Please help\Give me advice.........

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I'm a second year applicant from Wisconsin, and things feel somewhat hopeless. Here's my backround: I graduated in May from UW-Madison with a 3.57 GPA and I took the MCAT once and got 10,10,10,P. I did some volunteering in a hospital and also when I studied abroad in Mexico with traditional medicine. Right now I'm taking a 3 credit IV-tech course that I need for my Fire Department and 5 credit Physiology course at UW-Madison as a special student. To get more health care experience I do EMT volunteer work at my local Fire department. I also have a descent amount research experience etc. My letters I know are good and I wrote a good personal statement. I finished applying mid-sumnmer.

Unfortunately, I didn't get in At either of my State schools. I assumed I would get all rejection letters from the out of state schools. I got a few rejection letters, but Arkansas gave me an interview next week. Maybe I few others might give me some eventually also? Anyways after I missed oppertunities at my state schools it feels hopeless.

I need ideas for how to improve my application for next year? I don't know what to do or how to better my application. Everyone says go do research but although I've done a lot of it I really dislike it. I'd like to go over sees if I could to Latin America but I don't know what I'd do there or how to find some sort of fellowship-like program. I could become a paramedic but does a little higher up really help me? I'm already a EMT-IV tech and I don't know if this is what they're looking for...soon it will be my third year applying! (they say your third chance is your last?)

*sign* Any ideas or people who can relate. Any ideas? I don't want to be cooped up in a lab for two years getting some Biology degree but if that what it takes......
 
you know, i was in a very similar situation last year. what I did was set up appointments with my state school admissions directors and talked to them about my application and what I could do to improve it. I did what they said and I got in my second time. so that's what I'd suggest. ask them to speak with you for 10-15 minutes. I'm sure it'll be worthwhile.
 
That's good advice. The UW-Madison people (my Alma mater) basically told me to go fly a kite.

The Milwaukee people told me that they'd give me another interview next year again, but this will be my third time applying so I need to improve something.........I'm not sure what it's going to be?

Anyone else have any ideas?
 
Also do I have a low enough GPA that I need a post-bach. program? I read that those are good for showing u can handle coursework. I could also do a MPH or MS program. Those seem to be recomended just for having Bling\Bling stuff on your application tho and the grades there seem inflated so people don't pay attention to them? I could go become a Paradmedic. I have no idea what I should do.
 
Why am I awake this late?
Why am I responding at this hour?
Who knows?

First off, it's obviously not hopeless, since you have an interview. I wouldn't give up on this year. It seems like you have your heart set on remaining in/returning to Wisconsin, but maybe there's not where you're meant to begin your medical career. I'd work on showing your interest to the other schools you've applied to. How did you feel your interviews went? Were you comfortable? nervous? personable? Did you sell yourself? You seem to have had some interesting life experiences. Were you able to share them? Did you say everything you needed/wanted to say? Is your interview something you need to work on?

I like the..."if that's what it takes attitude." Cover all bases. With the same intensity that you'll put into improving your application...I'd put that into letting the other adcoms know that Acro Bat would be the perfect addition to their Class of 2009.

You seem to be focusing on your clinical experiences; I'm assuming that is an area of weakness for you. Your MCAT and GPA seem average for matriculants. Were your applications completed late?

I don't know whether there is a correct answer to the research question or the Master's degree question. There are just so many confounding factors...the year you apply...how early you apply, etc. Some schools offer a class profile (age, education level...yada...yada...yada). Maybe that'll give you insight into a particular school's preference.

My advice - I think you know you're going to get accepted into medical. You know you'll be a doctor someday. The only unknown is WHEN. Keep the faith. Pray that this will be your year.
 
Consider yourself lucky to have gotten an interview at UAMS because they really don't accept many people from out-of-state, if any. Really impress them in the the interview. Also, if you have strong ties to the state, be ready to explain why. You will better your chances. Your MCAT is competitive for UAMS, I think the average is 27 for matriculants. Also, Arkansas Children's hospital is a very good hospital so you could tell them that you want to go into pediatrics and hope to do your residency at Children's. Their geriatrics program is ranked top 10 so that could be another reason. Finally, they have a rural medicine program where if you agree to practice medicine in an underserved area of Arkansas, they will pay back your student loans and you are bumped to the top of the waitlist. Telling your interviewers that you would be interested in doing that would greatly improve your chances, even if you don't plan to follow through with it.

