I've come to a crossroads and need some help.

[fortyfourstorieshigh]

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These questions have been killing me for the last year and I really need some help so I decided to make an account and reach out to you guys tonight.

I have given up just about everything while on this journey to "hopefully" reach medical school one day. I'm sure most everyone in pursuit will say the same. I labeled the post "crossroads" because I need to make some decisions at this point to maximize my opportunities. My situation is a little different than most people, and so I have elaborated in depth below.
P.S. Anytime I have ever looked for specific answers to my questions, I can't find what I am looking for because my situation is very unorthodox and I know medical school look at the big picture when selecting applicants. So bare with me if someone has already answered these questions. Thank you to the knowledgeable people who can help me with this!!
_____________________________
-What weight does the university you're attending for undergrad have on your chances of getting into medical school? Specifically, I have the ability to transfer to a slightly better undergrad college at this point and its a now or never thing for me (Rhode Island College to University of Rhode Island). I have credits from both (you'll see why in my about me) it comes down to transferring to and graduating from URI if it will largely have an effect on my chances.

-How much weight do EC activities hold? Specifically shadowing, for say, several hundred hours over two years with a very reputable MD. Does it look bad to only have one shadowing and nothing else?

-Should I take the easy road and get a BA in chem or the longer/harder road and go for the BS in chem?
(I could graduate as early as next semester with the BA in chem and take time off to study for the MCATS now that they have changed the test)

-How important is research and how much of it should I do?

-Will the circumstances I've listed in the "about me" help my chances of getting into a wide variety of medical schools? If so how much? Will they even get to know these things about me at the time they see my GPA or do medical schools such as Brown use the filter function in excel and delete everything below a 3.9 GPA 34 MCATS?
_____________________________
About me: (please take this section into consideration when answering my questions)

-I'm 25 with a 7 year old daughter. If you do the math, I was 18. Not only am I 25 with a 7 year old daughter, I have also had sole custody for the last 5 years (as in no mother in the picture whatsoever). This has obviously has had an effect on my GPA.

-My mother has had M.S. for 20+ years (has been wheelchair bound for 5) and I am her sole caretaker. She moved in with me about 2 years ago but I've taken care of her the whole time I was home.

-I've been in the Air Force for 7 years. I spent about 3 years of that active duty and the rest as a part timer. This means I've had to go away for 2 weeks during school and it has slightly effected my GPA.

-I've owned a business for the last 18 months. (it's a Information Technology company)

-Lastly, before I was in a position that I am now, I was fortunate enough (and also really had no choice but to support my family) to hold some amazing jobs at the ages of 21-23 (I also found out how much I despise computers and how I can never step foot in a position like this again). I was an Information Security Officer at a bank. I was also a civilian for the Department of Defense where I ran a network of 120 users by myself. I worked with several MD's when I was working for the DOD and have letters from them also. Nonetheless, I quit my jobs for school and my daughter once I was a little more financially sound.

_______

Hopefully, at this point, some of you can see why I am slightly concerned about whether or not schools will see these things about me when they're considering me as an applicant. I know I'm talented enough to hang with the big guys (and far from lacking work ethic) it just so happens my one passion is a hard to reach goal because of the many obstacles in my life. Should I go downtown with some quarters to throw in a wishing well?

Not sure if it matters but I could have a A.A.S. from the air force in something electrical/computer related (if I take the last requirement which is a speech class, i'd rather not waste my time if it will do nothing for med school.... should I?)

highlight of relevant courses taken: physics1/2, chem 1/2, orgo 1/2, stats, calc 1/2, general bio 1/2, anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology.

GPA: 3.55 (it was a 3.8 until my mom broke her leg and I had an awful semester, even got my first C)

MCATS: this august

Well that's all haha, but seriously thanks to whomever can help me with this series of queries. I will be forever grateful!

 

[mimelim]

Your writing style is kinda hard to read, so I'll respond directly to your writing (mine in red)

These questions have been killing me for the last year and I really need some help so I decided to make an account and reach out to you guys tonight.

I have given up just about everything while on this journey to "hopefully" reach medical school one day. I'm sure most everyone in pursuit will say the same. I labeled the post "crossroads" because I need to make some decisions at this point to maximize my opportunities. My situation is a little different than most people, and so I have elaborated in depth below.
P.S. Anytime I have ever looked for specific answers to my questions, I can't find what I am looking for because my situation is very unorthodox and I know medical school look at the big picture when selecting applicants. So bare with me if someone has already answered these questions. Thank you to the knowledgeable people who can help me with this!!
_____________________________
-What weight does the university you're attending for undergrad have on your chances of getting into medical school? Specifically, I have the ability to transfer to a slightly better undergrad college at this point and its a now or never thing for me (Rhode Island College to University of Rhode Island). I have credits from both (you'll see why in my about me) it comes down to transferring to and graduating from URI if it will largely have an effect on my chances.
RIC vs. URI makes zero difference. There is an argument that a better known school will help you. Certainly bigger universities will have more opportunities for students which can be highly advantageous. But, in your case, it makes zero difference. You could be at the school that will give you the best chance of doing well in your classes and grow as an individual.

