Discordant Stats support and advice thread

[907914]

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Bro.....gonna take this step by step because this is ON POINT and thank you for sharing. This is a good rant.

The thought of "I have all of this so I'll get one of the spots this year" is basically just comfort for themselves.

This is somewhat the main purpose of why I made this thread. It is so difficult to see others around you being even more successful, even if you internally recognize that you have it off good. Comparing oneself to others can help contextualize one's own position, but it also leads to doubts about one's success.

The answers are always cookie-cutter responses of the standard.

This is 1000%. It is difficult to NOT give cookie cutter responses when, unfortunately, reality gives way to ADCOMs preferring cookie cutter applicants. They can boast about wanting to see non-academic interests, and interesting hobbies blah blah...but if you don't have those 150 hours of whatever volunteering, you are going to get glossed over.

this atmosphere has such a competitive game-like outlook that these ECs are ignored because "my friend got into Harvard and they scribed so scribing is the best thing you could do."

Again, this is fantastic. People do scribing because it is such an easy job to get. We see "he got in and he did scribing." Likely, he did not get in because of the scribing, but we make the false corollary. In reality, we should be getting clinical exposure we enjoy not what everyone else got.

The military is notorious for pushing out the best due to toxic environments.

OMG. THIS. When I was an NCO, I helped pace many many a soldier on their PT test (2 mile run)...I had one soldier who finally passed after 3 months of failures. He passed by like 3 seconds, but he passed. He was an otherwise fantastic soldier and fantastic guy....his squad leader's first response was not "congrats on finally passing" it was "Why did you do so poorly to only pass by 3 seconds?" The kind of discouraging and toxic environment that merely puts down inadequacy as opposed to supporting improvement...part of the reason why I didn't reup and came to the premed route.

premedical path and I honestly feel that medicine lost out of a lot of value from their decision to leave.

Same feeling. So many great people are discouraged from medicine, despite their fantastic and devout passion towards its pursuit, because the highly competitive individuals put down their 511 MCAT or 'only getting 92% on an Ochem test.' Unfortunately, the people who tend to make it through are not the ones who have genuine passion, but the ones who were so bull headed that they stuck it out.

So I don't think most are here to brag, maybe some form of reassurance. However, I know that the vast majority are not here to support the true goal of medicine

Reassurance is vital in this process. We can get so down.

 

[tri99]

We definitely need all of the reassurance we can get during this time. There will always be someone more competitive, and regardless of how many II we do or don't have now none of us will be completely satisfied until we have an acceptance in hand.

About the whole high GPA / meh MCAT scenario... I'd gladly trade 0.2 of my sGPA for 2 points of someone's MCAT 😉

 

[907914]

We definitely need all of the reassurance we can get during this time. There will always be someone more competitive, and regardless of how many II we do or don't have now none of us will be completely satisfied until we have an acceptance in hand.

About the whole high GPA / meh MCAT scenario... I'd gladly trade 0.2 of my sGPA for 2 points of someone's MCAT 😉

And see, I would gladly trade 2 MCAT points for a 0.2 point boost of my cGPA lol

 

[imbesrs]

And see, I would gladly trade 2 MCAT points for a 0.2 point boost of my cGPA lol

Ill throw a grand down for a 2 point boost and a .2 boost to both 🤣 🤣🤣

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

It is so difficult to see others around you being even more successful, even if you internally recognize that you have it off good. Comparing oneself to others can help contextualize one's own position, but it also leads to doubts about one's success.

I love when authors put the main idea in the passage ty, Meme but real talk, thank you for articulating a difficult-to-admit and somewhat inchoate feeling we all feel

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

Ill throw a grand down for a 2 point boost and a .2 boost to both 🤣 🤣🤣

I mean you could get a tutor? Lol I know you’re being facetious but in case there’s a grain of truth in your post just thought I’d share something obvious

 

[imbesrs]

I mean you could get a tutor? Lol I know you’re being facetious but in case there’s a grain of truth in your post just thought I’d share something obvious

Worked 2 jobs in undergrad, fraternity, and ECs, and 2 jobs post grad while studying for the MCAT. More so time-management and life struggle vs academic capabilities. Thanks though

