age?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[LizzyM]

I have lurked around SDN for many years, but have yet to post.

I graduated from a top UG school a few years ago with a BA. Although my parents wanted to help me, they were unable to and I have worked 30+ hours since the age of 17 to support myself. I did take out a small loan, which I have since repaid.

After much soul-searching and exploring many different careers, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in health care. I landed a job as an ED scribe, and envision I will have 6000+ scribing hours when applying (I have already been a scribe for a few years). Anyway, I love working with physicians and dream of being a physician one day. Everyday I work as a scribe confirms my desire to attend medical school to become a physician.

Since I have a BA, I still need to take many of the science pre-reqs, as well as any upper division science classes. I signed up to take some of the pre-requisites at a local community college, mainly because I can't afford to pay $1200 per class at a university.

My question is, is this the right way to approach getting the rest of the classes done, and making myself a competitive applicant for medical school? Should I look into a post-bac program instead? Does it matter? Taking them at a community college is significantly cheaper than a formal program, but if it makes a big difference, then I will look into a formal program (and will take out loans).

There is more than one way to skin a cat. Check with the non-trad board as the folks there have the most experience in this area. Frankly, I don't see enough cases to be able to make an educated response to this question.

What about doing a second bachelors? What is the best way to complete these classes if you already have a BA?

I don't see the point of a second bachelors.

Also, if I do take them at a community college, will LORs from community college professors be OK?

They won't carry the same weight because, in all likelihood, their experience of writing such letters will be limited ... does the fact that you are the best they've taught in 12 years at Podunk Community College really impress anyone?

Many physicians I work with are supportive and have offered to write me letters, but I am concerned about the required science LORs.

Also, will it help my chances that I have worked to support myself from a young age?

Thank you in advance for your help!

You are in luck in that the AMCAS application changed recently and you will be asked to break out how you paid for school -- you will be able to show what percentage of your college expenses were out of your pocket, and what percentage were covered by loans, merit scholarships and need-based grants. You will also be given the place to list your parents names & occupations, the ages of your siblings, and your family's annual income when you were a kid. That might help explain why your parents weren't able to help with your college expenses.

 

[Dbate]

This gives me pause. It could be called "volunteer, non-clinical" however it is more administrative/management oriented rather than direct face-to-face service with the poor. Almost like the difference between hospital management and direct patient care. If you enjoy it, heavens knows that the people of New Haven need your help in making these community improvements. If you can be enthused about it during an interview, that's great.

So this wouldn't count? This is pretty much the only community involvement I have, so I will list it as so. Would it be looked down upon? Because it is a significant amount of time.

 

[LizzyM]

So this wouldn't count? This is pretty much the only community involvement I have, so I will list it as so. Would it be looked down upon? Because it is a significant amount of time.

It is different. Frankly, I'd find it refreshing and different from the dozens of students doing science demonstrations in public school classrooms, tutoring kids, being a big sib to a fatherless kid, etc. It shows that you are interested in the big picture and in systemic change rather than one-on-one service to people who, for example, need help with simple tax return forms.

 

[Knocked Up]

Rhodes > Fulbright >Goldwater. Haven't actually seen anyone with a Goldwater... maybe I'd be very impressed if I did.

Intel Science Prize seems impressive until you realize that there are so many layers and that some are just a couple grand but still, IMO, it is one of the few HS things that absolutely should be added to the experience section.

Really? Not even MD/Phd applicants? I can think of four people on this forum with a Goldwater to their name who applied MD only too, must not have been to your school though 🙁

Also, what about the Marshall, Udall, Truman, USA Today all academic teams, Mitchell, Gates Cambridge, and Churchill. Any of these worth anything? I would actually put these scholarships up there with the three you listed as they are all very competitive to attain.

 

[gettheleadout]

Really? Not even MD/Phd applicants? I can think of four people on this forum with a Goldwater to their name who applied MD only too, must not have been to your school though 🙁

Also, what about the Marshall, Udall, Truman, USA Today all academic teams, Mitchell, Gates Cambridge, and Churchill. Any of these worth anything? I would actually put these scholarships up there with the three you listed as they are all very competitive to attain.

