Now want to go to Medical School, Please be my internet advisors!

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TheDocWho

TheDocWho

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Hello friends,

I am looking for some guidance in getting into medical school. The pre-med counselor at my school does not want to give me the time of day because I have graduated. I am in need of some real guidance, so I truly appreciate any replies to this thread!

I recently finished undergraduate in bio-molecular engineering, and computer science from a California UC, UCSC. 3.4/3.4 GPA if computer science classes are counted toward science GPA. My GPA for my last 60-90 units is probably 3.8ish. I have not taken the MCAT yet. I spent two years working in a biochemistry lab and wrote a thesis, but is not a publication.

I had a change in heart for my engineering track and decided that medical school was right for me for numerous reasons I’ll leave out of this discussion.


Currently I am taking classes this Winter and Spring quarter to make up several pre-requisites that I missed along my way in undergraduate studies. I am 100% committed to this course, and I am looking for my strongest course of action to get into medical schools. I am open to any and all possibilities, one year master programs, post-bacc work structured/unstructured, or knuckling down and applying this round.

So far another member of this forum has suggested that my best course of action may be to apply 2017 round, finishing my pre-requisites by this summer and then spending the next year taking undergraduate classes to up my GPA and getting ECs. I think this sounds like the safest cheapest route, but it does not seem like the best possible effort I can give. I should add that I spent 5 years in undergraduate and these next two quarters make 6. I am very ready to do something different and would prefer to earn a masters if I am to spend another year in school.

Right now I am scheduled to have my pre-reqs finished by this summer. The class load is not difficult. I am also on my undergraduate campus so it is easier for me to find letters of rec. This leaves me six months to study for the MCAT which I spend about 2 hours a day on right now. I can most likely get shadow experience in a family practice clinic during these 6 months. I will add, at the risk of ridicule, that I am one of those people who can turn on their focus and do very well academically; so I think with preparation I can score well on the MCAT. I have essentially cleared all distractions from my life and am ready to start sprinting.

So I wonder, what would you do in my shoes?
 
ROSC said:
I would use the search bar function
Click to expand...

Thank you for your revealing glimpse of the obvious.

I have done quite a bit of reading on here. But it is just that, hearsay advice to other people in similar but not identical situations, and it is often quite varied. SO I am hoping for some differing perspectives on my own situation and maybe some options I haven't heard off yet. I have no access to a professional advisor and would like help making sense of the many options I have come across on SDN.

I"ll spell out my current plan and post up some other options I am considering. Currently I am planning on:
  • finishing pre-reqs by summer 2016
  • take mcat in Aug
  • getting EMT cert summer 2016
  • working EMT near a UC and taking 2 classes a quarter at the UC
  • I could substitute emt for research, ect
Some other options that I wonder might be a stronger effort would be,
  1. applying to one years masters programs this spring, taking the MCAT in June and forwarding scores post application
  2. trying to apply this round
I've had one response on another thread and it was very helpful but I need some people with experience to back up long term decisions I have little experience with.

This plan is a rough draft, I am hoping for help optimizing it, Thanks!
 
I'm a bit confused, are you planning on applying for matriculation in 2017, or participating in the 2017-2018 cycle for matriculation in 2018? If you want to matriculate in 2017, an August MCAT is a little late, I'd recommend taking it in July at the latest.
 
What is the Matriculation date for the EMT course. I wouldn't pollute MCAT prep time with EMT course study. The EMT course is fairly stout in its self. Information is easily absorb-able, but the evolution of thought process; along with exam prioritization is what gives some individuals fits.

Kill the MCAT and maintain your 3.8 throughout your pre-reqs. Get that EMT-B cert. Work as an EMT and do some shadowing. You'll be fine.

Stop stressing
 
Lannister said:
I'm a bit confused, are you planning on applying for matriculation in 2017, or participating in the 2017-2018 cycle for matriculation in 2018? If you want to matriculate in 2017, an August MCAT is a little late, I'd recommend taking it in July at the latest.
Click to expand...

