Extremely Important and Urgent situation...PLEASE HELP

[theDr.]

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Here is my situation.
I am currently in a MPH program and have a graduate assistantship paying for it...i work 20 hours a week, sometimes more and I take about 9 credits.

Now I don't think im going to be admitted for entry into medical school for the fall of 2004. Thus, I would like to study for the MCAT in April, but I don't think I can work at my assistanship, take classes, study for the mcat, and do as well as I would like. i need to make a decisions by next week..im really torn.

Therefore, I might have to quite my assistantship and post-one my mph studies to study for the april mcat. Now, when I apply again in the fall of 2004, will medical schools look down upon my application because I stopped my mph studies and my graduate assistanctship. And I certainly do not want to take the August MCAT, because if i don't do well in April, at least I have August to fall back upon.

What do you all think. Will I be ok applying again if I stop my mph and graduate asssitantship courses but improve my mcat score? Will it hinder my chances? Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it.

 

[Amy B]

Yikes, most schools will frown at any applicant who drops out of a grad program. YOu need to rethink that. Could you perhaps cut your hours?

You are really going to have to explain your reasons for dropping out of a program, and I don't think an improved MCAT is going to help a whole bunch. I may be incorrect on this, but I have been told adcoms frown on any one dropping out of a grad program.

 

[theDr.]

i can't afford to be in the program if I do not work and I want to continue to pursue it once I in medschool or next fall. I am not dropping out...just taking a semester off.

 

[gimmedog]

Are you certain it;s your MCAT holding you back? It may not be. Even if it is, you should probably stay in the MPH program and just take out more loans instead of working. You'll come out with enough debt anyway.

 

[theDr.]

Yes, it is definitely my MCAT. I have a 3.99 undergrad gpa, i just finished my first semester in the MPH program with a 4.3, good recs, good experience. It is my 25 mcat that is basically ruining my life. I didn't plan for this, but I need to really do well in april and my only chance is to study again and this time I want to focus 100%, thus I can't work 20-30 hours a week.

 

[HawkeyeBFP]

I hate to say it, but...August MCAT. It's not the kiss of death.

Get your work done and take the summer to study and focus. You won't have to worry about not doing well. You know what you need to do.

If you take time off, you'll worry about how they'll look at that, after all. You sound like you have a lot of stuff going for you. You can handle the MCAT...after all, it's just a test.

🙂 🙂 🙂

Don't let yourself be stampeded into making a decision. Honestly, if you start now and just do a few hours a week, it will add up by April even if you DO want to take it then. Just be consistent.

Can you take fewer than 9 credits?

 

[theDr.]

I might be able to take 6 credits. but with 20-30 hours of work a week, then classes, hw, mcat study...i don't know if it will be enough. I dont' know what to do. Even if I fully intend on complete my MPH (begin summer courses and in the fall of 2004 again) think it will still hurt me. If I state it on my applications in when I am applying?

 

[kwanny]

Why are you in a rush to go to med school? I think you should finish your grad school first... or as the previous poster said, take the august mcat.

 

[theDr.]

Because Im going to be 24 this year, I don't want to be 25 or 26 when I begin medical school. Im going to get married in a few years as well so I need to consider my family who I will have help support as well.

 

[ek6]

how do you know you're not in yet? no interviews at all? keep in mind that even if that's true, there's still time left in this cycle.

second, when did you graduate?

I'm writing because I was in the same situation (only regarding whether to retake in April of August of the year I wanted to apply). First, I'm with Hawkeye (nice name btw, last of the mohicans fan?🙂 in saying that August MCAT is the way to go. Wait out the rest of the year and see how these apps go the rest of this season - even if you only have a few left on the table. You still might get in, making the April MCAT futile! However, if you decide to reapply, submit AMCAS nice and early in June or July, check off the "taking Augst MCAT" box, and then take the entire summer to study for this godforsaken test. Complete secondaries in August so that once your October scores come in, your file will still be complete at that point which will still be plenty early. I'm telling you this because this is essentially the "schedule" I took and I managed to get in.

I'm asking when you graduated/how old you are because honestly, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to take another year off if you need to and submit AMCAS summer 2005. If you don't get in, I personally don't think you're adding much to your app by applying right away again. If you have an MPH, I'm sure there's some really neat epidemiology, clinical research jobs that would expose more to patient care, and enhance your application even more. But, if you think that the MCAT is literally it and that your resume is already loaded, then that's your choice.

Also, did you do poorly on specifically one section? Verbal? Physical Sciences? Mine was the verbal - so when I retook, I literally only took that...I even took some stupid ass Kaplan Verbal Edge - felt like a jackass of course - but either way, that score went up. I even did a little worse on the Bio section, but it didn't matter since I did well on that section the first time. Just remember, don't concentrate so much on breaking a 30 than simply improving on sections that are below an 8.

 

[ek6]

Actually, forget about the "when did you graduate" question - didn't see your reply. I personally think you're still young though...since you're my age🙂 Either way good luck!

