Is 2007 possible and where to start?

[billydoc]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all!
Thanks for a very informative forum. I do know how to use a "search" button. But...there are many specific issues which I thought I'd get some answers to.

Some stats:
RN x 15 years with current NY license (foreign nursing graduate, though)
M.S in Acupuncture and current license in NY x 4 years (U.S graduate program)
Interdisceplinary B.S degree in 2001 from an American college to which I was accepted as a transfer. So all science courseshave no GPA, just "cr" for credit. Except for I did take orgo 1, and got whooping "c" in it 🙁 . What else did I expect working full-time and beyond? I also took bio II, and got A+ 😛 . The rest was just regular liberal arts stuff to make it a B.S degree from an American college.
That transfer was from the European medical school (20 years ago) where I did 2.5 out of 6 required years (post secondary education) before coming to the U.S. So basic science really. I also have graduated from nursing school in Europe, and work as an RN for almost 16 yrs now in various clinical settings. So as far as life experience for the D.O school I think I'm allright.

Here is a tricky part: I've never taken an MCAT, and probably will have to retake some prereqs again. MCAT scares the s**t out of me, pardon me.
What I have now was fine to get an acceptance to ROSS, SABA, SMU (all reputable Caribbbean schools). But going abroad without my family will not work for me, and taking them aong with me is just not an option. I'm sorry for going too long, but where do I start? Is Fall 2007 possible (I'm applying to D.O only) Should I even bother or just go to Carib. But the thought of getting yet another foreign degree depresses me.

Thanks all for your patience and time 🙂

 

[premed2007]

Hi all!
Thanks for a very informative forum. I do know how to use a "search" button. But...there are many specific issues which I thought I'd get some answers to.

Some stats:
RN x 15 years with current NY license (foreign nursing graduate, though)
M.S in Acupuncture and current license in NY x 4 years (U.S graduate program)
Interdisceplinary B.S degree in 2001 from an American college to which I was accepted as a transfer. So all science courseshave no GPA, just "cr" for credit. Except for I did take orgo 1, and got whooping "c" in it 🙁 . What else did I expect working full-time and beyond? I also took bio II, and got A+ 😛 . The rest was just regular liberal arts stuff to make it a B.S degree from an American college.
That transfer was from the European medical school (20 years ago) where I did 2.5 out of 6 required years (post secondary education) before coming to the U.S. So basic science really. I also have graduated from nursing school in Europe, and work as an RN for almost 16 yrs now in various clinical settings. So as far as life experience for the D.O school I think I'm allright.

Here is a tricky part: I've never taken an MCAT, and probably will have to retake some prereqs again. MCAT scares the s**t out of me, pardon me.
What I have now was fine to get an acceptance to ROSS, SABA, SMU (all reputable Caribbbean schools). But going abroad without my family will not work for me, and taking them aong with me is just not an option. I'm sorry for going too long, but where do I start? Is Fall 2007 possible (I'm applying to D.O only) Should I even bother or just go to Carib. But the thought of getting yet another foreign degree depresses me.

Thanks all for your patience and time 🙂

Some schools (not sure on specifics, most of the schools I applied to said that the last scores acceptable were August and April 2006) will only accept April 2006 (or a couple of years before) MCAT and August 2006 MCAT for the fall 2007 admission.

but dont stress out too much with the MCAT. Sure it is an important test, but if you work hard and study for it you should be fine. If you feel like you want to retake some preresiquites then applying for fall 2007 maybe a stretch if you want to take the MCAT after completing those courses considering which MCAT scores the schools will accept for the fall 2007 year.

Your exposure to the medical field is great and that will definetely work for you. you should try to shadow a D.O. so you can observe osteopathic medicine, and for the D.O. Letter. (Some D.O. schools require a letter from a D.O. some from either M.D. or D.O. you have to check with the school). Unless you already have done that and then it is a moot point.

If you really want to go to D.O. school then take a year and do the prereqs (if you feel you need to you can also take review courses or self-study from books) and study and get a solid score on the MCAT. Then your application will be strong for fall 2008. If you want to try for fall 2007 then fill out applications soon and take the next examination for the MCAT but it will be on shorter notice so it is up to you (plus check the schools for specific admissions requirements).

