Has Anyone moved around school much during undergrad?

[kmnfive]

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I'm asking because I have, and to be honest now that I look at it, it concerns me. I should post this in the pre-med forum, but everyone just seems to answer out of contempt.

So humor me for a few minutes because I want to get an opinion from those of you who are already in med school.

I've moved around quite a few times through quite a few undergrad schools, and it looks like I?ll be finishing up my last few years at the another one. not to mention a post-bacc at another school that is most likely not in the area.

what concerns me is that, with such a nomadic past--and seemingly a future that will be similar--I?m afraid of the lack of relationships (or those who are too short lived) I?ll have with the staff at a hospital, volunteer programs and connections with similar people that would important when it comes time for an application and recommendation letters. It's logical to have the best and work experience, class interaction, and strongest LOR's with those that you have spent more time with, no?

My only solution that I could think of is to somehow keep touch with those that you?ve come across, those you have worked with, or worked for, or even with professors that you have had. But I fear the lack of physical interaction would serve me for the worst, as correspondence usually ends up dry.

I guess my real question is, have any of you been through a similar situation and successfully made into med-school? Or did most of you pretty much stay around the same area for undergrad and for any post-bac work, or even a graduate program?

tell me what you think guys.

thanks 😳

 

[Cougarblue]

Kmnfive, Don't worry too much about it. I attended four different schools during my undergrad and also attended grad school. I then spent two and a half years working before I started med. school. It is amazing how much most professors, employers, etc. hope to see you succeed. I sent an email to each of the professors/employers from whom I wished a letter of recommendation, and said something to the effect of, "Dear Dr. X, I recently decided to apply for medical school. I took your course, __________, enjoyed it, and managed to do very well. I would like to ask you for a letter of recommendation, but realize that it has been some time since I last spoke with you. Would it be possible to discuss my qualifications?" I brought with me, or emailed, my CV and a copy of what later would become my AMCAS personal statement. I finished each of these sessions by directly asking the prof./employer if they felt that they would be able to write a positive letter of recommendation. Each time, they answered affimatively. I think that it is a better idea to ask directly than to be burned later. Many undergrad pre-med offices will make you sign an agreement to waive your right to see your letters of rec.

My best advice is to do well on the MCAT and have strong grades. Provided you do those two things, getting strong letters of rec. will be a less stressful proposition. Hang in there. Your situation is not unique, I had many of the same fears, but am now starting my second year of med school, and am loving it! Being a non-trad. student has given my a unique perspective. Med school can be rough at times, but my worst days at school are 100X better than my best days were at work. Good luck. If you have any other questions feel free to send me a PM.

 

[kmnfive]

thanks courgar, i appreciate the vote of confidence

 

[Mr. Rosewater]

4 undergrads (5 if you count ap's) here. did fine.