 

[DrBodacious]

You don't want to drop out of your MPH program. Graduating from that program would be an incredible asset to you, while quiting would be a black mark on your application. Your choices are either:

a) take out some loans to pay for your school and take the Apr MCAT. You'll have to study hard over the next few months. This would be your best option for admissions consideration, and what I would choose.

b) take the Aug MCAT. It really isn't the end of the world, I did it this time around and have gotten 3 interviews so far. (just recently) If you put in the time studying over the summer you should do fine, don't worry too much about taking it only once more, you DON'T want to take it twice regardless.

c) wait another year.

The choice is yours.

I advise against quitting that program. If you don't agree, ask some admissions offices how they would feel about it by emailing or calling. I bet most places will reply saying they would frown upon it.

 

[velouria]

Hi,

When I was applying I was enrolled in an MPH, but had only just started. Some schools made a big deal of it and I had to get a letter from my MPH dean saying that he supported my medical school plans - it's essentially a "letter of release" from the program.
I guess my point is that even if you're currently enrolled, it can be an issue. If you drop it completely I don't think that would do you any favors. *However* what if you just took one class? Maybe even online? That would keep you in the program, but wouldn't require a lot of time or money.
good luck!

 

[dstn2bmd]

I have spoken to adcom members about not completing my undergrad studies.....oh, about 10 years ago....it was, for me, a situation that I needed to address with eloquence. My advantage was that it was sooooo long ago. Adcoms want to be garaunteed that you will FINISH what you start. They will view you dropping out as a red flag for dropping out of medical school. Its straight from the horse's mouth.

My first instinct was...."suck it up" and do it all in spite of your hesitation......not friendly I know but overall determination and a desire to kick**s could pull you through anything😉 (Plus the challenging workload is impressive) Plus, did you really study for the MCAT the first time, if not preparation could make a big difference (did you check into a prep course - even if its on-line so you can do it at home). While I am standing on my two cents soapbox....Sometimes we aren't able to realize our full potential until we are put in a situation that forces us to confront the issue. Your thought and careful planning, to me, shows you are consciencious about your plans and that says alot.

Second.....take out loans...sucks I know BUT 20 - 30 hours to study for the MCAT and then doing well will PAY OFF so much more than the money you make in four months. And the MCAT will give you a future while the lack of funds might have you scrimping the couches for change to buy gas...mac and cheese with 98 cent hot dogs...no movies. BUT that POSSIBLE 30 MCAT score will gratify you more in the long run.

Third....if all else fails I say take the MCAT in August. Take a prep course during Spring semester and then during the summer just keep taking practice test and full length exams while brushing up on weak spots.

Sorry this post is so long and maybe you heard all this before, but I think you can do it!!!😀 Good Luck

Heb

 

[theDr.]

I want to do a MD/MPH program so I started the program to get ahead in my MPH studies before I began medical school. Thus, I didn't think I had to finsh the MPH before med school. This is complete garbage that they would hold it against me if I have complete intentions of completeing the mph in the future along with the MD. What if I make this clear on my applications.

 

[NYCheartlMD]

i don't think that you should quit the MPH-- it is an incredible asset. May be you can take 3-6 units, keep your job and study for the MCAT. Yes, you always have the option of taking the MCAT in August but I will give April a shot. If you don't think that you can manage it, you will always have the option of taking the MCAT in the summer.

I know that your schedule might feel overwhellming, and i have to tell you this, but you've got to get you ass together-- it just gets worse from here on. you have to be able to manage multiple tasks at once. may be you could decrease the number of hours at work to 15-20, take 6 units and study for the mcat... it is going to be a challenges, but i am sure that you can do it.

 

[dr.doolittle]

My advice....
Don't drop out or take time off from any graduate program! Finish what you've started before you move on. MCAT scores are only part of your application. If you want to improve your scores without taking time off, take the August MCAT.
Also, don't lose sleep over your age. I'm 30 and married. People can be/get married, raise children, and have a life while in medical school. Being a physician can be time-consuming and learning to manage your time and relationships while in school isn't such a bad thing. Most important is finding a partner who understands your dream and is willing to work around it.

 

[HawkeyeBFP]

"Going to be 24..." Oh, lordy, grey hairs indeed.

Yeah, and I'm going to be 36. Believe it or not....once again, not the kiss of death. Listen to your elders, child...🙄

In all seriousness, don't give yourself agita over a plus-plus decision. Here's the problem:

1. You want a higher MCAT score, so you need study time.

2. You're in a grad program that takes up a lot of time.

I totally understand that you feel overwhelmed at the idea of studying while taking 9 grad credits and working 20-30 hours a week. But if you drop out--albeit temporarily--they will ASK why you dropped out. The answer "to study for the MCAT" is not going to impress them, since the official line seems to be that you should just be "ready"' for MCAT somehow.

So what we are saying is that the alternatives--taking the MCAT in August, taking fewer classes, taking out loans--seem more viable to us than the idea of not finishing your program. That's all. We'll be there cheering you on while you study, too. 😍

I'm with Hawkeye (nice name btw, last of the mohicans fan?

