Does Prior Military help!

[Airborne29]

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Hey folks,

I wanted to find out if being prior service Army or any other branch and having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq would weigh heavily in the application process?

Also, any prior service non-trads considering the HPSP program?

Thanks abunch!


*I'm up to 15 hours of shadowing a DO so far and climbing!👍

 

[klm84]

I have no experience in this but I'm pretty sure it weighs very heavily. Everybody loves a vet 👍

 

[Daedra22]

Having served says a lot about your maturity level and how much stress you can handle. It can only help you in the process, for sure.

Have you checked out the military med forum? I'm sure there are quite a few prior service who sign up for the HPSP... lord knows the military needs good physicians. Best of luck!

 

[2 Wycked]

I can only hope veteran status weighs heavily, but the ways of the adcoms are mysterious indeed.

I am strongly considering HPSP. Of course there is a lot of information and opinions on HPSP in the military medicine forum.

 

[mfrizzo3]

To echo the other posters:

Your experience in the Army will be a positive in the eyes of the adcoms. Just continue the shadowing and you should present a solid application when it is your turn to apply.

 

[Airborne29]

To echo the other posters:

Your experience in the Army will be a positive in the eyes of the adcoms. Just continue the shadowing and you should present a solid application when it is your turn to apply.

I look forward to sharing some stories with adcoms about my time in the sandbox.

Thanks for your positive message 👍

 

[Corpsman Up]

Personally, I'm really counting on my prior service putting me over the top. Its really the only unique thing I will have on my application. Just about everyone has a good gpa, solid mcats, research, volunteering, etc. Not everyone can say they were a corpsman (or airborne in your case) serving in a combat zone. I cant wait for the question "what makes you think you can handle the pressure and stress of medical school/being a physician?"
Good luck

 

[Airborne29]

Personally, I'm really counting on my prior service putting me over the top. Its really the only unique thing I will have on my application. Just about everyone has a good gpa, solid mcats, research, volunteering, etc. Not everyone can say they were a corpsman (or airborne in your case) serving in a combat zone. I cant wait for the question "what makes you think you can handle the pressure and stress of medical school/being a physician?"
Good luck

Right on!

Thanks for your service by the way. My gpa stands at 3.41 (I thought it was at 3.37 but I left out a course by accident )

Still finishing up my pre-reqs and my masters over the next 10 months. Are you considering the HPSP program?

 

[navyrick]

Prior service definitely helps.

Also, if you already have years in, you should think about HSCP, not HPSP.

R/
NavyRick

 

[Airborne29]

Prior service definitely helps.

Also, if you already have years in, you should think about HSCP, not HPSP.

R/
NavyRick

I'll definitely take a look at HSCP. Thanks Rick

 

[nontradguy]

Hey folks,

I wanted to find out if being prior service Army or any other branch and having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq would weigh heavily in the application process?

Also, any prior service non-trads considering the HPSP program?

Thanks abunch!


*I'm up to 15 hours of shadowing a DO so far and climbing!👍

It hasn't so much on my end. I'm a Gulf War vet (U.S.M.C.) w/ presidential duty. Granted though, I'm a little MCAT challenged.

The HPSP program - great deal. HSCP, great for prior service. It is military medicine, so be informed of your decision. Each branch has their unique twist on the deal. (I'm going for it! Well, hopefully!)

In any case, hopefully your deployments will be recognized. Just kick butt on the MCAT. Thanks for your service.

 

[Spindrift11B4]

Everything I have heard indicates that adcoms always view military service as a notable plus. I was curious too as to whether or not they consider details like deployments and duty type but I think they keep it more general. The big disparity between those who deploy repeatedly in a combat role and those who do not is lost on civilians...as well as those who do not.

Also, it is hard to beat the leadership experience one can obtain in almost any role in the military. I have a friend who is a doctor and used to be on an admissions committee. When I asked him about how military leadership experience is viewed he snorted and said, "...please, you were an NCO in the infantry, hardly any other premeds will have anything even approaching that kind of experience." Not to take away from those that haven't had the opportunity but I sometimes chuckle at the standard premed "leadership experience." President of the AED chapter that organizes activities and minor funding or NCO that has trained, motivated and led men in combat numerous times performing and succeeding every time under great pressure and duress, hmmmm...

BTW, I love seeing so many other former/current service members in these forums...that is the one thing I really miss about being AD, the people.

 

[Spurg]

Any other prior enlisted guys (or gals) out there that are in the process or accepted into a school? I thought I would ignite this forum from 2010.