I'm talking about application rounds so Matriculation 2018. I would much prefer to make the 2017 matriculation cycle if it is possible, but I'm not sure if I should shoot for that, I'd be very happy if it was feasible for me to hack it.

ROSC said:
What is the Matriculation date for the EMT course. I wouldn't pollute MCAT prep time with EMT course study. The EMT course is fairly stout in its self. Information is easily absorb-able, but the evolution of thought process; along with exam prioritization is what gives some individuals fits.

Kill the MCAT and maintain your 3.8 throughout your pre-reqs. Get that EMT-B cert. Work as an EMT and do some shadowing. You'll be fine.

Stop stressing
Click to expand...

I'm not sure; I'm assuming I can find a 10 week course starting in July-August somewhere in San Diego or Orange County. So your advice is to stay my course and not let EMT interfere with MCAT prep? I'm a little wary of spending my 7th year in undergraduate when I was a pretty good student in challenging classes my whole undergraduate. I would have taken it easier and just got the good scores if I had been planning for med school from the beginning, hindsight 20-20.
 
The EMT-Basic course is 16 weeks my states requirement. I'm uncertain as to what California's would be, 10 weeks just seems a little short.
None the less, I would concede that integrating EMT course along with MCAT prep would be an unneeded risk.

We would have all taken our time and got the good scores for one reason or another, but the point is we didn't. Now is the time to buckle down and finish strong.
 
Def shoot for the 2018 cycle. Hit the MCAT hard, when youre studying for it study for that and that alone. Depending on your score you should apply DO or MD+DO. 3.4 is low but not terrible, especially if you have a strong upward trend. If you break 508 apply broadly to both MD and DO. Given your current trajectory, MCAT will largely be the deciding factor in your success.

In the mean time, be sure to get involved clinically so you can weave a good story about why you want to be a doctor. Maybe look at areas of medicine to shadow/volunteer in that are relevant to your biochemistry work.
 
Working backwards -- To matriculate in 2017, you'd need to apply early in the summer of 2016, which means you'd need to take your MCAT by June at the latest. Can you have sufficient MCAT course and test-specific prep work done by then to KILL the MCAT? I say KILL it because your undergraduate GPA is below average (but not hopeless) and you're a CA resident, which is disadvantageous.

If you are confident you will be able to knock the MCAT out of the park by June, then it's feasible to attempt. If you're not sure, then stop sprinting and plan a longer run with higher odds of success.

For a longer, more strategic, higher odds-of-success application cycle, plan to apply late spring of 2017 and work on a more balanced approach:
  • Your undergrad GPA is a weak spot that you can strengthen only with more undergrad coursework. I can see why you'd prefer to earn a master's degree, but acknowledge that a master's program will not accomplish the goal of raising your undergrad GPA the way additional undergrad coursework will.
  • Do a simple math test before deciding. Assume you take all remaining pre-reqs as an undergrad and earn a 4.0 in all future coursework. Factor that into your current undergrad GPA and see what the impact is. Would a few more 4.0 science classes tip the scales? Or do you already have too many credits for it to make much difference?
  • If you can't realistically get your GPA to 3.6 by spring 2017, then you might as well get a masters degree out of your required extra coursework. If you can get your GPA to 3.6, you'll have much more flexibility in class selection and a less-expensive path by staying officially undergrad.
  • Take a good look at your ECs and what they say about you. Do they demonstrate altruism? Concern for others? Leadership? Understanding of what life is like as a physician? Do they show you are a well-rounded and healthy person? Do they provide anything interesting to talk about? If not, fill the holes. Consider volunteering with populations that make others uncomfortable -- Alzheimers, mentally ill, homeless, disabled, elderly, immigrants, poor, AIDS, etc. Better still if you have any personal ties to these communities.
  • The MCAT of course. Don't take it until you're truly ready. I'm assuming you've done enough research by now to know that a 'practice MCAT' will never go away and will hurt your application, and that an unsuccessful application season will also damage your chances second time around.
  • EMT is good and fine, but hardly unique. Don't prioritize EMT Training over things that will get you into medical school, so keep your priorities clear.
I understand the desire to get there sooner -- But take a good honest look at how ready you are now before trying to apply too soon.
 