The only book Big Benjy Pierce ever read. 👍

 

[CaMD]

The difference between being 24 or 25 is when you start is not a big deal. I will be 24 when I begin (if I get accepted for class of 2005). Though I understand older pre-meds laughing, I do understand that you start to feel old when you start adding on 8 years. I want to have kids and know I have to (should) do that in my early thirties, and I want to be done with residency before I go through all that. Point is, I sympathize, but one year is not a biggie.

 

[djipopo]

Your age makes absolutely no difference. The time is going to pass by anyway, why not do something that you love? Besides, one year is not going to make a dent as far as family obligations go.

I was in your situation while studying for the MCAT. I went ahead and took it in April and now I'm in med school. Don't drop out of your program, just manage your time efficiently and DO YOUR BEST.

Trust me, time spent studying in medical school will be much more rigorous than what you will experience while trying to manage your courseload, assistantship and MCAT preparation. When you pull off a decent score on the MCAT, it'll show that you have what it takes to make it through the medical curriculum (and you should emphasize that 😉). Adcoms were always impressed that I had an advanced degree during my interviews.

You can do it, just hang in there.

 

[cheesypoofs]

Coming from someone who just finished their Master's and now has an acceptance in Med School. DO NOT DROP OUT!! THERE IS NO EXCUSE, THERE IS LOAN MONEY YOU CAN TAKE OUT, ANYONE CAN GET STUDENT LOANS. AND IF YOU SAY TO AN INTERVIEWER OH I QUIT BECASUSE I COULDN'T AFFORD IT HE'LL ASK HOW WILL YOU AFFORD MEDICAL SCHOOL. SERIOUSLY, THERE IS NO EXCUSE, DROP THE ASSISTANSHIP AND TAKE OUT LOANS. GOOD LUCK!

 

[Adapt]

I understand the age situation for theDr. I'm 21 and couldn't imagine starting medical school when I'm 30 much less 25. I want to get it done with so I will have time to start a family and support it without school distractions.

 

[Tiki]

I can definitely sympathize with your situation, as I have spent the last couple of years going to school full time and working full time. My parents couldn't afford to pay for my college education, so I started off part time. Now I'm 26 and I just applied to medical school for the 2004 cycle.

Taking a full class load, and working 40 hours a week and studying for the MCATs is not an easy feat, but it is possible. I wouldn't drop out of the masters program. I would just study as much as possible, and if you don't feel prepared you take it in August.

I wasn't happy with my score in April, so I retook it in August and did much better. I spent the entire summer studying the one section I did bad in and improved my score by three points. The extra studying was only possible because I didn't have classes going on at the same time, I only had to work. If you plan your time wisely you could very well be prepared by April, but if not you always have the August date.

Good luck to you, in whatever you decide.🙂

 

[Amy B]

Originally posted by indo
How do you know that?

Was told by a dean of admissions of VCU/MCV. She said they won't look at a student if they are in a program and won't finish it if they get accepted to med school. She said they have to finish or finish before they matriculate.

On a personal note, I have had some experience in this area. I withdrew from my Master's program in clinical microbiology. My family and I moved 120 miles away from the school where I was attending this program. So since my transcript has a semester of W (5 total) and since it shows I dropped out of the program, I was asked about it during my interviews. I said I had moved away so I couldn't complete it. One of my interviewers, said that was a legitamite excuse. He said he would accept that but I was lucky, because if I had just deceided to drop out , then they would question my ability to commit and follow through.

 

[jetjulia]

Yikes, this is a tough situation. It sounds like you're really struggling. I can relate. The MCAT made my life hell in the months preceeding it.

I think first off, you just need to relax and have patience with yourself. (I know, easier said than done.) Believe me, you'll look back on this whole experience someday and you won't believe what a big deal you made of it.

Secondly, I have to jump on the bandwagon and say don't drop out for the MCAT. Keep in mind that other people manage to take the MCAT even when taking a full course load, working, and often volunteering, or doing other activities. Telling a med school you dropped out for the MCAT will not impress them - even if you get a 38.

Also, you have to think about the possibility that you will take the MCAT and either get a lower score or just a slightly higher score. A good friend of mine got a 26 the first go around, and even when she studied her ass off the second time, she felt she actually did worse and ended up cancelling her score. If you drop out to study for the MCAT and still don't do well, you've burned your bridges.

So try to relax and take your time. Wait a year. Wait two years. A lot of women wait to start a family and it works out just find. Try not to be so hard on yourself.

 

[osu2006]

I agree with all of the other posters - it can only get worse and no matter what you do you shouldn't drop out of your grad program.

Just to give you an idea that it could be worse - I'm taking 14 hours, TAing a class for 15 hours a week, working 36 hours elsewhere and I have a wife (and a dog) that both want to spend time with me. I honestly didn't see why your situation was so overwhelming. I think that all I do will be a great asset when applying next year and you can use this experience to relate something really difficult and seemingly (to you) impossible that you were able to do.

Just my two cents.

 

[femdoc]

Okay, what if you only have 6-9 cr hrs worth into an MS program and you got accepted to med school. Why are they not willing to accept that a student made plans for an alternate career in case an acceptance didn't pan out? Also, if the med school has combined degree programs, would they let the student transfer their grad credits over to their program?