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I made a promise to myself...that if I got into my top choice..that I would write a success story for all those without hope...here it is.
I had always wanted to become a doctor. However, my so-so grades and so-so mcat really made me question my ability to get into a medical school. About a year ago, I made the decision to apply to DO school since I knew a DO and thought it was appropriate to what I wanted to do. During this time, my friends convinced me to apply to MD schools too. I thought it would be a waste of time and money...but I guess I then thought that....well...what the hay....I really have nothing to lose and I don't want to be questioning the "what ifs" 40 years down the road.
So in May I finally solidified my decision to apply to both. I felt that if I had gotten into a DO school I would be quite happy...as I would be a doctor. But if I could get into a MD school...it would fulfill my dreams of having a chance at doing research as well (most DO schools aren't so big on research).
I interviewed at AZCOM and got accepted a couple of weeks later. I was excited. I couldnt believe that I would be a doctor. The students and faculty seemed so happy. I knew that I would be happy there.....
Then I got an interview to Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. CCLCM is a new program from Cleveland Clinic; one would receive a degree from Case Wester Reserve University. The more research that I did about the program, the more I liked it. It would be a 5 year program and would enable students to become not only a great physician but would give one the tools to become a great physician investigator. THe program was very unique and was completely PBL. With my research background, I was certainly estatic about interviewing for this program.
In late Oct, I interviewed at CCLCM. It was great! It was even better than on paper. It was everything I wanted to do in terms of clinical work and research work. The faculty, students and staff were phenomenal. The hospital and school had this infectious aura about it. During the visit, I cemented the decision that this would be my #1 choice. That I would go here over any other school. I definitely let the school know that.
However, during the waiting period. I got psyched out. I kept thinking about the other interviewees and how smart they looked. I thought about the stats of the other accepted students on md applicants. I thought about my GPA and MCAT. I thought about how I was such a loser to even think I had a chance. I then thought...well its okay....I set out to become a doctor...and I will since I already got accepted to AZCOM.
I have been nervous since 11/18 which was when I heard they would make decisions. I talked to everyone and told them to think of me....perhaps their positive thinking could influence the adcom. ha.
Today, Dr. Huztler from CCLCM called me. I almost cried. He actually said "we want you." I was flabbergasted and speechless. I almost thought I was dreaming or perhaps it was my friend. But it wasnt. I thought of all the people who helped me on the way to write me LORs and to give me moral support. I was so excited. All of the aspirations that I have ever had to be in academic medicine rushed through my head. Those dreams really could be reality because of this program! I then was saddened a bit because I realized I would have to withdraw from AZCOM. They are such a great school but I realize that I will definitely have better opportunities at CCLCM.
Anyways I hope that my story gives hope to you all. I had a 3.39 GPA and a 28 MCAT. I do have some great ECs and great LORs.....but still...i think they really saw that i was determined to reach my dreams and that perhaps is what got me in. 😀 You dont need a 39 and a 3.8 to get into your dream school...it can help but it definitely can not guarantee. I am proof that anything can happen.
Good luck to everyone.
PS hope i sound coherent...i am still on my high....
I had always wanted to become a doctor. However, my so-so grades and so-so mcat really made me question my ability to get into a medical school. About a year ago, I made the decision to apply to DO school since I knew a DO and thought it was appropriate to what I wanted to do. During this time, my friends convinced me to apply to MD schools too. I thought it would be a waste of time and money...but I guess I then thought that....well...what the hay....I really have nothing to lose and I don't want to be questioning the "what ifs" 40 years down the road.
So in May I finally solidified my decision to apply to both. I felt that if I had gotten into a DO school I would be quite happy...as I would be a doctor. But if I could get into a MD school...it would fulfill my dreams of having a chance at doing research as well (most DO schools aren't so big on research).
I interviewed at AZCOM and got accepted a couple of weeks later. I was excited. I couldnt believe that I would be a doctor. The students and faculty seemed so happy. I knew that I would be happy there.....
Then I got an interview to Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. CCLCM is a new program from Cleveland Clinic; one would receive a degree from Case Wester Reserve University. The more research that I did about the program, the more I liked it. It would be a 5 year program and would enable students to become not only a great physician but would give one the tools to become a great physician investigator. THe program was very unique and was completely PBL. With my research background, I was certainly estatic about interviewing for this program.
In late Oct, I interviewed at CCLCM. It was great! It was even better than on paper. It was everything I wanted to do in terms of clinical work and research work. The faculty, students and staff were phenomenal. The hospital and school had this infectious aura about it. During the visit, I cemented the decision that this would be my #1 choice. That I would go here over any other school. I definitely let the school know that.
However, during the waiting period. I got psyched out. I kept thinking about the other interviewees and how smart they looked. I thought about the stats of the other accepted students on md applicants. I thought about my GPA and MCAT. I thought about how I was such a loser to even think I had a chance. I then thought...well its okay....I set out to become a doctor...and I will since I already got accepted to AZCOM.
I have been nervous since 11/18 which was when I heard they would make decisions. I talked to everyone and told them to think of me....perhaps their positive thinking could influence the adcom. ha.
Today, Dr. Huztler from CCLCM called me. I almost cried. He actually said "we want you." I was flabbergasted and speechless. I almost thought I was dreaming or perhaps it was my friend. But it wasnt. I thought of all the people who helped me on the way to write me LORs and to give me moral support. I was so excited. All of the aspirations that I have ever had to be in academic medicine rushed through my head. Those dreams really could be reality because of this program! I then was saddened a bit because I realized I would have to withdraw from AZCOM. They are such a great school but I realize that I will definitely have better opportunities at CCLCM.
Anyways I hope that my story gives hope to you all. I had a 3.39 GPA and a 28 MCAT. I do have some great ECs and great LORs.....but still...i think they really saw that i was determined to reach my dreams and that perhaps is what got me in. 😀 You dont need a 39 and a 3.8 to get into your dream school...it can help but it definitely can not guarantee. I am proof that anything can happen.
Good luck to everyone.
PS hope i sound coherent...i am still on my high....
