NONTRADITIONAL APPLICANT -- PLEASE HELP advice needed!!

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peplau225

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Hello!

I am a nontraditional applicant looking for advice...

I graduated from undergrad from a Big 10 school in Dec 2011 (GPA: 3.55), and immediately jumped into grad school (M.S. program) January 2012 at a prestigious university. I did well while enrolled in this program (3.65) but I decided that I did not like the program at all, and I decided to withdraw. I then decided to enroll in a MPH program at my undergrad institution (GPA: 3.75), mostly so that I could postpone payment on my student loans. Currently I am working full time (no choice... I have to afford to live somehow!), while continuing classes towards my MPH, and now I am looking to apply to medical school. I would ideally like to go to medical school at the same school that I am enrolled in the MPH, but I would very much like to apply to other schools. However, I am concerned that all potential schools will see is two unfinished graduate programs. Does anyone have any advice?? Thank you in advance!

GPA: stated above
MCAT: Take in two weeks. Practice exams are going well - aiming for a 30+.
Other: 3 1/2 years tutoring biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics and algebra. 3 years research experience. Been working at my job now for almost a year. Been honored by Governor of my state for volunteer efforts.

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Talk to your advisor, they are helpful in guiding this sort of thing. I am also a non trad, just finishing my first year. Try not to worry or fret about the what ifs. Do great on your MCAT, get your ducks lined up and be positive. I think that the Med Schools look at the whole picture and take students that they know can be successful. I don't think they will weigh too heavily on your grad school departures. They will look at the whole package that you give them. Good luck.
 
Thank you! I really appreciate the advice, and I plan on taking it! I am very happy to hear that there are tons of other students who are non traditional (my advisor made me feel like I was the only one, and quite frankly a failure for not following a traditional route to med school). Again, thank you!!
 
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Withdrawal from a grad program can be a red flag. It's important to have a good explanation for interviews, and you may want to address it in your personal statement. That said, if you hit 30 +/- 2 on the MCAT you should have plenty of doors open.
 
Your GPAs are all fine. You are obviously civic-minded with your volunteering, which is a plus in your favor. But your Achilles heel is that you appear to lack commitment to see things through.

How far along are you in the MPH program? Are you enjoying it? If so, it may be wise to finish the MPH (even if you do it part-time while working) so that you don't have a string of grad school program dropouts. Anyone can change their mind once, but you're already on to wanting to apply to your third program in three years....yes, from an adcom perspective, I would find that concerning.

Also, what kind of clinical experience do you have? Without any clinical volunteering and/or shadowing, you will look even flightier and be an even less appealing applicant. Proving that you have thought this decision through and are completely committed to going the distance with your medical training is essential if you want to be accepted to med school.
 
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