Consider a post-bacc?

[liability]

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Hi all,

I was premed for a while as a UG, and graduated with a Math degree in 2006. I've been working as an actuary until now (summer 2008). I'm considering applying to medical school in the next couple of years.

UG GPA ~3.15
ECs: Started a premed org, did some hospital volunteering, etc.
MCAT in 2004 (expired): 33Q

I'm pretty sure most schools will want me to retake the MCAT, and I'm pretty sure I can do better this time (I feel like I've only gotten smarter over the past couple of years).

I have a couple of LoRs (hopefully): 2 from employer, 1 from UG premed org.

Should I consider doing a post-bac, or just straight apply to medical programs come next year? Applying to a post-bac means doing a full year of school, THEN applying and doing more school/work in my glide year...?

Anyone been/in the same boat?

Thanks,
Liab.

 

[NTF]

hmmmm. hard to tell w/o knowing:

1) do your grades have an upward trend?
2) What's your scGPA?
3) What state are you in?
4) Are you opposed to DO schools?

 

[liability]

hmmmm. hard to tell w/o knowing:

1) do your grades have an upward trend?
2) What's your scGPA?
3) What state are you in?
4) Are you opposed to DO schools?

Hey Fogie, thanks for replying.

1) not really upward.. mostly level, if not slightly downward sloping.
2) closer to 3.0... I do have a nasty "D" sitting on there that it's too late to do anything about.
3) CA =/
4) not strictly opposed to DO schools, but I think I'd prefer the allopathic route. Given my consulting background, I've also given thought to an MD/MBA career path, but I don't know if that ship has sailed on without me already.

 

[fireflygirl]

It sounds like the post-bac might be a good route for you. There you could show an upwards trend and that might help provide some distance from the UG grades. Also, you may want to consider retaking the class that you got the D in to show that you are capable of understanding the content of that class and if you do consider the DO route, there is grade replacement so the most recent grade (if you do much better) will replace the D and will be part of your science GPA. Finally, doing a post-bac may give you some time to also pick some medically related ECs that may also strengthen your application.

 

[Nasem]

I would do the post-bacc, if you do a 30 to 40 credit post-bacc and 4.0 everything, your overall GPA will be touching 3.3-3.4ish and... your most "recent" course work is going to show a 30+ credit work with a strong GPA performance.... that will seriously incrase your chances of getting in somewhere.

You've already rocked the MCAT once, after your post-bacc, retake that sucker and hopfully you'll get a nicer score

As far as doing MD/MBA, I think you can do the same with DO/MBA, you just have to search for the right school...

 

[NTF]

Hey Fogie, thanks for replying.

1) not really upward.. mostly level, if not slightly downward sloping.
2) closer to 3.0... I do have a nasty "D" sitting on there that it's too late to do anything about.
3) CA =/
4) not strictly opposed to DO schools, but I think I'd prefer the allopathic route. Given my consulting background, I've also given thought to an MD/MBA career path, but I don't know if that ship has sailed on without me already.

I'd say consider taking a post-bac and taking time to accumulate some more ECs. I think you could still get into some DOs this year, but since you're allo-inclined just do an extra year and you'll have a solid chance an MD school. It sucks that you're CA resident though. If you were in let say FL or TX, I'd say go ahead and give it shot this year.

 

[landrewel]

Just wondering, why are you dissatisfied with your current profession? I'm an actuary and am also considering leaving the field. Are you close to obtaining your associateship?

 

[liability]

Hey landerwel,

I'm working in the pensions field, and while I love the fast pace of the consulting environment and the feeling that I'm doing *some* social good (in aiding the aging workforce in retiring), I am looking for a profession that gives me direct contact with those whom I am helping through my work.

I'm not completely DISsatisfied with my job.. actually I really enjoy it at times.. and actuaries do quite well for themselves... but I don't think I could settle down into the actuarial profession without giving it one last, expensive, balls out try, just so I can sleep at night knowing that I pursued it. Total compensation, taking into account loans, interest, and lost income, can pretty much wash out between the two, since the money in medicine isn't what it used to be, and actuarial salaries get pretty high.

Then, there are the practical reasons: working in pensions has allowed me to witness firsthand the slow, yet evident, transition from a DB world to a DC benefits environment. While I don't believe I'll ever be hurting for a job in my lifetime (can't say the same for my kids, should they become pension actuaries), I feel like we're fighting a losing battle. On the other hand, people will always need healthcare.

As for my exam progress, there only stands the FAP between me and my ASA. My ideal plan is to quietly take the MCAT, and then finish off my ASA before going off to an SMP (just as a personal sort of goal).

What's your story, landrewel?

 

[landrewel]

Hey,

I feel the same way you do when it comes to being so far removed from patient care. Also, I'm starting to see insurance companies for what they really are, just facilitators in the business of making money. That mindset doesn't make my work very appealing at all. I just passed exam C, so that's where I stand in terms of exam progress.

It's great you only have the FAP left, so you can spend more time studying for the MCAT. Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll make a great MD!