Limited Time: Need help on action items

[MMADoc]

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All,

Hello, similar to other individuals on this board, I am in the process of putting together an application for medical school and I have several questions that I would sincerely appreciate all help and advice. I apologize if some of these questions have been answered before, please provided a link to the thread if possible.

Stats
uGPA/sGPA: 3.84/ 4.0
Undergrad: BS Accountancy/Computer Information Systems/Psychology
ECs: Volunteer at local ER, estimated total time by application date is 150 hours/1 year in length.
Projected MCAT date: April 23rd or May 22nd 2010
Projected Application Year for Medical School: 2010-2011
Age: 27
Employment History (after undergrad): 7 months English Teacher in Korea, 2 years as an IT auditor (CPA).

Potential Issues
1) Due to economic and timing reasons, all my Pre-reqs come from a CC.
2) I will not have completed OChem 2 by my projected application date though I will be in the process of completion in summer school 2010.

Questions
1) I will be moving from working FT to PT for the Spring 2010 semester (taking Microbiology, Phys 2, OChem 1) and as such will have more time available to make myself a better candidate. Given limited time resources, how should I spend my extra time to get the most bang for my buck?
A) Job Shadowing (How often?)
B) Increasing Clinical exposure (either at current ER or in another dept/hospital)
C) Volunteering at research lab at my local state university
D) Adding a Genetics course for Spring 2010
E) Extra studying for MCATs
F) Really should be doing all the above.

2) During my undergrad years 2001-2006, I was very active in both leadership and tutoring activities (all business related). Is there a standard protocol/expiration dates for including these activities on my application?

3) I am a little confused as to the timing of submitting the application. I understand to maximize my chances of acceptance I should submit the application at the first available opportunity. Where can I find the start date of submission of applications for the 2010-2011 application period?

4) There is very conflicting information concerning the viability of taking CC pre-reqs and their acceptance rate among medical programs on SDN. Besides contacting the schools directly (of which they may or may not indicate their preference in email), is there any anecdotal evidence of CC pre-reqs hurting an application? Or as a non-trad, CC pre-reqs do not as negatively impact the application?

5) Since I will be in the process of completing Ochem 2 (and possibly bio chemistry) after I submit my application, will this be a large negative factor?

6) I would prefer to take the MCATs on the May 22nd date vs. the April 23rd date but I am worried that the scores would not be released in time for me to submit my application early (first on the bus). Is this a groundless fear?

Thanks for all the help and advice. It really is appreciated and taken into consideration.

Sincerely,
MMADoc

 

[Econ2MD]

My opinion on your questions:
Stats
uGPA/sGPA: 3.84/ 4.0
Undergrad: BS Accountancy/Computer Information Systems/Psychology
ECs: Volunteer at local ER, estimated total time by application date is 150 hours/1 year in length.
Projected MCAT date: April 23rd or May 22nd 2010
Projected Application Year for Medical School: 2010-2011
Age: 27
Employment History (after undergrad): 7 months English Teacher in Korea, 2 years as an IT auditor (CPA).

Potential Issues
1) Due to economic and timing reasons, all my Pre-reqs come from a CC.
2) I will not have completed OChem 2 by my projected application date though I will be in the process of completion in summer school 2010.

Questions
1) I will be moving from working FT to PT for the Spring 2010 semester (taking Microbiology, Phys 2, OChem 1) and as such will have more time available to make myself a better candidate. Given limited time resources, how should I spend my extra time to get the most bang for my buck?
A) Job Shadowing (How often?)
B) Increasing Clinical exposure (either at current ER or in another dept/hospital)
C) Volunteering at research lab at my local state university
D) Adding a Genetics course for Spring 2010
E) Extra studying for MCATs
F) Really should be doing all the above.
Could you substitute genetics for microbiology? I don't think I'd take 4 science courses w/labs and MCAT prep. Fit in job shadowing weekends/off days as opportunities become available. Make sure you prep adequately for the MCAT. Physics II and Ochem require a lot of time. Don't underestimate this.

2) During my undergrad years 2001-2006, I was very active in both leadership and tutoring activities (all business related). Is there a standard protocol/expiration dates for including these activities on my application?

3) I am a little confused as to the timing of submitting the application. I understand to maximize my chances of acceptance I should submit the application at the first available opportunity. Where can I find the start date of submission of applications for the 2010-2011 application period?
For AMCAS, June 1 is the first day you can submit. May 1 is an available testing day for the MCAT. Score reporting takes approx. 30 days. Verifying your application can take 2-6 weeks, probably on the shorter side if you submit early. Any MCAT date in April or May will allow you to be among the first verified applicants. Read more at www.amcas.org

4) There is very conflicting information concerning the viability of taking CC pre-reqs and their acceptance rate among medical programs on SDN. Besides contacting the schools directly (of which they may or may not indicate their preference in email), is there any anecdotal evidence of CC pre-reqs hurting an application? Or as a non-trad, CC pre-reqs do not as negatively impact the application?
I think the general consensus is that admission committees prefer to see upper level science coursework at a 4-year institution. Financial hardship and scheduling reasons are legitimate, and many are accepted with some or all prerequisite coursework done at a cc. If you have the opportunity and means to take courses at a 4yr institution, you should do so.
5) Since I will be in the process of completing Ochem 2 (and possibly bio chemistry) after I submit my application, will this be a large negative factor?
I don't think so. You should have enough recent coursework under your belt to show your abilities. Most schools just require you complete needed courses before starting med school or the summer before.