Anyone know any military friendly schools besides USUHS?

 

[costales]

Any other prior enlisted guys (or gals) out there that are in the process or accepted into a school? I thought I would ignite this forum from 2010.

Anyone know any military friendly schools besides USUHS?

UNTHSC/TCOM is another one, according to http://www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/mfslist.aspx.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Does it help? Let me put it to you this way: It basically makes you into a URM.

 

[flodhi1]

It boosts your application big time at certain schools that appreciate diverse experiences. However, you have to be a little careful because some schools/interviewers will challenge your military service.

 

[Goro]

It does for me...I'll always cut veterans sdome slack. Many thanks for your service to your country.

Hey folks,

I wanted to find out if being prior service Army or any other branch and having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq would weigh heavily in the application process?

Also, any prior service non-trads considering the HPSP program?

Thanks abunch!


*I'm up to 15 hours of shadowing a DO so far and climbing!👍

 

[Spurg]

It boosts your application big time at certain schools that appreciate diverse experiences. However, you have to be a little careful because some schools/interviewers will challenge your military service.

They can challenge away. 👍


So far I've heard the DO school in Fort Worth and Mayo are veteran friendly. Any other schools? I can only hope that the prior service turns me into a URM, because as it stands I'm a white male and I've seen the demographic charts posted on SDN.

Thanks for the input everyone, that's why this site is gold.

 

[DrMediterranean]

Yes. It definitely will. I have a friend who was in the army and after serving his time came back to do pre-med and successfully matriculated into a medical school. I know that it must have helped because he did not necessarily have the best MCAT <25. I know it doesn't necessarily mean much, but he told me himself that he felt his experience in the Army and being an Iraq veteran helped him greatly.

 

[Santorum Surge]

More of a red flag really. Get over yourself.

 

[Spurg]

More of a red flag really. Get over yourself.

Santorum, what are you referring to as a red flag?

Also, can you explain why you dropped your presidential campaign? 😛

 

[tenndoc]

1) much respect for you and your service. thank you
2) can't hurt right? plus you'll have an easier time getting the HPSP
3) shows commitment, dedication, coping-w/-adversive skills, etc.

 

[OrganicDOc2BE]

I think it does help. The military students in my class are loved by the dean (this may only be true at my program so take it with a grain of salt)

 

[corpsman33]

Being in the military boosted my application significantly. It is basically assumed that you have leadership experience by virute of serving (although still list specific examples in your app) and it is also assumed you can handle stress.
It will not make up for a lousy application but it will certainly help you stand out.

HSCP is also an INCREDIBLE program for those already with time in service.

 

[COMedic2Doc]

So far yes as far as I can tell time in Iraq seems to be helping my application in discussions that I have had with schools thus far. I'll know more as the app cycle goes of course 🙂

 

[Spurg]

I think it does help. The military students in my class are loved by the dean (this may only be true at my program so take it with a grain of salt)

What program are you in OrganicDOC?

 

[Old Grunt]

Hey folks,

I wanted to find out if being prior service Army or any other branch and having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq would weigh heavily in the application process?

Also, any prior service non-trads considering the HPSP program?

Thanks abunch!


*I'm up to 15 hours of shadowing a DO so far and climbing!👍

Yes, and it will really help when you apply for residency when the mentality is more about a job hiring and wanting someone who can be a member of a team as opposed to some esoteric academic mumbo jumbo.

Recommend you learn how to articulate your job titles, training opportunities, honors and medals, and experiences into civilian speak.

 

[Mohammed1989]

It does help a lot. I have some friends who are in med school right now because of this. One actually wrote a lengthy letter to the schools on the top of his list. He explained how the military transformed him from a punk on the streets doing drugs as a high school student to a more civilized person. He continued to explain how he realized in war the lack of medicine in foreign countries and how he wants to start a program with a group of physicians over seas. Everywhere he applied he got into his first choice, his MCAT was low (not going to say how low) however you usually could pick out fakes that are trying to use their service to get in compared to kids who are actually going to do something.

Again it will help you but try not to be concerned with it because say if you don't get in, you don't want to beat yourself up because of having the military experience and it did not help you out.

Focus on the MCAT if you haven't taken it yet and you should be in the clear.

 

[Wolverines83]

Hey man you've been getting some good responses (aside from that scum bag about "get over yourself"). He probably couldn't cut it; but I digress....