Good luck with the admissions process and the MCAT!!!!! 🙂

 

[billydoc]

Thanks premed2007!
Yeah, I forgot to mention that I work with a couple of D.Os. So not only I shadow them, but we also treat the same patients. I practice Chinese manipulative medicine called Tui Na, which appears to have a lot of similarities with OMM. My D.Os are practicing OMM. 🙂 That's why it's right up my valley. It's the pre-med, and the basic science part, where my experience practically matters not. But, I'm 36 and 1/2 y.o. That's the reason for rush-rush. I know that ppl in their 50s still do it, but in my case time is of the essence. If you were in my shoes, would you just go ahead and apply (taking MCAT in April'07). I know it's a stretch, but hopefully some of the Newer schools will consider me. Otherwise I could go to Caribbean this January.
Thanks

 

[DragonWell]

Just some thoughts...

Obviously, since this is the pre-DO forum, you will get more encouragement to go DO than Carribean. I'll be the first. Personally, I would definitely go DO over Carribean.

My background was somewhat similar, though not as stellar, as yours - some training in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, a practicing massage therapist (Tui Na rocks BTW), lots of clinical experience as a nursing assistant/phlebotomist, etc. DO schools will definitely look with favor on your clinical experiences, background in acupuncture and TCM, and your understanding of what OMM is all about. This will take you a long way, but you will still need to produce some numbers to get in the door.

My advice would be to find a CC or a cheap state school where you can start knocking out your pre-reqs ASAP. However, and this is key - do whatever you need to do to ROCK THEM. Don't make the mistake of trying to do too many things and ending up with a C. You need to cut back on work or whatever to show adcoms that, given the opportunity, you can do it. I make this point because people sometimes have the idea that the circumstances and great things they are doing in their lives will justify to adcoms why they got such and such grade. "I was saving someone's life", "running a marathon", whatever - "that's why I only got a C- in O.chem" will not get you an interview - you absolutely need the numbers.

The same advice goes for the MCAT - do whatever it takes to get the highest score you possibly can. I went to a school which had no grades, only written evaluations, so I was applying with no GPA at all. I knew I needed to rock the MCAT, and luckily I pulled it off and that was enough to show schools that I know how to take a test.

As far as age goes - this should be the least of your concerns. I'm 32 and feel like I'm at the perfect age to undertake med school. There are several people older than me and they are doing just fine. I would really try to forget about getting in fast, like this year, and instead focus on being as successful as possible at the classes/MCAT you are currently working on. If you blow a class because you are trying to carry too much, in a year you will have made no progress. You just need to 1) get started and 2) start racking up some academic success. Then once you have your momentum and a good GPA, everything will just fall into place.

Good luck and let us know how it's going!

Edit: Don't mean to sound harsh, but I was looking at your posts, and you posted almost this exact question over a year ago with almost the same responses. If you had started classes then, you would have a year of prereqs and likely an MCAT under your belt. Just a suggestion, but maybe instead of asking us what you should do, you should be asking yourself what you really want to do. It seems like you're not too sure.

 

[billydoc]

Just some thoughts...


Edit: Don't mean to sound harsh, but I was looking at your posts, and you posted almost this exact question over a year ago with almost the same responses. If you had started classes then, you would have a year of prereqs and likely an MCAT under your belt. Just a suggestion, but maybe instead of asking us what you should do, you should be asking yourself what you really want to do. It seems like you're not too sure.

Thanks bodymechanic! Yeah, I did ask pretty much the same thing. But I'm still in contact with some of my buddies from ROSS from 2004. Of course, their advise is "don't waste your" time (with your age, and the years you've got to put in). And I've been going back and forth with the (in)decision, and only making my personal health more unstable. Quite honestly, after I withdrew from ROSS due to some real worsening of my health, I'm still trying to recover. Of course, Thank G-D, I'm much, much better than I was just about a year ago, and certainly 2 years ago when i just left ROSS. BTW, it's another downer for me. Do you think it will kill all the positive stuff? I can't hide the fact that I was a student there, and my transcript is less than flattering with some "WP", and some "WF" on it. That's why I constantly agonize over the "What if?" thing. Meaning, "What if?" I don't get in the D.O school, and will loose even more time with the Carib. Though, unlike some folks, who seem to think of a D.O as a back up, D.O is what I want. BTW Bastyr rocks, I know some of their graduates from AOM program. sometimes they are way too academic for the real World, but sure seem to know their stuff.
Thanks buddy, I appreciate the support. I need to take a chill pill, and just do what's gotta be done to get in D.O, so I will never regret to never even try. may be ROSS didn't work out for me for a reason. I almost went nuts on Dominica. My daughter was only 5 at the time. May be I'm to soft (though I doubted). but that was a very sore spot for me, being away alone from them, and not being able to focus.

