Need some opinions on what to do!

[scoobie]

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Hey All,

I applied for this year and haven't been succesful in gaining admissions anywhere. (Howard U. is the only place left to hear from). So, I'm considering my options on what to do during my "down time." I'm in a position where I'm unsure which choice(s) would give me the best chances of acceptance next time around.

I graduated in 2000 w/3.4 gpa and BS chemistry at Emory Univ. My last MCAT score (Aug 2001) was a 27O ;7v 10p 10b. I don't have much clinical experience besides the usual volunteer work. As it stands, I'm considering the following;

-Masters program (I've been accepted to Georgetown SMP, Boston U MA MedSci, and Finch/CMS AP and MIS)
-Work/Research in a health related field
-Retake MCAT

I'm leaning towards doing one of the masters programs, but am unsure which program would be best. I've heard great things about all of them so it's very hard to judge.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Scoobie

 

[UNMC2006]

Well, first things first, retake the MCAT... really focus on the verbal and see if you can't get that score up.

As far as plans for the year, I would recommend getting some clinical experience somehow. I think that your GPA is fine to gain admission, but if you are inexperienced, they might have trouble overlooking a slightly lower than average GPA.

Do something related to medicine, get a real concrete idea of what medicine is and why you want to do it. That will go a long way in preparing you for interview situations, which I am sure you will get if 1)you can boost your MCAT a little and 2) you get some real hands-on experience in medicine.

Best of luck, you can do it!

 

[scoobie]

Thanks for the post.

Do you think that it'll be okay that I haven't taken any courses since 2000? Money isn't an issue, (been working and saving up for 3 years), and I'm looking for the most successful way into med school (in my case).

Verbal has never been my forte given that English was not my first language (nor was it used much at home when I was growing up). But, if I decide to not do a masters program, I will retake the mcat.

This is probably a stupid question, but where would be the best place to find clinical opportunites and should I try and find a job that deals with a specialty that I'm interested in?

Thanks again.

Scoobie

 

[geldrop]

I don't think you should waste yoru time with a masters program. The medical schools know its just a way to kill time for rejectees. If i were you i'd add to my personal real life experience doing something interesting. It gives you a great topic to discuss at the interview and makes you far more well rounded. Perhaps volunteer in a health clinic in africa? Or even something interestin in the united states perhaps working on an indian reservation helping them out..... Its a big jump but i am sure it will be well worth it.

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by geldrop
I don't think you should waste yoru time with a masters program. The medical schools know its just a way to kill time for rejectees.

Wow really? I didn't know taking medical school classes with actual med students was a waste of time. Especially cosidering that we will ALL eventually take those classes at whatever med school we attend. Give me a break!

 

[TexasGuy41]

Those mater's programs that are a "waste of time" get TONS of people into med school every year. If your end goal is getting into med school - then do one of the master's program - they have proven, well-documented success rates for getting people in. Of the master's programs - I think BU or Finch are better than Gtown SMP. I"ve heard Gtown is incredibly stressful and all the students hate each other. I know one Gtown Med student that said they'd rather apply to med school 10 straight years than spend one semester in the SMP. I know Finch and BU are just as tough - but I haven't heard that the students hate each other there.

 

[scoobie]

wow! I appreciate all the responses.

Thanks for the heads up on G-Town TexasGuy. Never knew it was that bad/cut-throat over there.

I live in Chicago so Finch would be right up my way. It's just that it's located in North Chicago (which might as well have been called "FAR FAR North Chicago in the Boonies") 😀 , but I suppose it won't matter since I'd probably be spending most of it in the library.

 

[Cydney Foote]

Hi scoobie--

So sorry to hear about your rejection. That's tough!

Why do you want to do a master's program? Your GPA is already pretty good, so master's level courses probably won't make a huge difference. It is one good way to get into med school, but there are many others, and I think you should evaluate your weaknesses and only do the master's if you genuinely want to. If it's as academically tough as it sounds, you'll need a genuine interest to stick it out -- quitting before finishing looks really bad.

I think the most important steps would be to work on your MCAT scores and get more clinical experience. I think retaking the MCAT could make a huge difference. You might want to sign up for a prep course (if you haven't already) that can help you boost your scores a little. Since your verbal is your greatest weakness, you'll also want a killer personal statement to show them how well you can communicate in a non-test environment.

Whatever you decide to do, build up your clinical experience. This sounds like your other biggest weakness. It could be tough to keep volunteering while you're going to school (and studying for the MCAT) so don't spread yourself to thin.

It sounds like you've got a lot of plate for next year. Good luck!

 

[md comma md]

Originally posted by scoobie


This is probably a stupid question, but where would be the best place to find clinical opportunites and should I try and find a job that deals with a specialty that I'm interested in?

I was lacking in clinical experience this last application cycle, so I asked the Dean of Admissions at my local med school (which also happens to be my first choice) and asked her about different clinical opportunities in the area. She was able to go through several different options, and ended up giving me the name of a clinic that I didn't know much about--but was really in need of volunteers, so I was able to start right away. It's been a great experience, and it gave me contact with the admissions office.

 

[soontobedoctor]

With your MCAT scores, attending master program at Finch would help you getting in. I was in your situation last year. My verbal score was lower, therefore I chose to attend the master program at Drexel so that I could retake the MCAT. Many of my classmates who have similar MCAT scores get in this year. However, the program itself is very stressful. Make sure you work very hard to stay on top of the classes. Getting As in medical school classes is not easy.