Non-trad RN chances

[RN2Doc714]

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I am planning on applying to medical school in about 2-3 years (depending on personal factors) but wanted to see what kind of chances I may have. In addition, any advice on what I can do to better my chances is greatly appreciated.


Received a BSN in 2009, gpa and bcmp ~3.4 (still need to take ochem 2 and physics 2), member of several university/nursing honors societies.

Worked ~20 hrs/week in a PACU during undergrad, as well as tutoring and TA for two classes.

Worked as a lifeguard/auditor/lifeguard instructor for ~7 years during summers (~60 hours/week), competed/coached nationally in lifeguard competitions and ranked 3rd one year.

Currently working over 1 year as an RN on a surgical unit, member of the education counsel and JCAHO committee. Plan on continuing with nursing until applying to medical school.

No research experience, no MCAT until I finish my prereqs. Some volunteering in the past, planning on getting involved through my church again in the near future.


I know my gpa is not the highest (hopefully I can bring it up a little with the remaining classes I need) and obviously I do not have an MCAT score yet but I plan on studying hard for the MCAT so hopefully I will get a decent score. I currently plan on applying to ~15 schools (Philly, NYC, NJ, MD, DC, VA, location is important to me but I am a little flexible), I am okay with DO but would greatly prefer going to an MD school. Also, I have heard that nurses generally have a more difficult time matriculating and if anyone can shed more light on that I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! 😀

 

[demayette]

I am planning on applying to medical school in about 2-3 years (depending on personal factors) but wanted to see what kind of chances I may have. In addition, any advice on what I can do to better my chances is greatly appreciated.


Received a BSN in 2009, gpa and bcmp ~3.4 (still need to take ochem 2 and physics 2), member of several university/nursing honors societies.

Worked ~20 hrs/week in a PACU during undergrad, as well as tutoring and TA for two classes.

Worked as a lifeguard/auditor/lifeguard instructor for ~7 years during summers (~60 hours/week), competed/coached nationally in lifeguard competitions and ranked 3rd one year.

Currently working over 1 year as an RN on a surgical unit, member of the education counsel and JCAHO committee. Plan on continuing with nursing until applying to medical school.

No research experience, no MCAT until I finish my prereqs. Some volunteering in the past, planning on getting involved through my church again in the near future.


I know my gpa is not the highest (hopefully I can bring it up a little with the remaining classes I need) and obviously I do not have an MCAT score yet but I plan on studying hard for the MCAT so hopefully I will get a decent score. I currently plan on applying to ~15 schools (Philly, NYC, NJ, MD, DC, VA, location is important to me but I am a little flexible), I am okay with DO but would greatly prefer going to an MD school. Also, I have heard that nurses generally have a more difficult time matriculating and if anyone can shed more light on that I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! 😀

You are in "good shape" so far. Ace your prereqs! Your aim should be to get both cGPA/sGPA 3.6+ and 30+ mcat to give yourself a decent chance at MD schools. For DO, a 3.4+ GPAs and 27+ mcat will make you competitive. I heard DO schools are more receptive to RN than MD.

 

[Catalystik]

Since you already have your BSN, it's unlikely you'll get your cGPA to 3.6, but a string of As in the prerequisites and a few upper-level Bio courses (genetics, biochem, physiology, cell bio, for example) would be immensely reassuring to adcomms that you have what it takes to survive the equivalent of 21 semester hours of hard science for each term of the first two years of med school. That, plus a 33+ (with a 3.4) MCAT score (or 32+ WITH A 3.5) will give you a decent chance at MD schools.