Basically having served in a combat zone immediately makes your application stand out. It's an advantage, absolutely. Be able to describe the jobs you had without military jargon and talk about how you were able to juggle so much responsibility under so much stress. Don't be too modest but don't be cocky. They're going to be genuinely interested in your story so don't try to diminish it out of humility; give them what they want to hear!

One warning: I had an interviewer (at a school that will remain unmentioned unless you PM me) that said and I quote:

Interviewer: "Did you have to kill anyone?"
Me: "Unfortunately, yes I did."
Interviewer: (holding arms up like she's shooting) "Well, this is harder than that."
Me: "Well, you're a f****** douche because you've never been there" <-- that's what I wanted to say

I just bit my damn tongue and gave some answer I don't remember because my mind was red with rage.

I guess my point is, veteran or not, some people are still idiots and think medicine is the hardest thing on earth.

PS med school's way easier 🙂 you're good to go.

 

[Old Grunt]

Hey man you've been getting some good responses (aside from that scum bag about "get over yourself"). He probably couldn't cut it; but I digress....

Basically having served in a combat zone immediately makes your application stand out. It's an advantage, absolutely. Be able to describe the jobs you had without military jargon and talk about how you were able to juggle so much responsibility under so much stress. Don't be too modest but don't be cocky. They're going to be genuinely interested in your story so don't try to diminish it out of humility; give them what they want to hear!

One warning: I had an interviewer (at a school that will remain unmentioned unless you PM me) that said and I quote:

Interviewer: "Did you have to kill anyone?"
Me: "Unfortunately, yes I did."
Interviewer: (holding arms up like she's shooting) "Well, this is harder than that."
Me: "Well, you're a f****** douche because you've never been there" <-- that's what I wanted to say

I just bit my damn tongue and gave some answer I don't remember because my mind was red with rage.

I guess my point is, veteran or not, some people are still idiots and think medicine is the hardest thing on earth.

PS med school's way easier 🙂 you're good to go.

The "did you ever have to kill anybody?" question is a testament to the fact that so few epode serve in the military these days. That and perpetual boneheadedness.

 

[Spurg]

What a knucklehead question. Glad you keep your composure, something the military taught you I'm sure. 😎

 

[COMedic2Doc]

What a knucklehead question. Glad you keep your composure, something the military taught you I'm sure. 😎

I was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[Troianii]

It boosts your application big time at certain schools that appreciate diverse experiences. However, you have to be a little careful because some schools/interviewers will challenge your military service.

how do you mean? do you mean that some people will be hostile to it, or that some people will ask a lot of questions about it?

Hey man you've been getting some good responses (aside from that scum bag about "get over yourself"). He probably couldn't cut it; but I digress....

Basically having served in a combat zone immediately makes your application stand out. It's an advantage, absolutely. Be able to describe the jobs you had without military jargon and talk about how you were able to juggle so much responsibility under so much stress. Don't be too modest but don't be cocky. They're going to be genuinely interested in your story so don't try to diminish it out of humility; give them what they want to hear!

One warning: I had an interviewer (at a school that will remain unmentioned unless you PM me) that said and I quote:

Interviewer: "Did you have to kill anyone?"
Me: "Unfortunately, yes I did."
Interviewer: (holding arms up like she's shooting) "Well, this is harder than that."
Me: "Well, you're a f****** douche because you've never been there" <-- that's what I wanted to say

I just bit my damn tongue and gave some answer I don't remember because my mind was red with rage.

I guess my point is, veteran or not, some people are still idiots and think medicine is the hardest thing on earth.

PS med school's way easier 🙂 you're good to go.

1) good points
2) I know almost anyone would have given you kudos if you actually said that. Some people can be so ignorant. I've never had an experience like that, but my favorite is when people tell me the war in Iraq is over, to which I always think (or say), "really? My brother and I were there last year. His barracks was shelled, but I'm sure he'll be glad to know it was over."
3) I sure hope med school is way easier 😉

 

[Goro]

Yes it does. Our ex-military students do wonderfully here.

Hey folks,

I wanted to find out if being prior service Army or any other branch and having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq would weigh heavily in the application process?

Also, any prior service non-trads considering the HPSP program?

Thanks abunch!


*I'm up to 15 hours of shadowing a DO so far and climbing!👍

 

[GunnerBGone]

Then, why didn't your school accept me, Goro?