 

[907914]

Worked 2 jobs in undergrad, fraternity, and ECs, and 2 jobs post grad while studying for the MCAT. More so time-management and life struggle vs academic capabilities. Thanks though

*Insert MemeLord's paragraph about his struggles and if I can do it you can too even though we are all different and my experiences do not invalidate yours and this paragraph just makes me feel better about myself*

 

[imbesrs]

*Insert MemeLord's paragraph about his struggles and if I can do it you can too even though we are all different and my experiences do not invalidate yours and this paragraph just makes me feel better about myself*

LMFAO. Yeah i find it crazy that you are able to manage a married life, child, and applications all while being a full time SDN-moderator-in-training. Absolutely incredible 😆

 

[907914]

LMFAO. Yeah i find it crazy that you are able to manage a married life, child, and applications all while being a full time SDN-moderator-in-training. Absolutely incredible 😆

I put a generic response to mock my constant self boasting. Don't boast for me. You forgot the full time job and Army Reserves NCO. But don't boast for me. (Again...this is a joke....mocking myself....is funny...please do mock me.....)

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

Worked 2 jobs in undergrad, fraternity, and ECs, and 2 jobs post grad while studying for the MCAT. More so time-management and life struggle vs academic capabilities. Thanks though

so the money you would trade for a higher score would be to pay for your daily expenses? that's admirable tbh

 

[imbesrs]

so the money you would trade for a higher score would be to pay for your daily expenses? that's admirable tbh

In exchange for an instantaneous increase? No brainer. Lots of time saved

 

[rune2h]

Yikes. ITT people try to gatekeep anxiety.

 

[907914]

Yikes. ITT people try to gatekeep anxiety.

Should we not gatekeep anxiety?

 

[The Deep]

I am in that boat. Or at least, I thought I was. I recognize that I underestimated the effects my elevated sGPA and military background would have on my success. But up until July hit, I completely thought I would be just *meh* with 3 or so II across the entire cycle. So I know what it is like to be in this boat. And across the school specific forums I see these applicants who still feel in this boat. Just wanted a place for people to come and vent.

Can't tell if this is meant to be a joke, or if you're actually serious. Every time you ask about your military background and science GPA, everyone tells you that it's stellar and spotless. Hell, the "platinum EC" on your flair (I think that's what it's called?) is primarily because of military service. You're going to do great and there was no reason for YOU to create this thread. Someone more "meh" should have created it.

 

[The Deep]

i wish I knew the point of this thread...my brain can't stop trying to apply turnaround times from people's II notification and app completion date to try and estimate when I should be receiving a rejection.

why are we all here? to brag? to document our tribulations? I don't want to buy into the culture of toxic showmanship but self-promotion is definitely essential in today's results-driven society. i also realized alcohol makes lunch fun during this part of the app cycle

I think you hit the nail on the head!

 

[907914]

Can't tell if this is meant to be a joke, or if you're actually serious. Every time you ask about your military background and science GPA, everyone tells you that it's stellar and spotless. Hell, the "platinum EC" on your flair (I think that's what it's called?) is primarily because of military service. You're going to do great and there was no reason for YOU to create this thread. Someone more "meh" should have created it.

It is not a joke, and it was likely caused by this:

Negativity bias - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

In hindsight it was silly to feel that way. I am far more confident now. However, can Bill Gates not start a charity? Why can I not look out for and help others?

 

[The Deep]

It is not a joke, and it was likely caused by this:

Negativity bias - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

In hindsight it was silly to feel that way. I am far more confident now. However, can Bill Gates not start a charity? Why can I not look out for and help others?

I definitely understand that you wanted to help others, but I don't think anyone who is truly "meh" in terms of GPA or MCAT would want to comment on a post that was created by you and the 2 other stellar applicants you tagged. On the side, I'm not sure the Bill Gates analogy is applicable here, unless you see yourself that far ahead of the people with "meh" GPA/MCAT that you need to help them.

I'm not trying to throw shots at you, but these types of posts are getting a little old...

