Late comers?

[WildcatMD2]

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I'm wondering if there's anyone out here who got a late start on the pre-med path who would tell me how things went for them. I'm going to be a rising senior and I just decided on medicine earlier this year after thinking most of my college career about getting a doctorate in Biochem. I have some great numbers (3.93 overall and BCMP and 36Q on the MCAT), lots of research, and well-rounded ECs in general, but I obviously lack in clinical experience, although I have done some volunteering and shadowing (combined about 50 hours in the past 6 or so months), and I'm working at St. Jude this summer. I'm writing my PS about how and why I've changed paths, and I'm hoping that helps some. Is there anyone else there in a similar situation, and if so, how did things turn out for you? I'd like to look at research-oriented med schools, but I'm afraid a lack of clinical experience may do me in. Any thoughts from anyone in a similar situation? Thanks.

 

[Dr. Josh]

I'm wondering if there's anyone out here who got a late start on the pre-med path who would tell me how things went for them. I'm going to be a rising senior and I just decided on medicine earlier this year after thinking most of my college career about getting a doctorate in Biochem. I have some great numbers (3.93 overall and BCMP and 36Q on the MCAT), lots of research, and well-rounded ECs in general, but I obviously lack in clinical experience, although I have done some volunteering and shadowing (combined about 50 hours in the past 6 or so months), and I'm working at St. Jude this summer. I'm writing my PS about how and why I've changed paths, and I'm hoping that helps some. Is there anyone else there in a similar situation, and if so, how did things turn out for you? I'd like to look at research-oriented med schools, but I'm afraid a lack of clinical experience may do me in. Any thoughts from anyone in a similar situation? Thanks.

You're golden so don't even ask. seriously.

I wish i was in your shoes. I decided late too but have nothing like you do.

 

[Jolie South]

dude, you're so NOT late on changing paths. If you do it while still in school, finish your prereqs, and have better stats than a lot of "ontrack" peeps, then you're cool.

School is about changing your mind and finding yourself, etc. Thus, I don't think that you even have to mention your "huge" career decision change.


I personally was set to apply for a PhD after having completed the Peace Corps and a Master's. Deciding on medicine was a big change because I had actually gotten out of school and worked in the field.

 

[Jolie South]

and yea, you might be applying a little late, but I don't think it's uncommon. i'm sure there are lots of others that applied at the same time as you and it didn't adversely affect them or warrant an explanation.

 

[BC7106]

I think you'll be fine. One of the most important things about medical school admissions is that you stick to your story. If you tell med schools that you were interested in research initially and want to pursue a career in research/medicine, they will understand the lack of clinical experience.

I myself took the opposite route. I was not interested in research and thus had very little experience in it. But I emphasized the clinical aspects of my application. And when the interviews came, I was able to justify my extracurriculars.

And of course, it doesn't hurt that you have great stats.

That having been said, I do think that in this day and age, it is important to be somewhat well rounded. Don't get me wrong, I think you have a great chance of being admitted to medical school. But a lot of the competitive schools really are looking for research clinicians. So make sure you prove to them that you can hold your own in one on one situations.

Check out my blog at http://drbyron.blogspot.com. I have entries about my 4 years in medical school and 1 year of internship. It might give you some incite into applications.

Hope this helps.

 

[maestro1625]

I'd just like to chime in for my disdain for the term "rising senior"