Two combat tours in Iraq, literally leading the war. Serbia and Kosovo. 3.65 overall, 3.85 science, honors, 24 MCAT. Presidential citation (in person), among others.
>2500 volunteer hours, >150 shadowing hours, >500 clinical hours. Paramedic student/current EMT.
Genetics research. Bone cancer research. Patent work towards a hollow-fiber bioreactor. Developed a surgical technique for a new bone screw I helped develop. Two patents pending in automotive engine design.
Tutor and mentor other veterans through Wounded Warrior. Formed a pre-health society. Leadership positions in several student clubs. Formed university veterans group, and pushed for school therapists to require PTSD training. President of the Student Body Health Committee, for over 12,000 students.
I came off the plane from Iraq, exactly 6 months before going to college. And did all of this. I think I have decent social skills and a proper attitude.

Possibly because the interviewer spent 20 minutes asking for advice on whether to divorce his wife? Literally breaking down in tears at one point.
Or because one of the admissions folks thought I could "use some boxing classes or weight lifting, to get your confidence up"? ( It's called humility and respect for my fellow students, and basic human manners. I've overscored PT tests for about a decade. I will not box, nor ever willingly harm another human being again.)
Rural, economically disadvantaged background. First graduate in the family, ever. Primary care interests. Combat disabled, non-limiting (IED shrapnel).


I called back for advice and criticism. Your people said they literally had no idea what to tell me.
I went into therapy, thinking I must be a bad person.


I was quiet and confident, didn't brag, polite and courteous, followed all the rules, yes ma'am/ no ma'am..etc... it's how I am.
I was nervous, but no more than normal people are in such situations.
I wore a $1200 suit.
I sent letters of intent, thank you notes, etc. Spent the last of my GI Bill on the plane ticket.

And you dropped me like a cold fish.
What gives?

 

[Eiot]

Then, why didn't your school accept me, Goro?

Two combat tours in Iraq, literally leading the war. Serbia and Kosovo. 3.65 overall, 3.85 science, honors, 24 MCAT. Presidential citation (in person), among others.
>2500 volunteer hours, >150 shadowing hours, >500 clinical hours. Paramedic student/current EMT.
Genetics research. Bone cancer research. Patent work towards a hollow-fiber bioreactor. Developed a surgical technique for a new bone screw I helped develop. Two patents pending in automotive engine design.
Tutor and mentor other veterans through Wounded Warrior. Formed a pre-health society. Leadership positions in several student clubs. Formed university veterans group, and pushed for school therapists to require PTSD training. President of the Student Body Health Committee, for over 12,000 students.
I came off the plane from Iraq, exactly 6 months before going to college. And did all of this. I think I have decent social skills and a proper attitude.

Possibly because the interviewer spent 20 minutes asking for advice on whether to divorce his wife? Literally breaking down in tears at one point.
Or because one of the admissions folks thought I could "use some boxing classes or weight lifting, to get your confidence up"? ( It's called humility and respect for my fellow students, and basic human manners. I've overscored PT tests for about a decade. I will not box, nor ever willingly harm another human being again.)
Rural, economically disadvantaged background. First graduate in the family, ever. Primary care interests. Combat disabled, non-limiting (IED shrapnel).


I called back for advice and criticism. Your people said they literally had no idea what to tell me.
I went into therapy, thinking I must be a bad person.


I was quiet and confident, didn't brag, polite and courteous, followed all the rules, yes ma'am/ no ma'am..etc... it's how I am.
I was nervous, but no more than normal people are in such situations.
I wore a $1200 suit.
I sent letters of intent, thank you notes, etc. Spent the last of my GI Bill on the plane ticket.

And you dropped me like a cold fish.
What gives?

eff.

 

[dudeliness]

Hey folks,

I wanted to find out if being prior service Army or any other branch and having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq would weigh heavily in the application process?

Also, any prior service non-trads considering the HPSP program?

Thanks abunch!


*I'm up to 15 hours of shadowing a DO so far and climbing!👍

Honestly, any experience that is significant to you and can be tied in to why you want to be a doctor will be helpful to you in your application. It's just a matter of figuring out how it all ties in together and learning to first write about it in a convincing way (personal statement and essays) and then talk to people about it in a convincing way (interviews).
That said, I agree that military service is probably looked on more favorably than some other things just on its own merit. It says more to me about a person who serves in the military actively than someone who volunteers in an ER changing bed sheets. Lol

 

[GunnerBGone]

first write about it in a convincing way (personal statement and essays) and then talk to people about it in a convincing way (interviews).

And, you would be wrong.

Interviewers at two schools have said my PS moved them to tears.
One compared me to his grandfather, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and later became a surgeon...said it was like looking at his grandfather sitting in the same chair..same person. Best compliment I've ever received in my life.

