I’ll be highly appreciative for some advice about questions that I have

[TheFictionalDoc]

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Hey I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice on two things. The first is on the MCAT. I took the test twice, first on 5/2 where I got VR-5 PS-9 WS-Q BS- 6. My main study plan for taking this test was using Barron’s MCAT 12th edition study book. Along with that I took a couple of practice test that I found, took the AAMC 3 and 10. I also did questions from mcatquestionoftheday.com. When I took the test again on 7/2 I got VR-6 PS-6 WS-N BS- 8. Here I took AAMC 9 and 10 and also used Examkrackers 101 passages in MCAT verbal reasoning as my main source and I review more facts from Barron’s. The EK book though was published 2002 and was still in the old test format, so I don’t know it that made a difference. I had an average of 5 when I first took those test but by the time I got to the end of the book I was getting 9 on average. I felt like the second MCAT test went excellent, unlike the first which I knew I did bad right away, but how I got the same score…. well I guess not. I had sleep anxiety and didn’t get any sleep but I don’t know if that had any effect on me. I felt like I knew everything that was being asked on the chemistry parts, and the VR didn’t seem too bad, but I knew I forgot all about the Orgo chem parts, which had 3 passages. Well I’m planning on going back to prepare to take it again early next year and already for organic my plan is to tutor students to remember what I have forgotten. I do happen to have a Kaplan MCAT comprehensive review 2005 edition book and The Princeton review MCAT book but I didn’t look at them that much. So my question here is what you think I should do to prepare to take the test next year, I am a full time student so I have limited time. Should I get a new edition of EK 101 passages, should I get more examkrackers books, are there other books that you highly recommend.

Second, I am about to start my last year of school at Mizzou, and because I have low MCAT scores and won’t be taking it again until early next year, I will obviously won’t be in med school next fall. So my second question is what else I can do to make myself look better to get into med school. I have a 3.5 gpa in biochemistry, would be much higher if I didn’t blew off my first semester, got a 2.7 with 23 credits, which is almost as much as I need left to graduate- 26 credits. My experiences so far that I think is worth noting are:
Shadowing Dr. Snodgrass
Through watching Dr. Snodgrass who specializes in Internal Medicine, I observed patient care and rounds. It was my first experience observing a doctor and what it is like to be one.


Deans list
An award that is given for outstanding grades. Since my spring semester of 2007, I have been receiving this award.

Research Assistant
A volunteer work where I come in to sterilize glassware among other duties like refilling supplies. When I was there, I cultured Stem cells, as well as inject dyes into mice for analysis of cell types. Among being in a lab to observe stem cells, I attended meetings among members of Dr. Kirks group, where they discussed on going projects dealing with stem cells, their work as well as work being done with in the scientific community.


Personal Trainer
I would design a fitness workout for friends and encourage them to meet the goals that we set.



Tutoring at the Student Success Center
I would tutor students individually in classes including chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. I review the material before hand and prepare a study plan that best fit the tutee, and by going through the material with the tutee and working through sample problems, I would prepare them for up coming exams.



Student Flex
Within the hospital, I keep a clean environment throughout the pediatrics ward. Here I would check in on the patients and making sure their needs are met. I had much interaction with the patients and learn what it is like being in the hospital as a patient. I also spent time interacting with nurses as well as doctors. Besides getting experiences working with in a hospital, I got experience working along side almost all co-workers speaking mostly Bosnian and learning how to work as a team with just differences.


Shadowing Dr. Merenda
An observing experience that I got over the summer with a doctor who specializes in Orthopedic Spine Surgery. I observed patient care discussed what surgery could be helpful and the results of completed surgeries. I learn much about the surgery work that he does as well as what a surgery is like. He walked me through the process he grows through when he sees a patient and what symptoms he looks for in figuring out what is wrong with the patient.

I am planning on doing more shadowing work, watch a surgery, going on a mission in December, and also plan on volunteering every week at the hospital as well as random organization that need help. My plan next year is to do research on campus, if possible in the med school here on campus. So my question here is any suggestions that you would recommend for me to do with the limited time that I have, or do you think I am already on good grounds. Also while I’m asking, can someone tell me what is the difference between a MD and a DO, because it is much easier to get into a DO school and I am wondering why that is? Are the schools not as good, more expensive, just not known about as much, DOs get paid less? I will be very grateful to everyone that can help me out and everyone that is getting in next fall, graduations and hopefully I will be seeing you the following year. Thank you for reading this and any advice you can offer me.