-How much weight do EC activities hold? Specifically shadowing, for say, several hundred hours over two years with a very reputable MD. Does it look bad to only have one shadowing and nothing else?
Your grades tell us how good of a student you are. Your ECs give us a window into who you are as a person. We have enough applications at every medical school in the country to double fill our classes with people with good scores. Shadowing reaches limited utility, especially if done with only one practitioner after 100-200 hours. The objective of shadowing is to get a window into the world of physicians. Nothing more, nothing less. Important, but not a replacement for research, volunteering, etc. You have thousands of free hours during the course of your undergrad. If you have spent all of it focused on you and nothing else, it reflects poorly.

-Should I take the easy road and get a BA in chem or the longer/harder road and go for the BS in chem?
(I could graduate as early as next semester with the BA in chem and take time off to study for the MCATS now that they have changed the test)
Nobody cares if you get a BS instead of a BA.

-How important is research and how much of it should I do?
You can get into every medical school in the US without any research. It is desirable, especially if you are aiming for top schools, but what is far more important than "how much" is what you get out of it. If you are being productive, it is one thing, but if you are approaching it as a check box, not so much.

-Will the circumstances I've listed in the "about me" help my chances of getting into a wide variety of medical schools? If so how much? Will they even get to know these things about me at the time they see my GPA or do medical schools such as Brown use the filter function in excel and delete everything below a 3.9 GPA 34 MCATS?
Most of what you have posted means very little to nothing to an admissions committee. No school filters their applicants unless you are below 3.0/30. If you are above that, someone will read your application at most schools. We care about grades/MCAT because they predict your ability to survive medical school and residency. Your daughter isn't going anywhere. Your mother isn't going anywhere. If they affected your academics in the past, they will affect them in the future. You are going to have MORE work and MORE studying than ever before in medical school. Giving you a spot in a class is a risk if you can't handle the academics with your situation.

Military history and work history are a plus. Strong letters are always a plus. But, without a strong academic footing, of limited utility.

_____________________________
About me: (please take this section into consideration when answering my questions)

-I'm 25 with a 7 year old daughter. If you do the math, I was 18. Not only am I 25 with a 7 year old daughter, I have also had sole custody for the last 5 years (as in no mother in the picture whatsoever). This has obviously has had an effect on my GPA.

-My mother has had M.S. for 20+ years (has been wheelchair bound for 5) and I am her sole caretaker. She moved in with me about 2 years ago but I've taken care of her the whole time I was home.

-I've been in the Air Force for 7 years. I spent about 3 years of that active duty and the rest as a part timer. This means I've had to go away for 2 weeks during school and it has slightly effected my GPA.

-I've owned a business for the last 18 months. (it's a Information Technology company)

-Lastly, before I was in a position that I am now, I was fortunate enough (and also really had no choice but to support my family) to hold some amazing jobs at the ages of 21-23 (I also found out how much I despise computers and how I can never step foot in a position like this again). I was an Information Security Officer at a bank. I was also a civilian for the Department of Defense where I ran a network of 120 users by myself. I worked with several MD's when I was working for the DOD and have letters from them also. Nonetheless, I quit my jobs for school and my daughter once I was a little more financially sound.

_______

Hopefully, at this point, some of you can see why I am slightly concerned about whether or not schools will see these things about me when they're considering me as an applicant. I know I'm talented enough to hang with the big guys (and far from lacking work ethic) it just so happens my one passion is a hard to reach goal because of the many obstacles in my life. Should I go downtown with some quarters to throw in a wishing well?

Not sure if it matters but I could have a A.A.S. from the air force in something electrical/computer related (if I take the last requirement which is a speech class, i'd rather not waste my time if it will do nothing for med school.... should I?)

highlight of relevant courses taken: physics1/2, chem 1/2, orgo 1/2, stats, calc 1/2, general bio 1/2, anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology.

GPA: 3.55 (it was a 3.8 until my mom broke her leg and I had an awful semester, even got my first C)

MCATS: this august

Well that's all haha, but seriously thanks to whomever can help me with this series of queries. I will be forever grateful!

 

[fortyfourstorieshigh]

You've made it very easy to see what I need to do. Although I've kind of known, it took the "no, I'm sure the school will understand my circumstances" completely out of my mind. I was so unsure how they would look at my application, but now I can see they will weigh me like any other risk regardless of my accomplishments outside of grades and test scores. Basically, raise GPA to the best of my ability and crush the MCAT or choose another line to stand in. Thanks again for taking your time to reply.

 

[tea guzzling traveler]

also, if the above plan doesn't work out, say you get a 28 instead of a 34, you can still apply to DO.