UAMS' policy is to accept every qualified Arkansas resident before extending acceptance to an out-of-stater. It makes sense, but then again it really doesn't help diversity. I interviewed there in October and got in so feel free to PM me with any questions about the interview. It's a closed file panel interview and mine really sucked. Also, Little Rock is not the safest place on earth. Book your hotel in West Little Rock, about 6 miles away. The area around UAMS is shady and not safe. Again, if I can be of any help, please PM me.

Good luck!!! :luck:
 
What do you mean by pledging to practice rural medicine and only maybe following through? They don't hold tyou to your commitment??



Aslo someone said I seemed to be competitive. I am not competitive for UW-Madison. At MCW (Milwaukee wi) I am BARELY competitive, and failed to receieve an interview there last year. Out of state at most schools as you know it's uphill. And since nexty year will be my third year-and some schools only allow 3 trys- I feel like i have to do something drastic like an ms or post-bach or maybe paramedic school or.....no idea. I'm not sure which option is best for me. Any know of any cool ideas for volunteer work over seas????? any other ideas for more volunteer work?

btw this is an awesome orange bowl!
 
Hey ... just wanted to wish you good luck
Your situation is scaring the crap out of me ... when i apply next year, as far as numbers go we are very similar... damn i am so nervous now
I gotta stop reading these boards.
 
Freakedout- just take things one step at a time. Get some volunteer work, lab whatever. I highly recommend an EMT-B because it doesn't take much tiem to get certified and you can do a lot. You deal with codes-people near death, you can give meds, CPR, shock people, help out at the hospital. Compare this to CNA (which is good too) you can do so much more. Since doctors don't respond to house calls they put a lot of responsibility on relatively new people- I mean people who have no health care experience get to do a lot. Of course who am I to give at advice..


Back to Arkansas-

I could really use some suggestions on questions that I can keep in mind to ask. They like people who ask Q's an are interested. This always gets me because at my interivews at MCW and Madison I had no Q's/ At Madison we were there for 10 hours! so everything was answered.

I need to be able to ask some Q's that no other applicant could ask- well this would be the ideal thing. I have a history doing cancer research in a Cell biology lab. EMT-IV-tech experience, Speak descent Spanish. I'm kinda interested in primary care. Any ideas on what Q's I can specifically ask?? or even if something is unique about there hospital or anything-input helps
thanks
 
Hey acrobat! I got your PM earlier and sorry I haven't responded yet. About the rural medicine program, you can say that you are interested in it during the interview. That will not commit you to the program. Once you have formally enrolled in the program, then yeah you are stuck. But consider this: the program repays one year of loans for each year that you spend in a underserved/rural area. So you could only spend one year and take off. Of course, you would have to pay your 3 other years of loans back. You have to be in a primary care field, but that includes general surgery, OB/GYN, internal med, peds, and family practice so it's not as limiting as one would think.

To be honest, I think practicing in rural Arkansas could be quite interesting. I'm from Montreal Canada and in the last 4 years that I've been here, I've witnessed some pretty unique things. For instance, when I was working at a family practice clinic in Fayetteville, people would actually bring in the bugs/snakes/or whatever else that bit them into the clinic 😱 I remember opening a chart one time and there was a ziploc full of ticks in it :laugh:

About good questions to ask... At Arkansas Children's Hospital, they have a special program that deals with hemangiomas. It was featured on the Discovery Channel. Check out www.birthmarks.org for more info on those. They are really doing miracles for these kids. Also, you will most likely have a medical student on your panel so ask her/him what the environment of the class is (cooperative or at each others' throat). UAMS has a A-F grading system so you could ask the med student what he/she thinks about that.

One more thing that would really show your interest for the school would be to call ahead and make sure that you could get a more thorough tour of the school. The tour really sucks! They show you the library (get ready to glazed over during that little lady's presentation) and the clinical skills lab, that's it! You could ask to get a tour of the Children's hospital or the spine institute.

Be ready to answer why Arkansas, that's for sure. Don't worry about your MCAT. I know a girl who got in at the last minute last year with a 22. She had a 4.0 and was a state resident, but a 22 usually doesn't get you in. I hope this helps a little. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you! :luck:
 
acrobat said:
Aslo someone said I seemed to be competitive. I am not competitive for UW-Madison. At MCW (Milwaukee wi) I am BARELY competitive, and failed to receieve an interview there last year.
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Am I reading this correctly? It is late..... 😴

Did you say that you were barely competitive at your state schools with a 3.57/30 ?

