BeGladNonTrad
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- Jun 23, 2024
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I was hoping to sit for the MCAT next summer and apply late by Fall 2026. I feel like it's worth the try, but I also don't want to needlessly rush things.
So far, I've gotten A's and an A- with 2 B's in Gen Chem (quarter system). I dropped the ball, but the material was all pretty straightforward, and I feel pretty confident through the MCAT material I've reviewed. The point is. I'm not a straight A student.
By spring, I'll have taken 1 semester of O chem, 1 Semester of BioChem and 1 Semester of Physics, as well as Bio, Psych and Microbio (I really wanted to take this one). I'll have a solid base that I can fill any holes in with self-study along the way. Biochem would be risky though because I'd take it during or right before I take the MCAT, and per AMCAAS it is heavily represented on the MCAT.
Non MCAT stuff:
If I get a solid score over 510, I'd still need to get letters of rec and clinical hours.
I was very confused about clinical hours because of all the seemingly conflicting information about what counts as "clinical" but it seems that any patient interaction, even if its registration is helpful.
The problem is I live in a small university town with little opportunities, and plenty of younger students who are also trying to get those jobs - I'm a non-trad with nearly a decade of work experience that didn't attend the local University. I am already committed (a serious commitment I won't break) to a volunteer position and can't give more volunteer hours for clinical work while keeping a paying job. (I applied for a scribe, receptionist and behavioral health tech roles, but have not had success.)
If the stars align, I could apply to schools in the summer of 2026. The alternative would be to put the brakes on some pre-reqs and take a CMA (certified medical assisting) class online then apply in 2027 to start in 2028.
As noted I live in a small uni city and am unemployed. Work and finding social opportunities with people my age is tough here, so I'd like to really apply next cycle and move my life forward. Furthermore, I'm unemployed and the mass layoffs in the USA might make it harder to get a job either in healthcare, or my previous profession. (Relocating now would be detrimental and too stressful; I believe that I can better serve my future patients and the community by taking care of myself now in order to avoid decisions that could turn into regrets and lead to burnout in the future.)
Any other thoughts or perspectives that could add insight? ( I know re-application doesn't look good).
So far, I've gotten A's and an A- with 2 B's in Gen Chem (quarter system). I dropped the ball, but the material was all pretty straightforward, and I feel pretty confident through the MCAT material I've reviewed. The point is. I'm not a straight A student.
By spring, I'll have taken 1 semester of O chem, 1 Semester of BioChem and 1 Semester of Physics, as well as Bio, Psych and Microbio (I really wanted to take this one). I'll have a solid base that I can fill any holes in with self-study along the way. Biochem would be risky though because I'd take it during or right before I take the MCAT, and per AMCAAS it is heavily represented on the MCAT.
Non MCAT stuff:
If I get a solid score over 510, I'd still need to get letters of rec and clinical hours.
I was very confused about clinical hours because of all the seemingly conflicting information about what counts as "clinical" but it seems that any patient interaction, even if its registration is helpful.
The problem is I live in a small university town with little opportunities, and plenty of younger students who are also trying to get those jobs - I'm a non-trad with nearly a decade of work experience that didn't attend the local University. I am already committed (a serious commitment I won't break) to a volunteer position and can't give more volunteer hours for clinical work while keeping a paying job. (I applied for a scribe, receptionist and behavioral health tech roles, but have not had success.)
If the stars align, I could apply to schools in the summer of 2026. The alternative would be to put the brakes on some pre-reqs and take a CMA (certified medical assisting) class online then apply in 2027 to start in 2028.
As noted I live in a small uni city and am unemployed. Work and finding social opportunities with people my age is tough here, so I'd like to really apply next cycle and move my life forward. Furthermore, I'm unemployed and the mass layoffs in the USA might make it harder to get a job either in healthcare, or my previous profession. (Relocating now would be detrimental and too stressful; I believe that I can better serve my future patients and the community by taking care of myself now in order to avoid decisions that could turn into regrets and lead to burnout in the future.)
Any other thoughts or perspectives that could add insight? ( I know re-application doesn't look good).
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