Beginner seeking adivce

[JohnKelton]

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Hi Guys, this my first post at SDN and I am seeking some advice as a non traditional student.

I will complete ORGO 1 & 2 and BIO 1 & 2 by the end of summer next year. However, I have started preparing for MCAT right away as I am a good self learner.

I would really appreciate if someone could guide me on what steps I should take so that to increase my chances of getting into medical school in the fall 2015 based on ones experiences.

Thanks

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

It looks like you're on the right track. Keep those grades up and you'll certainly get in somewhere. Do you have any clinical experience? If not, you will need to get some. Volunteering in your local hospital emergency department is a good way to get that, as it gives you clinical and volunteer experience. It's also a good way to meet doctors to shadow, which is another thing you'll need to do.

 

[JohnKelton]

Thanks for the encouragement. I dont have any clinical experience nor do I have any shadowing experience. Since I am starting with a blank slate, I would really appreciate if someone who, from their experience, could guide me in maturing my application before I apply next year. I forgot to mention that I am also working full time. I was wondering if I can gain clinical and shadowing experience during weekends? Also how to signup for one? Any suggestions are most welcomed.

For MCAT, I am starting with Exam Crackers.

If you guys are successful and have to do it all over again, what would you change or advise me from your experience?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Emergency departments are open 24 hours, so if you volunteer there you can probably choose any hours you want. Volunteering for over six months looks good on application, even if it's just four hours a week. As you work there you'll probably meet doctors that will agree to let you shadow them. Your local hospital will probably have a volunteer coordinator you can talk with about working there.

I mentioned a few things I'd do differently in my post in the nontrad success stories thread. I don't remember them all offhand, but they were all pretty minor, and I got into one of my top choice schools anyhow. Just keep your grades up and everything else will pretty much take care of itself.

 

[JohnKelton]

If I want to get into med school in fall 2015

When should I take MCAT?
When should I apply to med schools for not being considered late?

Thanks

 

[dsoz]

If I want to get into med school in fall 2015

When should I take MCAT?
When should I apply to med schools for not being considered late?

Thanks

I did it, but I had a little less journey to travel. Look at my MDApps (link under my avatar).

I work full time as a high school science teacher. I had all my pre-reques finished with my undergrad degree (a double digit number of years ago). However, I took an immunology class, a biochem class, and an A&P class to show that I can still learn, and am not "brain damaged." I also started volunteering at a local hospital two shifts a week (3 hours each) in the evening. I also found four different physicians to shadow (take sick days if you have them!). One physician can refer you to others. It is just a matter of getting your foot in the door and letting them get to know you.

You want to take the MCAT in the spring before you apply. If you are confident that you can score high, take it in April or May. If you are hesitant, take it earlier so you can possibly retake it if you need. I studied from January to March and took the exam in mid-March. I kept studying until I got my scores back in case they were lower than I wanted. If they were too low, I could sign up and re-take it in May or June. It takes a month to get your scores back. You want the scores to choose schools wisely, otherwise it is just shooting in the dark.

I suggest applying in the month of June. Any later than that you will feel like you are very behind. You want to be in the first round of secondaries, and the first round of interviews. That will give you the best chance at scoring a position. Once you are past the end of July, you will be "later" in the cycle, and may not get interviews until January (not something you want) or LATER (even worse).

You have the GPA for MD schools, now you just need greater than 30 MCAT to be competitive. If your MCAT is 26-30 then you would do best to include DO schools in your application. Research some if you don't know what DO schools are.

Good luck. Others have done this before you, and more will come after you. You are in good company. Look in the non-trad forum at the current list of acceptances. It is inspiring!

dsoz

EDIT: you may also want to start a new account, one without your name so obvious. There was a problem back in November where an individual said some things that were linked to his facebook page, and his real name, and his acceptance at a school was rescinded. It is better to be anonymous, or at least make them work to find our who you are. My account is pretty easy, there are not many people my age and occupation applying to specific schools. I have had one faculty member comment on one of my posts already (I was not trying to hide).

 

[EmergDoc2B]

do this now!

 

[JohnKelton]

Ok, Thanks. On it right away.

 

[mehc012]

If I want to get into med school in fall 2015

When should I take MCAT?
When should I apply to med schools for not being considered late?

Thanks

If you are self-studying starting now, I would recommend aiming for a 2nd half 2014 test date, because the exam is changing substantially for 2015. I am also hoping to apply 2015 (2014 if the stars align), and am planning to schedule my exam late enough in 2014 to give me extra study time/remain viable for 2 cycles, but early enough so that I can take a retake before the 2015 test if I completely drop the ball.