What is the average GPA/MCAT at both schools?
 
acrobat said:
Freakedout- just take things one step at a time. Get some volunteer work, lab whatever. I highly recommend an EMT-B because it doesn't take much tiem to get certified and you can do a lot. You deal with codes-people near death, you can give meds, CPR, shock people, help out at the hospital. Compare this to CNA (which is good too) you can do so much more. Since doctors don't respond to house calls they put a lot of responsibility on relatively new people- I mean people who have no health care experience get to do a lot. Of course who am I to give at advice..


Back to Arkansas-

I could really use some suggestions on questions that I can keep in mind to ask. They like people who ask Q's an are interested. This always gets me because at my interivews at MCW and Madison I had no Q's/ At Madison we were there for 10 hours! so everything was answered.

I need to be able to ask some Q's that no other applicant could ask- well this would be the ideal thing. I have a history doing cancer research in a Cell biology lab. EMT-IV-tech experience, Speak descent Spanish. I'm kinda interested in primary care. Any ideas on what Q's I can specifically ask?? or even if something is unique about there hospital or anything-input helps
thanks
Click to expand...


Forgot... Bring up the Spanish! Arkansas being so close to Texas, our hispanic population is increasing rapidly. Also, the Razorbacks really sucked this year 🙁 No pro sports in this state, the Razorbacks are it. I was a track athlete here and our program is awesome: 39 nationals championships! BB is pretty big too, we won the 94 national champ. UA is in Fayetteville though, about 2.5 hrs NW of Little Rock. Nobody cares about any other school though. There's hogs every where in the state.
 
Yes you are.

UW-Madison is very selective! Both undergrad- but esp med school.
Last I saw MCAT-31 and GPA at least a 3.7 overall and a 3.7 in the Sciences. But this is last I saw. I remember Lucy Wall telling me that the mean science GPA was something like a 3.8 last year. However Madison is deceptive in those marks- they want really well rounded people. I know if you get all 6 points (they give points-MAX 7) u get into there school. One of the points if for serving the underprivileged. My friend got rejected last year as a Biochem Major who spoke Fluent Spanish, tons of research, tons of volunteer work and 33 MCAT. He missed the point for serving the underprivileged. I think you can also make up for this last point with like a masters or something else unique. But one of the points is awarded if you have a 3.7, another for if you have at least a 30P (I do) If you don't have these there is almost no way to pull it off. She told me I had to go do a post-bach or MS program and do REALLY well to get in. O h ya- you might have noticed I said 7 points. If you have like a 4 point and 37V MCAT you get an extra point. So not only would you get two points for having a 3.7 and another for having a 30 MCAT you get a 3rd point for having EXCEPTIONAL stats. Anyway-these people are few and between- not me for sure. Maybe this type of person could get away with not having any health care experience- but again this rare. You must get all 6 points- and each point is very difficult to obtain


Milwaukee- totally different story- it is a 3.7 average and at least a 30 MCAT average but it is MUCH LESS COMPETITIVE . well maybe not much but at least doable. They told me after slightly improving ym GPA to closer to a 3.6 and establishing an upward trend that my application was, unlike last year, competitive this year and i got an interview. However-I messed it up 🙁 Also-Milwaukee is private- it takes a class size of 200 and needs some outa state to fill it. If you apply early- since it is a business they accept people like crazy early on- you got say maybe a 3.5 science\overall, 30 MCAT, descent rec, some experience- you just got an interview and will prolly get in. Madison is looking for more well rounded people- things that make them stand out in addition to just having the GPA MCAT quota- I don't mean just some experience as an EMT or something. Like say the person has been doing tons of research throughtout college and has a REAL desire to help underprivilaged. I don't know they just really want stand out people. They fill a small class size

However- both schools are good. not trying to knock MCOW- I'd love to get in there 🙁

Anyway- I am competitive at MCOW I jsut didn't get in. Out of state I got rejected at quite a few, but I got an interview at ARkansas and I haven't heard back form most.

Anyways-yep you're readin it correctly. I imagine the California people have it even worse than me or maybe the Illinois people. I know MCOW takes tons of overflow from competitive Califonia aplicants. MCOW is mainly all Wisconsin residents along with a big grouping of Cali people too



Bichem-I've read all sort of wierd stories on these forums so if you're really want to do an MD program there is probably a way to get there
 
Good luck with your upcoming interview. 🙂
 
But I can tell you that is possible not to get into your state school(s) and get accepted other places. I am currently in my first year at a state school in a state where I am not a resident (PLUS, they gave me in-state tuition). I was a reapplicant and was flat out rejected from my state school two times. I am very happy with the school where I am and I think that I am at a school that is a much better fit than my state school.

