How to prepare for med application

[Laureatebarrel]

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Hi all, I am planning to apply next cycle preferably, but there are some things I need to ask. I have a complicated situation that I need to explain.
I am an international student from Vietnam. I went to US to study in high school up to until three years ago. When I finished high school I went to community college for two years. I transferred to another community college during first semester of junior year in California so I can apply to UC program which will automatically get me in UC school of my dream (UCLA). I did not finish the first semester because I had to come back to my country to complete immigration appication to US (My family had 12-year waiting application to US to reunite with our family). I also went back because I was suffering from depression and wanted to take a break. About 3 months after I went back my family application was retroverted back 2 years. I was then in a dilemma, since I was hoping to come to US with a green card so I can save some much-needed money for my family. From that time to now I worked various jobs to sustain myself, studied basic science classes on my own and took the MCAT this May. I am going back to US this fall to complete my bachelor's degree.
My GPA is 3.95, and my MCAT score is 39. I had 6-month volunteer experience at a big hospital during my sophomore year. Beside that I have no research experience except from a biology trip. I also have no shadowing experience.
My big question is how long do I need to make my application stand out? Assuming that I will get a green card by the end of 2014, does it make more sense for me to wait after I have it and apply in 2015 or go ahead and prepare to apply for 2014 cycle? I do not want to take MCAT again. Also can I use my circumstances to explain my otherwise weak ECs? Any suggestions and advice are welcome.

 

[shaboobly]

My big question is how long do I need to make my application stand out? Assuming that I will get a green card by the end of 2014, does it make more sense for me to wait after I have it and apply in 2015 or go ahead and prepare to apply for 2014 cycle? I do not want to take MCAT again. Also can I use my circumstances to explain my otherwise weak ECs? Any suggestions and advice are welcome.

I consider my ECs pretty weak, but I still talked about what I do have (I really only have one shadowing experience with a general neurologist and a research lab I have been working in since June). You still have plenty of time to shadow some physicians and look for a research lab to work in. Start emailing them!

In my opinion, if you are ready to move on to medical school, then you should go ahead and apply. There are people who apply with high stats and don't get in.. it really depends on how well you can write and interview, when it comes to that point.

 

[Laureatebarrel]

I am planning for 6 month commitment to a local hospital near my school. My most concern is research since I have little or none. I will look into research at my own institution asap. I am also looking into summer programs for next year summer since they are very good experience plus good stipends too. Most summer programs start from June and end in August. Can I include it in AMCAS beforehand and update the school after I have completed the program? I know a lot of schools do not accept international students so is it worth the wait then? 😕

 

[Koalafied]

Hi all, I am planning to apply next cycle preferably, but there are some things I need to ask. I have a complicated situation that I need to explain.
I am an international student from Vietnam. I went to US to study in high school up to until three years ago. When I finished high school I went to community college for two years. I transferred to another community college during first semester of junior year in California so I can apply to UC program which will automatically get me in UC school of my dream (UCLA). I did not finish the first semester because I had to come back to my country to complete immigration appication to US (My family had 12-year waiting application to US to reunite with our family). I also went back because I was suffering from depression and wanted to take a break.🙁 About 3 months after I went back my family application was retroverted back 2 years. I was then in a dilemma, since I was hoping to come to US with a green card so I can save some much-needed money for my family. From that time to now I worked various jobs to sustain myself, studied basic science classes on my own and took the MCAT this May. I am going back to US this fall to complete my bachelor's degree.
My GPA is 3.95, and my MCAT score is 39. I had 6-month volunteer experience at a big hospital during my sophomore year. Beside that I have no research experience except from a biology trip. I also have no shadowing experience.
My big question is how long do I need to make my application stand out? Assuming that I will get a green card by the end of 2014, does it make more sense for me to wait after I have it and apply in 2015 or go ahead and prepare to apply for 2014 cycle? I do not want to take MCAT again. Also can I use my circumstances to explain my otherwise weak ECs? Any suggestions and advice are welcome.

😱



That's epic.👍



Anywho...

Your English is superb considering the amount of exposure you've had so far. I see sizable work ethics. And I can only see bright things for you. Make sure to blow that PS out of the water.🙂

Time frame sounds about right for the green card. I think marrying expedites the process though.🙄

I think wherever you live, there's a sizable community of your people who'll most likely let you attain those clinical hours. In the end, it's only a few degrees of separation from what you truly want.🙂

My take: Go ahead an apply this cycle, especially if your current resources in possession are welcoming.👍

 

[jk1006]

If you dont have any of your application prepared applying this cycle is gonna be tricky. Your stats are phenomenal, but its already quite late to apply with AMCAS's new 8-week verification. If you have nothing done then preparing your app and getting transcripts and LOR will take at least a month, which gives you verification in october, maybe even november. then secondaries and youll be punching in some apps right under the deadline.

even with stellar stats thatll be tough, especially since youre an international student.

next year though, I think with the green card youll be considered more or less a US citizen which will make applying to medical schools a lot easier as you wont be considered an international student.

You can try applying this year, might be a waste of money

depends on if you have an application ready to go or not I'd say

 

[Laureatebarrel]

If you dont have any of your application prepared applying this cycle is gonna be tricky. Your stats are phenomenal, but its already quite late to apply with AMCAS's new 8-week verification. If you have nothing done then preparing your app and getting transcripts and LOR will take at least a month, which gives you verification in october, maybe even november. then secondaries and youll be punching in some apps right under the deadline.

even with stellar stats thatll be tough, especially since youre an international student.

next year though, I think with the green card youll be considered more or less a US citizen which will make applying to medical schools a lot easier as you wont be considered an international student.

You can try applying this year, might be a waste of money

depends on if you have an application ready to go or not I'd say

I am debating between cycle 2014 and 2015, definitely not this year though. Thank you anyway 🙂

 

[Koalafied]

I am debating between cycle 2014 and 2015, definitely not this year though. Thank you anyway 🙂

In any case... I hope you get in before that score becomes overdue.

Chúc may mắn!

 

[jk1006]

I am debating between cycle 2014 and 2015, definitely not this year though. Thank you anyway 🙂

ah okay, i say the poster above mine saying apply this cycle, which is why i said that.

one thing to consider is that some schools dont consider MCAT scores more than 3 years old, so double check on that and factor that into your consideration as well

 

[Laureatebarrel]

In any case... I hope you get in before that score becomes overdue.

Chúc may mắn!

Thank you! I will try to apply in 2014 and see what happens so I have another year to fall back on.