Thanks again 🙂

 

[premed2007]

Thanks premed2007!
Yeah, I forgot to mention that I work with a couple of D.Os. So not only I shadow them, but we also treat the same patients. I practice Chinese manipulative medicine called Tui Na, which appears to have a lot of similarities with OMM. My D.Os are practicing OMM. 🙂 That's why it's right up my valley. It's the pre-med, and the basic science part, where my experience practically matters not. But, I'm 36 and 1/2 y.o. That's the reason for rush-rush. I know that ppl in their 50s still do it, but in my case time is of the essence. If you were in my shoes, would you just go ahead and apply (taking MCAT in April'07). I know it's a stretch, but hopefully some of the Newer schools will consider me. Otherwise I could go to Caribbean this January.
Thanks

Ok then you are all set with the D.O. experience/letters, that is great.

Then yes, if you believe that time is of the essence go ahead and apply and take the April 07 MCAT. They have several test dates I think since they have switched to the computerized version http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/cbt.htm
I just wasnt sure if the schools accepted later MCAT scores for the fall 2007 class but I could be mistaken does anyone here know? Some schools have recently opened up so they might, I wasnt sure on that issue to be honest. But if that is the case then most definetely go for it! Best of Luck!!!!👍

 

[billydoc]

Thank You all who responded. Wit those stats what do yopu think my MCAT target range should be? I know the generic answer is as high as possible. but.. I've got to be realistic. Also should i re-take Orgo I to correct that "C"?
Other schools never told me to take Orgo II, b/c i had biochem in the European med school (20 years ago 😱 )

Thanks

 

[group_theory]

Whether you decide to go to to a foreign medical school or US DO/MD is up to you ... just make sure that if you decide on foreign med school, you won't run into any licensing issues here in the states (esp given your unique history).

Your healthcare and DO experiences are good. No doubt adcoms will know you know what you are getting yourself into, that you know what osteopathic medicine is, and that you will be a great doctor.

What you now have to convince them is 1. you are eligible to apply and 2. you can make it through med school to be that great doctor

Issue 1: Do you have the pre-reqs to apply to DO schools - 1 year physics with lab, 1 year orgo with labs, 1 year gen chem with labs, 1 year bio with labs, 1 year english. Some DO schools require genetics and/or biochem. Check out AACOM's website for specific requirements of each schools. Remember, all those pre-reqs must be C or greater for it to count. (i wasn't sure if the pre-reqs have been completed yet based on what you have given). A school cannot give you acceptance if there are certain required pre-reqs which haven't been completed yet or already in progress.

Issue 2: You have to show the adcom that you can survive med school. This means doing well in your science courses and doing well on the MCAT. You can take your pre-reqs at community colleges, but with your academic background, taking a few at a university would be of tremendous help, showing them that you can survive and do well taking university courses. It may be your CC courses were harder than university courses, but your goal is to convince adcoms to admit you to med school, not to defend the honor of your CC to adcoms. And given your lack of science grades, you have to do extremely well to show without a doubt you can survive the rigors of the first 2 years of med school.

MCAT is important given your lack of science grades. You want to show them 2 things - 1. that you know your science and 2. you can do well on standardize tests. Gut feelings tell me that you should aim for minimum of 28. 30 or better is good. Keep it nice and balanced between each sections.


If your goal is to start fall 2007, you are too late. You need those science pre-reqs to show adcom. You need that MCAT score. AACOMAS and secondaries are frustratingly slow. You have post-secondary experience outside the US, which will require those foreign schools to send copies of your transcript to AACOMAS. If it is in another language, the school has gotta provide a certified translation of the transcript. DO schools have started interviewing and interview slots in early 2007 are being filled.

If you want to apply fall 2007, then it is possible. If you take your pre-reqs during spring and summer semesters (and do well), take the MCAT (april), and apply in June 2007, then you will be set to start Fall 2008

 

[billydoc]

Happy TGD to All! 😍

Thanks guys to all of you who gave me your very informative opinion and advise. So...if i take MCAT in April, and may be just re-taking some of my pre-reqs (cuz 15 - 20 yrs ago won't cut it, IMHO), should I still submit all the stuff to AACOMAS now? Is Interfolio service worth signing up for? Also my D.Os are more than happy to write L.O.Rs for me, but don't know what's the format. i did some search on the subject, but may be someone, esp recently admitted students would give me some pointers. Both of these D.Os are graduates of NYCOM emigre' physician program, and their admission process was quite different from mine.

Thanks