 

[907914]

I definitely understand that you wanted to help others, but I don't think anyone who is truly "meh" in terms of GPA or MCAT would want to comment on a post that was created by you and the 2 other stellar applicants you tagged. On the side, I'm not sure the Bill Gates analogy is applicable here, unless you see yourself that far ahead of the people with "meh" GPA/MCAT that you need to help them.

I'm not trying to throw shots at you, but these types of posts are getting a little old...

I guess this is just a mindset I don’t understand. If there is anyone who is sympathetic/empathetic to a problem or concern I have and they are offering support, help, condolences, whatever then I will unabashedly accept said assistance regardless of who they are.

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

Lol wow I know Meme's not equating himself to Bill Gates in the context of being a med school applicant but why can't I shake the feeling that you used the billionaire explicitly because you drew a connection?

i think at this point, since Meme is so far ahead of the game compared to us, we can't help but learn from him and the other masters while kowtowing in obsequious deference at the hopes it won't jinx or jeopardize our own chances. but what do I know?

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

I guess this is just a mindset I don’t understand. If there is anyone who is sympathetic/empathetic to a problem or concern I have and they are offering support, help, condolences, whatever then I will unabashedly accept said assistance regardless of who they are.

😍

 

[907914]

On the side, I'm not sure the Bill Gates analogy is applicable here, unless you see yourself that far ahead of the people with "meh" GPA/MCAT that you need to help them.

Also, the bill gates analogy was literally because that was the first “successful person helping helping other people” example that popped into my head.

I guess I can use a real life example of a similar situation I have done that is probably more applicable:

“Can the guy with an A in genetics offer to do peer tutoring and TA the next quarter of Genetics because he knows how hard of a class it is?”

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

Also, the bill gates analogy was literally because that was the first “successful person helping helping other people” example that popped into my head.

I guess I can use a real life example of a similar situation I have done that is probably more applicable:

“Can the guy with an A in genetics offer to do peer tutoring and TA the next quarter of Genetics because he knows how hard of a class it is?”

perfectly relatable and grounded analogy we can all appreciate

 

[The Deep]

Also, the bill gates analogy was literally because that was the first “successful person helping helping other people” example that popped into my head.

I guess I can use a real life example of a similar situation I have done that is probably more applicable:

“Can the guy with an A in genetics offer to do peer tutoring and TA the next quarter of Genetics because he knows how hard of a class it is?”

My bad then. I had understood the analogy in the way that Coitus described it: taking pity on the needy.

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

i always feel like i'm dating a psycho on SDN who knows all of my past mistakes and will call me out on anything so it's nice to see cooperation and understanding instead of

 

[deleted987519]

The fact that you remind everyone how selfless you are comes off very self-interested, memes.

 

[907914]

The fact that you remind everyone how selfless you are comes off very self-interested, memes.

True that. Was meant to just be clarification of the last thing but def came off that way. Deleted!

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

I'm the most humble mothertrucker on this site

 

[907914]

I'm the most humble mothertrucker on this site

Same here. I define the word humble. I put the ‘humble’ in “humble brag.’

 

[High Noon]

.

 

[FISTMCLARGEHUGE]

Wasn't going to reply at first, but I'm sorry I have to correct you here. Memelord said he was in the Reserves in a non-combat role, and has likely never had the opportunity to deploy. Hardly stellar on its own. I would say what makes him a "platinum" applicant is everything he's done added up and combined into one package. I'm sure he has more ECs than just the Reserves.

Trust me most people view being a lab tech and a team leader within SOF the same way. If someone with a military background reads his app then his service may be viewed differently. What may screw him hard is if he interviews with one of them and overstates his military experience. Don't take this too personally memelord but it wouldn't surprise me, I know too much about you for occasionally looking through SDN. One of my good friends I worked with in the military currently does interviews for the veterans at his school. He has been more than harsh in his reports when people have been too cocky or lied with their previous military experience. It was often the nail in the coffin. The quiet side of the veteran community is usually the most accomplished and the most critical of those who tell someone they are a vet within 5 minutes of meeting.