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Thank you guys for the advise, this is exactly what I was looking for.

Sounds like, as I was thinking as well, the MCAT is my ticket and should be my #1 priority. With that said I think the longer I prepare the better, and June could end up a rush job.


DokterMom said:
Your undergrad GPA is a weak spot that you can strengthen only with more undergrad coursework. I can see why you'd prefer to earn a master's degree, but acknowledge that a master's program will not accomplish the goal of raising your undergrad GPA the way additional undergrad coursework will.
  • Do a simple math test before deciding. Assume you take all remaining pre-reqs as an undergrad and earn a 4.0 in all future coursework. Factor that into your current undergrad GPA and see what the impact is. Would a few more 4.0 science classes tip the scales? Or do you already have too many credits for it to make much difference?
  • If you can't realistically get your GPA to 3.6 by spring 2017, then you might as well get a masters degree out of your required extra coursework. If you can get your GPA to 3.6, you'll have much more flexibility in class selection and a less-expensive path by staying officially undergrad.
Click to expand...


As for GPA, I have an already immense # of units from 2 majors and a minor. If I were to get a 4.0 throughout the next 60 units I would would only raise from a 3.4 to a 3.5. My science GPA is might do better, if I count computer science classes into my science GPA it is closer to a 3.5 and might get close to a 3.6 with the added undergrad work.

And for one year masters programs, it seems most require an MCAT score, and at latest they want it is by June. Many post-bacc programs don't require an MCAT. I would do well in one. A formal post-bacc would be good if they displayed the GPA separate from the undergraduate GPA as a way to put a high number by my name. The benefit of a structure post-bacc vs unstructured is probably a topic for another thread though.
 
Hmm I see, they say to classify based on primary content. So I believe several will commute as math/stat classes, but the majority won't. sGPA is closer to 3.4 too then. I suppose a ~3.5 and a big list of post-bacc A's is better than a 3.4 at any rate.
 
TheDocWho said:
Hmm I see, they say to classify based on primary content. So I believe several will commute as math/stat classes, but the majority won't. sGPA is closer to 3.4 too then. I suppose a ~3.5 and a big list of post-bacc A's is better than a 3.4 at any rate.
Click to expand...
In my experience they are interested in your more recent course work.
As you previously state you're in the proper range
 
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Just want to follow up with the thread since last year. Thanks everyone for the advice you guys offered before.

I went back to undergrad last January having decided to give medical school a shot with the above encouragement, finished with my pre-requites in June. During that time I was lucky to find an shadowing opportunity in an orthopedic clinic. After finishing school I was hired as a medical assistant and now work in clinic and am helping with writing several orthopedic research papers. I hope to take the MCAT this Spring if I can get my practice tests where they need to be by then.

So far it seems things are working out better than I had expected they might, I've been pretty lucky and this forum has helped a lot with guidance. I'll update again when there is more to report.
 
So far, so good!!

TheDocWho said:
Just want to follow up with the thread since last year. Thanks everyone for the advice you guys offered before.

I went back to undergrad last January having decided to give medical school a shot with the above encouragement, finished with my pre-requites in June. During that time I was lucky to find an shadowing opportunity in an orthopedic clinic. After finishing school I was hired as a medical assistant and now work in clinic and am helping with writing several orthopedic research papers. I hope to take the MCAT this Spring if I can get my practice tests where they need to be by then.

So far it seems things are working out better than I had expected they might, I've been pretty lucky and this forum has helped a lot with guidance. I'll update again when there is more to report.
Click to expand...
 
TheDocWho said:
Milestone Update:

Just got my MCAT Score from June 1st 2017 : 518 130/129/130/129

Also have orthopedic paper in review at a notable journal

Finishing 1 year as a medical assistant

Primaries go out next week!
Click to expand...


Woo Hoo! Nice work @TheDocWho ! :claps::highfive: I predict a very successful cycle
 
I can honestly say this thread has helped me get here, thank you everyone for contributing!

Goro said:
Close to being golden, if not platinum. Aim high. What's your list?
Click to expand...

