Hi, everyone
I plan on applying during the 2018 cycle, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma.
Background: I recently graduated, and the plan that I've outlined with my advisor is to study for the MCAT and take it in January, work full-time or part-time in the interim, and get my apps together before June 1st.
However, there are a few problems:
1) I've had no luck in finding a job and I'm still having to submit a ton of applications.
2) My parents don't understand how the med school application process works no matter how many times I try explaining it to them (they think that I can magically get in somewhere by next year if I hurry and take the MCAT in September and apply in October; definitely not going to happen)
3) I want to get an MPH in addition to an MD at some point, but I don't think that a 1-year program is realistic for me at the moment, as I don't think that I can study for the GRE and submit grad school apps while effectively studying for the MCAT (especially if I were to get a job). My plan is to apply MD/MPH and MPH at the same time (with just my MCAT score) and see which one (or both) ends up working out. If the MD/MPH ends up working, then I'm obviously going to take that, or just apply MD and get an MPH later. Plus, as it stands, most 1-year MPH program deadlines fit into an awkward time frame that would require me to do a third gap year, which I really don't want to do.
4) If I try explaining all of this to my parents, they get defensive and say that I should just call med school off because I'm not working within their preferred time frame (which is totally unrealistic). They feel like gap years are a waste of time. Like, I understand their concerns (they want me to have an advanced degree asap), but they just don't understand what's actually required of me since my main goal is to at least get an MD. That's my first priority.
All of this unnecessary pressure is really discouraging and it's negatively affecting my concentration and study habits.
I'd appreciate some advice on how to handle this (and some ideas on how I can get some type of job).
My GPA is fine (c: 3.93, s: 3.97), but I REALLY need to work on my MCAT score (my most recent practice exam was a 502 and I'm aiming for a 515+). Also, I'm a URM.
I plan on applying during the 2018 cycle, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma.
Background: I recently graduated, and the plan that I've outlined with my advisor is to study for the MCAT and take it in January, work full-time or part-time in the interim, and get my apps together before June 1st.
However, there are a few problems:
1) I've had no luck in finding a job and I'm still having to submit a ton of applications.
2) My parents don't understand how the med school application process works no matter how many times I try explaining it to them (they think that I can magically get in somewhere by next year if I hurry and take the MCAT in September and apply in October; definitely not going to happen)
3) I want to get an MPH in addition to an MD at some point, but I don't think that a 1-year program is realistic for me at the moment, as I don't think that I can study for the GRE and submit grad school apps while effectively studying for the MCAT (especially if I were to get a job). My plan is to apply MD/MPH and MPH at the same time (with just my MCAT score) and see which one (or both) ends up working out. If the MD/MPH ends up working, then I'm obviously going to take that, or just apply MD and get an MPH later. Plus, as it stands, most 1-year MPH program deadlines fit into an awkward time frame that would require me to do a third gap year, which I really don't want to do.
4) If I try explaining all of this to my parents, they get defensive and say that I should just call med school off because I'm not working within their preferred time frame (which is totally unrealistic). They feel like gap years are a waste of time. Like, I understand their concerns (they want me to have an advanced degree asap), but they just don't understand what's actually required of me since my main goal is to at least get an MD. That's my first priority.
All of this unnecessary pressure is really discouraging and it's negatively affecting my concentration and study habits.
I'd appreciate some advice on how to handle this (and some ideas on how I can get some type of job).
My GPA is fine (c: 3.93, s: 3.97), but I REALLY need to work on my MCAT score (my most recent practice exam was a 502 and I'm aiming for a 515+). Also, I'm a URM.
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