Non-trad plan of attack???

[Mars41]

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Calling all non-trads... What is your plan of attack for med school admissions?

I start my DIY postbac next month and I'm looking for inspiration.

My plan is to take 2 science courses spring/fall semester and one summer course until bio/chem/orgo/physics prereqs are complete. Take 3 months to study for MCAT and then start applying.

2 yr process.

Where I ultimately end up attending school will be dependent upon academic performance.

3.5+ sGPA and strong MCAT=state MD or DO

3.3+ sGPA and decent MCAT=Texas route (move to Texas for in-state residency and SMP)

3.0+ sGPA average MCAT= SGU or SABA

2.7+ sGPA=MUA or AUC

below 2.7 sGPA=MUA premed

European med schools if MUA premed doesn't work out

Windsor and St. James if unsuccessful at prereqs, Caribbean premed, and European med schools.

Back up plans for back up plans. Failure not an option.

I'd love to hear everyone else's plans and feel free to critique mine as well 🙂

 

[Mars41]

Bump... Would really like to hear everyone's plans for med school admissions.

 

[rangerdad]

- 4 yr process hopefully less!

- BS in Exercise Science (or Kinesiology)

- 2 yrs in CC then transfer to a 4 yr UC

- Will take Org. Chem, Physiques, Molecular Cel. And Biochemistry in the UC

- EC: DO shadowing, ER volunteering, VA hospital volunteering, maybe one research

- Use the GI BILL and loans, trying to not have to work and concentrate only on school

- I will apply to all the CA, TX, FL, VA, IL and PUERTO RICO schools. (Including DOs)

Good Luck!

 

[Mars41]

Sounds like a great plan @rangerdad . I think the concentrating on school instead of work is essential.

$ make it tough sometimes but we're in it for the long haul. Good luck and thank you for your service.

 

[hawkbit]

Yup, working and taking classes sucks! I'm doing 40 hours a week and taking Ochem this summer. Not a combination I can recommend.

 

[Fedaykin]

• Get into an MS program. [Done]
• Get awesome grades and good research experience. [Done]
• Get into an awesome PhD program. [Done]
• Continue to get awesome grades. [Done]
• Do a thesis that will involve international fieldwork, and have me working with patients for clinical exposure. [In progress]
• Join civic organizations, do a lot of volunteering and get involved in leadership. [In progress]
• Pile of publications in good journals. [In progress]
• Take prerequisites. Yes, I managed to get to a PhD program with only half my MD prereqs done, and not with very good grades.
• Kill the MCAT.
• Consider a post-doc if the previous two steps require more time.

 

[Cawolf]

@Mars41 I was just wondering about your plan - I am currently in a post-bac program and applying next year for 2016.

I was wondering why you chose to apply in the Caribbean? Do you feel that those schools will allow you to be a successful US physician?

Was applying for a respected SMP at a top school not a choice?

I guess I am curious as your plan encompasses almost every route except a non-Texas SMP.

Thanks!

*I am not saying you are wrong ( as I do not know) - just curious!

 

[Mars41]

@Fedaykin Sounds like you've really made some progress and you have some great future goals.

@Cawolf When it comes to non-trads, I am about as non-traditional as it gets. I had 0 interest in pursuing medicine until having my own health problems after graduating college. (You can find my whole story on my first post on sdn).

I didn't think that becoming a physician was possible before I came on this forum. I now know I can definitely achieve my goal but my options are limited.

If I had a crystal ball years ago I would have studied my ass off, got a 4.0 and gone straight into an MD program. I didn't do that and now that chance is gone.

As far as the SMP's and formal postbac, if I get above a 3.8 in my DIY postbac, I do plan on doing a certificate program at my hometown med school MUSC. I figured with a 4.0 postbac and a 4.0 in their program I could beg for them to have mercy on my low undergrad GPA and might stand a chance. That is my absolute best route but everything has to go perfectly for that to occur.

If I don't ace the DIY postbac, there really is no reason to do an SMP for me because my undergrad GPA is so low most MD programs will autoscreen me out based on that alone.

DO and the Caribbean then become my best options.

In the Caribbean, the odds are stacked against you. Your back is against the wall, but that is the only way I know how to do things anyways. The failure rate is high, you're on your own to learn a lot of the material, etc.

But every year a few are successful. I intend to be one of those few.

 

[Fedaykin]

If I don't ace the DIY postbac, there really is no reason to do an SMP for me because my undergrad GPA is so low most MD programs will autoscreen me out based on that alone.

