Medical School Counseling?

[misterxji]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and i'm a freshman going into college. I'm interested in going into the medical field and my dad fully supports this. my dad asked me if i wanted a 3rd party guidance counselor who gives you advice until you get into Med School. My dad found one that costs $5000, but i feel thats way too expensive. I was wondering if anyone on SDN has heard of this and has hired a counselor.

Also, do i actually need one? would it be worth the price?

I've tried reading some of the stickies on SDN but i cant find too much advice on what to do each year. the stickies mention doing extracurricular activities, how to well on the MCATS, but nothing like specific counseling.

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[Philly Med]

I guess it might be logical if you're the type of person who really needs it... but otherwise I don't think I'd do it.

It was pretty straightforward for me: do very well in classes, get ECs, get clinical experience and study for the MCAT for a few months. Most importantly, I think, was planning this all ahead of time so I didn't get into a time crunch or scramble at the end.

I think, if you were to just plan ahead now (on your own or with other advice from a pre-med adviser at your school), you'll be just as well off as having a personal counselor.

But I guess if you have the money to throw around...

 

[misterxji]

well 5000 is a lot of $ and i was just wondering to see if anyone else has had this and if its worth it.

and yeah im trying to plan early but it'd be nice to have someone u can talk to regularly, im not sure how often u can talk to a premed advisor.

i havent been to college yet but im starting in like a month so i dont know much about counselors or advisors

 

[zayka]

Personally, I would probably find it pretty annoying to have someone tell me exactly what to do all the time, but that's just me (however, if this person works as a secretary and is responsible for sending your resume to places you want and tracking your schedule, then that's a different story...). You will probably have lots of people who would be willing to mentor you, like upper years. SDN is helpful unless you tend to get stressed easily, and you can ask questions, and people will offer advice. It's free. My college doesn't even have a premed adviser (as far as I know), and I'm not really sure what they do.

Anyway, up to you, but perhaps I would wait until you figure out what else you have available at your disposal before you spend a lot of money.

 

[DrYoda]

With all the free advice out there (internet sites, mentors, advisors) that sounds like a waste of 5 G's.

 

[Equality]

I had had a personal consultant for the primary apps through a guy named Don Osbourne and Judy Clendenin of Inquarta (not the best website). He charged $1000, which is a lot, but def less than what you found. Considering that i have had a pretty successful app cycle so far (look at my mdapplicants profile), i'd say it was not a bad investment.

Judy helped me with the writing of Activities and Personal Statement, most importantly working with me on coming up with the outline. Sometimes thinking of what to write and how to write and what to not include can be difficult, and some guidance is good. Don helped me determine which schools to apply to, how to get LORs, and predicted how well i would do in the app cycle. A bit of extraneous information but whatever.

If you're still skeptical, or someone else who is skeptical is reading this, I suggest another option: Don Osbourne offers "Pre-Med Retreat" (fee: $95) several times in each summer and winter break, where he tells you basically what you have to do to apply and be good applicant. You and some other pre-meds spend two whole days with him (not a sleepover,though), and he sprinkles application tips, interview tips, writing tips, and activities for you to solidify the information in your mind. I personally felt like the retreat demystified the app cycle for me. The only catch is, it only takes place in CA close to UC Irvine.

 

[KMFDM]

Save your money, spend a lot of time here at SDN.

 

[ziggydoc]

I don't think you need one yet, just spend a lot of time here on SDN and weed the BS out and you will find really really helpful information. Spending money on a adviser to help you when you need to apply isn't a bad idea, I knew someone who applied twice and didn't get in, then hired someone to help her, applied the third time and got in. However, if you have the time (which you do) to do all the right things, you will be a strong candidate on your own anyway.

 

[searun]

A complete waste of money. Also avoid your college premed advisor - these people know less than 90 percent of the folks who hang out on SDN. Go to Borders or Barnes and Noble - there are several good books on the med school application process. Buy one and read it. And then spend some time on SDN, and you will have the process totally figured out. AFter all, it is not brain surgery.

 

[JonathanMD]

Agree with most of what's already been said. If you're completely lost, I'd recommend this book:

Med School Confidential
http://www.amazon.com/Med-School-Confidential-Complete-Experience/dp/0312330081/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251488238&sr=8-1

Sometimes you just need some foundation before you start going around asking questions. After reading this, when talking to advisers, counselors, med students, alumni, or professors, you'll know where to begin the conversation.

(And you'll save $5000.)

 

[ILikeDrugs]

Pick your favorite major. Get a 3.7 GPA.
Take the required pre-med courses and get a 3.7 GPA.
Join some university club and get a leadership position.
Become a regular volunteer all throughout college to get clinical experience.
Shadow doctors of different specialties.
Help professors with their research your sophomore year and do your own research your junior year.


I just gave you $5000 worth of pre-med advice.
Save your dad's money.
😎

 

[TopSecret]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and i'm a freshman going into college. I'm interested in going into the medical field and my dad fully supports this. my dad asked me if i wanted a 3rd party guidance counselor who gives you advice until you get into Med School. My dad found one that costs $5000, but i feel thats way too expensive. I was wondering if anyone on SDN has heard of this and has hired a counselor.

Also, do i actually need one? would it be worth the price?

I've tried reading some of the stickies on SDN but i cant find too much advice on what to do each year. the stickies mention doing extracurricular activities, how to well on the MCATS, but nothing like specific counseling.

$5000?

I bet I could give better advice than those guys for the same price. 🙂

 

[lord_jeebus]

My college med school counselor was a former adcom director and went on to go private and charge thousands.

She was worthless. There was nothing I got from her that I hadn't already learned on my own.