I need advice!!

[Keren04]

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Hi,

I applied at the deadline for AMCAS and the schools because I had been really sick. I got an interview at 2 schools. I went to only one of the interviews bec I found out some stuff about the other school that scared me off (really bad location etc). I didn't get in to the one I applied to and got rejected from the others. I applied to schools in my state and to some surrounding my state - about 10 overall. I had a 3.56 overall GPA and a 3.42 science/math GPA at a tough private school, 29 MCAT, and pretty good EC's: years of hospital volunteering, teaching, some research experience (though not a lot), and head of 2 clubs at my school. I had a C in one class, but took a more advanced class this past semester in the same subject and got an A.

I got in to a school in Israel that is modeled after the US curriculum. It's considered a very good school there and here. Problem is I'd be all alone there (My family is all here), I'd have a tougher time getting residency here, and it's not the safest place in the world. I think I would get a great education there, but I don't know what to do. In the past year my overall GPA has gone up to 3.61 and my science GPA is 3.5 , I continued all of my EC's and got involved in clinical research, and I got certified as a phlebotomist. I didn't retake the MCATs because I didn't have the energy to go through that again.

So, what do you think I should do? Go to one of the schools in Israel? or re-apply this year? And if I re-apply, should I take the August MCAT or will it be too late? I don't want to take another year off, because I'd lose 2 years and I could already be done with the basic sciences by then in Israel. And if I don't get in again, I'd just lose 2 years. I'm pretty sure that what hurt me was that I applied late. I also didn't have the committee letter because I applied late. I haven't talk to them about the next cycle bec they were really mean to me and unsupportive when I was sick.

I'm so confused and I really need advice. Sorry for writing so much. I will really appreciate any advice you guys have. Thanks 🙂

 

[stinkycheese]

I personally would not consider going abroad/DO until I had been rejected from allopathic schools twice. Get your app in NOW and don't apply to schools that you don't want to go to. You don't want to turn down any interview invites this year. Do your homework. And if you still don't get in (which seems unlikely, but what state are you from?), go to Sackler, the Caribbean, or DO.

 

[MNgrrl]

Keren,

I think your numbers look fine, and I would apply asap!!! I agree with stinkycheese in that I wouldn't consider abroad until I had been rejected from US schools (MD and DO) at least twice. It's not that I don't think they provide a good medical education, I just feel that I wouldn't have adequate family support...

I would contact your pre-med committee immediately to talk with them about getting a letter. They don't sound super supportive, but you won't know if you don't try...Committees can be very frustrating, but if you think of this as just another hoop to jump through, it doesn't seem as bad. Also, if all else fails and they refuse, you can send your LORs individually without a committee letter. Some schools will ask you to explain why you aren't using the committee if your school does have one, and I think they would understand if you were honest about the situation.

About the Aug. MCAT, unless you think you can do significantly better ( ~3pts), don't do it. I got in this year with a 30 -- the difference between a 29 and a 30 is hardly substantial.

I would absolutely agree with you that your biggest mistake the past cycle was applying late. So go with your gut feeling (which sound to me like you don't want to do the Israeli school) and APPLY NOW!!!!

Good luck!

 

[Eyecon82]

I personally would not consider going abroad/DO until I had been rejected from allopathic schools twice. Get your app in NOW and don't apply to schools that you don't want to go to. You don't want to turn down any interview invites this year. Do your homework. And if you still don't get in (which seems unlikely, but what state are you from?), go to Sackler, the Caribbean, or DO.

Are you in this profession to be an MD or a doctor? Because from your comment, you're just in it for the recognition and prestige....i feel bad for you

 

[Indebt4Life]

Are you in this profession to be an MD or a doctor? Because from your comment, you're just in it for the recognition and prestige....i feel bad for you

Why don't you take the "MD vs. DO" argument elsewhere? For the sake of the OP.

To the OP,
It seems that you have very good numbers and good ECs/experiences. Apply early to MD schools. Good luck

 

[Eyecon82]

Why don't you take the "MD vs. DO" argument elsewhere? For the sake of the OP.

To the OP,
It seems that you have very good numbers and good ECs/experiences. Apply early to MD schools. Good luck

WTF?? it wasn't even about an MD vs Do....you're the one trying to turn it into one....