I'm also in a low GPA situation; undergrad is two-point-five-something. The main point is that there can be nothing- nothing- on your application consistent with the message that the GPA sends. In contrast, everything- and I mean everything- needs to contradict the low GPA. Nothing is optional. Shadowing, volunteering, LoRs, additional academic work, it needs to be an application where if GPA is the last thing a reviewer sees, they'd be convinced it's a 3.9+.

 

[el_duderino]

Calling all non-trads... What is your plan of attack for med school admissions?

I start my DIY postbac next month and I'm looking for inspiration.

My plan is to take 2 science courses spring/fall semester and one summer course until bio/chem/orgo/physics prereqs are complete. Take 3 months to study for MCAT and then start applying.

2 yr process.

Where I ultimately end up attending school will be dependent upon academic performance.

3.5+ sGPA and strong MCAT=state MD or DO

3.3+ sGPA and decent MCAT=Texas route (move to Texas for in-state residency and SMP)

3.0+ sGPA average MCAT= SGU or SABA

2.7+ sGPA=MUA or AUC

below 2.7 sGPA=MUA premed

European med schools if MUA premed doesn't work out

Windsor and St. James if unsuccessful at prereqs, Caribbean premed, and European med schools.

Back up plans for back up plans. Failure not an option.

I'd love to hear everyone else's plans and feel free to critique mine as well 🙂

So if you're unsuccessful at undergrad science classes, you will saddle yourself with a load of debt and the least- likely path of success?

I'd suggest that if you're unsuccessful at undergrad science classes, then don't go to medical school. How on earth can your "I can't handle undergrad science classes" backup plan be "Caribbean medical school"!?

 

[Mars41]

So if you're unsuccessful at undergrad science classes, you will saddle yourself with a load of debt and the least- likely path of success?

I'd suggest that if you're unsuccessful at undergrad science classes, then don't go to medical school. How on earth can your "I can't handle undergrad science classes" backup plan be "Caribbean medical school"!?

I knew someone would call me out on the Caribbean option 🙂

I don't believe I will have difficulty learning the material. I've always been a quick learner.

My problem in undergrad was incomplete assignments due to health issues and general lack of motivation.

I never bought a textbook and made A's on 90% of my exams. I just didn't do any "homework" which resulted in mostly B's and C's.

I plan on actually trying this time around and should be able to do fine. But digging out of a hole isn't easy and I wanted to make sure I had a plethora of options available.

I obviously intend to do much better in my postbac work but wanted to show others that there were tons of options for people of all academic backgrounds.

 

[lilyzoo]

Background:
- 28 yr.
- BA in soc/econ from a university in Asia. (3.7 GPA but medical schools won't care.)
- MS in math from a top university in U.S. (3.5 GPA but medical schools won't care either. )
- currently doing medical-related research on working visa.

Plan:
- DIY post bacc in progress. Taking premed courses and other undergraduate courses. Get good GPA.
Already finished 1 year of gen chem and physics. Ochem and Bios to go!
- Doing volunteer/shadowing after finishing 90 credits undergrad courses.
- Crack MCAT.
- Get my green card ==> Biggest obstacle. Probably will take 4-5 years so I have enough time to do all the course works, volunteering, shadowing, etc.
- Apply!

 

[el_duderino]

I knew someone would call me out on the Caribbean option 🙂

I don't believe I will have difficulty learning the material. I've always been a quick learner.

My problem in undergrad was incomplete assignments due to health issues and general lack of motivation.

I never bought a textbook and made A's on 90% of my exams. I just didn't do any "homework" which resulted in mostly B's and C's.

I plan on actually trying this time around and should be able to do fine. But digging out of a hole isn't easy and I wanted to make sure I had a plethora of options available.

I obviously intend to do much better in my postbac work but wanted to show others that there were tons of options for people of all academic backgrounds.

I'm not calling you out on the Caribbean option; I'm calling you out on your plan to continue into medical school if you can't hack it in the undergrad prereqs.

 

[Mars41]

@jonnythan I understand what you're saying.

I don't think getting a B- in Ochem will make be a bad physician though. Prereq grades are a tool to get you into med school but I believe it has little bearing on your future success as a doctor.

I always have a ton of backup plans in case things don't pan out perfectly. Life happens. I keep getting back up when I get knocked down.

If I have to go to the Caribbean, I'll be the same guy as I would have been if I went to Harvard ten years ago.