 

[907914]

Trust me most people view being a lab tech and a team leader within SOF the same way. If someone with a military background reads his app then his service may be viewed differently. What may screw him hard is if he interviews with one of them and overstates his military experience. Don't take this too personally memelord but it wouldn't surprise me, I know too much about you for occasionally looking through SDN. One of my good friends I worked with in the military currently does interviews for the veterans at his school. He has been more than harsh in his reports when people have been too cocky or lied with their previous military experience. It was often the nail in the coffin. The quiet side of the veteran community is usually the most accomplished and the most critical of those who tell someone they are a vet within 5 minutes of meeting.

Oh trust me, I know this. I don’t overstate my role in the military in my application. 3 months basic, 6 months San Antonio for school, 6 months in a Hospital, one month in Colombia, one month for BLC/NCO Academy, the rest just Army reserves squad leader and some mental health,travel pay, and blood donor stuff - doing regular army reserves things. Lots of individual anecdotes that make up lots of me secondaries, but they are just anecdotes from TIS. Makes no sense to exaggerate one’s military stuff when, as you say, most people don’t care what you did they see military as military. But I am very aware and clear not to say I am a vet. I am not. Prior service =\= vet and we know this. Volunteered to deploy, thankful I didn’t have to.

Edit: Also, I agree i do talk about military service too much. That is less about talking about service specifically and more just that I talk way too damn much in general

 

[907914]

So...like...is this thread too far gone to be a support thread? I feel like it is too far gone to be a support thread...

 

[mwsapphire]

If you're so worried about your GPA apply DO?Or some mid tier MD where your GPA isn't low ( like BU, they're MCAT ****** and will ignore your lower GPA)? Not sure what the issue is here? Meme, I like you, but this thread doesn't make sense...a 3.65 is not low.

 

[907914]

If you're so worried about your GPA apply DO?Or some mid tier MD where your GPA isn't low ( like BU, they're MCAT ****** and will ignore your lower GPA)? Not sure what the issue is here? Meme, I like you, but this thread doesn't make sense...a 3.65 is not low.

I just made a thread wanting to engage with other people who may have felt the same anxiety I did, regardless of the fact that it was irrational. And a I acknowledge that it was irrational, but I still felt it. Y’all blow in here and say I am either not allowed or have no right to feel anxious or nervous? Are these your lived experiences that you can deny they happened or this is how I felt? Then it morphed from denying that I can have feelings of anxiety just to straight up insulting me, regardless if no Ill will was intended? I try to remain calm and level headed and play/joke along. But goddamn, someone just wanted either support and encouragement for themselves or to support and encourage others and y’all are just having none of it and outright claiming they aren’t allowed to feel that way. Cool. Goddamnit guys.

 

[Jappa]

People with a 2.0/490 can feel anxious and nervous. People with a 4.0/528 can feel anxious and nervous.

This entire process is a crapshoot and nobody is guaranteed acceptances regardless of the stats, ECs, LoRs or whatever it may be. It is entirely normal and acceptable to be anxious/nervous no matter what type of applicant you are as you see many over qualified applicants get turned away with no acceptances every year.

Just because someone has higher stats everyone automatically brushes them off and makes their opinions/feelings towards the uncertainty around this process irrelevant, and this is a common theme in SDN and the premed subreddit, which I think is totally unfair. Until one has an acceptance in hand, nothing is guaranteed.

I have been blessed with 3 II's already, and reading past applicants talk about how they attend multiple interviews and not get accepted scares the **** out of me, but if I were to post something like that I would get **** on "AtLeAsT yOu HaVe InTeRviEwS", which is true but it doesn't make my angst towards the next step any less valid.

This is all coming from a VERY average applicant, so don't think I'm in the same boat as MemeLord.

Can we all be friends now??

 

[tri99]

No matter the situation it is all perspective. One of my best friends went through 3 MCATs and 3 cycles before she scored a 500 and got a DO acceptance. A year later I took the MCAT and scored a 507, which was 6 points lower than my AAMC FL average.

