Introduction and some questions

[Micahfeld]

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Hello,
First, here are a few stats:
I'm happily married with two wonderful children (Ages 4 and 1)
Age - 30
Overall Undergraduate GPA - 3.51
BCPM - 3.57
Prerequisites Completed - Calculus I and II, Chemistry I and II


Remaining Coursework and Timing
In Progress - Biology I and Chemistry II (refresher)
Summer 2009 - Organic I and II
Fall 2009 - Biology II, Physics I, A&P I
Spring 2010 - A&P II, Biochemistry or Cell Biology, Physics II


I have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. I began my college career as a pre-medical/general engineering major, but I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life or why. At the end of my freshman year, I did not know why I wanted to be physician, so I began exploring other options.

After my sophomore year, I opened my own business (a computer and network consulting firm), and settled on business administration as my major. I worked full-time for the remaining 2.5 years of my college career and completed my degree in December of 2001.

I have been working in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry for the past 8 years, and while it is a very challenging and fulfilling job, I really miss the opportunity to provide hands-on help to people. I will continue working full-time as I take all of my pre-requisites.

I have been close to getting back on track to go to medical school a few times over the past several years, but I have put it off for family reasons. I put my wife through nursing school in 2002 and in 2004 had our first child.

Now, the timing is right. My wife and I are committed to making medical school a reality. I am currently enrolled in Chemistry II (retaking as a refresher) and Biology I at our local university. I plan to take Organic Chemistry I and II this summer.

Now, on to a few questions:

1) With a non-traditional student, do academic honors from high-school factor in at all? Should I even mention them in my application?

I ask because I was a National Merit Finalist, STAR Student, and I received a couple of prestigious scholarships to my undergraduate institution. Sadly, I was not as focused in college as I should have been. The social aspect of college combined with my work detracted from my academic pursuits.

2) Can anyone suggest a good comprehensive physics review (DVD, book, or audio) resource?

I plan on taking the MCAT this July, before my pre-requisites are completed. I know that this is not ideal, but I have a strong background in science and math, and I feel that for me, it is doable. I had two years of Physics (calculus and algebra based) in high school.

3) How much of a hurdle might it be that my pre-requisites are not complete before I apply? (Assuming I have a competitive score on the MCAT)

I will apply to my state school this admissions cycle, but I will be applying later in the cycle (August) than I would like due to the date that I will be prepared to take the MCAT.

4) Can anyone suggest ideas for gaining meaningful clinical exposure? Is shadowing a physician better than hospital volunteer service?

5) Now the catch-all question. What have I missed? What should I be considering as I prepare to apply?

Thanks in advance for your input. I have learned much from reading this forum over the past several years, and I look forward to continuing to learn through this process.


Best Regards,

Micah

 

[ChandutheMagici]

Hello,
First, here are a few stats:
I'm happily married with two wonderful children (Ages 4 and 1)
Age - 30
Overall Undergraduate GPA - 3.51
BCPM - 3.57
Prerequisites Completed - Calculus I and II, Chemistry I and II

First off, that's all good. And, what schools are you interested in? None of mine required calculus.

Remaining Coursework and Timing
In Progress - Biology I and Chemistry II (refresher)
Summer 2009 - Organic I and II
Fall 2009 - Biology II, Physics I, A&P I
Spring 2010 - A&P II, Biochemistry or Cell Biology, Physics II

Now, the timing is right. My wife and I are committed to making medical school a reality. I am currently enrolled in Chemistry II (retaking as a refresher) and Biology I at our local university. I plan to take Organic Chemistry I and II this summer.

I do not envy what you are about to go through this summer. Good luck with that.

1) With a non-traditional student, do academic honors from high-school factor in at all? Should I even mention them in my application?

No. It sucks because it sounds like you have some good stuff there, but they don't look at anything from high school. Perhaps you could put that underneath the scholarships and awards section, but that's pushing it a little.

2) Can anyone suggest a good comprehensive physics review (DVD, book, or audio) resource?

I plan on taking the MCAT this July, before my pre-requisites are completed. I know that this is not ideal, but I have a strong background in science and math, and I feel that for me, it is doable. I had two years of Physics (calculus and algebra based) in high school.

Princeton review is most recommended for physics. I personally think any book will do. Just remember, while knowledge base is important for the MCAT it's not near as important as taking practice tests. Practice tests are paramount. They get you comfortable with the exam, etc.

3) How much of a hurdle might it be that my pre-requisites are not complete before I apply? (Assuming I have a competitive score on the MCAT)

I will apply to my state school this admissions cycle, but I will be applying later in the cycle (August) than I would like due to the date that I will be prepared to take the MCAT.

Assuming you applied this summer for 2010, here's what would happen - When you get your secondaries back, they would make sure to tell you that you're deficient in (X,Y,Z) requirement. You just have to make sure that you inform the schools of what's going on. You shouldn't have a problem as long as the classes are completed by matriculation day.

4) Can anyone suggest ideas for gaining meaningful clinical exposure? Is shadowing a physician better than hospital volunteer service?

