In desperate need of advice. Please.

[Docdoc123]

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Hey all,
Basically: I will be taking the MCATS in March 2014. I am currently not in college, and have one class left to receive my degree. I will take that class this summer, 2014. But I will need to earn and pay $5,000 before then to take the hold off my account. I guess the technical term may be a 'temporary dropout'? :/

I have not taken Physics 2 yet, and still need Organic Chem 1 & 2. I plan to take those in summer sessions and be done by July 2014.

I have already taken an extra 2 years due to medical hardships, and it has now taken a toll on me to the point of giving up, but I won't let that happen.

Can someone point me in the right direction, for someone trying to attend some type of science program, or even a med school buffer (grad program, md-dual, 1 year programs with guaranteed acceptance if you maintain a certain gpa) program by Aug/Sept 2014?

*For Example*: Touro college in NY of osteopathic medicine has a ONE year program, where if you maintain a certain GPA, you get automatic admittance into their 4 year program. Is there a common term we call this, so I may look up programs in google? Or would you guys be able to maybe throw out suggestions of schools or even websites in the right direction?

Listed below are 2 programs, and I would please like suggestions on similar programs.
http://www.med.unc.edu/medprogram/med-program
http://legacy.touro.edu/med/admissions.html

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for any help provided. I look forward to giving back to this community with any advice I can offer.

 

[Docdoc123]

*Note*

I also have no current income and cannot apply for financial aid as I can only do part-time studies now, I have used up my full time semesters at my university. I have little to no money, but have applied to nearby jobs. I may be able to take Organic Chem 1 as a part time student this Spring 2014, and save the rest for summer sessions? I just don't know.

 

[TreadLightly]

Perhaps a special masters program (SMP)?

 

[KindofBlue]

It's hard to say with the limited information, but sounds to me you need to take the required classes first and then worry about the post-bac programs.
You could probably optimize the time spent in undergrad by participating in activities that will help you gain clinical experience, like working in a clinic or doing research.

As far as the programs you mentioned, they seem like SMPs, which are considered to be the very last option. If it doesn't go well, basically your hands will be tied.
If you can, just graduate, get a good MCAT score, increase your GPA if you have to by getting into a post-bac program first. And of course try to get good ECs and clinical/volunteer experience.

 

[Ismet]

I wouldn't suggest taking the MCAT before having physics 2 and orgo...

 

[KindofBlue]

I wouldn't suggest taking the MCAT before having physics 2 and orgo...

Oh yeah, and that too. It will be a waste of time, money and energy.

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

Hey all,
Basically: I will be taking the MCATS in March 2014. I am currently not in college, and have one class left to receive my degree. I will take that class this summer, 2014. But I will need to earn and pay $5,000 before then to take the hold off my account. I guess the technical term may be a 'temporary dropout'? :/

I have not taken Physics 2 yet, and still need Organic Chem 1 & 2. I plan to take those in summer sessions and be done by July 2014.

I have already taken an extra 2 years due to medical hardships, and it has now taken a toll on me to the point of giving up, but I won't let that happen.

Can someone point me in the right direction, for someone trying to attend some type of science program, or even a med school buffer (grad program, md-dual, 1 year programs with guaranteed acceptance if you maintain a certain gpa) program by Aug/Sept 2014?

*For Example*: Touro college in NY of osteopathic medicine has a ONE year program, where if you maintain a certain GPA, you get automatic admittance into their 4 year program. Is there a common term we call this, so I may look up programs in google? Or would you guys be able to maybe throw out suggestions of schools or even websites in the right direction?

Listed below are 2 programs, and I would please like suggestions on similar programs.
http://www.med.unc.edu/medprogram/med-program
http://legacy.touro.edu/med/admissions.html

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for any help provided. I look forward to giving back to this community with any advice I can offer.

1) This seems along the lines of what you are looking for? https://career.berkeley.edu/medical/MorePostBacs.pdf
Most of the formal SMP programs are quite expensive, which may or may not be a problem for you. If you only need to pick up a few science courses, you could easily take those as a non-degree student at any university. I'm not sure which programs, if any, offer guaranteed admission to medical school.

2) You absolutely should not take the MCAT without having taken Physics and O chem. A lot of the tested material comes from Physics 2 and Orgo 1, so you'll have a rough time.

 

[Pacna]

.

 

[LizzyM]

I have what might be bad news for you: an application to a program starting in Fall 2014 will require a transcript. You will not be able to get a transcript until the hold is lifted from your account. The deadlines for Fall are usually sometime between December 30 and March or April.