Goro, How high do you think? My letter writers have some history at Penn, Pitt, Jefferson, and UCSD but I really do not have a list yet. As an ultimate lifestyle and financial preference it would be great to pay instate at a CA UC, but I will go to where ever I can get into the best program. All these mentioned schools I see as a far stretch.

Would you possibly provide me with one of your famous lists?
 
Start with Harvard and work westward


TheDocWho said:
I can honestly say this thread has helped me get here, thank you everyone for contributing!



Goro, How high do you think? My letter writers have some history at Penn, Pitt, Jefferson, and UCSD but I really do not have a list yet. As an ultimate lifestyle and financial preference it would be great to pay instate at a CA UC, but I will go to where ever I can get into the best program. All these mentioned schools I see as a far stretch.

Would you possibly provide me with one of your famous lists?
Click to expand...
 
TheDocWho said:
I can honestly say this thread has helped me get here, thank you everyone for contributing!



Goro, How high do you think? My letter writers have some history at Penn, Pitt, Jefferson, and UCSD but I really do not have a list yet. As an ultimate lifestyle and financial preference it would be great to pay instate at a CA UC, but I will go to where ever I can get into the best program. All these mentioned schools I see as a far stretch.

Would you possibly provide me with one of your famous lists?
Click to expand...

OK, here you go. I had forgotten that you were are a reinventor, so I have modified my list
Wash U OR U Chicago OR U Penn
Vanderbilt
Columbia
Northwestern
Case
Harvard OR Yale
U AZ
U VM
U Cincy
UCSF and all other UCs (but UCR ONLY if you're from the Inland Empire)
Miami
Tulane
Emory
BU
USC/Keck
Mayo
Rochester
Dartmouth
Duke
Pitt
Hofstra
 
@Goro

Why are there ORs in the list? Are some schools able to tell if you've applied to their rivals?
 
Last edited:
Goro said:
Start with Harvard and work westward
Click to expand...

Really? Harvard? I know he has a great MCAT and upward trend but his GPA is a 3.4/3.5. I'm in a similar position with the upward trend. I started my first 3 semesters with a 2.6. Now my cumulative is a 3.64 and BCPM a 3.67. Haven't taken the MCAT yet.
 
On_The_Way_Up said:
Really? Harvard? I know he has a great MCAT and upward trend but his GPA is a 3.4/3.5. I'm in a similar position with the upward trend. I started my first 3 semesters with a 2.6. Now my cumulative is a 3.64 and BCPM a 3.67. Haven't taken the MCAT yet.
Click to expand...
Hence @Goro 's edited list with a few very highly ranked schools sprinkled in with a bunch of mostly mid tiers. The trouble is that the MCAT and excellent trend can suggest to most low tiers that an applicant will be unlikely to attend. High MCATs are also much rarer than high GPAs and thus very valuable to a school that really shoots for high stats.
So OP shouldn't apply to 15 of the Top 20 of anything, but including HMS on there is reasonable.
 
On_The_Way_Up said:
Really? Harvard? I know he has a great MCAT and upward trend but his GPA is a 3.4/3.5. I'm in a similar position with the upward trend. I started my first 3 semesters with a 2.6. Now my cumulative is a 3.64 and BCPM a 3.67. Haven't taken the MCAT yet.
Click to expand...
You can't look at a single metric
 
Accepted today to Einstein!!!! It finally happened after 3 waitlists, 2.5 years after deciding to try and become a doctor. Thank god, and thanks to everyone who posted on this thread!
 
For anyone reading this thread in a similar situation, I think my app was hurt by a lack of volunteering. I underestimated how important it is to have this on your app when applying, I began volunteering this year and updated schools and I think that helped a lot.
 
TheDocWho said:
For anyone reading this thread in a similar situation, I think my app was hurt by a lack of volunteering. I underestimated how important it is to have this on your app when applying, I began volunteering this year and updated schools and I think that helped a lot.
Click to expand...

Congrats! Do you mind sharing your ECs so we can learn more from your profile? I am in a similar situation stat-wise!
 
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