Would a Marshall, Truman, or Gates Cambridge (the ones you named that I've actually heard of) not be worth anything to you personally? I'm sure different reviewers will have different levels of exposure to different scholarships and programs as well. Just a thought.

 

[Knocked Up]

Would a Marshall, Truman, or Gates Cambridge (the ones you named that I've actually heard of) not be worth anything to you personally? I'm sure different reviewers will have different levels of exposure to different scholarships and programs as well. Just a thought.

Why yes, yes they would be worth something to me. So would front row tickets to the Angels and Lakers along with a Le Mans Blue BMW M5...

 

[gettheleadout]

Why yes, yes they would be worth something to me. So would front row tickets to the Angels and Lakers along with a Le Mans Blue BMW M5...

So think about the experience you would get from participating in the study funded by these and how meaningfully you could talk about it. I just think it can be an advantage even if the reviewer isn't familiar with the award itself.

 

[varsityblue]

So think about the experience you would get from participating in the study funded by these and how meaningfully you could talk about it. I just think it can be an advantage even if the reviewer isn't familiar with the award itself.

+1. Not many adcoms are unfamiliar with competitive awards.

 

[percy]

In college, sometimes we'd host high-schoolers, keep in touch with them through their application cycles, and pout in disappointment if they chose to attend another school. I'm curious to hear how it feels when an applicant you had a large part in admitting chooses to go elsewhere. Is it just part of the process at this point, or do you ever have an "aw, man!" moment?

I'm both dreading and excited about making a decision, but I do want to show my appreciation to those schools that have given such individualized attention. Checking a "no" box on a PDF or clicking a "withdraw" link seem pretty impersonal on my part. Would it be weird to send a sort of thank-you letter with my inevitable withdrawals?

Thanks, LizzyM!

 

[Lauren2011]

Hi LizzyM

I was wondering, if an applicant has average stats ~3.7-3.8 and 33ish and was complete late, let's say complete around mid-September to early October, how would the lateness of her application affect her overall success in the application process? Do you expect someone with this profile to receive less interviews? Or would it not matter because average stats tend to get interviewed later anyways? Thanks for your insights!

 

[Narmerguy]

Really? Not even MD/Phd applicants? I can think of four people on this forum with a Goldwater to their name who applied MD only too, must not have been to your school though 🙁

Also, what about the Marshall, Udall, Truman, USA Today all academic teams, Mitchell, Gates Cambridge, and Churchill. Any of these worth anything? I would actually put these scholarships up there with the three you listed as they are all very competitive to attain.

Jeesh if you want to pursue one of these programs just do it. They're prestigious and everything but obviously not everyone will understand/appreciate it when looking at your transcript. Let's hope these provide some worth to you in the opportunities they provide.

Not that I don't understand why you want to know more about these. But I just hope people go for this stuff regardless of how it will be perceived as they're great opportunities in their own right.

 

[Medizin]

I have no idea. I have done a few interviews that were extended as a courtesy because someone highly place in the university made a phone call or wrote a letter to make an appeal on the applicant's behalf. Frankly, these applicants don't have a prayer but we like to be able to say to the bigwig that we gave the candidate every consideration and we are able to give the applicant some advice after the cycle is over as to how they might improve their application.

If I were going to guess, I'd say these tend to be along the lines of gpa < 3.5 and MCAT < 25.

So long as you are on the subject of whether the applicant who has either a low MCAT or a low GPA has evidenced whether he can handle the medical school curriculum and will be invited for an interview, would either of these be taken into consideration? (MCAT NOT lower than 25.)

1. Earned A's in all prerequisites
2. Worked 40 hours per week in research while studying for the MCAT

Otherwise, what might be evidence that the applicant could handle the work and be academically successful?

Thanks.

 

[maybemed2013]

.