Was I upset about my score? Of course

Was my friend frustrated by my frustration? Of course

 

[Orangekiwi]

I just made a thread wanting to engage with other people who may have felt the same anxiety I did, regardless of the fact that it was irrational. And a I acknowledge that it was irrational, but I still felt it. Y’all blow in here and say I am either not allowed or have no right to feel anxious or nervous? Are these your lived experiences that you can deny they happened or this is how I felt? Then it morphed from denying that I can have feelings of anxiety just to straight up insulting me, regardless if no Ill will was intended? I try to remain calm and level headed and play/joke along. But goddamn, someone just wanted either support and encouragement for themselves or to support and encourage others and y’all are just having none of it and outright claiming they aren’t allowed to feel that way. Cool. Goddamnit guys.

Here’s some support for you memes, I’m glad you went back to Elmo as your flair. It brings me a small amount of joy

 

[peanuttbuttah]

lol this thread. I can certainly appreciate the feelings of apprehension though. I've been incredibly fortunate this early in the cycle, but as Raptor mentioned in (I think) one of the school-specific threads, I live with this creeping worry that the rug will be pulled out from under me, as has happened many times in the past.

I decided on medicine after I already fumbled through college with a poor GPA, and quite literally everyone I spoke to who was knowledgeable about the process told me to find something else to do with my life because I would never get in unless I wanted to risk Carib. For the last three years I've busted my ass doing a postbac without really knowing how it would be perceived. I did two years of research in an incredibly toxic environment that resulted in absolutely squat because I thought that's what I needed. Turns out it was a complete waste of time. Then I had to completely reteach myself chemistry and physics after having not touched it for 7-8 years and psych for the first time all in 10 weeks while working 60 hours/week, volunteering 10 hours/week, and taking care of my dad who was just getting out of the hospital.

One of the most common refrains on these forums is how unpredictable the app process is. I think everyone, regardless of their standing with UG prestige, stats, ECs, whatever, has a right to be nervous.

All that being said, lol this thread. <3 you, Memes

 

[u_raptor]

lol this thread. I can certainly appreciate the feelings of apprehension though. I've been incredibly fortunate this early in the cycle, but as Raptor mentioned in (I think) one of the school-specific threads, I live with this creeping worry that the rug will be pulled out from under me, as has happened many times in the past.

I decided on medicine after I already fumbled through college with a poor GPA, and quite literally everyone I spoke to who was knowledgeable about the process told me to find something else to do with my life because I would never get in unless I wanted to risk Carib. For the last three years I've busted my ass doing a postbac without really knowing how it would be perceived. I did two years of research in an incredibly toxic environment that resulted in absolutely squat because I thought that's what I needed. Turns out it was a complete waste of time. Then I had to completely reteach myself chemistry and physics after having not touched it for 7-8 years and psych for the first time all in 10 weeks while working 60 hours/week, volunteering 10 hours/week, and taking care of my dad who was just getting out of the hospital.

One of the most common refrains on these forums is how unpredictable the app process is. I think everyone, regardless of their standing with UG prestige, stats, ECs, whatever, has a right to be nervous.

All that being said, lol this thread. <3 you, Memes

No matter how well we have done, whether one is a S or D tier applicant, life sucks and ADCOMS aren't afraid to remind us of that.

 

[The Deep]

I just made a thread wanting to engage with other people who may have felt the same anxiety I did, regardless of the fact that it was irrational. And a I acknowledge that it was irrational, but I still felt it. Y’all blow in here and say I am either not allowed or have no right to feel anxious or nervous? Are these your lived experiences that you can deny they happened or this is how I felt? Then it morphed from denying that I can have feelings of anxiety just to straight up insulting me, regardless if no Ill will was intended? I try to remain calm and level headed and play/joke along. But goddamn, someone just wanted either support and encouragement for themselves or to support and encourage others and y’all are just having none of it and outright claiming they aren’t allowed to feel that way. Cool. Goddamnit guys.

How did you end up with a 3.99? Was it an A- in a lab class?

 

[djiboutiman]

First II of the season, yahooo my bruddahs(and sisters)!

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

 

[907914]

First II of the season, yahooo my bruddahs(and sisters)!

Congratulations! We see success!

 

[907914]

How did you end up with a 3.99? Was it an A- in a lab class?