At every one of these interviews?
A pretty blonde girl, and a URM.
One fine gentleman that said he only wears his Sikh turban when he "comes to these things. The adcoms love it! Otherwise...no, I hate the stupid thing."

Don't get me wrong, I'm not racist. I attended a minority university, to immerse myself in another culture. Moved to the most racially-integrated, progressive city in the South, just for that reason.




Don't listen to me, though. I'm just a tiny bit upset, and I'm sure it's skewed my judgement.
Not, you know...dedicating my life to saving lives instead of ending them....




I WATCHED a guy cheat on an organic chem mid-term, and then the final. Turned him in, he was written up.
Still got into med school.
His dad was a practicing DO.
I've received medals for my integrity and conduct...applied to the same school....nothing.










My reply to the OP?
Understand that you may work hard, and try to be the greatest person you can possibly be. But, your entry into school, determining your entire future, depends solely on someone else's opinion. People that have known you for 30 minutes. People that (for the most part) have not, nor ever considered, doing what you have done. Putting your life on the line to stand for what you believe in.
Have a back-up plan.
Statistically, you will NOT get into medical school. Plan for it, and be pleasantly surprised if you get in.

 

[GunnerBGone]

One warning: I had an interviewer (at a school that will remain unmentioned unless you PM me) that said and I quote:

Interviewer: "Did you have to kill anyone?"
Me: "Unfortunately, yes I did."
Interviewer: (holding arms up like she's shooting) "Well, this is harder than that."
Me: "Well, you're a f****** douche because you've never been there" <-- that's what I wanted to say

I just bit my damn tongue and gave some answer I don't remember because my mind was red with rage..

Sorry to double post.
But, when you read things like this, OP, please believe it.

Some schools will adore you, and some will completely vilify you. It completely depends on your interviewer. There's not a letter of recommendation in existance that trumps their opinion. Believe me, because I have some great ones. And, even if the interviewer loved you...you didn't meet the rest of the committee.
The interviewer that complimented me? He said, verbatim, that I was the most qualified student he had EVER interviewed. He was in his sixties; had been at the school since it was built. I didn't even get on the waitlist. If you don't believe it, PM me for his number and you can call him.


You know the guys that drove the fuel trucks for Special Forces, and called themselves SF even though they weren't? Remember how they strut around, with nothing to base it on? Closest to combat was watching MASH when they were eight?
Guess who I ran into, a second-year at Tennessee....
They honestly don't know the difference. To some schools...that's the "confidence" you're supposed to have.

I'm not trying to be confrontational or adversarial. It's just the way it is. These folks are NOT the saints they pretend to be.
Good luck.

 

[corpsman33]

Sorry to double post.
But, when you read things like this, OP, please believe it.

Some schools will adore you, and some will completely vilify you. It completely depends on your interviewer. There's not a letter of recommendation in existance that trumps their opinion. Believe me, because I have some great ones. And, even if the interviewer loved you...you didn't meet the rest of the committee.
The interviewer that complimented me? He said, verbatim, that I was the most qualified student he had EVER interviewed. He was in his sixties; had been at the school since it was built. I didn't even get on the waitlist. If you don't believe it, PM me for his number and you can call him.


You know the guys that drove the fuel trucks for Special Forces, and called themselves SF even though they weren't? Remember how they strut around, with nothing to base it on? Closest to combat was watching MASH when they were eight?
Guess who I ran into, a second-year at Tennessee....
They honestly don't know the difference. To some schools...that's the "confidence" you're supposed to have.

I'm not trying to be confrontational or adversarial. It's just the way it is. These folks are NOT the saints they pretend to be.
Good luck.

Brother I'm rooting for you!

Did you apply broadly? LMU-DCOM is EXTREMELY military friendly. We even have a military club (very unusual for most schools).

Wish you the best!!

 

[GunnerBGone]

LMU-DCOM is EXTREMELY military friendly.

Lol. And so I believed them.
Until I interviewed there, and was bashed for not playing football in high school. PM me, I can tell you who the interviewers were. They played good-cop-bad-cop. Except the good cop sat in the corner and didn't say a word. Seriously.
Apparently, I don't know anything about competition, despite being at the top of my class in NCO Academy and...oh, I don't know...being in a damn war. I'm supposed to enjoy disrespecting each one of you, like animals. I know HOW...I just don't like to do it. Apparently, I'm supposed to talk like THIS all the time.
Threw my packet on his desk, sat back, crossed his arms, and said "This is what your file SAYS. But, I want to see who you REALLY are, because I'm just not seeing it."
Personally, I preferred baseball and working on the farm to help my family survive, well before I was in high-school. I'm not paying you $300,000 to call me skinny.
But, somebody let the US President know he's supposed to screen people for playing varsity, before he gives medals in person.


