MCAT, science classes & surgery

[Ashley1989]

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Hello!

This is my first time posting, so I hope these questions aren't too long! I mainly have three questions.

A little back history on myself: I am 23 years old, female, half Mexican half Caucasian, I put more background information on myself but am deleting it because people are seeming to just focus on that and not my questions.

My ECs: I am in a program where I volunteer in the hospital for 280 hours and have committed to between 4-8 hours a week for about two years, I see every unit of the hospital month by month and see all varieties of procedures and assist doctors, nurses, and spend time with the patients. I have been a lifeguard since I was 16 years old, am a lifeguard/CPR/first aid and AED instructor (and have taught countless lifeguarding classes over the years), teach swimming lessons and am extremely passionate about teaching adults who are terrified of the water because of near drownings, trauma, etc. how to swim. I've been a volunteer EMT lab instructor, the head Girls Junior Varsity soccer coach at my old high school for 3 years, have been two mission trips including one to the lower ninth ward in New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina (although that one was many years ago), tutor biology, was invited by my professor to start research for her in the fall (so excited!!!), and spoke to my professor and if I get a B+ or A in gross anatomy this summer I can be most likely TA (so this one isn't for sure yet although I am determined). I also have done some work with a girl's home, and volunteer in a program in which I spend time with people in hospice who don't have many family/friends available for support.

Question 1: I am having some problems figuring out when to take my MCAT. Right now my plan is to take Ochem, Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics, Developmental Biology, do research, and take an elective required to graduate for the school year of 2012/2013 which divides up as 12 units a quarter. The summer of 2013 I then want to take a Physics I, II and III program over the summer and take the Fall quarter of 2013 off to study for the MCAT. Then take the MCAT January of 2014, resume classes Winter quarter and take Biochemistry, an upper division biology class, and Spanish. Then Spring quarter take Biostatistics, retake Calculus, Spanish, and possibly an upper division bio elective. I would then apply to medical school in June as soon as the application process opens and then finish my last year, however I would only enough classes left to last me two quarters instead of three. How does this plan sound? Any suggestions? Also, is it unwise to submit your application the same day or even the same hour the application submission opens? Is this possible? How does it work?

Question 2: Do medical schools look down on not taking many upper division science classes at once? This may seem to be a silly question but I am genuinely concerned. Does it indicate that I would not be able to handle the rigors or medical school? I would always be taking at least 12 units a quarter. Also, because my GPA is only a 3.2 right now (a rough first quarter and that Calc grade) would it be best to wait and retake some classes from community college?

Question 3: As mentioned before, I have Arnold Chiari type 1. My symptoms are extreme neck and shoulder pain (chronic), tingling in my hands and feet (frequent), inability to feel extreme hot and cold with my hands (somewhat infrequent but occurs more then I would like) and ringing in the ears (infrequent). I can withstand the chronic pain but it gets worse when I am stressed, and I am concerned that it will become worse throughout the years. I had it very bad as a child to the point where I was bedridden and would be in the fetal position vomiting, and I cannot help but worry it will happen again. I am a candidate for decompression surgery, but I've done research and it seems that either the recovery is okay, or the patient is still in bed six months later and cannot stand up. I was thinking of having the surgery this summer, although I'm signed up for the gross anatomy class and couldn't be more excited to take it... What would you do if you were in my situation? I am worried I will be kept out of school for a long period of time. I can withstand not having the surgery but am thinking of the future. I know it's a very personal decision, but I would like to hear some opinions on it.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve my ECs? It's an upwards battle with my classes and GPA but I'm very, very determined to make myself a good candidate for medical school and become a better student. Thank you so much for reading and I do hope it wasn't too long of a post!

Best wishes!

 

[Ashley1989]

hmmmm I was under the impression that people were nicer here. Thanks for your input though! I'm getting A's in my Biology classes and Chemistry classes. Also, me almost not graduating and doing so poorly in math was because I didn't care about school and ditched class all the time, not because I was incapable.