One A- in ochem lab and an A- is Ochem 2. I was at an out of state training for Army for 5 days before the final for each of them. That led to a couple of lowish finals scores lol but the 3.65 was due to around 3 years of credits with a 3.3/3.4 average.

 

[907914]

Here’s some support for you memes, I’m glad you went back to Elmo as your flair. It brings me a small amount of joy

Daily changes are stressful. Need more consistency.

 

[and 99 others]

I just made a thread wanting to engage with other people who may have felt the same anxiety I did, regardless of the fact that it was irrational. And a I acknowledge that it was irrational, but I still felt it. Y’all blow in here and say I am either not allowed or have no right to feel anxious or nervous? Are these your lived experiences that you can deny they happened or this is how I felt? Then it morphed from denying that I can have feelings of anxiety just to straight up insulting me, regardless if no Ill will was intended? I try to remain calm and level headed and play/joke along. But goddamn, someone just wanted either support and encouragement for themselves or to support and encourage others and y’all are just having none of it and outright claiming they aren’t allowed to feel that way. Cool. Goddamnit guys.

I don't really think anyone was insulting you (maybe they did, I can't remember, speaking for myself). I also think your intentions were doubted given your reputation of self-agrandizing and making your status known. This thread may, and almost certainly did, come off as a thinly veiled extension of this mindset to many people.

You also are consistently flip-flopping between "I felt anxiety and wanted a place to commiserate" and "I know I'm doing great, I just want to help others."

Even if both are true, it DOES matter how this "magnanimous" attitude is delivered. This plays into your comments about "I'm not trying to brag, I just do awesome things and tell them to others, not my problem how others perceive the delivery." well if it's not your problem, you also shouldn't be as defensive as you're being when there is reasonable pushback on how this thread was orchestrated.

 

[u_raptor]

Daily changes are stressful. Need more consistency.

The prodigal son returns!

 

[907914]

I felt anxiety and wanted a place to commiserate" and "I know I'm doing great, I just want to help others."

These are not mutually exclusive. Recognizing one is doing well does not exclude also worried that things will go wrong.

This thread may, and almost certainly did, come off as a thinly veiled extension of this mindset to many people.

Pay attention to how I talk. Very rarely am I truly self aggrandizing. Is it ever in the context of something that is not an obvious joke (such as quoting a goddamn bunny), or directly stating something I have done that is obviously connected to the conversation at present? If I, or you, or anyone has done something then I, or you, or anyone else has no responsibility to NOT talk about something just because it makes someone else feel inadequate. I totally would understand this perspective if I were an dingus about it who flaunted things and outright stated “I am better, I am...” and so on. I don’t do that. You and a few others do that for me and then attribute the attitude to me when I respond, but I don’t do that.

defensive as you're being when there is reasonable pushback on how this thread was orchestrated.

I asked you on the first page of this thread early on how you would like to see it implemented and you told me not to take you seriously. So what is it?

 

[and 99 others]

These are not mutually exclusive. Recognizing one is doing well does not exclude also worried that things will go wrong.

I literally said that even if both are true, words matter. The delivery matter.

Pay attention to how I talk. Very rarely am I truly self aggrandizing. Is it ever in the context of something that is not an obvious joke (such as quoting a goddamn bunny), or directly stating something I have done that is obviously connected to the conversation at present? If I, or you, or anyone has done something then I, or you, or anyone else has no responsibility to NOT talk about something just because it makes someone else feel inadequate. I totally would understand this perspective if I were an dingus about it who flaunted things and outright stated “I am better, I am...” and so on. I don’t do that. You and a few others do that for me and then attribute the attitude to me when I respond, but I don’t do that.

Yeah it very often is. I'm not going to scour through your post history but as the most salient example: "I don't try to be awesome, I just am." Multiple times, in a non-ironic way, followed by avid self defense. If you really are oblivious to it, I can find you some examples when I get home. But to say it's always in a joking way is disingenuous. You don't need to outright say" you suck, I'm the best"

I asked you on the first page of this thread early on how you would like to see it implemented and you told me not to take you seriously. So what is it?

I already told you that if there was an actual demand for it by someone in the actual situation you're positing, the thread would have been made by such a person.