Turns out, they like military because they want us to lead the student body. (I called and asked for feedback.)
Maybe they should accept more mature students, and let military folks focus on learning...but that's just my opinion. I'm a nobody.

Where do you think I met that "Special Forces" student?



I mean, it's kind of ironic, Lincoln being one of my heroes. Visit a school named after him, and they think I'm a punk.


Thank you for the sentiment, though. I truly appreciate it.
It is EXTREMELY hard to keep going, but, hey...at least I'm alive and walking! I'm pretty lucky.

 

[Wolverines83]

Lol. And so I believed them.
Until I interviewed there, and was bashed for not playing football in high school. PM me, I can tell you who the interviewers were. They played good-cop-bad-cop. Except the good cop sat in the corner and didn't say a word. Seriously.
Apparently, I don't know anything about competition, despite being at the top of my class in NCO Academy and...oh, I don't know...being in a damn war. I'm supposed to enjoy disrespecting each one of you, like animals. I know HOW...I just don't like to do it. Apparently, I'm supposed to talk like THIS all the time.
Personally, I preferred baseball and working on the farm to help my family survive, well before I was in high-school.
But, somebody let the US President know he's supposed to screen people for playing varsity, before he gives medals in person.

Turns out, they like military because they want us to lead the student body. (I called and asked for feedback.)
Maybe they should accept more mature students, and let military folks focus on learning...but that's just my opinion. I'm a nobody.

Where do you think I met that "Special Forces" student?



I mean, it's kind of ironic, Lincoln being one of my heroes. Visit a school named after him, and they think I'm a punk.


Thank you for the sentiment, though. I truly appreciate it.
It is EXTREMELY hard to keep going, but, hey...at least I'm alive and walking! I'm pretty lucky.

Oh God I know what you mean. Apparently I'm the only person in the history of the military who wasn't SF or Delta. Oh well...I'm lame.

 

[Druggernaut]

Then, why didn't your school accept me, Goro?

Could be the 24 the the MCAT. Or maybe you aren't as polished interpersonally as you think you are. We're all at least a little different on the internet, but much of your post history is less than pleasant.

But on the bright side, our clinical education director is in the military, and has said that he gives preference to enlisted students both out of respect and because they have some extra hoops to jump through. I'm not sure how true this really is as a second year, but I'm sure he at least intends to cut them some slack.

I vaguely remember a secondary application specifically asking something about military service, but as that was a few years ago and I didn't have anything to put in that box, I can't say much more than that.

 

[GunnerBGone]

Apparently I'm the only person in the history of the military who wasn't SF or Delta.

Bingo.



Edit: lost my composure here for a bit. I'm still trying to learn a "proper" cocky attitude.
But, I stand by my experiences and beliefs. The adcoms do not always accept the best students. It's human to make mistakes. But, I'm not so sure that some of them care who pays for their mistakes...and don't EVER dare to question, show proof, or ask for accountability.
The doc that was just jailed for falsely diagnosing melanoma on all his elderly patients, unnecessary surgeries for insurance money? Admission committees thought THAT guy was the bee's knees. Seems like we're hearing multiple cases like this each year. The ONLY topic that isnt on the forum.
And you never hear anyone admit it. And certainly never apologize.

 

[corpsman33]

Bingo.



And notice who's suddenly absent from this conversation. Mr. Please-send-us-your-supplemental-fee-because-gosh-we-love-military.
Next week, you'll hear them wondering why they can't find folks that want to study Primary Care. "OMG, all our students want to be proceduralists."
Well...I wonder why. 🙄

I'm sorry to hear about you're interview experiences thus far, but don't give up and I am absolutely positive with your past achievements/accomplishments you will get into medical school and become a doctor. I hope that you get into LMU-DCOM and I can call you a classmate.

Could be the 24 the the MCAT. Or maybe you aren't as polished interpersonally as you think you are. We're all at least a little different on the internet, but much of your post history is less than pleasant.

But on the bright side, our clinical education director is in the military, and has said that he gives preference to enlisted students both out of respect and because they have some extra hoops to jump through. I'm not sure how true this really is as a second year, but I'm sure he at least intends to cut them some slack.