YOU'RE ONE HELL OF AN INSTIGATOR

 

[dankev]

I didn't retake the MCATs because I didn't have the energy to go through that again.

Not that I think you need to retake with a 29, but how do you have the energy to go through med school if you don't have the energy to retake a test you have already studied for? Was the MCAT really that draining?

As far as answering your question, it doesn't sound like you want to go to Israel this year, so don't. Apply again this year. It is nowhere near too late.

 

[Eyecon82]

Not that I think you need to retake with a 29, but how do you have the energy to go through med school if you don't have the energy to retake a test you have already studied for? Was the MCAT really that draining?

As far as answering your question, it doesn't sound like you want to go to Israel this year, so don't. Apply again this year. It is nowhere near too late.

I'm sure he meant that since he already did it...he would not rather go through the stress/hassle of doing it again....i felt the same way

 

[Vukken99]

I am a DO.

I think the issue is what you really want in this profession.

When I was told about DO during my college years I overlooked it...

I thought DO was not like MD.

then after graduating from college and while I was working for the Government as a Public health Inspector for epidemiology I met a DO physician who was a commissioner of a state health department. I was very impressed by his demeanor as a Person and as a physician.

After that I explored the history of DO profession and I did like the wholistic aspect of it. Fundamentally speaking DOs were created by a rebellious MD in whose times medicine was not evidence based sometimes treatments were worse than the actual illness..

I only applied to DO school and I finally got one acceptance and I was very happy about it. Then some MD physician in my work asked me to apply to allopathic schools and he even called the school to waive the deadline because I had good numbers Magna Cum Laude and above 10 on my MCATS on each section. I had few interviews but I stayed DO....

I don't regret. I think being DO is unique.....
Sure in old times, in many MD residencies when you were DO you were treated differently..like making fun of them and stuff. But it is all foolish anyhow.

I think if you can go to an american school either MD or DO that is what I would do. Then you can call yourself american grad and american trained and I think this is important.

There is some stigma about american citizens going to school abroad specially medical school. The other options are if you can get into Oxford or some other name school in Europe.

Many medical schools abroad were created as money making ventures...sure they all return and practice but...still inside of many heads you are still foreign graduate....nothing wrong with that if you dont mind that...

The ultimate decision is yours...nobody should care if you are foreign grad or american trained....it is what you feel comfortable with...

Plus DO schools are competitive as well.....
I have my numbers to prove...few of my colleagues one guy he matched urology, the other two orthopedic surgery, and many gone to ER and general surgery....

 

[Sense]

I am a DO.

I think the issue is what you really want in this profession.

When I was told about DO during my college years I overlooked it...

I thought DO was not like MD.

then after graduating from college and while I was working for the Government as a Public health Inspector for epidemiology I met a DO physician who was a commissioner of a state health department. I was very impressed by his demeanor as a Person and as a physician.

After that I explored the history of DO profession and I did like the wholistic aspect of it. Fundamentally speaking DOs were created by a rebellious MD in whose times medicine was not evidence based sometimes treatments were worse than the actual illness..

I only applied to DO school and I finally got one acceptance and I was very happy about it. Then some MD physician in my work asked me to apply to allopathic schools and he even called the school to waive the deadline because I had good numbers Magna Cum Laude and above 10 on my MCATS on each section. I had few interviews but I stayed DO....

I don't regret. I think being DO is unique.....
Sure in old times, in many MD residencies when you were DO you were treated differently..like making fun of them and stuff. But it is all foolish anyhow.

I think if you can go to an american school either MD or DO that is what I would do. Then you can call yourself american grad and american trained and I think this is important.

There is some stigma about american citizens going to school abroad specially medical school. The other options are if you can get into Oxford or some other name school in Europe.

Many medical schools abroad were created as money making ventures...sure they all return and practice but...still inside of many heads you are still foreign graduate....nothing wrong with that if you dont mind that...

The ultimate decision is yours...nobody should care if you are foreign grad or american trained....it is what you feel comfortable with...

Plus DO schools are competitive as well.....
I have my numbers to prove...few of my colleagues one guy he matched urology, the other two orthopedic surgery, and many gone to ER and general surgery....