 

[el_duderino]

@jonnythan I understand what you're saying.

I don't think getting a B- in Ochem will make be a bad physician though. Prereq grades are a tool to get you into med school but I believe it has little bearing on your future success as a doctor.

I always have a ton of backup plans if things don't pan out perfectly. Life happens. I keep getting back up when I get knocked down.

If I have to go to the Caribbean, I'll be the same guy as I would have been if I went to Harvard ten years ago.

Why do you think that adcoms look at your GPA?

Honest question.

 

[Mars41]

Why do you think that adcoms look at your GPA?

Honest question.

I definitely believe GPA is a good indicator of intelligence and ability to be successful in future coursework but there are always exceptions.

My best friend got a 1.5 GPA his freshman year of school and went on to get a 4.0 in PharmMD. He is now enrolled in an MD program where I am sure he will graduate top of his class.

My other best friend is the smartest kid I know. 160+ IQ 2.2 GPA. Political Consultant

Rounding out the group, my buddy graduated with a 2.0 and scored a 180 on the LSAT. Got into every Ivy League school that he applied to.

That's just my 3 best friends. There are always square pegs in round holes.

 

[el_duderino]

So your plan if you get poor undergrad grades is to assume you're a special exception, and that you'll actually succeed in medical school?

 

[Mars41]

So your plan if you get poor undergrad grades is to assume you're a special exception, and that you'll actually succeed in medical school?

My plan is to do my best after years of slacking and accept the consequence that I am not a strong candidate for an MD program in the US.

 

[el_duderino]

My plan is to do my best after years of slacking and accept the consequence that I am not a strong candidate for an MD program in the US.

Why don't you plan to do your best on the undergrad courses?

 

[Mars41]

Why don't you plan to do your best on the undergrad courses?

Trust me buddy, I want to succeed more than anything. This is just a mental list I made to keep my eye on the prize even if I face setbacks along the way. You never want to have to rely on Plan B, but it's nice knowing you aren't out of the game if you don't succeed the first time. I just wanted to show others they could always bounce back if their dream was to become a physician.

 

[el_duderino]

As someone who started out probably in a much bigger hole than you, I understand your plan. But the difference is that if I did not do well in the undergrad classes/prereqs, I would have seriously rethought my plan to go to medical school.

Prove to yourself that you can succeed at a high level academically. If you can't, then the answer is "something other than medical school."

 

[Fedaykin]

So if you're unsuccessful at undergrad science classes, you will saddle yourself with a load of debt and the least- likely path of success?

I'd suggest that if you're unsuccessful at undergrad science classes, then don't go to medical school. How on earth can your "I can't handle undergrad science classes" backup plan be "Caribbean medical school"!?

I think it's relevant to examine why someone couldn't handle undergrad science classes. I took a drubbing in undergraduate from just about every course I ever took. Between the time I finally escaped undergrad and later decided to go back and further my education, a doctor told me I had severe depression and a sleep disorder. Who knew? I thought it was normal to feel worthless all the time and never leave your apartment. With both of these issues successfully managed, I've been a very different student ages 25-29 than I was 18-23.

Of course this doesn't apply to all cases. But if someone's problems were related to execution rather than ability and the root causes of their failure to execute have been identified and ameliorated, I don't see why they wouldn't make a good physician, provided they pull together enough background in science that they're academically prepared to be an MS1.

 

[Why Not MD?]

I never bought a textbook and made A's on 90% of my exams. I just didn't do any "homework" which resulted in mostly B's and C's.

This is SO me in high school, college, and post-grad. Hahahaha.

 

[el_duderino]

I think it's relevant to examine why someone couldn't handle undergrad science classes. I took a drubbing in undergraduate from just about every course I ever took. Between the time I finally escaped undergrad and later decided to go back and further my education, a doctor told me I had severe depression and a sleep disorder. Who knew? I thought it was normal to feel worthless all the time and never leave your apartment. With both of these issues successfully managed, I've been a very different student ages 25-29 than I was 18-23.

Of course this doesn't apply to all cases. But if someone's problems were related to execution rather than ability and the root causes of their failure to execute have been identified and ameliorated, I don't see why they wouldn't make a good physician, provided they pull together enough background in science that they're academically prepared to be an MS1.

This is true, but if you're a nontrad you're really already on your second chance. Your margin of error is smaller. And the plan if you do poorly in the prereqs in this case should be "therapy" instead of "Caribbean."