Here's my advice. Shadow in stuff your interested in and volunteer in causes that you believe in. Don't do it because it's a requirement. The truth is, we don't know what's meaningful to you. For some people, sitting around all day and watching surgeries is meaningful. Personally, I had a blast of a time in the cardiac cath lab. I hung out with the techs while they explained stuff to me. I'm not sure everyone would enjoy it as much as I did, but I think you get me here.

As for volunteering, it can pretty much be done anywhere. The problem is there's no magic hour number that anyone can tell you. I will say, I had about 250 hours worth of volunteering and more than that in clinical experience.

Remember though, these are only second to a good MCAT (which you'll get) and GPA (which you have). So you have to prioritize accordingly.

5) Now the catch-all question. What have I missed? What should I be considering as I prepare to apply?

1. Letters of Rec - It's time to start thinking about who you want to write these.
2. Personal Statement - the sooner you get this done and the more idealistic you are about medicine, the better.


Anywho, that's my advice. Good luck to you future doctor Walker 🙂

Chandu

 

[Micahfeld]

I'm shooting for my state school, University of Mississippi Medical Center. My wife and I are lifetime residents of the state of Mississippi, and staying in state would be the most practical for our family. In addition, there is a grant for the county we live in that pays a portion of medical school tuition at UMMC.

A good secondary option for our family would be a new DO school that is opening at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS. I haven't really created a list of additional options yet because I am willing to consider an additional year of post-graduate work if necessary to make it into UMMC.

 

[Micahfeld]

Another area I would like to get some input on is how my experiences in my current career might be evaluated in the application process.

I work for a large pharmaceutical manufacturer as the supervisor of the steam sterilization department. I am currently responsible for oversight of a 3-shift operation (on call 24 hours a day, 5 days per week). I have also been responsible for a production line that aseptically fills syringes.

As part of my work, I have received training for aseptic technique, radiation sterilization, steam sterilization (autoclave), microbial identification, and environmental monitoring (somewhat like infection control). All of this is technical, but I would think that this exposure would be beneficial going into clinical training.

Any thoughts on how an adcom might view these experiences?

 

[Bleurberry]

Good luck with Orgo I and II this summer. 6-7 week slam sessions for each class is terrifying, but I'm sure you'll pull it off.

The only thing I can suggest is dutifully report it on your AMCAS/AACOMAS applications, and if you're going to highlight it in your personal statement, weave it into a more interesting context of growth and shifting priorities, or something of the like.

Another area I would like to get some input on is how my experiences in my current career might be evaluated in the application process.

I work for a large pharmaceutical manufacturer as the supervisor of the steam sterilization department. I am currently responsible for oversight of a 3-shift operation (on call 24 hours a day, 5 days per week). I have also been responsible for a production line that aseptically fills syringes.

As part of my work, I have received training for aseptic technique, radiation sterilization, steam sterilization (autoclave), microbial identification, and environmental monitoring (somewhat like infection control). All of this is technical, but I would think that this exposure would be beneficial going into clinical training.

Any thoughts on how an adcom might view these experiences?

 

[ChandutheMagici]

The only thing I can suggest is dutifully report it on your AMCAS/AACOMAS applications, and if you're going to highlight it in your personal statement, weave it into a more interesting context of growth and shifting priorities, or something of the like.

/agree 👍 It's impossible for us to tell you how they will view it. I'm sure your achievements will be viewed in a positive light, but every school tends to focus on different things.

Also, you might want to give some serious thought to applying to a brand new school. With new schools it's hard to guage if they'll be good, bad, boards pass rates, how many good rotations you can get, etc. There's nothing wrong with the education, but you would be a guinea pig.

 

[Lindindite]

Hello,
First, here are a few stats:
I'm happily married with two wonderful children (Ages 4 and 1)
Age - 30
Overall Undergraduate GPA - 3.51
BCPM - 3.57
Prerequisites Completed - Calculus I and II, Chemistry I and II


Remaining Coursework and Timing
In Progress - Biology I and Chemistry II (refresher)
Summer 2009 - Organic I and II
Fall 2009 - Biology II, Physics I, A&P I
Spring 2010 - A&P II, Biochemistry or Cell Biology, Physics II


I have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. I began my college career as a pre-medical/general engineering major, but I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life or why. At the end of my freshman year, I did not know why I wanted to be physician, so I began exploring other options.

After my sophomore year, I opened my own business (a computer and network consulting firm), and settled on business administration as my major. I worked full-time for the remaining 2.5 years of my college career and completed my degree in December of 2001.

I have been working in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry for the past 8 years, and while it is a very challenging and fulfilling job, I really miss the opportunity to provide hands-on help to people. I will continue working full-time as I take all of my pre-requisites.

I have been close to getting back on track to go to medical school a few times over the past several years, but I have put it off for family reasons. I put my wife through nursing school in 2002 and in 2004 had our first child.

Now, the timing is right. My wife and I are committed to making medical school a reality. I am currently enrolled in Chemistry II (retaking as a refresher) and Biology I at our local university. I plan to take Organic Chemistry I and II this summer.