 

[fortyfourstorieshigh]

Yes, I've been thinking about that also. I have a friend who is a DO. He went to school in Ohio and was accepted with a 27/3.3 GPA... so I know the opportunities is still there (though I'd rather go MD if I'm going to do it). I've heard it's also much less demanding than MD. I'm thinking about taking a year off after I grad to focus solely on studying for the MCAT and getting some more exposure shadowing, as Mimelim suggested. I would think a year of disciplined studying would allow me to do anything north of extremely well. From what I've heard from people who have taken the test, (I know someone who took it as recent as December) it comes down to speed. The person I know that took it in December said he guessed on almost half of all the questions, in each section, because he wasn't quick enough. Spending 6 months reviewing material, and another 6 months or so focusing on speed, should help me to overcome those issues.

 

[referee3]

Yes, I've been thinking about that also. I have a friend who is a DO. He went to school in Ohio and was accepted with a 27/3.3 GPA... so I know the opportunities is still there (though I'd rather go MD if I'm going to do it). I've heard it's also much less demanding than MD. I'm thinking about taking a year off after I grad to focus solely on studying for the MCAT and getting some more exposure shadowing, as Mimelim suggested. I would think a year of disciplined studying would allow me to do anything north of extremely well. From what I've heard from people who have taken the test, (I know someone who took it as recent as December) it comes down to speed. The person I know that took it in December said he guessed on almost half of all the questions, in each section, because he wasn't quick enough. Spending 6 months reviewing material, and another 6 months or so focusing on speed, should help me to overcome those issues.

I wouldn't say less demanding. If anything more so since you have all that additional lab and lecture in OMM and osteopathic principles. This leaves less time for studying specially for boards (which you will have to take 2 sets of)

 

[tea guzzling traveler]

Just a heads up, but 12 months on the MCAT might be overkill... Or at least 12 months of solid studying. I know of people who tried to take it in just a month, or a couple months of light studying, both of which are not sufficient. However, even for the new MCAT, assuming you have taken all the relevant course material, 4-5 months should be more than sufficient. I personally did two intense months and it worked out pretty well for me. PM me if you need more advice.

 

[Goro]

ECs are important because they demonstrate your altruism and humanism, and show us that you know what you're getting into and that you really want ot be around sick people for the next 30 years.

Shadowing a doctor lets you know what a doctor's day is like.

Where you go to school is mostly irrelevant, but going to feeders to medical school (like, say, the NYC schools to Cornell and NYU) help a bit. Brown heavily favors its own UG students.

More than >90% of matriculant have research, but you're a non-trad, so you get cut some slack. Understanding the scientific process is always a plus.

Compelling personal stories are always a plus.

The wise Mimelim points out something very important: You can be a mom in med school, even a single mom (I've had students like that) but I don't think you can be a caregiver at the same time.

And many thanks for your service to our country.

 

[medic86]

Just a heads up, but 12 months on the MCAT might be overkill... Or at least 12 months of solid studying. I know of people who tried to take it in just a month, or a couple months of light studying, both of which are not sufficient. However, even for the new MCAT, assuming you have taken all the relevant course material, 4-5 months should be more than sufficient. I personally did two intense months and it worked out pretty well for me. PM me if you need more advice.

To add to this: I only studied for a little under a month (hardcore, and had to teach myself the physics II material), and I was not happy with my score. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't what I'd call good (AAMC avg: 30, actual: 28).

If I were to do it again, I'd study for AT LEAST 1.5 months (aiming for 3 months, ideally). After my month of studying, I didn't feel as solid as I should have before taking the exam. Another 2-3 weeks of studying would have solidified a lot of things for me.

Then again: n=1.

 

[fortyfourstorieshigh]

ECs are important because they demonstrate your altruism and humanism, and show us that you know what you're getting into and that you really want ot be around sick people for the next 30 years.

Shadowing a doctor lets you know what a doctor's day is like.

Where you go to school is mostly irrelevant, but going to feeders to medical school (like, say, the NYC schools to Cornell and NYU) help a bit. Brown heavily favors its own UG students.

More than >90% of matriculant have research, but you're a non-trad, so you get cut some slack. Understanding the scientific process is always a plus.

Compelling personal stories are always a plus.

The wise Mimelim points out something very important: You can be a mom in med school, even a single mom (I've had students like that) but I don't think you can be a caregiver at the same time.

And many thanks for your service to our country.

Thank you for the priceless info!

 

[Goro]

Go dig up my post on guide to the application process.

Thank you for the priceless info!

 

[fortyfourstorieshigh]

Go dig up my post on guide to the application process.

Great stuff! greatly appreciated. Even with my GPA the way it is now I still have high hopes for some amazing schools so long as I do really well on my MCAT. It's a good feeling to know there is still hope and I will be that much more motivated when it comes to putting in the work for the MCAT.