 

[LizzyM]

Really? Not even MD/Phd applicants? I can think of four people on this forum with a Goldwater to their name who applied MD only too, must not have been to your school though 🙁

Also, what about the Marshall, Udall, Truman, USA Today all academic teams, Mitchell, Gates Cambridge, and Churchill. Any of these worth anything? I would actually put these scholarships up there with the three you listed as they are all very competitive to attain.

I don't see many MD/PhD applications (some years, based on work load distribution, I don't see any). I don't recall seeing any of those scholarships / fellowships you've named.

 

[LizzyM]

In college, sometimes we'd host high-schoolers, keep in touch with them through their application cycles, and pout in disappointment if they chose to attend another school. I'm curious to hear how it feels when an applicant you had a large part in admitting chooses to go elsewhere. Is it just part of the process at this point, or do you ever have an "aw, man!" moment?

I'm both dreading and excited about making a decision, but I do want to show my appreciation to those schools that have given such individualized attention. Checking a "no" box on a PDF or clicking a "withdraw" link seem pretty impersonal on my part. Would it be weird to send a sort of thank-you letter with my inevitable withdrawals?

Thanks, LizzyM!

It is never wrong to demonstrate one's gratitude with a thank you letter.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi LizzyM

I was wondering, if an applicant has average stats ~3.7-3.8 and 33ish and was complete late, let's say complete around mid-September to early October, how would the lateness of her application affect her overall success in the application process? Do you expect someone with this profile to receive less interviews? Or would it not matter because average stats tend to get interviewed later anyways? Thanks for your insights!

This is hard to say as it depends on so many other factors including which schools, the quality of the PS, ECs etc.

 

[LizzyM]

So long as you are on the subject of whether the applicant who has either a low MCAT or a low GPA has evidenced whether he can handle the medical school curriculum and will be invited for an interview, would either of these be taken into consideration? (MCAT NOT lower than 25.)

1. Earned A's in all prerequisites
2. Worked 40 hours per week in research while studying for the MCAT

Otherwise, what might be evidence that the applicant could handle the work and be academically successful?

Thanks.

The two you list would be good evidence that an adcom member arguing in favor of your application would bring to the discussion. An MCAT of 27 or more would be another piece of evidence (backed up by national data analaysis).

 

[LizzyM]

It has been fun to spend this holiday break answering your questions. I never expected this to go on for more than 25 pages and I never expected to break 10,000 posts in 2011.

I'm going to ask to have this thread locked and stickied. Perhaps we'll do this again next Christmas, too.

Happy New Year, everyone!

 

[dsl8va]

It seems like you are highly experienced, so I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me.

1. This deals with my current situation. Long story short, I have always been fascinated by medicine, but in college I pursued new things. Now as a college sophomore I decided that medicine is what I need to do because I believe I have a calling for it. However, I have not completed ANY of the pre-requisites for premed. Luckily I mapped out my next two years and turns out I can graduate on time if I take summer classes for chem and bio and then finish organic and physics during my last two years. I would eventually graduate with an Econ degree. Do you have any advice on how I should specifically tackle the situation I'm in and/or when to take the MCATs and apply for med school.

2. I am affiliated with the military and have already posted in the military forum, but I'd like a comprehensive opinion. I have the choice to go to med school for free, but owe 4 years to the military post residency or I could pay for school myself while in the reserves. Is getting in debt worth it when I can get it all paid for by the military? I keep hearing that I should avoid it, but I'm thinking that 4 years of military service post residency would offset the 10+ years I would be paying off my $200,000+ worth of student loans. I realize this decision will ultimately be mine to make, but I was wondering how bad paying back student loans are, when I could avoid them altogether.

Thanks, and Happy New Year!

 

[EnergyDrink]

Thanks again LizzyM! This thread has been very enlightening.

 

[Bacchus]

As LizzyM has said, her time commitments to her medical school will be picking up once again. In order to provide the best support and information to our users, this thread will be closed so questions do not go unanswered if posted. Look for LizzyM's tidbits throughout the forums.