 

[tenndoc]

go DO

 

[Ashley1989]

I am considering this definately, although the school I want to get into the most is not a DO school. I had a meeting with an advisor from the medical school where I very much want to go to and she said that because I show a very strong upwards trend to keep doing well in my biology classes and chemistry classes and that I still have a very good chance. Highschool was many years ago, and I have learned a lot.

 

[tenndoc]

I am considering this definately, although the school I want to get into the most is not a DO school. I had a meeting with an advisor from the medical school where I very much want to go to and she said that because I show a very strong upwards trend to keep doing well in my biology classes and chemistry classes and that I still have a very good chance. Highschool was many years ago, and I have learned a lot.

im kinda similar to you w/ regards to the upward trend deal. ive managed to snag 2 MD interviews with my stats but apply broadly and focus on DO

 

[Ashley1989]

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it 🙂 I always told the girls that I coached "remember that the decisions you make today will enable or hinder your dreams later on, and do well because who knows what those will be years from now" Also, I should've withdrawn from the Calculus class and taken it during the summer so I could only focus on that one class, but I made the wrong call. It's good to hear you have two interviews congrats!

 

[235788]

I am considering this definately, although the school I want to get into the most is not a DO school. I had a meeting with an advisor from the medical school where I very much want to go to and she said that because I show a very strong upwards trend to keep doing well in my biology classes and chemistry classes and that I still have a very good chance. Highschool was many years ago, and I have learned a lot.

Keep in mind, DO schools will let you completely replace poor grades in classes you retake. Might help you clear a couple of poor grades that resulted in the 1.7

 

[Ashley1989]

And that is very, very encouraging! Many classes that I took at CC and did poorly in were non transferrable credits (such as the very basic math classes), would I retake those even though they do not transfer to a 4 year university? Also, many of the classes I received an F in I retook and got an A which is why I think my GPA boosted up as much as it did once I got serious (although not as high as I had hoped). Is it true that if I was to apply to a MD school, both the F and A would be put in to my cumulative GPA and average to a C? Thankfully when I was at CC I only took one science class (A&P) and received an A, so I'm thinking if I continue to do well my science GPA wouldn't be too bad...?

 

[Political]

Hello!

This is my first time posting, so I hope these questions aren't too long! I mainly have three questions.

A little back history on myself: I am 23 years old, female, half Mexican half Caucasian, I put more background information on myself but am deleting it because people are seeming to just focus on that and not my questions.

My ECs: I am in a program where I volunteer in the hospital for 280 hours and have committed to between 4-8 hours a week for about two years, I see every unit of the hospital month by month and see all varieties of procedures and assist doctors, nurses, and spend time with the patients. I have been a lifeguard since I was 16 years old, am a lifeguard/CPR/first aid and AED instructor (and have taught countless lifeguarding classes over the years), teach swimming lessons and am extremely passionate about teaching adults who are terrified of the water because of near drownings, trauma, etc. how to swim. I've been a volunteer EMT lab instructor, the head Girls Junior Varsity soccer coach at my old high school for 3 years, have been two mission trips including one to the lower ninth ward in New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina (although that one was many years ago), tutor biology, was invited by my professor to start research for her in the fall (so excited!!!), and spoke to my professor and if I get a B+ or A in gross anatomy this summer I can be most likely TA (so this one isn't for sure yet although I am determined). I also have done some work with a girl's home, and volunteer in a program in which I spend time with people in hospice who don't have many family/friends available for support.

Question 1: I am having some problems figuring out when to take my MCAT. Right now my plan is to take Ochem, Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics, Developmental Biology, do research, and take an elective required to graduate for the school year of 2012/2013 which divides up as 12 units a quarter. The summer of 2013 I then want to take a Physics I, II and III program over the summer and take the Fall quarter of 2013 off to study for the MCAT. Then take the MCAT January of 2014, resume classes Winter quarter and take Biochemistry, an upper division biology class, and Spanish. Then Spring quarter take Biostatistics, retake Calculus, Spanish, and possibly an upper division bio elective. I would then apply to medical school in June as soon as the application process opens and then finish my last year, however I would only enough classes left to last me two quarters instead of three. How does this plan sound? Any suggestions? Also, is it unwise to submit your application the same day or even the same hour the application submission opens? Is this possible? How does it work?

