Chances of getting in a Post-bacc Program

[CristiaanC]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello everyone,

I've posted on SDN a few times, but now that I'm getting close to my undergraduate graduation, I wish to communicate my situation, as I think it is fairly unique. I've done an extensive amount of research as to what kinds of credentials are necessary for acceptance, but I want to know if my particular situation would be of detriment or benefit. Here it is:

I'm a 32 year old hispanic male who was accepted to Stony Brook University in 2001. Soon after attending I was unfortunate enough to be afflicted with a severe bout of depression which plagued me for about 8 years. It became very severe halfway through and as much as I tried to return to the university to improve myself, it only amounted to mediocre grades, some failures and an overall gpa of about a 2.7. I recovered from my illness about four years ago and have been working in healthcare this entire time. I've been a pharmacy technician and have worked in various settings which involved patients interaction. I decided to go back and pursue my dream of being a physician. I've since returned to stony brook after this long hiatus, and have been excelling while simultaneously acquiring experience volunteering at the hospital. I achieved a 3.6 GPA last semester and it looks like I'll be finishing this semester with a 4.0. I have two semesters remaining, but even with a best case scenario, my GPA will be about a 2.9 upon graduation. Mind you I will have completed research, amounted a significant number of hours of volunteer work and healthcare related work. I've yet to take the MCAT, but I am pretty confident that I can score in the high percentile.

I'll be graduating with a Bachelors in Neuroscience and Psychology. These will be my anticipated scores and hours of EC:

Research:
Study in Cognitive Psychology at Stony Brook University: Assessing cognitive implications of conversation, eye tracking. - I'll definitely get a recommendation letter here.

Shadowing experience:
250 hours: Interacting with patients, providing basic care. Working with nurses, PAs and other physicians. - Will get a recommendation letter here as well.

Volunteer Experience:
Stony Brook Hospital O.R - 300 Hours
Ambulance Corps - 300 hours
NY Presbyterian Hospital Neurology Dept. - 300 hours

Employment (Healthcare Experience):
Clinical Coordinator - Specialty Pharmacy- 1500 hours
Specialty Pharmacy Associate - Emblem Health - 950 hours
Pharmacy Technician - 7000 hours
Tutor: Biology and Piano - Private

Extracurricular:
Active Member of the Neuroscience Axis at Stony Brook University.

I want to get into the Drexel or Temple University MD link programs as I think they would be my best chance of getting in, but I'm not sure how my credentials will be translated. Of course, I'll describe the economic hardships of my life as well as my battle with depression which I have beaten (without the use of medication) on my own. Another thing is how should I communicate this? The last thing I want to do is seem weak or seem anything related to someone who cannot take pressure, moreover I do not want to seem like a pity case either. I'm aware of my misfortunes and yet I do not associate any future outcomes with those past experiences. Any advice is endlessly appreciated. I thank you all for your time and apologize for the extensive post.

 

[ZedsDed]

You might have a shot at Drexel's program since you are a URM, though I doubt it; your stats are too low for them most likely. Ditto for Temple. I'm sorry you had to suffer through mental illness, but I have a feeling (and this is totally just speculation on my part) that AdComs will be relatively unmoved by an applicant using depression to make excuses for academics. You need to look at more reasonable, and less competitive, SMPs.

 

[CristiaanC]

Thanks for your reply and I understand. Do you know of any SMPs that would be more within my range? That being said, I must say that including my battle with depression in my statement is not a good idea then. Could you possibly indicate where I am weakest in my stats? I've seen students on this forum that have gotten into drexel with below a 3.0 if I remember correctly, so is it my extracurricular that is lacking?

 

[ZedsDed]

Thanks for your reply and I understand. Do you know of any SMPs that would be more within my range? That being said, I must say that including my battle with depression in my statement is not a good idea then. Could you possibly indicate where I am weakest in my stats? I've seen students on this forum that have gotten into drexel with below a 3.0 if I remember correctly, so is it my extracurricular that is lacking?

It happens, Drexel themselves say a competitive applicant should have over a 3.0, so apply if you want. Though banking on the handful of exceptions to the rule is never a reliable approach. I'm only saying that you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. Let me be clear, your problem is your GPA, only your GPA. You need to make sure and do well on the MCAT. You might want to consider DO schools and grade replacement. You need to spend time on the postbac forum, and going through the various program's websites, to find out which programs you are competitive for.

Cheers

 

[CristiaanC]

I'm investing a great deal of time on the MCAT, so I'm with you there on that point. Thanks again, I appreciate the responses.

 

[DrMidlife]

Look @ Georgetown GEMS.

Reach out to the diversity offices at med schools to see what's off menu.

Best of luck to you.