Help: Advice for someone interested in Med School

[KoEoVo1oN]

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Hey. I've been reading random posts on this forum and they have been very informative. Here's my situation. I'm a computer engineering student that basically completed the computer engineering program at my school and now really wants to try to get into the medical field. I'm in the process of fulfilling all my pre-req. So far, I?m done with my physics, general chem, and biology I. I'll be taking Organic Chem I, Biology II, and Cell Bio in the fall. So in the spring, I?ll be taking Oraganic Chem II and a few other highly suggested courses.

I was told that after taking the mcat, I would probably have a downtime of about a year and a half before I hear again. Does anyone know a way around this?

Anyone on this board attending/attended Med school in the islands? It seems like mcats are required there and this would allow me to continue my education w/o any downtime.

Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

 

[Sage880]

Hey, I was in the exact same position as you. Finished a engineering degree and did a year of pre-med and took the MCATs.

I didn't want to wait another year while I applied to schools with those MCAT scores so I applied to international schools the fall before I wrote the MCAT. They will wait for your scores from that year before deciding on your application.

PM me if you want any more info about going to an international school - I'd be happy to help.

 

[lorelei]

I was a computer engineering undergrad and decided during senior year to pursue medicine. So I didn't take the MCAT until the spring after graduation, meaning I'll be out of school for two years in between. I actually highly recommend taking time off - having real work experience has been very beneficial to me. Even though I'm working as a programmer so it isn't medically related, I have learned a lot and gotten stories to tell in interviews. Also, I can't imagine applying while a student or unemployed - I'd never be able to afford it. And, of course, if med school doesn't pan out, this way I already have a career.

So I would recommend just taking a year off rather than bolting straight for the Caribbean.

 

[principessa]

What's wrong with taking a year off? A lot of people do it, and medical schools seem to look favorable on it. You could work, apply to med schools, get some more clinical experience, etc. Most people consider the Carribean schools as a last ditch alternative, so I wouldn't recommend going there first just to save time. You are much better off waiting and getting into a U.S. school.

 

[Jason110]

What's wrong with taking a year off? A lot of people do it, and medical schools seem to look favorable on it. You could work, apply to med schools, get some more clinical experience, etc. Most people consider the Carribean schools as a last ditch alternative, so I wouldn't recommend going there first just to save time. You are much better off waiting and getting into a U.S. school.

... or going the D.O. route...

 

[Radio Edit]

do premeds ever quit medicine and go engineering? just curios? 😕

 

[uclabruin2003]

i was in chemical engineering and now im trying for medicine. well actually i was always into medicine...so chemical engineering was just for fun!

 

[KoEoVo1oN]

As far as experiences, I've intern/co-op with companies such as Philip Morris for about 2 years and Motorola in Austin, Tx for a summer. I guess it couldn't hurt to take a year off and really work in the engineering industry. Would it be better off to take a year off and work in the engineering industry or continue college to take those highly suggested courses that some med schools recommend? I'm asking this b/c I'll basically will only have my pre-req and a couple of the highly suggested courses done by the end of spring 2005.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Medikit]

It's just a ****ing year. Do something good during the downtime. If you leave the country you will probably not be able to get into competitive residencies.

 

[topworm]

I'm working for a year and concurrently applying. I graduated with a computer science degree and am working on a hospital scheduling application! Its funny that I may have to use it one day, in one form or another. Anyway, I was slightly worried about taking a year off but I don't know why. I've only been off for a few months but am already extremely ready to go back to school. I think it's one of the best self-tests of medical drive you can put yourself through (while still doing the usual shadowing/research bit). I know I am ready for medical school and am eagerly looking forward to next year, assuming I get in.

Time goes by even shorter when you're out of school... don't worry about it.

Plus... just be genuine with yourself. From what I've gathered the worst thing you can do to prepare for an admissions committee is to do what you think they want to see. Do what you want, see where life takes you. If it ends up not being medicine, then you've made that decision and you'll be much happier. Life's too short to worry too much.

 

[KoEoVo1oN]

Thanks Topworm. It's nice to know there are people who faces similar situations.