Good luck and don't give up. Classes are full of re-applicants and people who aren't 22 or 23.
 
acrobat said:
I'm a second year applicant from Wisconsin, and things feel somewhat hopeless. Here's my backround: I graduated in May from UW-Madison with a 3.57 GPA and I took the MCAT once and got 10,10,10,P. I did some volunteering in a hospital and also when I studied abroad in Mexico with traditional medicine. Right now I'm taking a 3 credit IV-tech course that I need for my Fire Department and 5 credit Physiology course at UW-Madison as a special student. To get more health care experience I do EMT volunteer work at my local Fire department. I also have a descent amount research experience etc. My letters I know are good and I wrote a good personal statement. I finished applying mid-sumnmer.

Unfortunately, I didn't get in At either of my State schools. I assumed I would get all rejection letters from the out of state schools. I got a few rejection letters, but Arkansas gave me an interview next week. Maybe I few others might give me some eventually also? Anyways after I missed oppertunities at my state schools it feels hopeless.

I need ideas for how to improve my application for next year? I don't know what to do or how to better my application. Everyone says go do research but although I've done a lot of it I really dislike it. I'd like to go over sees if I could to Latin America but I don't know what I'd do there or how to find some sort of fellowship-like program. I could become a paramedic but does a little higher up really help me? I'm already a EMT-IV tech and I don't know if this is what they're looking for...soon it will be my third year applying! (they say your third chance is your last?)

*sign* Any ideas or people who can relate. Any ideas? I don't want to be cooped up in a lab for two years getting some Biology degree but if that what it takes......
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that. I applied last year with similar stats and didn't get accepted. For me, it was my interview...I was too nervous and uptight (and unprepared). This year, the only thing I did differently was to get my app in way earlier (in June rather than Nov) and apply to more schools, and get an aditonal clincal experience. Have you tried contacting the state schools that rejected you and finding out why? This is what I did when i was rejected, and I can't tell you how valuable (yet painful ) the info was.

Your GPA is fine, and does not warrant a post-bac. Don't be too discouraged, your ECs and MCAT and GPA are all good enough for your state schools, and mid-tier medical schools. How did you feel about your interview responses? Sometimes, it comes down to how you market yourself in the interview.
Think positive, and just focus on your plan for improving your app. You will have to develop that on your own. If this is your third time applying, of course you will have to retake the MCAT if you don't get in this year. If you feel that you might like to do a masters program, (that it wouldn't be a terrible experience, and might enjoy it) then I would go for that if I were you. Then, when you get done, you have that to boost your app as well. Otherwise, if I were you, I would prob just work in a clinical setting this year, as well as volunteer once a week. Your app looks pretty good.

Is there anything else you might be leaving out? It seems with your clinical esperience, your research, and your grades, that you are a very well-rounded applicant, and I can't understand how you have applied (and been rejected) three years in a row. Anyways, good luck, maybe third times the charm. :luck: :luck:
 
No, I asked the Milwaukee people how I could improve and he said I will get another interview next year so long as I apply. I asked what I should change and he said nothing- letters were good, experiences. He did say make sure I keep working\gaining health care experience.

He basically just said reapply. I haven't met with the Madison people yet. I'm not sure if I'm going to because I think I have very little chance of getting in at there (my Alma Mater).

:/
 
Also. This is my second time applying.

I got nos from Vermont, Penn State, Tulane, Pritzger.

I got interviews at Madison, Miwaukee, and Arkansas

I haven't heard from Michigan, Minn Duluth, Loyola, Iowa, Creighton, and Ohio State so maybe I'll get a some more interviews.