 

[heartsink]

I have to agree with jonnythan. 100% of your friends listed were examples of being smart and GPA not being an indicator of their ability, but thats N=3.

As Disney as it sounds to think "yes i can just be that .01% that makes it because I'll work harder than anyone", I'm worried about the kind of thinking that goes along with perseverating on getting an MD no matter the cost, fallout, chance of success or even potential for success after you have the MD.

Its like trying to army crawl through barbed wire to get to the other side, but you get wrapped up in the barbed wire and decide to just keep going regardless of how much its mutilating you. I don't want to sound harsh, and you could always just 4.0 everything and go anywhere you want making this discussion moot, but I also like to bring reality checks in.

What is it about being a "doctor" that is so important to you? Why is it that you are willing to go Caribbean to become a doctor rather than become a nurse or PA?

 

[Mars41]

I have to agree with jonnythan. 100% of your friends listed were examples of being smart and GPA not being an indicator of their ability, but thats N=3.

As Disney as it sounds to think "yes i can just be that .01% that makes it because I'll work harder than anyone", I'm worried about the kind of thinking that goes along with perseverating on getting an MD no matter the cost, fallout, chance of success or even potential for success after you have the MD.

Its like trying to army crawl through barbed wire to get to the other side, but you get wrapped up in the barbed wire and decide to just keep going regardless of how much its mutilating you. I don't want to sound harsh, and you could always just 4.0 everything and go anywhere you want making this discussion moot, but I also like to bring reality checks in.

What is it about being a "doctor" that is so important to you? Why is it that you are willing to go Caribbean to become a doctor rather than become a nurse or PA?

My basic situation is I graduated with a 2.5 GPA (0 GPA one semester for not filing a medical withdrawal).

Even though I got a 2.5, I never bought a book and actually never studied besides an occasional 5 minute review of a classmates' notes on the way to class. I was more worried about girls and surfing.

I know I am capable of the work. I made A's on most exams. I just didn't do much outside of taking the tests. I feel like someone that makes a 100 on an exam and has a 0 homework average is different than someone who just got C's on everything.

I was top 1% in my state every year on standardized testing throughout grade school. I had the highest marks in my class during most college courses. I just didn't bother with assignments if I thought it was "busy work". I got the wasted potential speech from countless professors but never worried too much about it.

I had some major health issues that were diagnosed 6 months after graduating. My hemoglobin was a 6 and docs didn't know how I was getting out of bed. I really believe it had a major impact on my prior studies and general lack of motivation.

I have a new lease on life now and don't want to waste it. I want to succeed no matter what and I truly believe I can. The Caribbean and the DO route are my way to navigate through the red tape and get me to where I ultimately want to be. I have been blessed with many talents that I think will serve me well as a physician. It would be selfish of me to waste those talents just so I can hang out in the sun and surf. I want a life of service to others and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

 

[el_duderino]

My basic situation is I graduated with a 2.5 GPA (0 GPA one semester for not filing a medical withdrawal).

Even though I got a 2.5, I never bought a book and actually never studied besides an occasional 5 minute review of a classmates' notes on the way to class. I was more worried about girls and surfing.

I know I am capable of the work. I made A's on most exams. I just didn't do much outside of taking the tests. I feel like someone that makes a 100 on an exam and has a 0 homework average is different than someone who just got C's on everything.

I was top 1% in my state every year on standardized testing throughout grade school. I had the highest marks in my class during most college courses. I just didn't bother with assignments if I thought it was "busy work". I got the wasted potential speech from countless professors but never worried too much about it.

I had some major health issues that were diagnosed 6 months after graduating. My hemoglobin was a 6 and docs didn't know how I was getting out of bed. I really believe it had a major impact on my prior studies and general lack of motivation.

I have a new lease on life now and don't want to waste it. I want to succeed no matter what and I truly believe I can. The Caribbean and the DO route are my way to navigate through the red tape and get me to where I ultimately want to be. I have been blessed with many talents that I think will serve me well as a physician. It would be selfish of me to waste those talents just so I can hang out in the sun and surf. I want a life of service to others and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

No you don't. You've never done it and you're making backup plans in case you screw up again.

 

[Mars41]

No you don't. You've never done it and you're making backup plans in case you screw up again.

Time will tell.

 

[el_duderino]

I wish you the best. I'm just saying you've demonstrated a distinct lack of any ability to succeed at college coursework. If you continue to demonstrate this, the Caribbean is not the answer....

