I'm So Fed Up and I Do Not Know What to Do

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jimjoneskufi

jimjoneskufi

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I have tried getting into several Masters programs but none seem to want to admit me. The only option I have at this point is to retake the MCAT, reapply and hope for the best but I just feel so beaten down at this point in time. I really just need some sound advice and this point in time. I'm almost to the point where I just want to give up entirely.

I have student loan payments and bills upcoming and I have no job (and these are scarce where I live) and I am just severely depressed (not to a harmful degree though).
 
When you say Masters programs, do you mean SMP programs? Also, it would help to know what your GPA and MCAT score is. If your GPA is less than a 3.0, then take more classes (at a CC or University) to bump it up. If your MCAT is less than 500, then retake it.
 
I'mJustCurious said:
When you say Masters programs, do you mean SMP programs? Also, it would help to know what your GPA and MCAT score is. If your GPA is less than a 3.0, then take more classes (at a CC or University) to bump it up. If your MCAT is less than 500, then retake it.
Click to expand...

3.1c; 2.9s; 500 MCAT

Edit: corrected GPA/MCAT
 
Last edited:
I'mJustCurious said:
When you say Masters programs, do you mean SMP programs? Also, it would help to know what your GPA and MCAT score is. If your GPA is less than a 3.0, then take more classes (at a CC or University) to bump it up. If your MCAT is less than 500, then retake it.
Click to expand...

Ok, what do I do past this point? Once both GPAs are above 3.0, what do I do?
 
OP, it may not be what you want to hear but, it's OKAY to take a couple of years to work on your application. There is no hurry to get to medical school (unless... you're over 30/40 which I'm going to assume that you're not). I don't know your complete application so there's not much I can go off of but consider whether you're ready to retake the MCAT. Don't feel like you need to retake it right away. If you need to work to improve your app or do volunteer, plot 2 gap years and make it happen.

You said that "you're almost to the point of giving up." I think this is actually a good road to go down. The question is not "will I get in" but "how much am I willing to do to get in." If you've reached your limit and decide that you want to change careers, YOUR ARE NOT A FAILURE. don't let your fear keep you from thinking you HAVE to be a physician.

If you do want to keep pursuing, then keep your head on straight and keep trudging on. I think @Goro has a good point if you TRULY feel like your area offers you no opportunities.
 
I am rooting for you Jim Jones! You can do it!
 
I have one more question: what if there are limited 3000/4000 levels courses I can use for a DIY post-baccs? I've taken a good number of upper level science courses and maybe could fit in another 20-30 hours of BCPM courses; would this help?
 
jimjoneskufi said:
I have one more question: what if there are limited 3000/4000 levels courses I can use for a DIY post-baccs? I've taken a good number of upper level science courses and maybe could fit in another 20-30 hours of BCPM courses; would this help?
Click to expand...

You desperately need an SMP
 
Rest. Relocate. Reset. Recharge. Reload. Resume.

Decide to change course for a few years and rebuild your reserves (cash and emotional). Then dive in again with renewed purpose.

Right now, your candidacy is not dead, but your numbers are very, very borderline. Making your numbers marginally better will take a lot of work and a lot of time if you continue down your current path. A break of two years followed by 3-4 semesters of successful classwork (part time) and a decent MCAT and you'll look like a whole new applicant. Time will work FOR you if you take a break now.
 
Here's my plan:

Study for MCAT and retake early next year
Apply to 5 SMPs while working a job
Attend SMP (hopefully)
Reapply in 2020
 
jimjoneskufi said:
Here's my plan:

Study for MCAT and retake early next year
Apply to 5 SMPs while working a job
Attend SMP (hopefully)
Reapply in 2020
Click to expand...

I was in a similar position to you ~2 years ago w/ low stats and student loans. Had identical GPAs compared to yours and a 504 MCAT... was rejected by a couple of SMPs (in retrospect, I am happy this happened).

I worked full-time, lived frugally, and took 23 credits of upper-level bio courses as part of a DIY PB. Retook the MCAT and scored ok (510).
Just applied and have 4 IIs and 1 acceptance from a DO school so far.

Stay positive and bet on yourself.
If becoming a physician was easy, everyone would do it. Read Goro's guide. It is gold.
 
SMPs would be great if you want MD. If you are ok with going the DO route then you might be able to do what the previous poster said.
 
Get the Berkeley Review MCAT books and buckle down. Go through those books with a strict schedule (no more than 3 months), and get a good score. No point in even talking about the SMP programs if you can't prove that you can do well on the MCAT. Your score is bad and you need to fix it.
 
sab3156 said:
Get the Berkeley Review MCAT books and buckle down. Go through those books with a strict schedule (no more than 3 months), and get a good score. No point in even talking about the SMP programs if you can't prove that you can do well on the MCAT. Your score is bad and you need to fix it.
Click to expand...

I planned on taking the MCAT again prior to the SMP; should I be using the old BR books (I happen to have them already)?
 
jimjoneskufi said:
I planned on taking the MCAT again prior to the SMP; should I be using the old BR books (I happen to have them already)?
Click to expand...

I dunno, I took the old MCAT. I personally would get their new material because you really need to do well. You can sell your new set after you take the MCAT.
 
What would the cons be of waiting to finish an SMP to retake the MCAT? My new potential job will be full time and I don't know how feasible studying for the MCAT will be.
 
jimjoneskufi said:
What would the cons be of waiting to finish an SMP to retake the MCAT? My new potential job will be full time and I don't know how feasible studying for the MCAT will be.
Click to expand...
The only con that I can think of is that you'll likely finish the program in May.. so if you want to apply that summer you would have to take the MCAT no later than July (for MD schools). That will give you about 3 months?
 
jimjoneskufi said:
What would the cons be of waiting to finish an SMP to retake the MCAT? My new potential job will be full time and I don't know how feasible studying for the MCAT will be.
Click to expand...

If you need content review. I would recommend the Kaplan books.
 
jimjoneskufi said:
What would the cons be of waiting to finish an SMP to retake the MCAT? My new potential job will be full time and I don't know how feasible studying for the MCAT will be.
Click to expand...

You can definitely study for mcat with full time job. You just need to stretch the timline out a bit more, and do only an hour or two a day, then a few hours on the weekends. Worked for me. The notion that you need three months with no other obligations is false.
Taking the mcat prior to an smp could be beneficial for getting into an smp to begin with. Most that I know with linkage or guaranteed acceptances upon completion value the mcat highly.
 
So, I need help with planning. I've yet to take physics II and lab and I need to retake the MCAT. If I were to do a DIY post-bacc, when would I plan on a reapplication?

During my post-bacc, I could take about 25 credits. Is it a problem if some post-bacc courses are lower level?
 
jimjoneskufi said:
So, I need help with planning. I've yet to take physics II and lab and I need to retake the MCAT. If I were to do a DIY post-bacc, when would I plan on a reapplication?

During my post-bacc, I could take about 25 credits. Is it a problem if some post-bacc courses are lower level?
Click to expand...

Tbh an SMP would do you more benefit since many of these include actual med school course work. This is your best way to prove your capabilities
 
DoctorDragon22 said:
Tbh an SMP would do you more benefit since many of these include actual med school course work. This is your best way to prove your capabilities
Click to expand...

My only fear is that I will be unable to get into an SMP and then, I'm back at square one. If I cannot get into an SMP, what's my Plan B?
This is so frustrating.
 
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