Thanks for providing that inspiring story. It makes me happy to see DOs who are proud to be DOs. 😀

 

[Ryan]

To the OP:
Apply now....do essentially what you did last time but CHANGE your PS and secondaries to show what changes have happened within you. Just go for it, in my opinion it does not matter if you go DO or MD as long as you can put your heart into being a great physician. Go where you can enjoy the companionship and support of your colleagues (I do not think that you will have a very tough time getting in if you 'Know yourself'....this will come across to the interviewers).

Good Luck!
-Ryan

 

[Keren04]

To the OP:
Apply now....do essentially what you did last time but CHANGE your PS and secondaries to show what changes have happened within you. Just go for it, in my opinion it does not matter if you go DO or MD as long as you can put your heart into being a great physician. Go where you can enjoy the companionship and support of your colleagues (I do not think that you will have a very tough time getting in if you 'Know yourself'....this will come across to the interviewers).

Good Luck!
-Ryan

The reason I haven't reapplied yet is that I don't know what to write about in my PS. Last time I wrote about why I want to be a physician. And I know I need to change it now, but I don't know how! Not that much has changed in my life since October - I've been in school and just graduated. I know from volunteering in a hospital this past year that any doubt I had about wanting to go into medicine has disappeared, but I don't have a clue how to even approach the PS. Are there any books where I can get advice on how to write the PS? Does anyone here have any advice to offer? I don't even know where to start.

And what do I do about the committee letter? Will it hurt me to reapply without it again (my school has a strict deadline for requesting the letter and I already missed it and the committee is SO obnoxious I don't want to deal with them again)? I will apply to DO also, but there are a lot fewer of them in my area.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it 🙂

 

[Ryan]

The reason I haven't reapplied yet is that I don't know what to write about in my PS. Last time I wrote about why I want to be a physician. And I know I need to change it now, but I don't know how! Not that much has changed in my life since October - I've been in school and just graduated. I know from volunteering in a hospital this past year that any doubt I had about wanting to go into medicine has disappeared, but I don't have a clue how to even approach the PS. Are there any books where I can get advice on how to write the PS? Does anyone here have any advice to offer? I don't even know where to start.

And what do I do about the committee letter? Will it hurt me to reapply without it again (my school has a strict deadline for requesting the letter and I already missed it and the committee is SO obnoxious I don't want to deal with them again)? I will apply to DO also, but there are a lot fewer of them in my area.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it 🙂

Try getting a book that has a bunch of PS in it (Essays that will get you into Medical School ...seems to be a good one) as you read each essay, write down thoughts and specific experiences that come to your mind. Then make sure you tell the ad-coms a story, it will hold their interest 1000% more than the typical," I like helping people, I went through struggles, I overcame struggles, I want to be a doc." You can and should include the previous things; just put the reader IN the situation as if they were reading a novel. About the committee letter, I didn't have the committee letter ether and I had offers to interview at every school I applied to. You can do it, just sit down and start!

-Ryan

 

[ChantillyLace]

I would apply now. I know a year off seems like a long time, but it'll be worth it in the end. You'll have an easier time getting residency.
Also, as a side note, DOs are just as good as MDs. I wouldn't categorize them in the same category as caribbean schools like a previous poster did. Just my .02 though.

Don't worry...you'll do great with whatever road you choose. 🙂

 

[Vukken99]

DO are not any different than MD counterparts these days....
just look at where DOs have gotten into these days......

One of Neurosurgeons in University of Miami is a DO, NYCOM graduate...

I feel sorry for many MD students who still think DO are inferior....
Oh well you are slave of your own ignorance.

When I was Surgery Resident I used to teach MD and DO students equally...

Plus MD students should understand the whole thing about Osteopathic Medicine was created by an MD afterall.....

 

[samenewme]

Think about a couple of SPECIFIC things that happened during your volunteer work this year that reminded you of why you want to be a physician. In other words, show, don't tell. It can be a simple little anecdote, or something that moved you deeply. Conjure up a visual picture of that experience and tie it into your motivation.

It can hurt you to have no letter, but if you simply explain that you are a reapplicant, didn't know you'd be reapplying, and therefore weren't able to make the deadline, I would think you'll be okay. Just gather the best individual letters you possibly can.