I don't really know how I can improve my app between now and next year however because I feel it was pretty complete this year. I could do Paramedic school, but I'm not sure how much this would benefit me. Plus, I think then I would end up[ getting a real job and out of school which could be bad too. If I did an MS or MPH at least I'd be getting a masters. I looked into nursing but it's a 2 year program so then I couldn't apply until 2008 or whenever. My two cousins who got into an out of state school think that I should move to Tennessee and apply there. I don't think this is a half-bad idea because I would probably be able to get in there if I lived there for a year. I could probably get a health care job with my EMT- and IV-Tech experience at a hospital. I'm just not sure if I want to live there


Also - I feel down about not egtting in to Milwaukee, but then I jsut think about my friend who got rejected last year who is way over qualified and more deserving then me. He had almost a 4.0 and was a biochem major. He had a 29 MCAT when he applied but I think it went up to a 33. I couldn't believe he didn't get in to Milwaukee last year.
 
some points:

looks like you only applied to 13 schools? why? I recommend at least 15-20, maybe 30 as a reapplicant.

did you apply to any chicago schools other than Pritzker, loyola? rush/UIC/NW/finch

what about other midwestern schools? SLU/SIU/indiana/cincinnati/etc?

paramedic school is a waste of time if you ultimately want to become a physician. it's another skill set, and isn't going to help you.

retaking the mcat is an option. a 30 is good, but you can always do better. spend a couple months studying and try for a better score this april. can't hurt.

a masters is another option; make sure that it'll be useful if you don't get in, as it is expensive and time consuming.

also, are there any problems in your letters? or a very low science gpa? any C's, D's, F's, or W's?

best of luck
 
My letters are good. Last year I asked MCOW (Milwaukee) about my letters and he said it was ok if I reused them but he thought I should add one more strong letter. I actually changed them all, and this year he said there was no need to get new ones if I chose to reapply next year.

W's - unfortunetly yes. Although they are all in non-science classes' comp sci, engineneering courses, other wierd things I decided to try and disliked. This probably hurt me at some schools. Milwaukee didn't seem to mind though when I asked about it.

C's- yes I got on in 2nd semester calc. This probably brought my gpa down a little.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I Think since my ungrad gpa is alrdy descent an mph might be a good thing for me to do.
 
hi. I was just wondering how your interview at UAMS went? Are you interested in going there? I'll be going to UAMS from next year so let me know if you have questions!
 
KatieJune said:
hi. I was just wondering how your interview at UAMS went? Are you interested in going there? I'll be going to UAMS from next year so let me know if you have questions!
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Yep, I'd like to go there if I get in. I know they have some early acceptances already- is this what you got? Also- you live in Arkansas I assume? My interview went well (I think). I had three interviewers. I think the one girl, a PHD, liked me. The middle guy didn't say much, but nodded and seemed to have positive body language. The guy on the far left grilled me, and I'm not sure what to think about him :/
Overall it didn't go perfect but it seemed to flow alright
 
Ever consider the D.O route?
 
not yet. I might though. That's a distant second choice though. I feel like I know so many people who've gotten in with applications that are no better than mine or even significantly worse. My cousin thinks that I should just change states like she did, and I'm seriously considering this.
 
If i might ask why is it a distant second choice? planning on going into plastics or some other ultra competetive residency?

Not trying turn this into a MD vs DO forum by any means...i'm a likely reapplicant to MD schools next year also (havent heard much from the 3 schools i applied to..no interviews and no rejections) unless i get accepted to the DO school that i applied to....and even then, i'm having some internal debate with whether or not to accept their acceptance if they accept me, lol. 😱
 
As for the question of the DO route, I would strongly discourage acrobat from doing this, since grades/mcat are competitive for an allopathic spot. DO is a reputable degree, for sure, but it will also paint you into a corner. There is no telling what specialty you'll grow to love, and with a DO, you would be at a distinct disadvantage in attaining a spot in a competitive specialty, or even a spot in a relatively desirable program in a less-competitive specialty.

Obviously, it would be impossible for me to guess why you haven't gotten in, but the W's on your transcript are suspect. More than 1 or 2 can give a rather poor impression. And while your GPA is good, it is not great. I would also venture to guess that perhaps one of your letters is weak? -- you'd be surprised how often this can happen, and noone will tell you about it. Your personal statement? possibly, but the PS usually isn't that important. As for your EC's, they don't sound that impressive; many premeds do the EMT thing thinking it's worthwhile, but it's usually not. Some research? In what capacity? Publications/abstracts? Senior thesis? You might also want to work on your interviewing skills, but that may not be a significant problem.

since you like going overseas, perhaps you should consider the peace corps. It's a 2-year deal, and incredibly impressive for a med school applicant. It's not right for everyone, and there's no guarantee you'll get in to med school afterward, but it would be a definite asset.

best of luck.
 
Personal statement was very strong- at least I think. I worked on it for many months.

