Dance major?

[NYC8683DD]

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I've decided to go to a post-bacc pre-med program, but I'm wondering what my odds are at getting into programs. I graduated in 2005 with a dance and psychology double major. My gpa was 3.61 at a large University and my gre scores are 780 quantitative and 540 verbal. I think those are decent stats however, the only jobs I've held since college have been in restaurants and sort of pursuing a dance career. And I don't have any real medical experience. I am starting to volunteer at a hospital, but I don't think I'll have enough experience with that to really make a difference on my applications. Is it worth it to spend apps to some of the more selective schools like Goucher, Bryn Mawr, John Hopkins? I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on applications if I dont' have much of a chance.

 

[blackadder]

Your stats sound pretty good to me. However, I think you're right about the lack of medical experience being a possible weakness. The post bac programs you've expressed interest in need to be convinced that you are hooked on becoming a doc...and they typically look at your exposure to medicine/research to help ensure this. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply if you want to go to these programs. At least call them up to discuss your situation.

Hope all goes well. Good luck!

 

[Instatewaiter]

I agree w/ blackadder. You should at least try especially since these schools typically have excellent sucess rates. In the mean time, continue to get more and more clinical exposure. Look into shadowing some docs or volunteering at a free clinic. The latter usually gives you excellent patient exposure. If you vary it up a bit (some at the hospital, some shadowing, some at a free clinic) it will seem like you have done more.

I also agree w/ blackadder about talking with the head of these programs. If you begin a dialogue with their admissions chair/dean they'll better know your situation and you'll have a much easier time getting in. The more face time/exposure you get with the deans (of Post-bac or med school) the better the change you'll get in.

Good luck

 

[Lshapley]

Hey,

I did the whole nyc dance thing for 10 years (philly for the last 2). I was a pre-med in undergrad but then decided to pursue a dance career since it is fleeting. My grades were not what yours are (3.3 gpa, 3.2 in the sciences) and I am now in the Penn postbacc program. I couldn't apply to the programs you are interested in since I had the sciences already, but I can tell you that Penn ate up my dance background in the interview. At least at Penn there was a high value placed on performaning artists and athletes. Apparently the preparation required translates well. Whatever, don't underestimate the value of your background. I think you have as good a shot as any.

 

[Febrifuge]

Two words: Bennington College. Check it out. Not only an intense, successful postbac program, but an arts center that's open 24/7... and the largest sprung floor in North America.

And get that medical experience. Volunteering is a good start. See if maybe you can do some shadowing with an Exercise Physiologist, a Physical Therapist, or an Occupational Therapist; especially with your dance background, you never know when you might be able to swing a part-time job in a sports med rehab facility or something.

 

[oneandonlylo]

I don't have a dance background, but I did my undergrad in theater so I understand your situation. I think it will definitely work as a plus for you. As everyone said, pursue the medical experience by all means. Most important, though, in my opinion, is to use application essays and interviews as an opportunity to explain how and why you are where you are now in life, to prove your commitment to pursuing your passions, and to justify why you have little medical experience up until now but are wholeheartedly trying to acquire it. They will appreciate your honesty.

 

[ballerinadoctor]

this is making me feel so much better... i dance ballet right now and its kind of the reason my gpa is in the toilet... but I cant quit, I know that a career in dance is fleeting and I want to take advantage of it as much as I can. So I will probably graduate with a 3.2 and do a post bacc, Im not sure which one as of right now, perhaps barry, but id like to leave miami and go to ny or chicago... but just seeing that there are other dancers out there still trying and succeeding makes me feel, well, not so alone in the world.

 

[Febrifuge]

I'm just going to keep saying the word Bennington until it clicks. Bennington Bennington Bennington.

Here's the Web page: http://www.bennington.edu/acad_grad_postbac.asp