Help...I really need some advice

[MCAT]

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High, I will be applying this year and I am 23 years old.

My cum GPA is a 3.62 and my science is a 3.55 (I have done really, really bad in some science classes--like, C+'s and C-'s), but as you can see by my science GPA, I must have done that much better in most other science courses.

Anyway, I will also be taking the August MCAT.

ROL's are awesome, so are EC's, and I'm a great writer so my PS and secondaries shouldn't be bad. I'm just nervous about the MCAT, that's all.

Anyway, the problem is that I have a misdemeanor on my record. When I was 20 (yea, 3 yrs ago), someone punched me at a bar and I pushed them away because I thought you could do that in defense. So it's a "battery"--once again, a misdemeanor.

What would you recommend I do in this situation? I mean, it's been 3 years and my heart still sinks everyday knowing that this could affect my chances for admission.

I'm going to apply to like 40 schools--is this ridiculous? I know it's expensive for sure--geez...like 4 grand almost with the secondaries.

I just need some help and advice from anyone. I'm new to the forum and I have heard good things about the support and advice on SDN.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ashkan33]

i presonally wouldn't sweat the battery charge. the thing is, there's nothing you could do about it now and if that is the sole reason you don't get into medschool you could always go to the caribbeans. my friend knocked a 40 over some dudes face one night-----aggravated assualt. and now he's in the caribbs. that might not be your ideal location for medschool but it's an "alternative".

40 schools might be a bit too much....but not ridiculous. the only way to know is if you try. judging by your mcat you could potentially be a good candidate. they might hold those C's against you in the end which will result in some explaining on your part. all in all, this ****'s a gamble and you just gotta hope your dice fall on the table. good luck.

 

[indiandoc]

Hey,

I would be honest about it. It doesn't sound like that big a deal, and be prepared to answer questions about it during your interview. You'd be surprised as to how compassionate adcoms can be. I would talk to your premed advisor. See what he/she thinks. Everyone makes mistakes.

 

[MCAT]

Hey,

Would you guys be willing to help me out and list the schools which DO NOT ask for misdemeanors, both in Illinois and out-of state?

I would greatly appreciate it.

I really don't want to go to the Caribbean. I feel that my GPA is fine (despite my bad grades), but I have amended those grades with A/A-'s in upper level courses of similar nature.

Thanks a lot again.

 

[ready]

You might start by looking at the secondaries on this website:
http://www.geocities.com/pocwana/

I wouldn't avoid apps just b/c they ask about misdameanors. It doesn't sound like you did anything your file reviewer won't do. Just be up front about it. I sure it's causing you some concern, but really it's not a huge deal.

 

[md_student10021]

your mcat score would be useful in assessing your chances...good luck next month.

the "C"s would concern me more than the misdemeanor incident.

 

[sunflower79]

I think AMCAS only asks about felonies? Correct me if I'm wrong.

I agree, the C's in science concern me, but if you smoke the MCAT that should put to rest any doubts. (see my old posts about study tips)

good luck! 🙂

 

[MCAT]

Well, here's my C-grade situation.

I got a B- in an intro cell bio course.

I got a C+ in Orgo I and in a middle-level cell bio course.

I got a C- in a middle level genetics course.

So what I did to "try" to offset or improve these 4 courses was to excell in upper level courses. I took Orgo I lab and got an "A", I actually got a B+ in Orgo II, I will be taking Biochem this summer.

I got an "A" in an advanced cell physiology class and an "A" in an advanced molecular evolution class and an "A" in cells/tissues/histology lab.

Also, I am going to be taking 3 genetics and 3 cell bio courses next year (during my application).

I know that I will probably get a few red flags from many upper-tiered schools, but I don't really care where I go. I just want 1 school, and I feel that I am always trying to improve myself. I messed up in some of my courses, and I am really trying to take advanced-level courses and do well.

I mean--I still have a 3.55 science because even if I got about 15 hours of B-/C+/C-, I got another 50-60 hours of A's in other science courses like neurobio, microbio, physio, and the courses I mentioned above. It's just like an undergrad who messed up and is taking postbac classes. My last 40 hours of courses (science and non-science) have been a 3.8.

Anyway, I think I am on the right track.

I really do appreciate everyone's help.

I know that the AMCAS doesn't ask about misdemeanors, but many secondaries do.

If, through some of your experiences with the secondaries, you wouldn't mind posting those schools WITH misdemeanor questions or ANY criminal conviction questions, I will be appreciate.

I always try to go on those links which send me to online secondaries, but they never seem to work because they are expired.

Anyway, thanks in advance.

 

[souljah1]

don't sweat misdemeanors, just sweat felonies. AMCAS (and Federal Financial Aid) asks about felonies, but (to the best of my knowledge) they don't ask about misdemeanors.

let that worry go.

peace.

 

[dreaminOfMD>.<]

You pushed a guy who punched you and he pressed charges? What a sissy.

seriously...

MCAT,

I agree with the suggestion of being honest with it. I don't think it's that big a deal...you only pushed the guy and that happens everyday. I'm sure they won't hold it against you TOO strongly...

Good luck