Need Advice for Unusual Reapplicant

[jbnqq]

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Hi,

I am thinking about pursuing medicine again and I need some advice. In order to know where I stand, allow me to explain my situation.

I graduated from undergrad in mechanical engineering with 3.44 gpa. I took most of the prerequisites for medical schools back then and the rest shortly after graduation. While I worked as engineer, I took the MCAT and scored 26 and 27. I applied to MD and DO schools back in 2007 and had no luck. Afterwards I attended the IMS program at Drexel to improve my chances but then dropped out after two months mainly because I enjoyed to go out on weekends and did not value hard work. After that, I received a masters of financial engineering with 3.7 gpa and worked as an actuary for 2 years.

Now at 28 years old, my maturity is different now compared to back then and I am still serious about medicine. I know I need to retake the MCAT since my last score expired. I have looked into post-bac programs in the Philadelphia region and I do not meet the requirements if they have them because i have already taken MCAT and have the prereqs. Also they all require letters of recommendations but since I have been out of school for awhile and did not maintain relationships with professors, this is will hard for me.

Sorry to make it so long but what course of actions should I take? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[giggle]

Afterwards I attended the IMS program at Drexel to improve my chances but then dropped out after two months mainly because I enjoyed to go out on weekends and did not value hard work. After that, I received a masters of financial engineering with 3.7 gpa and worked as an actuary for 2 years.

I think adcoms would be worried about your motivation/dedication for medicine. So besides rocking the MCAT, you'll need lots of medically-related experience. You probably also need a better reason for giving up last time, because even though you say you didn't "value hard work," you still managed to do well in your masters of financial engineering...

Have you tried asking in the non-traditonal forum?

 

[jbnqq]

I forgot to mention that I did work for a year between IMS at Drexel and MS Financial Engineering during which I went out to bars more often. However, once I started as an actuary and having to work 40-50 hours weekly and study anywhere between 20-40 hours per week for several months block at a time, I changed my mentality. I rarely go out anymore and I am also engaged.

I do realize that I need to medically related experience and I plan on volunteering at hospital and others if I can maintain work and extracurricular activities.

I see two options that I can do in addition to volunteering at hospital:

1. Retake a couple classes part-time in attempt to get letters of recommendation while studying for MCAT and working.

2. Spend money and somehow try to get into post-bac program.

If you see other options, let me know.

 

[giggle]

I think the post-bacc forum will be more helpful for you, but yeah those seem lik viable options. How well did you do in the prereqs that you have completed by the way? You don't need to retake anything if you did great. Just take a few upper-div sciences and get your letters from them.

Also, you didn't say what year you took the prereqs, but it might be a good idea to ask schools directly if your prereqs are recent enough, just to be sure.

Congrats on your engagement.👍

 

[jbnqq]

Giggle,

Thanks for your reply. I took most of the prereqs in undergrad (graduated in winter 2005) and finished the rest within a year after. I think I got 3.5-3.6 gpa on prereqs. You made a good point that I should check to see if these are valid for med schools and to take upper level classes if they are valid.

Thanks

 

[isoquin]

I agree with the above. If post-bac isn't for you, consider a Masters. You'll be hard pressed without further academic involvement in some capacity. Research may be another option. Either way, you'll need to really hit the MCAT. Even if your previous scores didn't expire, you'd have to retake to up your competitive edge. Also, don't worry about prof LORs. You can go with boss or lab PI.

 

[ThePursuit]

Join the military and go to their med school.