I vaguely remember a secondary application specifically asking something about military service, but as that was a few years ago and I didn't have anything to put in that box, I can't say much more than that.

LMU-DCOM is incredibly military friendly (as im sure you know).....they completely accomodated my need to interview extremely early last year to avoid "problems" with my impending military orders. They also allow us to do our Family practice core rotations at military sites now (not just our electives), and we also have a military club. I feel EXTREMELY priviledged and blessed to be attending school here.

 

[mfrizzo3]

Bingo.



And notice who's suddenly absent from this conversation. Mr. Please-send-us-your-supplemental-fee-because-gosh-we-love-military.
Next week, you'll hear them wondering why they can't find folks that want to study Primary Care. "OMG, all our students want to be proceduralists."
Well...I wonder why. 🙄

Good luck with your applications.

 

[GunnerBGone]

Good luck with your applications.

Thank you.
I hope I didn't hurt anyone's feelings.


The thing that really screwed me last time was believing admissions officials, urging me to apply regardless of being late in the season.
"You're military. You'll be fine." No...it doesnt work like that.

I have fine interpersonal skill; I received a number of waitlists. I'm doing even better this year.

I spent my life savings, believed what everyone was saying, and never noticed what WASN'T being said. Well...my point's been made. If you don't agree, or think I'm a jerk...doesn't bother me.
Accepting liars and cheats has SERIOUS reprocussions. That's what bothers me.

You can't say that you love veterans, but never check their records. Not even their DD 214! Nobody's saying things like that, are they?
Hell, it's common knowledge on here that schools never even follow up on LORs. It's not unprofessional to want to blow the whistle on it...it's just a waste of time.

I vaguely remember a secondary application specifically asking something about military service, but as that was a few years ago and I didn't have anything to put in that box, I can't say much more than that.

You can say just about anything you want in that box. No one actually checks up on it.
You say you have shrapnel injury? Sure...that old bicycle scar looks pretty bad.
You say you were a leader of 35 soldiers? Sounds great! That must be why you act cocky.
Heck, I bet you even jumped out of helicopters AND drove tanks!
Here's a scalpel and a prescription pad.

Doesn't always work like that, no. But, cheats know how to cheat. Guys that are really good at saying these things can easily trump people that don't speak up against them. Especially if you're afraid of being labeled "one of those mean vets". Some of us are still being called baby killers by undergrad professors, I for one. I looked up to/ adored my professors and interviewers. I thought, they must be wonderful fine people to have such a position. I cannot describe the pain of hearing some of the things they've said.
I assure you, I am a very pleasant person...possibly too pleasant. But not quite as gullible as last year. Regardless, this is the system. And it isn't likely to change.

 

[Wolverines83]

Thank you.
I hope I didn't hurt anyone's feelings.


The thing that really screwed me last time was believing admissions officials, urging me to apply regardless of being late in the season.
"You're military. You'll be fine." No...it doesnt work like that.

I have fine interpersonal skill; I received a number of waitlists. I'm doing even better this year.

I spent my life savings, believed what everyone was saying, and never noticed what WASN'T being said. Well...my point's been made. If you don't agree, or think I'm a jerk...doesn't bother me.
Accepting liars and cheats has SERIOUS reprocussions. That's what bothers me.

You can't say that you love veterans, but never check their records. Not even their DD 214! Nobody's saying things like that, are they?
Hell, it's common knowledge on here that schools never even follow up on LORs. It's not unprofessional to want to blow the whistle on it...it's just a waste of time.



You can say just about anything you want in that box. No one actually checks up on it.
You say you have shrapnel injury? Sure...that old bicycle scar looks pretty bad.
You say you were a leader of 35 soldiers? Sounds great! That must be why you act cocky.
Heck, I bet you even jumped out of helicopters AND drove tanks!
Here's a scalpel and a prescription pad.

Doesn't always work like that, no. But, cheats know how to cheat. Guys that are really good at saying these things can easily trump people that don't speak up against them. Especially if you're afraid of being labeled "one of those mean vets". Some of us are still being called baby killers by undergrad professors, I for one. I looked up to/ adored my professors and interviewers. I thought, they must be wonderful fine people to have such a position.
I assure you, I am a very pleasant person...possibly too pleasant. But not quite as gullible as last year.

Hey man I understand your frustration. Sometimes being honest seems like the wrong road when others are manipulating their experience for their own gain, at your cost. But don't go down the road of fudging your past experiences. They speak for themselves.

The key to this whole process is stacking the deck in your favor as much as you can, without lying. Apply as early as possible, absolutely murder that MCAT. Do mock interviews with people who will give you candid feedback. Take feedback to heart and make corrections.