Why do you want to enroll in an academic program in Fall 2014? Is it for grade improvement, visa status, to forestall loans that will come do, to acquire more knowledge?

I've never taken the MCAT but I'd belive these guys who say that you need to have take an year of physics and a year of organic chem in order to do well on the MCAT. Thus it looks like you might be taking the MCAT In September 2014 or in 2015 which is more bad news because the test changes that year and will cover more social science.

Given your hardships, I'd recommend putting your emphasis on getting a good paying job, a secondary consideration should be getting a job in health care, medically related research (e.g. at a university), or as a HS teacher, tutor or substitute teacher. In other words, a job related to patient care, research or teaching might be your best options for earning money and building skills.) However, many differnet jobs can teach you about what your patients go through everyday and jobs dealing with the public can help you build skills that are useul in medical school and beyond.

 

[vagabondrunning]

I'm really sorry that you are in a rough position currently. Everyone has given some pretty good advice so far. When I read your post, however, I kept wonder "what's the rush?" Is there a particular reason that you cannot put off applying to medical school or a master's program for a year or two? I'll be starting medical school next fall, and I'll be 27. From my experience, it is much, much better to put your best foot forward when applying to graduate or professional programs than rushing it.

If you can, find a job, preferably in a health-related feel as LizzyM mentioned, maybe take 1 class/semester (including the summer), and then spend either Spring 2015 or Summer 2015 studying for the MCAT and applying to these programs. But really ask yourself why you are in such a rush to put in an application. You are NOT a failure by waiting a year or so. You can do this!!!

 

[Docdoc123]

It's hard to say with the limited information, but sounds to me you need to take the required classes first and then worry about the post-bac programs.
You could probably optimize the time spent in undergrad by participating in activities that will help you gain clinical experience, like working in a clinic or doing research.

As far as the programs you mentioned, they seem like SMPs, which are considered to be the very last option. If it doesn't go well, basically your hands will be tied.
If you can, just graduate, get a good MCAT score, increase your GPA if you have to by getting into a post-bac program first. And of course try to get good ECs and clinical/volunteer experience.

Thank you for your response. Your suggestion is what I have had in mind so far. Except I was hesitant with the post bacc, but that has certainly been on the table of options for me. I've applied to several healthcare jobs, and have some shadowing and internship opportunities in mind should I receive an answer back.

 

[Docdoc123]

1) This seems along the lines of what you are looking for? https://career.berkeley.edu/medical/MorePostBacs.pdf
Most of the formal SMP programs are quite expensive, which may or may not be a problem for you. If you only need to pick up a few science courses, you could easily take those as a non-degree student at any university. I'm not sure which programs, if any, offer guaranteed admission to medical school.

2) You absolutely should not take the MCAT without having taken Physics and O chem. A lot of the tested material comes from Physics 2 and Orgo 1, so you'll have a rough time.

Thank you for your response. Sorry I wasn't able to clarify, though I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes. I've taken Physics 1 already and also took Oranic Chem 1, but had a week long health issue while I took it over summer, so I will need to retake it. I have pretty good knowledge on the first sequence part since I have taken it.

Cheers

 

[Docdoc123]

I have what might be bad news for you: an application to a program starting in Fall 2014 will require a transcript. You will not be able to get a transcript until the hold is lifted from your account. The deadlines for Fall are usually sometime between December 30 and March or April.

Why do you want to enroll in an academic program in Fall 2014? Is it for grade improvement, visa status, to forestall loans that will come do, to acquire more knowledge?

I've never taken the MCAT but I'd belive these guys who say that you need to have take an year of physics and a year of organic chem in order to do well on the MCAT. Thus it looks like you might be taking the MCAT In September 2014 or in 2015 which is more bad news because the test changes that year and will cover more social science.

Given your hardships, I'd recommend putting your emphasis on getting a good paying job, a secondary consideration should be getting a job in health care, medically related research (e.g. at a university), or as a HS teacher, tutor or substitute teacher. In other words, a job related to patient care, research or teaching might be your best options for earning money and building skills.) However, many differnet jobs can teach you about what your patients go through everyday and jobs dealing with the public can help you build skills that are useul in medical school and beyond.

Thank you for the honest response. Basically, I have taken Physics 1 already and Organic 1 also, I just have to retake Organic 1 because of a minor-screw up. I have a pretty good knowledge base on both, so I'm just left with Physics 2 and organic 2, both of which I haven't ever taken.