Question 2: Do medical schools look down on not taking many upper division science classes at once? This may seem to be a silly question but I am genuinely concerned. Does it indicate that I would not be able to handle the rigors or medical school? I would always be taking at least 12 units a quarter. Also, because my GPA is only a 3.2 right now (a rough first quarter and that Calc grade) would it be best to wait and retake some classes from community college?

Question 3: As mentioned before, I have Arnold Chiari type 1. My symptoms are extreme neck and shoulder pain (chronic), tingling in my hands and feet (frequent), inability to feel extreme hot and cold with my hands (somewhat infrequent but occurs more then I would like) and ringing in the ears (infrequent). I can withstand the chronic pain but it gets worse when I am stressed, and I am concerned that it will become worse throughout the years. I had it very bad as a child to the point where I was bedridden and would be in the fetal position vomiting, and I cannot help but worry it will happen again. I am a candidate for decompression surgery, but I've done research and it seems that either the recovery is okay, or the patient is still in bed six months later and cannot stand up. I was thinking of having the surgery this summer, although I'm signed up for the gross anatomy class and couldn't be more excited to take it... What would you do if you were in my situation? I am worried I will be kept out of school for a long period of time. I can withstand not having the surgery but am thinking of the future. I know it's a very personal decision, but I would like to hear some opinions on it.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve my ECs? It's an upwards battle with my classes and GPA but I'm very, very determined to make myself a good candidate for medical school and become a better student. Thank you so much for reading and I do hope it wasn't too long of a post!

Best wishes!

Question 1: Are you a bio major? If not there's no point in taking all those classes; they wont help on the MCAT since all you need are intro bio, chem physics and orgo. Try to take the MCAT after you finish at least orgo since it isnt all that difficult to self study bio, physics and chem. As for your quarter system questions, I have no idea im on the semester system. And, as far as i know, you can apply as soon as the AMCAS opens but submitting anytime between june and july is considered early. If you apply early and have a **** personal statement then you're more or less in the same position as someone who applied late.

Question 2: If you are applying MD dont waste your time retaking classes since AMCAS averages the two grades. And, honestly, i dont think anyone will care if you take alot or little upper division classes senior year. Just try and get your grades up.

Question 3: I and most of SDN have no idea what your going through. Asking the opinion of an anonymous body on whether or not to undergo a major surgery is very unwise. Ask your doctor, parents, SO, advisor, etc.

My general advise: My dad has a saying "you can do as many activities and daydream as much you want but as long as you dont have the marks you will never get anywhere." I see you have alot of ECs and are starting research but 3.2 (even if you are URM) wont get you anywhere. Work on Aceing your classes and your MCAT and everything will fall into place.

Good luck

 

[Ashley1989]

Thanks Political! Yes, I am a bio major. I've done a lot of research and there's so much conflicting opinions on what you need for the MCAT. I am confident that I can self study bio and chem but given my history with math I'm questioning about physics. And about the surgery, it's not that I am asking to sway my opinion, but I would like to have some input from other people who have the same/similar goals as myself. I can withstand the symptoms and although I would like the surgery I am worried that it may keep me bedridden for months. Because I don't know anyone else in my situation, I wanted to gain opinions from people that understand what I want in life. I've talked to my family, friends, professors, doctors, other people with Arnold Chiari (online), and wanted to gain more insight into it not to sway my opinion but see if anyone comes up with any thoughts/ideas that I haven't thought of or heard yet. And about the ECs, I see where you are coming from and your Dad is wise. I have given up many of them (other then the hospital and research) and whittled it down to just a few for now, because good grades and not ECs are going to get me in. Thank you so much for your response! 🙂

 

[kasho11]

If MD vs. DO doesn't mean anything to you, then just apply to the DO schools and take advantage of grade replacement and lower GPA/MCAT requirements.

If you want MD, apply MD, do everything in your power to improve your application from here on out.

 

[Ashley1989]

Thank you for your advice kasho11 🙂 I sincerely appreciate all the opinions and insight from everyone, thanks again!