 

[Mars41]

I wish you the best. I'm just saying you've demonstrated a distinct lack of any ability to succeed at college coursework. If you continue to demonstrate this, the Caribbean is not the answer....

My main goal is to focus on my new coursework and not let my past mistakes keep me from being a physician.

I can't take back the 2.5 and probably can't get my overall gpa to a respectable #. But I CAN do well from this point forward.

Thanks for your advice. I honestly believe it came from a sincere place.

 

[rangerdad]

@jonnythan and @heartsink,

LOL!!! You crack me up... It is so hard for you to understand that some people (including me!) have C, D, E... options pre-planned. At the end of the day what matters is achieving your goals.

Some people in this forum want to become a doctor because they want to change the World, but will never break a rule to get there. Others just want to be a doctor to have a better lifestyle for them and their families ($$$) and will cheat and steal to get there. Most of us are in the middle! I do believe you should do whatever it takes to get to a place were you are happy and content with your life. I AM WORKING ON IT!

- Why do you believe that going to a Caribbean or International medical schools is so bad?

- Do you think American PAs and RNs are better trained that the Doctors in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba or Spain? If so what is your evidence?

 

[Fedaykin]

Some people in this forum want to become a doctor because they want to change the World, but will never break a rule to get there. Others just want to be a doctor to have a better lifestyle for them and their families ($$$) and will cheat and steal to get there. Most of us are in the middle!

I'm not going to advocate that anyone cheat or steal to get into medical school, but at the same time, admissions is a zero-sum game. For me to get an admission, someone else who would otherwise gain admission will be rejected. This is something that I accept and frankly it's gone a long way to influence my planning. Asking myself how I can bolster my credentials such that a school turns someone else down to say yes to me has really guided my choices in making a pathway to an acceptance.

- Why do you believe that going to a Caribbean or International medical schools is so bad?

- Do you think American PAs and RNs are better trained that the Doctors in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba or Spain? If so what is your evidence?

Wikipedia:

Based on published reports by DeVry Inc., Ross University School of Medicine's attrition rate is about 10 times (27% vs. 3%) that of medical schools operating in the US.[9] Of the students who do graduate, about half do not graduate on time.[10] According to Ross University, 52 percent of Ross University School of Medicine students finished their program on-time.[10]

In an open letter to Education Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) noted that foreign medical schools that are not accredited by approved U.S. accrediting bodies are still eligible for federal Title IV funds due to a 1992 loophole that allows a small number of these schools to qualify for federal funding under lower standards than other foreign medical schools. Senator Durbin has requested that Secretary Duncan investigate reports that "DeVry-owned foreign medical schools, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and Ross University School of Medicine, prey on students who have been rejected by traditional U.S. medical schools. These students are lured into massive amounts of debt – much higher than traditional schools – and receive very little to show for it by way of a useful degree.

Caribbean schools are demonstrably worse. They accept just about anyone, have poor student support, high drop-out rates, have a lot of trouble matching students into residencies, and despite all these challenges you're competing against better students in landed programs.

 

[rangerdad]

At the same time there are many good foreigner trained physician working in the US. Also, these countries have working healthcare system, not better than the US, but nonetheless functional. If a student decides to gather all that debt to achieve his goal (or title) then let them.

 

[el_duderino]

@jonnythan and @heartsink,

LOL!!! You crack me up... It is so hard for you to understand that some people (including me!) have C, D, E... options pre-planned. At the end of the day what matters is achieving your goals.

Some people in this forum want to become a doctor because they want to change the World, but will never break a rule to get there. Others just want to be a doctor to have a better lifestyle for them and their families ($$$) and will cheat and steal to get there. Most of us are in the middle! I do believe you should do whatever it takes to get to a place were you are happy and content with your life. I AM WORKING ON IT!

- Why do you believe that going to a Caribbean or International medical schools is so bad?

- Do you think American PAs and RNs are better trained that the Doctors in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba or Spain? If so what is your evidence?

You're clearly not reading my posts. My problem isn't with the Caribbean necessarily. It's with someone using it as a way to massively increase the stakes when he has never shown an ability to succeed in college-level coursework.

 

[lovelybones]

Hey does anyone think this plan is a good idea? (I'm a psych graduate with no science background)

Fall 2014: Chem I, Physics I, Bio I
Spring 2015: Chem II, Physics II, Bio II
Summer 2015: Biochem
Fall 2015: Organic I
Spring 2016: Organic II + take MCAT + APPLY!