I have applied to several healthcare jobs in hopsitals near my area, and have been looking at other side-hobbies, such as shadowing and whatnot. I really am trying to take the mcat before the date you listed, mainly because the 2 courses, Physics 2 and organic 2, are the ones I haven't taken. Now that is not to say those two are a walk in the park, but I am willing to teach myself (not the best idea, I'm fully aware) and then actually take them during summer of 2014, at which point if I do re-take the exam I will have a better ground to work with.

Again, I do thank you for taking the time out to reply. Thanks.

 

[Docdoc123]

I'm really sorry that you are in a rough position currently. Everyone has given some pretty good advice so far. When I read your post, however, I kept wonder "what's the rush?" Is there a particular reason that you cannot put off applying to medical school or a master's program for a year or two? I'll be starting medical school next fall, and I'll be 27. From my experience, it is much, much better to put your best foot forward when applying to graduate or professional programs than rushing it.

If you can, find a job, preferably in a health-related feel as LizzyM mentioned, maybe take 1 class/semester (including the summer), and then spend either Spring 2015 or Summer 2015 studying for the MCAT and applying to these programs. But really ask yourself why you are in such a rush to put in an application. You are NOT a failure by waiting a year or so. You can do this!!!

Thank you for the kind response, friend. I really do appreciaite it. The only rush is the fact that I have already been set back 2 years, and some of it has to do with not letting parents down and their expectations (should not be an excuse, I know). Also, I do feel prepared enough to *initiate* studying for the MCATS, as I have taken my fair share of science courses lately and have only 2 classes left to take, Physics being relatively easy compared to the other sections on the MCAT's and then organic chemistry 2 being organic chemistry, haha. 2 classes are huge, which I am fully aware of but one of them I feel like I can strongly self-study, and the other will require motivation but is manageable from what I've researched up on

Again, I do appreciate the kind words. Thank you.

 

[knv2u]

I agree with the others that you should not take the MCAT until you have completed your training in physics and organic chemistry, and have had adequate time to prepare. You sound like the type of student (with studies dragging across several years) who might need to study more and refresh on courses that you took earlier in your undergraduate career. Moreover, I would be careful about taking a lot of additional coursework until you are absolutely certain that you can handle it and that your medical issues have successfully resolved themselves.

I agree with the others that if you are unable to be accepted to a post-bacc or are otherwise unable to enroll in the required classes, the next best course would be to try to obtain a job involving clinical experience or research that could help bolster your resume. It may also allow you to pay down your bills and to remove any issues that you have with transcripts. With regards to the outstanding debt, you should be careful that your school does not turn over the debt to a collection agency that will report it to the credit bureaus as you could have financial barriers to medical school. Charged off debts or those greater than 90 days late can adversely affect your ability to obtain Graduate Plus Loans for medical school (or any other graduate training). There is a five year look back period for determining this. If this ever becomes an issue, you may need a cosigner or need to file an appeal with the Department of Education, but the latter is not guaranteed. These are things that you should address now so that they won't hurt you in the future if you do apply to medical school.

 

[LizzyM]

Thank you for the honest response. Basically, I have taken Physics 1 already and Organic 1 also, I just have to retake Organic 1 because of a minor-screw up. I have a pretty good knowledge base on both, so I'm just left with Physics 2 and organic 2, both of which I haven't ever taken.

I have applied to several healthcare jobs in hopsitals near my area, and have been looking at other side-hobbies, such as shadowing and whatnot. I really am trying to take the mcat before the date you listed, mainly because the 2 courses, Physics 2 and organic 2, are the ones I haven't taken. Now that is not to say those two are a walk in the park, but I am willing to teach myself (not the best idea, I'm fully aware) and then actually take them during summer of 2014, at which point if I do re-take the exam I will have a better ground to work with.

Again, I do thank you for taking the time out to reply. Thanks.

Do not take the MCAT more than once. To do so is expensive and time consuming. Even if you do well the second time, the first test will be there planting seeds of doubt in the adcom members' minds. Don't do it the first time until you know you are ready. Prepare and in particular take as many practice tests as you can. Do not expect to do better on the real thing than you did on the practice tests and take the practice tests under simulated test conditions in terms of clothing, bathroom breaks and so forth. (I was surprised at how strict, and restrictive, they are.)

If you have a non-traditional route through college with some bumps in the road, you are going to need to have an MCAT that shows that you really know your stuff.