Need some scoop on Howard University?

[flootofatook25]

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Hi guys,

I'm a die-hard medical student wannabe. I am currently in Pharmacy, learning tons, however, being in Pharmacy is really helping to reaffirm my long time goal of pursuing medicine. I have written the MCAT a few times and still cannot seem to achieve a decent score (that is why I entered Pharmacy). My grades are good (this is not only my opinion, but also of those who are already in med.) and I believe my extracurricular activities and skills have I acquired to date would only help to make me a better doctor. Don't want to sound conceited or anything. Anways, my goal is to keep writing the test, but in the mean time I am trying to apply to schools who do not place as much emphasis on the MCAT. I was looking at Howard University and it would be great if I could please receive some of the pros and cons from those who currently attend or are in the position to make unbaised comments about the schools. Any other advice about my situation would also be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance! 🙂

 

[bigbassinbob]

Are you an URM (under-represented minority)? If you are, then you have an excellent shot at Howard. If not, then you probably have no shot there. Their class is made up of about 90% or so URMs.

 

[apma77]

the one trick to getting into howard is to be born black

 

[ballerinaMD]

i sent howard a money order slip$ to see if i would rec'v reverse affirm action and be part of their minority applicants; i.e, non-black.

 

[NubianPrincess]

I don't know about "no shot". I would think that the challenge lies in conveying a sincere interest in the school.

 

[eralza]

Don't rule yourself out if you aren't URM. My girlfriend (now a radiologist) graduated from Howard. She is white...and Jewish. Definitely in the minority, but there were about 10 non-blacks in her class. Over the past few years, they have had a lot of their accreditations pulled, so their rep isn't the greatest. See http://www.acgme.org/adspublic/default.asp
Something that I've been told all along the application process - "When in question - apply!" Admissions are often so random that it doesn't pay to disqualify yourself.

 

[flootofatook25]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am an URM, however my concern is what sorts of MCAT scores they look for and the emphasis they place on the test. I e-mailed the school about this, and I am just waiting for a response. I know I would be competitive at other schools here regardless of my race or ethnic background, however, the MCAT is currently my only obstacle (a big one at the moment if I might add).

Eralze, what do you mean by they have had alot of their accrediation pulled? Will things like this affect what sorts of residencies you will be into after graduation? How much of an emphasis is placed on the school you attended for medical school when it comes time to matching for residencies. I am also a Canadian, how much do you think this will affect me when it comes time to be placed in residency programs as a non-US citizen?

Thanks again guys! 🙂

 

[The Remix]

I am also a Canadian, how much do you think this will affect me when it comes time to be placed in residency programs as a non-US citizen?

Thanks again guys! 🙂

As a Canadian citizen you have a very good chance getting placed in residency programs. Just promise program directors that you'll make frequent trips across the border to buy prescription drugs for them

 

[eralza]

Eralze, what do you mean by they have had alot of their accrediation pulled? Will things like this affect what sorts of residencies you will be into after graduation? How much of an emphasis is placed on the school you attended for medical school when it comes time to matching for residencies. I am also a Canadian, how much do you think this will affect me when it comes time to be placed in residency programs as a non-US citizen?

Thanks again guys! 🙂

I'm still trying to figure the whole accreditation thing out. There are different reasons for falling out of standing. For example, if there aren't enough applicants for a residency, a program may voluntarily pull themselves. However, if a school doesn't meet the requirements of the ACGME, they get pulled or put on a probation. I don't really know how critical it is, as several schools with top reps (i.e. Harvard) have lost accreditation on obscure programs over the past few years. What struck me about Howard was the number of core programs that had problems (e.g. radiology, etc.). Let me know if you find out anything. May be a good interview question to ask?!

 

[apma77]

tell em on your secondary that your birth name is trey or laquita..your a for sure in then 😀

 

[blz]

You better be able to explain why you're leaving pharmacy. That's going to count against you.

 

[flootofatook25]

Yeah for sure, I definitely understand I will have to provide a valid reason as to why a career in Pharmacy is differs from Medicine. I have always wanted to be a medical doctor. I actually already have a Bachelor of Science, but my poor performances on the MCAT have hindered my application. My thought was also what an excellent background Pharmacy would be as a person trying to get into medicine. I think if anything, my background in Pharmacy will not only be an asset, but I am now better able to provide a reason as to why Medicine differs from other health professions such and Pharmacy.

One other thing, why would being in Pharmacy count against someone trying to get into medicine. The medical school in my province has had students cross into medicine and even dentistry. I think the 'pefect' (keeping all other things in perspective that is) educational background for someone pursing medicine would be an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy then Medicine. Someone with a degree in Pharmacy (or any other health profession) would probably have better patient care skills and a better knowlege in providing the therapeutic care than all those with undergraduate degrees in let's say Science (hey, no offfense to these ppl. I'm one of them). 🙂

 

[lotanna]

tell em on your secondary that your birth name is trey or laquita..your a for sure in then 😀

the one trick to getting into howard is to be born black

Give it a break, ur far from being funny, sounding ignorant and full of it.

 

[BSChemE]

Give it a break, ur far from being funny, sounding ignorant and full of it.

I agree.

Flootofatook25,
There are two minority websites out there now where you can ask questions and not be ridiculed. I'll send you a PM.