A lot of the time we don't realize how abrasive we are as veterans. Civilians are stupidly sensitive (sorry everyone!). We were fortunate enough to work in an environment where peoples' feelings weren't the first consideration every time we opened our mouths. I'm so blunt with people sometimes that they look at me like I was raised in a barn. I'm still trying to work it out of my system. Another problem I struggled with was communicating what my military experience was equivalent to in the civilian world. Military jargon does not translate well. Mock interviews (nothing formal, just anyone you know who doesn't know military lingo that well) with someone who will point those things out will help.

Anyway, here's my point. As a fellow veteran who's interested in your success, I'm telling you there's something on your application or in your interviews that is holding you back. Everyone has something. GPA, MCAT, volunteering, disciplinary action, inadequate interview skills....GPA was mine. You gotta find it and fix it. If the military taught you anything I'm sure you (especially as an NCO) learned to identify a problem and then destroy it. No different here, bud.

Pick your head up and stack that deck in your favor.

 

[GunnerBGone]

Oh, I hear you, hero.
Believe me, I've spent the last two years going over everything except my MCAT. Going to classes in the mornings, clinicals in the afternoons, and ambulance at night...I've frankly been too cheap to retake it.
But, I'm being repetetively told it's not the problem.
The physicians I've shadowed love me. I knock out mock interviews from time to time. I've tutored organic chemistry...the students think I'm great.

Some people just fall through the cracks. Simple as that. Happens every year.
You can spend the rest of your life wondering why, and there may not be a why. It's life.
I'm simply advising people not to let things they hear build up their expectations. I care deeply for my fellow veterans. I'm thrilled some of you have made it.
But Statistically, you will not get into medical school. You need to accept it, plan for it, and never EVER let it get the best of you. The people that love you will understand. PM me if you need someone to talk to.



That being said, a local orthopedic specialist is following a medical family tradition. Every male, all the way back to the Crimean War.
Says that one of his local colleagues is grabbing all the second-opinions in the city, signing off on false vehicle accident claims when no one else will. And urging patients to sue for malpractice. He's slowly but surely driving out competing clinics. And there's nothing anyone can do about it
This specialist is now forbidding his children from following a proud 150-year family tradition. Said his last malpractice suit, the constant stress and fear, gave him a heart attack that almost killed him.
Just think about that a little while.


This isn't my frustrated opinion. This is part of the profession.
You can't tell me that certain signs weren't present in some of these people, well before they were accepted. But, committees ask the same data...follow the same process, every year. As manipulatible as it gets, with absolutely no oversight or regulation.

Lol. And I'd happily forget completely about it, for the chance to sew people's body parts back on.
Kinda crazy, if you think about it.

 

[Druggernaut]

Believe me, I've spent the last two years going over everything except my MCAT. Going to classes in the mornings, clinicals in the afternoons, and ambulance at night...I've frankly been too cheap to retake it.
But, I'm being repetetively told it's not the problem.

Who's telling you it's not the problem? And are they telling you something else that is?

Your MCAT score is below the mean of all test takers, not just matriculants, and not just applicants. It's an objective weakness. Your GPA blows mine out of the water, and though I felt I had some pretty solid extracurriculars, yours are far better if even half of them are true. You can't figure out what went wrong, but dismiss this obvious red flag. Being "too cheap to retake it" is penny wise and pound foolish. Even a 26 would probably make a world of difference, and the couple hundred bucks invested in another test date and a few prep books would potentially be the difference between you being a reapplicant or starting on the road to making $175K or better. Every year that your don't retake but don't get in, you miss out on hundreds of thousands in opportunity costs.

I think you have to eliminate every weakness before you can get too far into blaming the system. It's obviously flawed, but it's workable. You need to start playing the game. And it doesn't end when you matriculate. The people getting into Sigma Sigma Phi aren't always the best the school has to offer, and the people honoring rotations don't necessarily know the most about medicine. Settle in and get used to it.

"You're military. You'll be fine." No...it doesnt work like that.

I have fine interpersonal skill; I received a number of waitlists. I'm doing even better this year.

I agree, that person was wrong to say that. Applying early is critically important, especially for osteopathic schools, and becomes more so if you have any weak points in your application.

Interviewing and being waitlisted doesn't mean you're good at interviewing. The rest of your application becomes less important at this point, and if you have a history of interviewing without acceptances, I'd entertain the possibility that you should tweak your approach.