 

[sistahnik]

Indebt4life, your comment was way off basis toward Eyecon82. He/she was only asking the OP if they wanted to be a Dr. or if they just cared about the initials behind their name. some ppl need to make sure they can read and comprehend what they are reading before they try to treat patients!! just my .02. 🙄 And yes, you do need to comprehend what a patient is telling you. (the last comment was for those smartie pants who believe that all you have to do is write down the patient complaints and prescribed, sorry think again)!!!!!

 

[sistahnik]

vukken99 good point!! I don't know why ppl don't even think about that! Andrew Still was an MD that saw things from a different perspective! 👍 knowledge belongs to anyone who will receive it, not just some group who believes they are superior to other groups!!

 

[stinkycheese]

Are you in this profession to be an MD or a doctor? Because from your comment, you're just in it for the recognition and prestige....i feel bad for you

I am not a fan of osteopathic manual manipulation. I don't want to spend time during my training on this, and yes, I do not want to deal with having to tell my patients what a DO is for the rest of my life. I choose allopathic education. That says nothing about recognition and prestige. It says more about the kind of education I am looking to receive.

Why don't you go to the pre-allo forum and tell everyone who didn't apply to DO schools that they are only in medicine for the money? Makes a lot of sense, fool... oh wait, no it doesn't.

 

[medlaw06]

Call me crazy, but...

I am NOT proud of being a DO...I am NOT proud of being an MD....


I AM proud of being A PHYSICIAN (and a lawyer...yes...I said lawyer)!!!!


One should apply where they want, and most importantly, where THEY WILL FEEL COMFORTABLE BEING.


B/c one's intelligence is one's intelligence....whether you have an "M' and "D" or a "D" and "O" after your name does not change it. There are smart DOs and there are smart MDs. There are not so smart MDs and not so smart DOs.

It's not the initials that make you a good or bad physician...IT'S YOU!!

And if you go to a school (IRRESPECTIVE of its designation) that you are comfortable in and like being there, it is a reasonable assumption that you will do better (for the simple reason that you like it there and feel comfortable). If you do better, it is also a reasonable assumption that you will learn more/better/more efficiently. If you learn more/better/more efficiently, you will be a better physician overall.

(oh great...hopefully I don't get a barrage of posts about the assumption I am making and its reasonableness...b/c that TOTALLY misses the point..read on)


What irritates the hell out of me is when people start comparing and contrasting MDs and DOs.

Let's all say this together, now:

"It's about the patient, not the initials...
It's abnout the patient, not the initials..."

And you'll soon realize that if you say this often enough, at one point (the proverbial "moment of clarity") you'll soon realize WHAT IT REALLY IS THAT YOU ARE IN THIS PROFESSION FOR!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Eyecon82]

Call me crazy, but...

That was probably one the most sane comments I've heard on SDN lately 👍 👍

 

[medlaw06]

Thanks Eyecon...

It's a sad day in this world when an MSIII has to be the "voice of reason."
🙂 😀 🙂 😉 😉

 

[Eyecon82]

I am not a fan of osteopathic manual manipulation. I don't want to spend time during my training on this, and yes, I do not want to deal with having to tell my patients what a DO is for the rest of my life. I choose allopathic education. That says nothing about recognition and prestige. It says more about the kind of education I am looking to receive.

Why don't you go to the pre-allo forum and tell everyone who didn't apply to DO schools that they are only in medicine for the money? Makes a lot of sense, fool... oh wait, no it doesn't.

If you haven't opened up your eyes lately, the curriculum at a DO school is more greueling than allopathic. DO students have to balance all of the same courses as M1's take at allopathic schools and plus an extra OMM course at the same time. Not only do the majority of DO students only take the COMLEX, they also take the USMLE and do well in both.

So, I'd think twice before you say an allopathic education is more quality than an osteopathic one

 

[stinkycheese]

If you haven't opened up your eyes lately, the curriculum at a DO school is more greueling than allopathic. DO students have to balance all of the same courses as M1's take at allopathic schools and plus an extra OMM course at the same time. Not only do the majority of DO students only take the COMLEX, they also take the USMLE and do well in both.

So, I'd think twice before you say an allopathic education is more quality than an osteopathic one

Do you read? I said in my post that I do not want to learn OMM. I want to focus on other things. Where did I say that an allopathic education was mor quality than an osteopathic one?