6) I would prefer to take the MCATs on the May 22nd date vs. the April 23rd date but I am worried that the scores would not be released in time for me to submit my application early (first on the bus). Is this a groundless fear?
May 22nd may be cutting it close, but there won't be much delay if any. I am registered for a May 1 testing date. You may find it nice to take the exam before all of your finals are looming, but you may miss out on some content. For sure, only take it when you feel fully prepared, even if it means delaying your app a little bit. Timed practice tests can help you decide if you'll be ready.

I don't pretend to have all of the answers, but from what I've read and researched the advice is reasonable. I've got an Economics degree (3.95 gpa in 1998) and just completed Physics II, Ochem I and Genetics this semester while working and w/ 2 kids. I have Biochemistry and Bio II this spring, along with MCAT prep. I will take Organic II next year after submitting my application. I'm delaying Organic II to dedicate more time to MCAT prep and due to financial reasons. Several schools to which I'll apply don't require Organic II or allow Biochemistry to substitute. Don't underestimate the courseload this spring. Make sure you have adequate time to prep for the MCAT. Taking the summer to prep and testing, submitting in August is better than taking it unprepared in May and submitting in June.


My 2 cents.

 

[DitchDoc73]

All,

Hello, similar to other individuals on this board, I am in the process of putting together an application for medical school and I have several questions that I would sincerely appreciate all help and advice. I apologize if some of these questions have been answered before, please provided a link to the thread if possible.

Stats
uGPA/sGPA: 3.84/ 4.0
Undergrad: BS Accountancy/Computer Information Systems/Psychology
ECs: Volunteer at local ER, estimated total time by application date is 150 hours/1 year in length.
Projected MCAT date: April 23rd or May 22nd 2010
Projected Application Year for Medical School: 2010-2011
Age: 27
Employment History (after undergrad): 7 months English Teacher in Korea, 2 years as an IT auditor (CPA).

Potential Issues
1) Due to economic and timing reasons, all my Pre-reqs come from a CC.
2) I will not have completed OChem 2 by my projected application date though I will be in the process of completion in summer school 2010.

Questions
1) I will be moving from working FT to PT for the Spring 2010 semester (taking Microbiology, Phys 2, OChem 1) and as such will have more time available to make myself a better candidate. Given limited time resources, how should I spend my extra time to get the most bang for my buck?
A) Job Shadowing (How often?) - Are you shadowing with a specific doctor, or just shadowing in general at this time? If you are not shadowing a specific doctor, you need to find one that will be willing to write a Letter of Recommendation for you. If you are leaning towards DO, then the LOR needs to be from a DO. Otherwise shadowing is something you can add on after taking care of the most important items (completing pre-reqs with high grades and preparing for MCAT)!
B) Increasing Clinical exposure (either at current ER or in another dept/hospital) - Sounds like you are doing plenty already. Don't sacrifice the important items (same as above) to increase this.
C) Volunteering at research lab at my local state university - Least important on the list. Research is great, but not a necessity.
D) Adding a Genetics course for Spring 2010 - Sounds like your spring is going to be tough already, don't bite off more than you can chew. I would stick with the required courses and make sure you do the best on them.
E) Extra studying for MCATs - Most important!!!
F) Really should be doing all the above.

2) During my undergrad years 2001-2006, I was very active in both leadership and tutoring activities (all business related). Is there a standard protocol/expiration dates for including these activities on my application?
As long as you record the dates accurately on the application, then there should not be any issues to worry about.

3) I am a little confused as to the timing of submitting the application. I understand to maximize my chances of acceptance I should submit the application at the first available opportunity. Where can I find the start date of submission of applications for the 2010-2011 application period?
AMCAS (MD) - www.aamc.org/students/amcas
AACOMAS (DO) - aacomas.aacom.org
Both sites will have all of the details about timelines, etc. Apply early!

4) There is very conflicting information concerning the viability of taking CC pre-reqs and their acceptance rate among medical programs on SDN. Besides contacting the schools directly (of which they may or may not indicate their preference in email), is there any anecdotal evidence of CC pre-reqs hurting an application? Or as a non-trad, CC pre-reqs do not as negatively impact the application?
Not a huge issue, but expect it to come up in an interview. If you have a sound, logical explanation it should not affect you too much. If you can complete some of the credits at a 4 year it may be a good idea.

5) Since I will be in the process of completing Ochem 2 (and possibly bio chemistry) after I submit my application, will this be a large negative factor?
Not as long as you perform well in you other pre-reqs.

6) I would prefer to take the MCATs on the May 22nd date vs. the April 23rd date but I am worried that the scores would not be released in time for me to submit my application early (first on the bus). Is this a groundless fear?
Only take the MCAT when you feel that you are full prepared to take it!!! If you feel that you need another month, take another month to prep. As long as you take an early summer MCAT, you should report in plenty of time to be well ahead of most other students.

Thanks for all the help and advice. It really is appreciated and taken into consideration.

Sincerely,
MMADoc

These are just my opinions, but I believe that you should do just fine. Do your research now about the schools you are interested in, and see if their is a pre-health professions advisor at your school that you can talk to for more assistance beyond SDN. Best of luck!