 

[WNT Signaling]

Well I’m planning on going back to prepare to take it again early next year . . . so my question here is what you think I should do to prepare to take the test next year, I am a full time student so I have limited time.

IMHO, DO NOT TAKE THE EXAM WHILE YOU ARE STILL IN SCHOOL! You have not down well twice, and it does not look good when you take the MCAT a third time, so you cannot afford to do poorly. I think you should take time off--ideally two years--and reflect on why you did poorly and how you can improve. It sounds like you are juggling a full schedule, so it seems pragmatic to study for the MCAT, and ultiatmely take it, only once you can devote a considerate amount of time.

My plan next year is to do research on campus, if possible in the med school here on campus.

Bingo

Also while I’m asking, can someone tell me what is the difference between a MD and a DO, because it is much easier to get into a DO school and I am wondering why that is? Are the schools not as good, more expensive, just not known about as much, DOs get paid less?

Answers to these questions have been posted many, many times, but simply put, there is no difference: DO's and MD's can practice in all states, make the same money, and can enter any field of medicine. Yes, DO schools do tend to be less competitive, but they are still competitive. I think the average MCAT of accepted students at allopathic (MD) schools is a 31, and at osteopathic schools, they tend to be in the mid-to-high twenties. Osteopathic medicine has a 'philosophy' difference, and certain ostoepathic schools, but not all of them, place a high emphasis on primary care. In summation, there really is no difference

 

[Bernoull]

Hey I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice on two things. The first is on the MCAT. I took the test twice, first on 5/2 where I got VR-5 PS-9 WS-Q BS- 6. My main study plan for taking this test was using Barron’s MCAT 12th edition study book. Along with that I took a couple of practice test that I found, took the AAMC 3 and 10. I also did questions from mcatquestionoftheday.com. When I took the test again on 7/2 I got VR-6 PS-6 WS-N BS- 8. Here I took AAMC 9 and 10 and also used Examkrackers 101 passages in MCAT verbal reasoning as my main source and I review more facts from Barron’s. The EK book though was published 2002 and was still in the old test format, so I don’t know it that made a difference. I had an average of 5 when I first took those test but by the time I got to the end of the book I was getting 9 on average. I felt like the second MCAT test went excellent, unlike the first which I knew I did bad right away, but how I got the same score…. well I guess not. I had sleep anxiety and didn’t get any sleep but I don’t know if that had any effect on me. I felt like I knew everything that was being asked on the chemistry parts, and the VR didn’t seem too bad, but I knew I forgot all about the Orgo chem parts, which had 3 passages. Well I’m planning on going back to prepare to take it again early next year and already for organic my plan is to tutor students to remember what I have forgotten. I do happen to have a Kaplan MCAT comprehensive review 2005 edition book and The Princeton review MCAT book but I didn’t look at them that much. So my question here is what you think I should do to prepare to take the test next year, I am a full time student so I have limited time. Should I get a new edition of EK 101 passages, should I get more examkrackers books, are there other books that you highly recommend.

Second, I am about to start my last year of school at Mizzou, and because I have low MCAT scores and won’t be taking it again until early next year, I will obviously won’t be in med school next fall. So my second question is what else I can do to make myself look better to get into med school. I have a 3.5 gpa in biochemistry, would be much higher if I didn’t blew off my first semester, got a 2.7 with 23 credits, which is almost as much as I need left to graduate- 26 credits. My experiences so far that I think is worth noting are:
Shadowing Dr. Snodgrass
Through watching Dr. Snodgrass who specializes in Internal Medicine, I observed patient care and rounds. It was my first experience observing a doctor and what it is like to be one.


Deans list
An award that is given for outstanding grades. Since my spring semester of 2007, I have been receiving this award.

Research Assistant
A volunteer work where I come in to sterilize glassware among other duties like refilling supplies. When I was there, I cultured Stem cells, as well as inject dyes into mice for analysis of cell types. Among being in a lab to observe stem cells, I attended meetings among members of Dr. Kirks group, where they discussed on going projects dealing with stem cells, their work as well as work being done with in the scientific community.


