didn't get in, now what?

[hrusky17]

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So I have a tough situation to deal with right now that I eventually need to figure out within the next couple weeks. I know it comes down to what I want in the end but some advice would really help. Right now I'm working as a Petroleum Landman, which has been great for getting me out of debt and on my feet...making 70K a year while having some time for volunteering and school. The problem is I don't like the job and don't like my living situation. I can either move to Arkansas with salary increase or I have a friend that can get me a job in healthcare in Austin, but I would then have to live with my parents because of my financial situation.

Basically I'm thinking that keeping this job in the oil business is killing my chance of getting into medical school. I don't see a future in it but at this point in the 2008 cycle would it make a difference if I got a more relevant job? I'm starting to think that I need to move back to Austin for this job because I really don't like this type of business....I have some thinking to do.

 

[RxnMan]

If you don't like the job then you don't like the job. I don't believe switching jobs at this point will particularly help your app. And I've seen people from all sorts of backgrounds go into medicine, so doing petroleum work doesn't disqualify you. I would make sure that you articulate in your applicatinos and in your interviews exactly why you aren't satisfied with your current career and how you think medicine will.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Looks like you just need to apply to MORE schools.
Why not apply to TCOM if you want to stay in TX?

 

[hrusky17]

Yeah, I was thinking about that as well. For this cycle, I have applied to TCOM along with I think 12 OOS schools that matched around my GPA/MCAT. I want to stay in Texas, but more importantly I want to get a good education and that can be accomplished in many places. Thanks for the advice.

What about getting another LOR from one of my good friend's mom that knows me really well? My friend got into a bad car accident and was in a coma...I practically lived in the hospital with his family until he came around. Would this be a good addition?

 

[nlax30]

I'm not sure I'd go with getting an LOR from a friend's parent, even in that situation. You already have a decent peer letter, right? I could be TOTALLY wrong but I'm just not sure how that letter would be looked at or how much weight it would be given. I would think that it couldn't really hurt you, unless you'll be trying to send in 5 additional letters, which would not come across well. Hopefully someone else with some adcom experience will chime in on that. On the mentoring forum here you could ask this question as well as there are some adcom members who could give you a better answer.

Was just looking at your MDapplicants profile. Your GPA is good, MCAT isn't bad, but isn't great either..... you know all this. To me, after seeing how subjective this all can be, it seems like there needs to be some sort of X-factor that makes an applicant stand out, whether it's some unique EC, special work experience, etc... I think you're a decent average candidate, and unfortunately there are a LOT of average applicants.

Some recommendations/my 2 cents:

-Apply a little more broadly, will mean possible going out of state, unless you just absolutely want to stay in Texas. Don't apply to any place you wouldn't go to though.
-Possibly retaking MCAT to get a 30+ You'll have to decide whether or not the effort you'd have to put into it is worth it or not. Above a 30 will definitely help you. Right now your score should be ok for any DO programs you apply to.
-Get a healthcare job. With your GPA at 3.7 I don't think you need to take any more classes (unless they are additional pre-reqs). But a health job will show that you are definitely interested in health as a field and will help build your exposure to the field if you feel your clinical time may be lacking a little. I worked a summer in a CNA/Nursing Assistant type of role at an assisted living center and was told by a few people that it helped out my application.

Anyway, just my 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Agree with the health related job. Find SOMEthing - anything. Part time, whatever. It can also serve to inspire you while you go through the torture of reapplying.

Guessing the link is to last year's application cycle on mdapps.

If you're looking to stay in or near TX, try a few other DO schools besides TCOM, like Oklahoma - a great DO school. If it isn't so much TX or near TX, but rather you want to stay in a warm area, add the Florida & Cali and AZ DO schools, too.

As far as MD schools - wasn't sure why you went w/TX and then a couple of east coast schools that just about every applicant applies to. Not that it is bad, just - see if you can find some schools that match your application, interests, and experiences really well.

 

[hrusky17]

yeah, I don't think I really knew what I was doing last year either. I really want to stay in Texas. The reason I haven't applied to more DO schools is that I really don't know much about them. I guess I need to try to shadow a DO but it's hard to do things like that when I'm working full-time, going to school, and volunteering. I'm going through a transition to working in the field instead of in the office right now, which will give me time to find a part-time job that relates to what I want to be doing. What are some part-time jobs in healthcare that don't need certifications? Something that would be easy for me to jump into...I have started to search a bit in the area but haven't found much of anything. thanks

 

[Orthodoc40]

yeah, I don't think I really knew what I was doing last year either. I really want to stay in Texas. The reason I haven't applied to more DO schools is that I really don't know much about them. I guess I need to try to shadow a DO but it's hard to do things like that when I'm working full-time, going to school, and volunteering. I'm going through a transition to working in the field instead of in the office right now, which will give me time to find a part-time job that relates to what I want to be doing. What are some part-time jobs in healthcare that don't need certifications? Something that would be easy for me to jump into...I have started to search a bit in the area but haven't found much of anything. thanks

Totally been there. Not easy at all. Well first of all, start researching the DO schools closest to TX on the AACOM website, I guess. When you find a DO to shadow, you may just have to take a couple of days or half days off from work. You don't need to apply to a ton of them, it's just that there are great ones near you. Definitely look at the MD schools near you, too.

