While I'm well aware there are a good number of similar posts and have read them pretty thoroughly, I thought I might throw my hat in for some individualized attention. I'd be greatly appreciative for any thoughts you all have. Thank you in advance!
I decided to pursue medicine after working in healthcare even though I never dreamed I would! I worked 2.5 years after college for an organization that provided various support and therapeutic services for people with disabilities (mainly mental ******ation and autism). I had experience as a case manager and program manager (working on our national structure for clinical supervision, billing/compliance, and documentation) during this time and fell in love with the medical aspects of caring for the individuals we served. After a lot of investigation of possible careers (social work, psychology, nursing, etc.) and talking to anyone who could offer advice, I came to the conclusion that I felt truly called to work as a physician and many of my wonderful mentors agreed. (I was truly honored by encouraging words and candid advice from many people I highly respect.)
I made the decision to begin taking pre-med classes independent of a formal post-bac (though I did apply and get accepted to a number) as I was encouraged by the pre-med advisor at a local university and a non-trad who had done the same there and is now a resident. Many family friends who are medical school faculty also spoke highly of the program. I had to switch jobs as, sadly, my previous job was just too demanding (70+ hours some weeks) on my time to go to school and do very well. I now am loving working as a tech in an ER. (Still gotta pay bills and have insurance! Plus it's good clinical experience.)
My academic background is that I have a B.A. in philosophy with a minor in religious studies from Rhodes College. My GPA was only a 3.23 which is less than stellar, but I feel that it is a reasonable starting place. I could have it a lot tougher, and I am heartened by success stories from people who've overcome greater odds! I also feel good about the MCAT since I have traditionally been a strong standardized test taker--though that won't change my plan of studying thoroughly for it! As an undergrad, I participated in a few activities extensively rather than trying to clutter those listings. I also was president for my junior and senior years of college of one student group. Additionally, I have served in the Marine Corps reserve.
Now that I've rambled on: Is this another story that is a little compelling but not so much as to gain a good deal of notice? What advice does everyone have to improve my odds and make myself stand out? Any encouragement is always welcome 🙂 but so is advice that I can build on to make a great application.
I decided to pursue medicine after working in healthcare even though I never dreamed I would! I worked 2.5 years after college for an organization that provided various support and therapeutic services for people with disabilities (mainly mental ******ation and autism). I had experience as a case manager and program manager (working on our national structure for clinical supervision, billing/compliance, and documentation) during this time and fell in love with the medical aspects of caring for the individuals we served. After a lot of investigation of possible careers (social work, psychology, nursing, etc.) and talking to anyone who could offer advice, I came to the conclusion that I felt truly called to work as a physician and many of my wonderful mentors agreed. (I was truly honored by encouraging words and candid advice from many people I highly respect.)
I made the decision to begin taking pre-med classes independent of a formal post-bac (though I did apply and get accepted to a number) as I was encouraged by the pre-med advisor at a local university and a non-trad who had done the same there and is now a resident. Many family friends who are medical school faculty also spoke highly of the program. I had to switch jobs as, sadly, my previous job was just too demanding (70+ hours some weeks) on my time to go to school and do very well. I now am loving working as a tech in an ER. (Still gotta pay bills and have insurance! Plus it's good clinical experience.)
My academic background is that I have a B.A. in philosophy with a minor in religious studies from Rhodes College. My GPA was only a 3.23 which is less than stellar, but I feel that it is a reasonable starting place. I could have it a lot tougher, and I am heartened by success stories from people who've overcome greater odds! I also feel good about the MCAT since I have traditionally been a strong standardized test taker--though that won't change my plan of studying thoroughly for it! As an undergrad, I participated in a few activities extensively rather than trying to clutter those listings. I also was president for my junior and senior years of college of one student group. Additionally, I have served in the Marine Corps reserve.
Now that I've rambled on: Is this another story that is a little compelling but not so much as to gain a good deal of notice? What advice does everyone have to improve my odds and make myself stand out? Any encouragement is always welcome 🙂 but so is advice that I can build on to make a great application.
