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-Greetings! My name is Chris I am a twenty-two year old pre-medical student living in Florida. I came across these forums a few months ago, while researching MCAT study tips and what the actual test entails. Ever since, I have been a frequent visitor, reading the various threads started by other members. I finally decided to create an account, and voice my thoughts that have been flowing through my head since the beginning of college.
Well, once a upon a time.... Just kidding. Like many eighteen year-olds I began college after graduating high school. However, I guess you can call me "non-traditional" because I decided against taking my SAT's. So, I began my college career at the local community college. I did the typical course offerings one would in their first few college semesters, full-time taking all of the general education courses needed. When all of this was happening, I was younger and not very wise, it was never clear to me what I wanted to be in life. I toyed with the idea of going for computer network engineering, but that was quickly doused with the consideration of how flooded the IT field is. I then recalled times when I was fourteen, speaking with my grandfather and how he thought I was the type of person that would become a doctor... Apparently he saw the brightness, the compassion, and dedication that I had towards other people and helping them with anything that I could. So, this memory was pulled from the vault that is my memories, and put into consideration. Upon a little bit of looking into it I decided to declare myself as a pre-medical student. After four semesters, I graduated with my A.A. Science-General degree, with high-honors, and a Phi-Theta-Kappa member (honors society for two-year colleges). I then made my transfer to the University of Central Florida where I was going to be majoring in Biology (Pre-professional).
I kind of took a step back around this time, and thought to myself. Maybe I should expose myself to the medical field before I jump into something this serious. While working on campus as an I.S. specialist, I came across the college's Emergency Medical Services Institute, while fixing a computer in the office. I obtained information regarding EMT training and began the Summer semester offering of the EMT course. After finishing training, and passing my national registry board, I was hired as an EMT for the local ambulance company. I then enrolled myself in paramedic school which is a year long program, I completed paramedic school, and passed my state boards and vwula, here I am. I have been an EMT for two years now and a paramedic for roughly a year. I can say that one must have an unlimited amount of patience and dedication to complete the Florida Paramedic training. It is 1,300+ hours of training and clinical rotations, twelve hour school days, every third day for a year. Now, add in clinicals, and your full-time job. It makes for a very difficult and stressful year. Alas, I made it through, and here I am. I am twenty-two years old and have just recently purchased my own home, and plan on starting back at UCF this upcoming Summer semester.
Now, back to the matter at hand. My real question after this long shpeel is that do I have what it takes to make it into medical school. Granted, I have not taken my MCAT yet, and it will be another year or so until, I do, but based on what I have to offer at this time how do I look as a candidate.
I do not really have a science GPA isolated at this time, but the couple of college level sciences I have taken was an A and a B+. General Chem I, and General Bio I. My current GPA is 3.64, I hover around A's, B+'s, and B's. Although in 2008, I was taking a statistics course and it was fairly straight forward. However, the loss of a loved one really got in my mind that semester and I received a C+ in this class. This is the first time in the history of my school career, EVER, that I have gotten less than a B.
I still have a year or so left in the academic department, so it's a little early to predict on that I believe, but how do you think I fair in the clinical experience. EMT and Paramedic training together has given me almost 2,000 hours of clinical experience. Not to mention the experience I receive at work, twelve hour shifts, two days on and two off. I just want to get a feel for where I may stand in the grand picture. Any feedback would be great, and I am looking forward to hearing opinions, tips, anything.
Thanks for taking the time to read this thread, study hard and be safe to everyone!
** I read more and felt the need to add some stuff **
As far as activities go, I played hockey for thirteen years of my life. I attended many hockey tournaments in Canada as well as the United States. I was chosen to play for the 17U Team USA Jr. Olympics team, but the dream was halted due to the fact that I would have to move to Colorado at the age of sixteen alone, and I did not want to leave my family. I also assist in teaching EMT's at the college when I do have free-time. Which this will likely end as soon as the Summer semester starts.