Personal Trainer
I would design a fitness workout for friends and encourage them to meet the goals that we set.



Tutoring at the StudentSuccessCenter
I would tutor students individually in classes including chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. I review the material before hand and prepare a study plan that best fit the tutee, and by going through the material with the tutee and working through sample problems, I would prepare them for up coming exams.



Student Flex
Within the hospital, I keep a clean environment throughout the pediatrics ward. Here I would check in on the patients and making sure their needs are met. I had much interaction with the patients and learn what it is like being in the hospital as a patient. I also spent time interacting with nurses as well as doctors. Besides getting experiences working with in a hospital, I got experience working along side almost all co-workers speaking mostly Bosnian and learning how to work as a team with just differences.


Shadowing Dr. Merenda
An observing experience that I got over the summer with a doctor who specializes in Orthopedic Spine Surgery. I observed patient care discussed what surgery could be helpful and the results of completed surgeries. I learn much about the surgery work that he does as well as what a surgery is like. He walked me through the process he grows through when he sees a patient and what symptoms he looks for in figuring out what is wrong with the patient.

I am planning on doing more shadowing work, watch a surgery, going on a mission in December, and also plan on volunteering every week at the hospital as well as random organization that need help. My plan next year is to do research on campus, if possible in the med school here on campus. So my question here is any suggestions that you would recommend for me to do with the limited time that I have, or do you think I am already on good grounds. Also while I’m asking, can someone tell me what is the difference between a MD and a DO, because it is much easier to get into a DO school and I am wondering why that is? Are the schools not as good, more expensive, just not known about as much, DOs get paid less? I will be very grateful to everyone that can help me out and everyone that is getting in next fall, graduations and hopefully I will be seeing you the following year. Thank you for reading this and any advice you can offer me.

First advice is avoid "dissertations." Try to be more succinct in asking your questions.

Your main weakness is your MCAT. You need to scale back on your ECs (which are excellent BTW), and FOCUS on preparing for the MCAT. Most companies make decent material and if you're going the self-study route, its good to have a variety - Kaplan, PR, EK etc.. Master the science content and practice a lot.

BTW what were you scoring in your AAMC practices??

 

[tallandshort]

I think the ECs that you have are pretty good. What you really need to improve is your GPA and MCAT score. I would pick one or two ECs to continue through the year and drop everything else so you can get straight As in your classes and bring up that 3.5, it's a good GPA but not one that is going to be overly impressive to adcoms when most allopathic med schools have accepted averages in the 3.7-3.8 range.

Also, I agree that you should not take your MCAT while taking full-time classes since your performance on your two previous tests shows you need a lot more preparation. Most pre-meds only take the test twice, maximum. Taking it a third time will raise a red flad to adcoms unless that third time shows significant improvement. You need to be getting at least a 10 in every section on your AAMC practice exams before you take test #3, and with your GPA getting a 10 or higher in every section should be your goal to give yourself a shot at getting accepted to an allopathic school.

I would recommend focussing on classes and good grades until summer 2010, then studying your ass of all summer, every day. Sign up to take the MCAT in September. Do a lot of practice questions and when you feel like you're done reviewing material do the AAMC practice exams to see where you're at. Finally, go back to improve anything that is still lacking, and do a few more AAMC practice exams to make sure those areas have improved. For you, I would suggest an MCAT course, since you seem to need quite a bit of review of your basic science courses. I would also suggest the full set of examkrackers study guides and practice problems. I studied at home and they worked well for me. Finally, because you would be taking the MCAT in late summer of 2010, I would suggest waiting to apply to med school until June of 2011. This should again give you time to improve your GPA. You have a long road ahead of you, but if you're dedicated to this career you can do it with a lot of hard work. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[mechtel]

Dr. Snodgrass?

Seriously though, I think most people obsess too much about various test prep companies. Biology does not change if it's in Kapalan or Barons. I would use whatever resources you find to be most effective (I personally found Wikipedia to be most helpful becuase it is written at advanced level much like MCAT passages--but most would find this approach crazy) and first master the basic sciences. Then, spend a few months deconstructing ALL the practice exams (3-10), paying much attetion to what you did wrong and how to get it right the next time. Only when you are consistently egtting above 30 would I retake the MCAT, especialy considering two 20s already.