For me, I just went to the websites of the hospitals close to home & started looking for jobs in clinical research. There are all different types - part and full time. Even if you had to work full time, it's going to get you into healthcare for a while, which is good. If you're working, you don't HAVE to keep volunteering - though see what you can manage. (Remember, the idea behind volunteering is getting exposure to healthcare. Someone who's a nurse applying to med school isn't going to take their time up volunteering, if you get my point.)

 

[Vizsla]

I agree completely w/ RxnMan. theres no need to change ur job for med school apps..only change if thats waht you want personally. as for your numbers, they are very good and seeing that uve already interviewed at 3 of the texas schools, u have a great chance at interviewing there again. you really need to apply broadly next time. if you dont mind getting out of texas, there are a few private schools nearby (state schools arent your best bet since they except few OOS) like SLU, Tulane. good luck

 

[batman1983]

$70k as petro landman? Man, I choose the wrong career. I was making $90-100k in IB in NY, paying $1200/month for my own room, and having to work 80-90 hr/weeks. How is the job(hours/lifestyle/difficulty/etc)?

So I have a tough situation to deal with right now that I eventually need to figure out within the next couple weeks. I know it comes down to what I want in the end but some advice would really help. Right now I'm working as a Petroleum Landman, which has been great for getting me out of debt and on my feet...making 70K a year while having some time for volunteering and school. The problem is I don't like the job and don't like my living situation. I can either move to Arkansas with salary increase or I have a friend that can get me a job in healthcare in Austin, but I would then have to live with my parents because of my financial situation.

Basically I'm thinking that keeping this job in the oil business is killing my chance of getting into medical school. I don't see a future in it but at this point in the 2008 cycle would it make a difference if I got a more relevant job? I'm starting to think that I need to move back to Austin for this job because I really don't like this type of business....I have some thinking to do.

 

[hrusky17]

I would make a bit more working full time. Right now I make around $270 - $310 a day, and raises are not hard to come by when you are reliable and a good worker. My normal day is 9-6, but if I'm not busy leaving at 5 isn't a big deal and leaving early for things like haircuts and other appointments is fine. Soon I will be working in the field, which is even more relaxed...basically working out of my apartment. It's a great job but I really just don't have an interest in this type of work...I wish the medical schools could recognize that. cousin makes about twice what I do...

 

[iliacus]

So I have a tough situation to deal with right now that I eventually need to figure out within the next couple weeks. I know it comes down to what I want in the end but some advice would really help. Right now I'm working as a Petroleum Landman, which has been great for getting me out of debt and on my feet...making 70K a year while having some time for volunteering and school. The problem is I don't like the job and don't like my living situation. I can either move to Arkansas with salary increase or I have a friend that can get me a job in healthcare in Austin, but I would then have to live with my parents because of my financial situation.

Basically I'm thinking that keeping this job in the oil business is killing my chance of getting into medical school. I don't see a future in it but at this point in the 2008 cycle would it make a difference if I got a more relevant job? I'm starting to think that I need to move back to Austin for this job because I really don't like this type of business....I have some thinking to do.

Don't give up...it's worth it. If you really want to be a physician go for it. It's only the rest of your life we're talking about here.

 

[hrusky17]

I just called UTMB to ask if I should assume there is a very small chance of getting off the waitlist because of the interview invite in August. I got close to the best answer possible, she said that there is a high probability that I will be getting off the waitlist and to hold off a week on the apartment...because I told her that I was thinking about signing a lease soon. I hope she knows something that she can't tell me over the phone.

I guess I gave up a little too soon on this cycle, now I can't stop thinking about getting in though. I really hope some spots open up at UTMB...I have a good friend that is going there as well and my brother is going to UTH.

 

[fabu1ous]

I just called UTMB to ask if I should assume there is a very small chance of getting off the waitlist because of the interview invite in August. I got close to the best answer possible, she said that there is a high probability that I will be getting off the waitlist and to hold off a week on the apartment...because I told her that I was thinking about signing a lease soon. I hope she knows something that she can't tell me over the phone.

I guess I gave up a little too soon on this cycle, now I can't stop thinking about getting in though. I really hope some spots open up at UTMB...I have a good friend that is going there as well and my brother is going to UTH.

Wow, that sounds encouraging... sound to me that there may be hope yet for this cycle! Hopefully you'll be able to edit your header 🙂 and this will be a moot thread. I'm currently waitlisted/an alternate at LECOM-B, and I'm still hopeful. Hey, it's not over till that lady sings or until after your school's orientation, whichever comes first. Best of luck to you!!!