And then a similar strategy Mars 41 has 🙂

 

[el_duderino]

Check the biochem prereqs. At my school orgo 1 and genetics are both prereqs.

 

[lovelybones]

At my school prereqs are just Bio an Chem

 

[Mars41]

@lovelybones Sounds like a solid plan. Are you working while taking the classes or concentrating on school full time???

 

[popopopop]

Jonnythan is basically saying don't count your chickens before they hatch. A's aren't going to spring up out of nowhere simply because you're older and have a higher calling now. You can't attack these courses with the same study habits you had when you were younger, something has to change. You're going to be humbled sitting next to 18 year olds who are way smarter than you. I know I was.

 

[lovelybones]

@lovelybones Sounds like a solid plan. Are you working while taking the classes or concentrating on school full time???

I will start volunteering and shadowing but that's about it! How about you?
And also, you said you will plan on taking 3 months to study for the MCAT. Those aren't the summer months are they? I hope I'll be ready to take the MCAT in April (2016) and apply to schools as soon as they make it available. Hope I'm not overestimating myself with 2 years pre med!

 

[Mars41]

@lovelybones I have 5000+ volunteer hours but I definitely plan on doing more shadowing and getting some clinical experience during my prereqs.

Your schedule looked pretty decent. I was curious about your work situation with 3 science classes. That's tough but plenty of people do it.

All my friends in med school told me to try to knock out the prereqs quickly but don't over do it. The most important thing is doing well and learning the material. Only you know if you can handle that course load, but I think it's perfectly doable.

If your grades start to slip don't be afraid to withdraw. I wish I would have done that during my undergrad studies. I thought it was better to stick it out and get the credit. W's aren't great but they look better than C's.

 

[lovelybones]

5000+ hours that's wonderful! You'll have that as a huge added bonus when you apply 🙂 Anyone know what the average hours are, or around how many are strongly encouraged? Guess it also depends on where you volunteer, but does 1x or 2x a week for a full day for 2 years give me good chances?

I wasn't planning on going this route in college, and last year I started grad school that didn't work out (for a reason medical schools will completely understand). That's why I'm changing perspectives and decided this is the logical route from now on and completely what I want. So I'm starting fresh that's why I don't have a job right now and can sacrifice 2 years to just study and volunteer as preparation.

 

[AKLbinky]

I'm not going to advocate that anyone cheat or steal to get into medical school, but at the same time, admissions is a zero-sum game. For me to get an admission, someone else who would otherwise gain admission will be rejected. This is something that I accept and frankly it's gone a long way to influence my planning. Asking myself how I can bolster my credentials such that a school turns someone else down to say yes to me has really guided my choices in making a pathway to an acceptance.



Wikipedia:



Caribbean schools are demonstrably worse. They accept just about anyone, have poor student support, high drop-out rates, have a lot of trouble matching students into residencies, and despite all these challenges you're competing against better students in landed programs.

• Get into an MS program. [Done]
• Get awesome grades and good research experience. [Done]
• Get into an awesome PhD program. [Done]
• Continue to get awesome grades. [Done]
• Do a thesis that will involve international fieldwork, and have me working with patients for clinical exposure. [In progress]
• Join civic organizations, do a lot of volunteering and get involved in leadership. [In progress]
• Pile of publications in good journals. [In progress]
• Take prerequisites. Yes, I managed to get to a PhD program with only half my MD prereqs done, and not with very good grades.
• Kill the MCAT.
• Consider a post-doc if the previous two steps require more time.

I give you many claps with hands and feet. 🙂

 

[Mars41]

@lovelybones Unfortunately I do not believe that the volunteer hours have too much of an impact on medical school admissions. Everyone has them. Some more than others.

The main thing is showing a history of commitment to the service of others.

I have not seen any published data pertaining to hours earned for entering med students but I believe most have 100-200 hours clinical, 100+ volunteer, 50-100 shadowing.

If I were you I would take full advantage of the free time you have for the next two years and volunteer at a hospital for two or three days a week. That is what I plan to do at least but there are plenty of other ways to get experience.

Most of my hours were accumulated through the surf industry actually lol. I worked a great deal with Special Olympics, Wounded Warriors, and visited many Children's Hospitals etc. I loved every minute of those programs and the participants probably had a much bigger impact on me than I had on them. Truly great times. Find something you love and are good at and I am sure you can help a ton of people with your own unique talents.

Good luck and keep me posted on your journey 🙂