Looking for Feedback/Advice

[daisymay]

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Hi everyone,

I'm trying to decide whether to go ahead and apply to medical school this fall (for 2005 matriculation) or wait until 2005 to apply. Any feedback or advice that anyone could provide will be much appreciated!

I will be a senior this fall, and am an MCDB major / Biochem minor. My first two years were at an ivy league school, but I regrettably transferred back to my state school (which is still a reputable school) because of some very messed up family problems. I took a year off to deal with the family issues, and then had to take a year off last year to resolve my own physical health problems. So, I have a relatively unique background, with lots of medical exposure and experience (especially from the family/patient side.)

I'm taking the MCAT in August, and am hoping to do well (>30) based on my practice exams and previous test experience. However, my grades are not stellar ... 3.5 ... which has a lot to do with everything that has happened during college (but that's certainly not an excuse!) I have pretty extensive ec's, and am currently involved in stem cell research full time here at school. My formal experience shadowing doctors has only been about 6 months, though.

So ... I know that medical school is the route for me - I really want to be a doctor, and would much rather be in medical school this time next year than doing something else. But, with my GPA and up-and-down undergraduate experience, maybe another solid year under my belt with perhaps more formal med experience would be helpful? I'm not hung up on going to a very prestigious school, but would probably rather go MD, especially if I'd like to go into certain specialties or clinical research.

That's my story. Sorry for the length, but I'd really appreciate your feedback.

Thanks!

 

[gschl1234]

You sound like you'd be a great candidate and will make a great doctor. The only thing you have to keep in mind is if you don't take the MCAT until August, it pushes your AMCAS application verification back to October and at that point you are well behind the first wave of applicants because even if some schools send you secondaries, they may not review your file until your MCAT score is published. If you don't mind waiting one more year, you'd be an even stronger candidate if you turn in your AMCAS at the beginning of June and beat the wave. Good luck 🙂

 

[daisymay]

Thanks so much for the reply and feedback.

I guess my dilemma is mostly that I know I have enough work ethic, determination, and brains to succeed in med school, and really want to start sooner rather than waiting another year. I'm just wondering if my past record really limits my chances. In that case, it's probably best to save the time and money for next year.

Anyone else have advice?

Thank you. 🙂

 

[neoncandle]

I don't know what you are talking about.. you sound great. If you can't get in, none of us can.