Letters- No I know they are strong. Last year I asked Milwaukee how to improve my application. He said I could use one more strong letter but it would be ok if I used the sames ones to reapply (in his his words "adding more more strong letter would help you") I changed all my letters and I know that all of them were strong. I asked him again this year if I should change them for next and he said that there was no reason to do that and that all 4 letters were "strong and supportive"

W's - they did hurt me but at least I did not drop science courses. Like I said- they were all in obscure courses like Java programming, engineering courses, international relations, wierd stuff I just kind of threw in because I had an opening and wanted to go to a wierd class. I think I had like 5 total. All were dropped within the first month.

Honestly I think the problem at Milaukee was interviewing. I think it was partially my fault and partially the interviewers fault. He only asked me 5 or so questions and then said he was done. I didn't know what to say so I talked about what he did etc for the next 10 or so minutes. He never asked me why I wanted to be a doctor, anything about experiences, motivation, etc. It was really frustrating. He just got done with like a 10 hour surgery and looked really tired and he seemed to forget how to do an interview...............................................................................................................................................Anyway my Arkansas interview went better but that one was out of state so instead of having like a 80-90% chance of getting in like Milwaukee I have maybe a 10 or 15% chance. Then there was my Madison interview- I really have NO chance of getting ion there no matter what I do (although they gave me an interview)
 
My advice, STOP feeling sad, and reapply at other schools.

There is really no need to cry over your stats in my opinion.

Why take the MCAT over? To get an 11 or 12? or Maybe an 8 or 9 too.

Your GPA? Hey, it's good.

Maybe the volunteer area could be improved. Traditional medicine really doesn't give a good idea of what an ER or oncologist do.

Ny simple advice, DON'T waste your time or money on trying to improve your GPA or your MCAT. Instead spend that money at applying to more schools.

More volunteer too.
 
acrobat said:
I'm a second year applicant from Wisconsin, and things feel somewhat hopeless. Here's my backround: I graduated in May from UW-Madison with a 3.57 GPA and I took the MCAT once and got 10,10,10,P. I did some volunteering in a hospital and also when I studied abroad in Mexico with traditional medicine. Right now I'm taking a 3 credit IV-tech course that I need for my Fire Department and 5 credit Physiology course at UW-Madison as a special student. To get more health care experience I do EMT volunteer work at my local Fire department. I also have a descent amount research experience etc. My letters I know are good and I wrote a good personal statement. I finished applying mid-sumnmer.

Unfortunately, I didn't get in At either of my State schools. I assumed I would get all rejection letters from the out of state schools. I got a few rejection letters, but Arkansas gave me an interview next week. Maybe I few others might give me some eventually also? Anyways after I missed oppertunities at my state schools it feels hopeless.

I need ideas for how to improve my application for next year? I don't know what to do or how to better my application. Everyone says go do research but although I've done a lot of it I really dislike it. I'd like to go over sees if I could to Latin America but I don't know what I'd do there or how to find some sort of fellowship-like program. I could become a paramedic but does a little higher up really help me? I'm already a EMT-IV tech and I don't know if this is what they're looking for...soon it will be my third year applying! (they say your third chance is your last?)

*sign* Any ideas or people who can relate. Any ideas? I don't want to be cooped up in a lab for two years getting some Biology degree but if that what it takes......
Click to expand...


Hey I'm currently a 2nd year med student and I have to tell you that you look a million times better than I did when I was applying to school. I know this probably dosen't help but I applyed to 24 schools, took the MCAT twice (max score 20) and got only 3 interviews and 1 acceptance. I found that getting in was like drawing a name from a hat. If you are picky or stingy in your applications then you aren't going to get in. Apply to as many schools as possible without regard to location curriculum etc. You CANT PICK A BAD SCHOOL. All the medical school are still in service because they meet all the requirements to remain open as a school. You will get as good of an education as you want. Its up to you. Don't give up. You can do it. Heck I did! 🙂
 
snaklee said:
My advice, STOP feeling sad, and reapply at other schools.

There is really no need to cry over your stats in my opinion.

Why take the MCAT over? To get an 11 or 12? or Maybe an 8 or 9 too.

Your GPA? Hey, it's good.

Maybe the volunteer area could be improved. Traditional medicine really doesn't give a good idea of what an ER or oncologist do.

Ny simple advice, DON'T waste your time or money on trying to improve your GPA or your MCAT. Instead spend that money at applying to more schools.