Now, on to a few questions:

1) With a non-traditional student, do academic honors from high-school factor in at all? Should I even mention them in my application?

I ask because I was a National Merit Finalist, STAR Student, and I received a couple of prestigious scholarships to my undergraduate institution. Sadly, I was not as focused in college as I should have been. The social aspect of college combined with my work detracted from my academic pursuits.

2) Can anyone suggest a good comprehensive physics review (DVD, book, or audio) resource?

I plan on taking the MCAT this July, before my pre-requisites are completed. I know that this is not ideal, but I have a strong background in science and math, and I feel that for me, it is doable. I had two years of Physics (calculus and algebra based) in high school.

3) How much of a hurdle might it be that my pre-requisites are not complete before I apply? (Assuming I have a competitive score on the MCAT)

I will apply to my state school this admissions cycle, but I will be applying later in the cycle (August) than I would like due to the date that I will be prepared to take the MCAT.

4) Can anyone suggest ideas for gaining meaningful clinical exposure? Is shadowing a physician better than hospital volunteer service?

5) Now the catch-all question. What have I missed? What should I be considering as I prepare to apply?

Thanks in advance for your input. I have learned much from reading this forum over the past several years, and I look forward to continuing to learn through this process.


Best Regards,

Micah Walker

Hey, Micah! Best of luck to you! I'm 35 with a baby and I'll be starting med school this fall! 🙂

As for a good Physics review book, I used Berkeley and Examcrackers and I would highly highly recommend both. If you have to pick just one, I'd go with the Berkeley book. Both have great quizzes and practice tests.

A nontrad I took classes with applied to med school with only half the prereq's done. She said every interviewer brought it up--but she got interviews! She ended up sending her updated transcripts to every school that interviewed her and she got into Robert Wood Johnson in NJ. So, it CAN be done. However, I personally wouldn't do it that way, because without the core courses, I wouldn't have done as well on the MCAT-- I got a 29--not horrible, not great.

Here are a few links to "How To" articles for nontrads. Maybe there is info in them that can help you?
http://www.ehow.com/how_4818292_medical-school-older-student.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4822051_gpa-medical-school-older-student.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4816754_write-good-medical-school-essay.html

Again, best of luck!!

 

[Lindindite]

And I apologize for taking up so much room by quoting the entire original post, everyone. How do you quote only parts of a post?

 

[Micahfeld]

I got A's in my biology and chemistry courses this spring. I managed to win the undergraduate chemistry award, and I've built solid relationships with my professors that should result in favorable letters.

I've managed to do all this working 40-50 hour weeks, so for those that are going back, it is doable. My wife and kids miss me sometimes, but the time we do get together is great. You don't really appreciate it until you miss it.

My MCAT prep for the June 18 exam is in full swing. I made a 31 (10PS,12VR,9BS) on my first AAMC practice test. I'm hoping I can pull up the BS and PS once I've spent some more time on organic and physics (i haven't taken the coursework yet).

I'm getting everything together for my application and pending an acceptable score on the MCAT, I'll apply to the early decision program mid-July.

Thank you all for your encouragement over the past several months. I don't post much, but I do enjoy reading the forum every day.

 

[Octagonecology]

Apply early (1st day if possible) and broadly...beyone MI and break 30P on the MCAT and my money says you will get in.

P.S. Unless you are handcuffed to MI for family or other reasons I would put William and Carey low on your list. 1st year schools always come with a myriad of kinks that take years to work out.

Best of luck to you.

 

[PhillyBoyInTN]

1st year schools always come with a myriad of kinks that take years to work out.

Is this true for LMU-DCOM as well?

 

[Octagonecology]

Is this true for LMU-DCOM as well?

Not sure...I bet there is a thread dedicated to this in the school specific forum. I would rely on info from current students at that particular school.

But remember, everyone is going to complain about this or that and it doesn't mean they are not getting a good education. Just human nature.

 

[dragonfly99]

Be careful if you are still planning to take of all of organic chem in one summer...it's a hard class and for me it took a while to "get it" as far as how the reactions worked.

 

[Micahfeld]

I just wanted to provide a quick update on my progress.

I am still working full time and taking 18 hours this summer (9 each term). I decided to cram in both semesters of organic (w/ lab) and both semesters of physics (w/lab). So far, I'm holding up with 4 hours of sleep per day during the week.

So far my grades are looking good. I am expecting A's, and I am hoping to demonstrate my academic ability in the sciences to the admissions committee.

I'm taking the MCAT on 6/18, and though I feel somewhat less prepared than I would like, I have been exceeding my goal on the practice exams.

I've taken AAMC #3 (10P/12V/9BS), AAMC #4 (10P/12V/11BS), and AAMC #9 (11P/11V/11BS).

If my MCAT results meet my expectations, I will apply to my state school via EDP in July.

Things are coming together. I've had allot of people try to discourage me from taking such an aggressive strategy, but I really appreciate the encouragement from you guys. Reading the posts on the non-traditional forum provides a daily dose of inspiration.

Things are starting to come together. I hope I can update with a good score in a month. Wish me luck on this beast called the MCAT!