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- Aug 19, 2017
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{pls don't quote}
Hello all,
New user here on SDN. I'm at a place where I don't know how to move on and came here for options. I'll try to keep my tale brief:
I graduated in May 2015 with the intent to take the MCAT and apply that year. That didn't happen. I decided not to rush the test and took more classes in the fall 2015 to keep me busy. I devoted spring 2016 to study hoping to apply last year. Didn't happen either as I voided my June exam. I stepped aside and realized there was an underlying problem of anxiety keeping me from succeeding. This was worsened not only with the MCAT, but also other stuff in my life. I had a very lonely undergrad (long story, will need a fresh thread), and I believe that led to my anxiety, low confidence and motivation. Still, I did not give up. I found a scribe job, continued my volunteering and research. I prepared my apps, studied for the 2017 exam and took it in May. I ended up with a 503
NOW I am truly lost. 2015 and 2016 were heavenly years compared to what I am going through now. I posted an earlier thread about my 503. Many users (obviously) said not to apply. I am still not willing to give up this path. I want to apply with all I've got and am willing to do so next cycle once and for all. That being said, I have some pressing Q's:
1. How on Earth do I explain my time off? Fall 2015, I took non-degree classes. But Jan 2016 to now, I did absolutely nothing except part-time work, volunteering, and research. Will they question why I was not able to study for the MCAT during that time? It clearly shows ample time...but my anxiety and dare I say, some depression, was bad. Is it a good idea to explain my losses due to mental weakness? Not sure how that will pass with adcoms
2. I can't retake this September (frightened of the same score or worse), but want to write in January. I'm on the fence abt applying to my state school still, but will most likely have to forgo . what are the steps I should take from now to be a good applicant for next year?
3. My new plan forward is to take non-degree graduate courses, write GRE and MCAT and apply to Masters next year while simultaneously applying to med. I know this isn't a sound path financially, but I literally can't see myself being out of school for so long. I need some structure. I do not want to work the same menial job for an entire year I will do a six month service internship in the spring before the masters and applying. Does this sound like a good plan?
Sorry for the long thread. I am at an all-time low. I used to think low of people that took gap years, believing that they did not plan well or stay focused in college. I learned my lesson now. I see how smart those people were, who took their time to do it right and here I am at the lowest of them all. Everyone else got into med school and will become doctors, while I am still here struggling with my emotions and, of course, the MCAT.
Please advise if you can.
tl;dr - Graduated 2015, did not pass MCAT & procrastinated, struggled w/anxiety. Finally took MCAT - got 503, hopeless about my chances & don't know how to explain time off to med schools. What are my options?