More volunteer too.
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You think I can reapply this late in the year to more schools??? Also I'm not sure how to improve upon the volunteer stuff. I'm already and EMT-IV technician for the last year. Only way to improve my app is up my MCAT...
 
I tend to agree with doc05. Paramedic school is a waste of your time if you don't want to be a paramedic.

After years of advising premeds and working on my medical schools admission committe, and now participating in our residency selection (we interview and rank at our program), I would say that I consistently see some of the same things.

Here is what I would recommend:

1- you have a solid gpa and mcat. make sure you weren't one of those people that took one science class a semester. this is a huge red flag. If not, make sure you didn't fail/get a bad grade in one of the core science classes

2= personal statement. I can't tel lyou how many I have read that people thought were good and were not. Reread your personal statement. Make sure you aren't trying to feed them what they want to hear.

3. review your interview skills. this can be a killer.

4. continue increasing clinical skills by shadowing mds. broaden your horizons with NON medical stuff. makes you more interesting.


Good luck and don't give up.
 
First: TO EVERYONE;
Is there any particular reason why an applicant like acrobat wouldn't be competitive? I just can't understand why your even finding a need to apply a 3'rd time. Jesus this is making me so nervous I'm about to pee!

TO Acrobat; Can you provide a quick rundown of your stats each time you applied and possible errors you made durring the process. I think you could save a lot of people (me!!!) great hardship (not ever being accepted!!) by just laying it out. Don't be ashamed honestly we're all friends here!
 
Fateema-

hmmm, My stats were as I already posted. I think my problem lies in that the 1st year I didn't get an interview at Milwaukee. My second year I got one interview and I messed it up- although I personally think my interviewer was unfair (I know people might think I'm blaming other people by saying that but I don't think it's 100% my fault). I practiced interviewing beforehand but to no avail. If I had multiple interviews at schools I would probably have a better chance.

I did get an interviews at UW-Madison in both years, but I was never competitive there in the 1st place. All the out-of-state schools are hard to get into. This leaves me with my one chance I had at Milwaukee.

Since I had a good chance at getting in at Milwaukee, are you all sure the Paramedic route is so bad? Some people talked about making yourself a more interesting canidate.

Rojo-As for my personal statement- would you mind reading it? I can send it to you in a private message? I think it was well done but I guess having another person look at it wouldn't hurt
 
acrobat said:
Fateema-

hmmm, My stats were as I already posted. I think my problem lies in that the 1st year I didn't get an interview at Milwaukee. My second year I got one interview and I messed it up- although I personally think my interviewer was unfair (I know people might think I'm blaming other people by saying that but I don't think it's 100% my fault). I practiced interviewing beforehand but to no avail. If I had multiple interviews at schools I would probably have a better chance.

I did get an interviews at UW-Madison in both years, but I was never competitive there in the 1st place. All the out-of-state schools are hard to get into. This leaves me with my one chance I had at Milwaukee.

Since I had a good chance at getting in at Milwaukee, are you all sure the Paramedic route is so bad? Some people talked about making yourself a more interesting canidate.

Rojo-As for my personal statement- would you mind reading it? I can send it to you in a private message? I think it was well done but I guess having another person look at it wouldn't hurt
Click to expand...


In my opinion, your stats are fine. They are obviously not the problem here, and I don't buy it that they prevent you from being competitive at UW. People with your stats have certainly been accepted there before. I am a reapplicant myself with a 30/3.85, and have had 10 allopathic interviews this year. If next year rolls around and you are still in the process of applying, APPLY TO MORE SCHOOLS! A previous poster noted that you had only applied to 13 schools this year? Why? I applied to about 20, and some people with similar stats to us apply to many more than that. Clinical experiences are also a big issue, so if you are weak in that area do some more volunteer work in a hospital or doctor's office. Maybe some research would help.

You also seem to be upset at being rejected from your state schools. Contrary to what many people think, your state schools are often not your best bet. I was accepted this year to an out of state school that only accepts about 10 out of staters a year, and I was rejected from one of my state schools for the second time. There's no explanation for what happens in this process, it is completely random. Keep your head up and have some confidence. Good luck.
 
Acrobat - I can tell you that I was in a very similar position some years ago. I'm originally from Montreal, did my undergrad at McGill and had planned to go to med school there. Unfortunately my stats were 3.46 and 30, on the low side even for Quebec residents. I was interviewed twice, and both times I was placed on the bottom half of the waitlist without getting off. The Dean basically told me I couldn't expect better if I tried a third time. It was pretty devastating, especially since I thought my interview went much better the second time (enough to make me think I'd made it).

