Need help with decision!!

[lemon8708]

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I am in a dilemma as to which route to take for my 2nd gap year, and I would like to ask for some advice from you guys...

So here's my brief history:

For my first gap year (since May 2010 graduation), I have been mainly working at different places, volunteering, and retook my mcat. My stats are Cum 3.71, sci 3.68, latest mcat score of 25N (yeah, it's low.. esp for MD. Verbal killed me😡 ). I have done research for 3yrs, have a first-author publication, did a variety of volunteering & leadership work at school, near home, and out of countries that are health/non-health related.

I am currently in the process of doing secondary apps for MD and DO (2nd time applying for some schools) and got accepted to Rosalind Franklin Master's program a few days ago (I applied to a couple of others in late May- early June but haven't heard back yet). I recently got a receptionist job at an acupuncture clinic, in which besides the adm work, I get to learn about acupuncture, oriental medicine, build relationships with patients, and learn how business is run.. I am interested in learning more about acupuncture when I become a doctor, so I think it is a good chance for me to work here right now... I think it's pretty unique and I will have things to talk about during interviews..

But I also wonder if doing Master's would be more beneficial for me to get into med school. And since the tuition's so high, I'm really not sure what to do... I will likely have to take 100% private loan.. for those of you who are going to RFU, did you have any trouble getting out the loan? Did you get any government loans/grants as well?

Oh, and I live in the Chicago suburbs- about 1hr away from RFU. Has anyone commuted before? would it be too time consuming because of traffic?


Which way do you think is the best way to go?

Any input is appreciated!!

Thanks guys!🙂

 

[Sed8&Intub8]

I am in a dilemma as to which route to take for my 2nd gap year, and I would like to ask for some advice from you guys...

So here's my brief history:

For my first gap year (since May 2010 graduation), I have been mainly working at different places, volunteering, and retook my mcat. My stats are Cum 3.71, sci 3.68, latest mcat score of 25N (yeah, it's low.. esp for MD. Verbal killed me😡 ). I have done research for 3yrs, have a first-author publication, did a variety of volunteering & leadership work at school, near home, and out of countries that are health/non-health related.

I am currently in the process of doing secondary apps for MD and DO (2nd time applying for some schools) and got accepted to Rosalind Franklin Master's program a few days ago (I applied to a couple of others in late May- early June but haven't heard back yet). I recently got a receptionist job at an acupuncture clinic, in which besides the adm work, I get to learn about acupuncture, oriental medicine, build relationships with patients, and learn how business is run.. I am interested in learning more about acupuncture when I become a doctor, so I think it is a good chance for me to work here right now... I think it's pretty unique and I will have things to talk about during interviews..

But I also wonder if doing Master's would be more beneficial for me to get into med school. And since the tuition's so high, I'm really not sure what to do... I will likely have to take 100% private loan.. for those of you who are going to RFU, did you have any trouble getting out the loan? Did you get any government loans/grants as well?

Oh, and I live in the Chicago suburbs- about 1hr away from RFU. Has anyone commuted before? would it be too time consuming because of traffic?


Which way do you think is the best way to go?

Any input is appreciated!!

Thanks guys!🙂

I don't think you really need a master's. Your GPA is fine. Why waste time and money, and also risk not doing well in the program and hurting yourself. All you need to do is do well on the MCAT, so why not just focus on that?

 

[aSagacious]

i don't think you really need a master's. Your gpa is fine. Why waste time and money, and also risk not doing well in the program and hurting yourself. All you need to do is do well on the mcat, so why not just focus on that?

+1

 

[leggo]

Going into the SMP will be extremely risky. RFU has a great linkage and if you do well, you have a good shot at CMS. However, if not, you have lost all chances at a school in the US.

 

[Donchissy]

retake MCAT...i have a friend who is in your same situation....MCAT was ok for PS and BS but Verbal killed him,...he is in a post bac program with me in California...the only reason is because his GPA wasnt as good...but in your case ur GPA is quiet impressive, so I'd say you take kaplan or princeton...focus more on verbal practice, and take the MCAT and just apply....u dont really need an academic enhancer with RFU...