Got suspended 10 years ago for fighting is this going to bar me from D.O. school

[coloradoguy]

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In 2002 I got in a fight at my college and was suspended for a semester. I did one more year and then left to start a business. In 2007 I returned to a different school and worked hard and did well. Now I am getting ready to apply to medical school and I found that my old transcript tells that I was suspended, I am now very concerned that this fight will prevent me from attending medical school. I don't know what to think and have been worrying about this regularly. Does anybody have any information on what admissions committees think about this? By the way my GPA is a 3.15 but the last 3 years are 3.55. My science GPA is a 3.6 and I got a 32M on the MCAT. I really would appreciate any information.

 

[JaggerPlate]

If you got in a fight and suspended last year, I'd say it could be a big "black eye" (pun intended), but over 10 years ago, a clean record since, an obvious maturation and growth (you started a business ... idiots who get into fights in bars every Friday night usually lick their wounds in the next day in their room at Mom's house ... not the business they founded), and a very, very respectable MCAT score should keep your head above water.

I think you'll definitely have to talk about it, I think every interviewer will ask about it, and I think you should have a good explanation that thoroughly explains the situation but also acknowledges that you take responsibility for your actions and have grown greatly since then. Having said all that, I don't think this is an automatic bar.

Good luck.

 

[patel2]

In 2002 I got in a fight at my college and was suspended for a semester. I did one more year and then left to start a business. In 2007 I returned to a different school and worked hard and did well. Now I am getting ready to apply to medical school and I found that my old transcript tells that I was suspended, I am now very concerned that this fight will prevent me from attending medical school. I don't know what to think and have been worrying about this regularly. Does anybody have any information on what admissions committees think about this? By the way my GPA is a 3.15 but the last 3 years are 3.55. My science GPA is a 3.6 and I got a 32M on the MCAT. I really would appreciate any information.

you'll have to disclose it, but no, I honestly don't think something like this 10 years ago will keep you out of school. Enough time has passed that you can play the 'I was immature back then and now realize how stupid I was" card, and how you've grown from it. As long as your explanation doesn't make excuses etc. for being suspended, as that's the last thing any adcom wants to hear.

Things like plagiarism/cheating are often a dagger in applications. But suspensions for other things like fighting or DUIs can sometimes be overcome .

 

[voidlogin]

I've seen a classmate from college who was suspended for cheating on an exam do a year of community service (went to some country to build houses and stuff) and used that to show he's turned a corner. He's in med school now. You should emphasize you community service and "giving back" in your applications.

 

[deleted245139]

schools want to see what you've learned from you past, and how it has made you better. Take some time and think long and hard about how it has shaped you, and it could very well be one of the best things you talk about on interview day

 

[Dissected]

Sent you a PM.

You'll be fine, don't stress out.

 

[hematosis]

In 2002 I got in a fight at my college and was suspended for a semester. I did one more year and then left to start a business. In 2007 I returned to a different school and worked hard and did well. Now I am getting ready to apply to medical school and I found that my old transcript tells that I was suspended, I am now very concerned that this fight will prevent me from attending medical school. I don't know what to think and have been worrying about this regularly. Does anybody have any information on what admissions committees think about this? By the way my GPA is a 3.15 but the last 3 years are 3.55. My science GPA is a 3.6 and I got a 32M on the MCAT. I really would appreciate any information.

The committee will ask if you won or lost the fight.

 

[fiznat]

What was the fight over? Were you defending the honor of a scorned woman? Championing the reputation of the scientific method? Fighting against tyranny and injustice in the 3rd world?

Or did someone spill their drink on your shoe?

 

[coloradoguy]

Hematosis,
Are they really going to ask who won?

Also I grew up in a tough town and and had learned to deal with altercations in this way. This is obviously not how I deal with things today. Do you think the details of the fight are important and do you think that i want to tell about the environment I grew up in, or should I simply focus on the growth that I have made since then?

 

[Journey2become]

I think a quick look into your environment like this:

Hematosis,
I grew up in a tough town and and had learned to deal with altercations in this way.

Then this:

focus on the growth that I have made since then

Hematosis,
Are they really going to ask who won?

Probably not, you never know though! Can we at least know?

 

[coloradoguy]

Okay... I won, but the school determined that he started it and he was expelled

 

[Journey2become]

Okay... I won, but the school determined that he started it and he was expelled

haha, at least it wasn't a lose-lose situation!
While explaining the situation, by throwing in that you both were expelled it can help show that you were not being a complete bully. This way you don't have to go into all the details, they will know that your school found you both at fault - not just you.

 

[hematosis]

Hematosis,
Are they really going to ask who won?

Also I grew up in a tough town and and had learned to deal with altercations in this way. This is obviously not how I deal with things today. Do you think the details of the fight are important and do you think that i want to tell about the environment I grew up in, or should I simply focus on the growth that I have made since then?

hahah, no nooo.

I honestly think that this matter will NOT hold you back in any way. A person can change a lot in 10 years. You obviously do not want to bring this up voluntarily, however if the committee sees this suspension notation in your transcript and questions you about it, I think you should be honest and just explain the situation about growing up and having to defend yourself when there is absolutely no alternatives and your health is at stake. =)

 

[voidlogin]

What was the fight over? Were you defending the honor of a scorned woman? Championing the reputation of the scientific method? Fighting against tyranny and injustice in the 3rd world?

Hahhaha. That's what I would go with. Med students are nerds and the nerdiness doesnt go away just because you become a doctor.

 

[1fastmedic]

It won't keep you from being accepted, but be ready to explain it in detail. I had the misfortune of having a similar incident about 10 years ago, and have a Disorderly Conduct charge on my record. I was asked to explain this in detail on every interview. Apparently they realize that everybody can have a bad day, and we all make mistakes. Just don't try to hide it or lie about it and you should be good. I'm proof that you can have blemishes on your record and still be accepted. Good luck!