Bunch of questions

[DaveC]

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I have many years before I need to apply to med school but I have some questions as to whether or not the following have any signifigance on my med scool application:

1) Took continuing education course for nursing assistant which also earned me CEUs and a grade.

2) I took a one year automotive repair course about 3 years ago which granted me a certificate. Even though the courses were not real college courses their transcript assigned credits and used the traditional 4.0 grading system. Would this affect my G.P.A. (it blew-2.43)? What would be my academic status after this course? I really could not be considered a sophmore because I earned 36 "credits"?

Also, even though I have years to write the personal statement, I was looking at the ones on essey edge etc. and they are boring as hell plus they they all talk about how the applicant cured cancer or some huge thing and my life is boring and depressing and I would not have anything to write about except for the fact that I am so poor I have to sleep in my uninsured car during my periods of homeless. What do you guys write about?

Another thing, do people actually include things like "made Dean's List" on their application. If you are applying to med school chances are you made it every semester (quarter, trimester, etc.). I am feeling that the non academic side of my application will suck and that will be the main reason if I don't get accepted.

Thanks in advance for your replys.

BTW, this site gives me a bone.

 

[indianboy]

2) I took a one year automotive repair course about 3 years ago which granted me a certificate. Even though the courses were not real college courses their transcript assigned credits and used the traditional 4.0 grading system. Would this affect my G.P.A. (it blew-2.43)? What would be my academic status after this course? I really could not be considered a sophmore because I earned 36 "credits"?

I would not include the automotive certificate anywhere on your app, and certainly not when you're reporting your grades - it sounds more like vocational rather than academic, why screw yourself?

lso, even though I have years to write the personal statement, I was looking at the ones on essey edge etc. and they are boring as hell plus they they all talk about how the applicant cured cancer or some huge thing and my life is boring and depressing and I would not have anything to write about except for the fact that I am so poor I have to sleep in my uninsured car during my periods of homeless. What do you guys write about?

Just write a parabol - a catchy story with an instructive point. Being grounded in reality is completely overrated. WWJD?

BTW, this site gives me a bone.

I didn't know people had smiley fetishes ...


Hope that Helps

P 'We aim to please' ShankOut

 

[gower]

Nothing is ever simple!

In principle, everything post-high school, whether related to premed or not, has to be entered on the AMCAS application.

Any gaps in your post-high school education have to be explained.

Except for the extra amount of work, none of that is a problem for medical school admission. All the course work you describe is irrelevant, including that for nursing assistant.

Moving on, all subequent post-high school education (which I assume you are doing now in an accredited college) has to be entered on the application. Whether or not you are a full-time student is also irrelevant. What courses you do take, and especially the courses usually required for admission, are very relevant.

It also makes a difference WHERE you are taking the courses. On the whole, except for a few pockets in the country, primarily in the west, the science courses should be taken in a bachelor's degree granting (4 year) college. Most students accepted to medical school have at least a baccalaureate.

It would be advantageous to be in a college where there is a premedical advisor. Like MDs, teachers, auto repair shops, their skills and availability vary, but it is also tricky to ask questions of perfect strangers whose knowledge you have to be very wary of trusting, including my knowledge! It is even harder to judge when you are not face to face with a person.

If you live or attend college anywhere within reasonable distance from a medical school, it is also possible to seek some advice there. Call Admissions and ask to schedule a meeting with someone. Make sure you tell them that you are NOT now an applicant. Write down all the questions you want to ask. Some Admissions offices will accomodate you, some won't. When you are there, LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY TO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD. People, including myself, have a tendency to hear what they want to hear, blocking out the rest.

If you need help in finding suitable places, ask me. But you must tell me, within a large general area, where you are located. I do not want any home address.

It is never too early to start the drafts of your personal statement. That too can be significant in affecting your chances of admission. It is a PERSONAL statement, which means about YOU, not other people, not about medicine. The others and medicine may appear, but only in relation to YOU and YOUR experience, your hopes for the future. It should be well-written, in good English, using good grammar, spelling, punctuation. It should be written in an interesting style or way if you want to excite any interest in YOU. "I did this, I did that, I did the other thing" is not the way to go. "It was very interesting" is meaningless unless you can convey the excitement in your writing. And it is the only place on the application where YOU, the person, a unique individual, can shine through. Don't slight it because it not a recital of academic stuff which anyway is elsewhere on your application, as are your extracurricular activities, your listing of medically related activities, any awards, etc. Remember, it is all about YOU.

It is no shame to ask for help when you need it. As a physician, if you can't consult, you woud be a poor doctor.

 

[Nefertari]

Originally posted by DaveC
I would not have anything to write about except for the fact that I am so poor I have to sleep in my uninsured car during my periods of homeless. What do you guys write about?

I am feeling that the non academic side of my application will suck and that will be the main reason if I don't get accepted.

Since you're switching careers, you'll have to show solid performance in your premed prereqs.

Actually, the non-academic aspects of your app sounds much more interesting, esp. if you can demonstrate in your activities and personal statement how you got to where you are in spite of extreme circumstances. If you can do this, your experiences will help your app stand out more.

Definitely apply w/ disadvantaged status if you've been homeless during your childhood/high school years. Sorry to hear that you've had it so rough (i.e. if you literally mean homeless).

 

[crazyA]

To the OP-

Med schools like variety...and your previous career track sure makes you tsand out from other applicants. I'd put it in. But try to make sure that you've gotten some sort of clinical exposure/volunteer work in before you apply.