Well, once a upon a time.... Just kidding. Like many eighteen year-olds I began college after graduating high school. However, I guess you can call me "non-traditional" because I decided against taking my SAT's. So, I began my college career at the local community college. I did the typical course offerings one would in their first few college semesters, full-time taking all of the general education courses needed. When all of this was happening, I was younger and not very wise, it was never clear to me what I wanted to be in life. I toyed with the idea of going for computer network engineering, but that was quickly doused with the consideration of how flooded the IT field is. I then recalled times when I was fourteen, speaking with my grandfather and how he thought I was the type of person that would become a doctor... Apparently he saw the brightness, the compassion, and dedication that I had towards other people and helping them with anything that I could. So, this memory was pulled from the vault that is my memories, and put into consideration. Upon a little bit of looking into it I decided to declare myself as a pre-medical student. After four semesters, I graduated with my A.A. Science-General degree, with high-honors, and a Phi-Theta-Kappa member (honors society for two-year colleges). I then made my transfer to the University of Central Florida where I was going to be majoring in Biology (Pre-professional).
I kind of took a step back around this time, and thought to myself. Maybe I should expose myself to the medical field before I jump into something this serious. While working on campus as an I.S. specialist, I came across the college's Emergency Medical Services Institute, while fixing a computer in the office. I obtained information regarding EMT training and began the Summer semester offering of the EMT course. After finishing training, and passing my national registry board, I was hired as an EMT for the local ambulance company. I then enrolled myself in paramedic school which is a year long program, I completed paramedic school, and passed my state boards and vwula, here I am. I have been an EMT for two years now and a paramedic for roughly a year. I can say that one must have an unlimited amount of patience and dedication to complete the Florida Paramedic training. It is 1,300+ hours of training and clinical rotations, twelve hour school days, every third day for a year. Now, add in clinicals, and your full-time job. It makes for a very difficult and stressful year. Alas, I made it through, and here I am. I am twenty-two years old and have just recently purchased my own home, and plan on starting back at UCF this upcoming Summer semester.
Now, back to the matter at hand. My real question after this long shpeel is that do I have what it takes to make it into medical school. Granted, I have not taken my MCAT yet, and it will be another year or so until, I do, but based on what I have to offer at this time how do I look as a candidate.
I do not really have a science GPA isolated at this time, but the couple of college level sciences I have taken was an A and a B+. General Chem I, and General Bio I. My current GPA is 3.64, I hover around A's, B+'s, and B's. Although in 2008, I was taking a statistics course and it was fairly straight forward. However, the loss of a loved one really got in my mind that semester and I received a C+ in this class. This is the first time in the history of my school career, EVER, that I have gotten less than a B.
I still have a year or so left in the academic department, so it's a little early to predict on that I believe, but how do you think I fair in the clinical experience. EMT and Paramedic training together has given me almost 2,000 hours of clinical experience. Not to mention the experience I receive at work, twelve hour shifts, two days on and two off. I just want to get a feel for where I may stand in the grand picture. Any feedback would be great, and I am looking forward to hearing opinions, tips, anything.
Thanks for taking the time to read this thread, study hard and be safe to everyone!
** I read more and felt the need to add some stuff **
As far as activities go, I played hockey for thirteen years of my life. I attended many hockey tournaments in Canada as well as the United States. I was chosen to play for the 17U Team USA Jr. Olympics team, but the dream was halted due to the fact that I would have to move to Colorado at the age of sixteen alone, and I did not want to leave my family. I also assist in teaching EMT's at the college when I do have free-time. Which this will likely end as soon as the Summer semester starts.
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. Of course, it all comes down to the big MCAT. I do plan on taking one of those prepatory courses, how good of results do those produce? Have you taken your MCAT? I hate to pry into your business, I am just so passionate about becoming a physician, I may be OVER-passionate, and I love hearing about other peoples stories on how they did it!
