ATC, DPT to MD: Advice

[BUSportsMed]

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I am currently a student in a combined six-year program to earn a BS in athletic training and a DPT in physical therapy. I have almost completely decided at this point that I want to end up in medical school at some point in my life, however, I feel I am too far along in a very intense accelerated program to give up what I've worked so hard to maintain.

By the end of six years applying to medical school will probably make me a nontraditional applicant, especially since I plan on working at least a couple years to gain some experience, pay back some debt, and make sure that being a physician is definitely what I want to pursue.

Anyway, my question is really what advice do people have out there for an applicant like me? Specifically, are there private pre-med advisors that I could enlist the help of as a nontraditional applicant because I feel like the most advice I will need will regard prereqs that I may or may not need to take.. how to go about preparing for and taking the MCAT.. what types of schools to apply to.. and things like that. I know when ambitious high school students are applying to college, some choose to have the help of a private guidance counselor so basically, I'm wondering if such a thing exists and would be useful for me.

Thanks all!

 

[mspeedwagon]

I think the bolded is going to be most important. It will look much better if you actually gain a little work experience before jumping from one program into another. You definitely don't have any option at this point but to finish the program (medical schools won't like that you are jumping from one program to another with completing the first). You definitely want to separate yourself for a year or two from the program and gain actual experience. That would be my first bit of advice.

There are lots of private pre-med advisor, but they cost a pretty penny. Judy Colwell is probably one of the more famous: http://www.judycolwell.com/. If you have the money to blow, it's probably worth hiring someone; however, you can likely get good advice from college counselars at nearby state schools or even from here on sdn.

If you post course descriptions here, you will get a variety of opinions on the pros and cons. The pre-reqs are fixed, so you have to take those and you don't have much say. For supplemental courses: physiology, biochemistry and cell/moelculear biology are the best to consider.

For MCAT prep: SN2 has a 3/4 month study plan which is a great resource. Also, scan through the 30+ group on here and this is probably the better than any advice that you will get from a pre-med advisor (who has likely never taken the MCAT). Finally, invest in a prep course (I'll be taking PR myself, but research the ones in your area and again, you can post on here and ask for reviews in your geographical area).

Finally, for the types of schools to apply to. Get the MSAR, consider DO is you have a strong all-around application, but your numbers aren't as great, and finally, consult mdapps to get a sense of accepted students.

By the end of six years applying to medical school will probably make me a nontraditional applicant, especially since I plan on working at least a couple years to gain some experience, pay back some debt, and make sure that being a physician is definitely what I want to pursue.

Anyway, my question is really what advice do people have out there for an applicant like me? Specifically, are there private pre-med advisors that I could enlist the help of as a nontraditional applicant because I feel like the most advice I will need will regard prereqs that I may or may not need to take.. how to go about preparing for and taking the MCAT.. what types of schools to apply to.. and things like that. I know when ambitious high school students are applying to college, some choose to have the help of a private guidance counselor so basically, I'm wondering if such a thing exists and would be useful for me.

Thanks all!