 

[Thego2guy]

Your EC's look great, no need to worry about that. Just make sure you secure that community service, and leadership position. I'm sorry, I didn't get what you are, a freshman or a sophmore? In any case, given by the load that you are going to take over the next few years, you definitely have a lot of space to improve your cGPA and BCPM. So don't worry about that.

As for the surgery.. well lets break that down.
You go through undergrad, apply to medical school, get into medical school, and then your life is shut for the next 8-12 years pretty much. When are you going to take off 6 months in medical school? in residency? during your first years as an attending when you need to be making money and pay off the plethora of loans?
Its either now, or you suffer the next 15 years with your symptoms, until you get a good enough period in your life when you can do the surgery. Who knows, god forbid some acute problem occurs (extreme hydrocephalus > increased ICP > acute nerve compression > loss of vision... idk, a million things can go wrong!) and you will be forced to stop med school or residency right in the middle. Don't take that chance. Your health is the most important thing. People apply to med school when they are 28, 30, and 35 because there is a lot more flexibility in one's life before you commit yourself to that many years. I would go through with the surgery now and
1) Limit my physical pain, ergo, interference with my studies
2) Limit risk of a potential neurological problem which would require neurosurgical evacuation
3) Recover from the surgery while I am still 23 (young and fresh) as opposed to when I am 40 (slower recovery time, more chance for complication)

http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/2010/01/medical-first-boys-brainstem-saved-by-a-nose/ interesting procedure done by an incredible physician (shadowed him a few times). I wonder how well these procedures will improve over the next 20 years. Something to keep in mind as a counterargument to what I said ^

 

[Ashley1989]

Thego2guy, your post is wonderful, thanks so much! Credit wise I am a junior however I still have three more years to go for my major, and because I have all my GEs done I only have science classes to go.

It's awesome that you're so informed on the condition and surgery that goes with it, I see where you're coming from on as well as far as suffering for years with my symptoms and not having the time to get the surgery. That has been my main concern and stress when it comes to this situation: if I wait and my symptoms get worse, what will happen then? I don't want to make excuses or try and garner sympathy but it can be really exhausting living in chronic pain, and a pain that gets worse when I get stressed. Given the career I'm trying to pursue, it's potentially disastrous! I'm thinking about doing it this summer after gross, and sincerely, it really helps to get a third parties input. 🙂 My surgeon is advising based solely on my condition, my parents are advising based on their love for me, my SO as well, my professors from an academic standpoint etc etc. I need input from people who fully understand what hangs in the balance here and how much can be lost on either side if I make the wrong decision. I'm worried that I'm going to wake up from surgery and be bed ridden with equilibrium problems and fatigue for an indefinite amount of time, however I'm also worried to not do it. Thanks for the article as well!! I need to add that into my folder for when I go see another neurosurgeon in a week or so! :-D

 

[xxhopefulxx]

Hey Ashley 1989... I agree with a lot of the people who have already posted. Your ECs look awesome so try and put all of your focus into your MCAT and boosting that GPA as much as you can. You don't want to have your application screened out because your numbers are too low. If you can pull that GPA up and do pretty well on the MCAT you will be in much better shape for applying MD. Just make sure you apply broadly and apply to many DO schools too. Goodluck

 

[TodoLoPuedo]

Regarding the surgery, the only advice I can give is you need to take care of yourself first. If that means doing the surgery and taking a semester off, feeling healthier and happier and not dealing with it in the long run, then I think that'd be the way to go. But like you said the surgery is not necessarily a "cure-all" type of procedure, so you really need to just follow your gut (and Doctor!) on this one.

I just took a full year off of school to have a pretty major surgery and rehab... I have four Ws on my transcript now from the fall because we weren't decided on which procedure/when/where until [of course] after the drop deadline. Those can easily be explained during an interview and my diagnosis has a lot to do with my initial passion for medicine - maybe you're in the same boat - so I wouldn't worry about taking time to take care of you. Your health comes first!

That sounds like a great program rotating through all the different hospital departments! Best of luck OP!