So I've been there, and I know how disappointing it is. It's easy to become paranoid that you're "not good enough" and have your self esteem suffer. The best advice I can give is to take some time to be upset about Wisconsin, and accept it's not meant to be. Trust me, it's *much* better to know now that you're rejected than to be strung along a whole summer. You should be able to put it out of your system by the time the next AMCAS cycle comes along this spring (assuming you don't get in out of state, which is always possible).

Reapply *EARLY* and to a lot more schools (25-30). It's expensive, but don't skimp. Have others review your PS and make sure it's as good as humanely possible for you. As others have said, your stats are fine and there is no reason not to get into an allopath school. What you should do is apply to the schools like Rosalind Franklin, NYMC, Albany, Drexel and Temple that take a good out-of-state percentage and where your stats are very much in line. I'd also add SLU and Creighton. Yes, they're expensive (my debt load from Temple will be +200K) 🙁 but it's absolutely worth the tuition to become a doctor. In the meantime, just take the best job you can find while you ride out one more year.

Don't get too down on yourself. You don't need a postbac, MS degree or osteopathic school. Just do the above and you honestly should make it. Everything happens for a reason, I know I've become much more independent and have had experiences I never would in Canada. Best of luck! 🙂
 
acrobat said:
What do you mean by pledging to practice rural medicine and only maybe following through? They don't hold tyou to your commitment??



Aslo someone said I seemed to be competitive. I am not competitive for UW-Madison. At MCW (Milwaukee wi) I am BARELY competitive, and failed to receieve an interview there last year. Out of state at most schools as you know it's uphill. And since nexty year will be my third year-and some schools only allow 3 trys- I feel like i have to do something drastic like an ms or post-bach or maybe paramedic school or.....no idea. I'm not sure which option is best for me. Any know of any cool ideas for volunteer work over seas????? any other ideas for more volunteer work?

btw this is an awesome orange bowl!
Click to expand...

WHy dont' you go apply to PA-C school? That is perfect for you. The only drawback here is that to really have this work for you is to excell in PA school. If you have a lower avg than now that will hurt you. If its same or better a PA degree will help you significantly. Plus you have a job in your hands then. Its a much better option than doing MS or MPH. Research won't really help you. Unless you cured cancer then maybe. I really wouldn't waste time with research. The only way you can improve your application is to show them something grades wise or MCAT wise. If you took MCAT and ot likea 35+ that would really jumpstart your application. Another very viable option to do is a post-bacc program. You can take a post bacc program for like 2 years and you can take lot of medicine related courses, like biochem, anatomy, neuro. This will help immensly and if you can perform there, you are in without a shadow of a doubt. But dont' bother with research unles its something big, like working on a significant research project with an expert in the field or go work at NIH for a year. Another big thing you can do is to target specific schools that might have lower requirements, and start talking to that school and see how you can improve your application for that specific school. All schools have somewhat different requirements. Also if MD doesn't look feasible, why not try DO that is a backup plan if you will. Good luck man.
 
Lara said:
Acrobat - I can tell you that I was in a very similar position some years ago. I'm originally from Montreal, did my undergrad at McGill and had planned to go to med school there. Unfortunately my stats were 3.46 and 30, on the low side even for Quebec residents. I was interviewed twice, and both times I was placed on the bottom half of the waitlist without getting off. The Dean basically told me I couldn't expect better if I tried a third time. It was pretty devastating, especially since I thought my interview went much better the second time (enough to make me think I'd made it).

So I've been there, and I know how disappointing it is. It's easy to become paranoid that you're "not good enough" and have your self esteem suffer. The best advice I can give is to take some time to be upset about Wisconsin, and accept it's not meant to be. Trust me, it's *much* better to know now that you're rejected than to be strung along a whole summer. You should be able to put it out of your system by the time the next AMCAS cycle comes along this spring (assuming you don't get in out of state, which is always possible).

Reapply *EARLY* and to a lot more schools (25-30). It's expensive, but don't skimp. Have others review your PS and make sure it's as good as humanely possible for you. As others have said, your stats are fine and there is no reason not to get into an allopath school. What you should do is apply to the schools like Rosalind Franklin, NYMC, Albany, Drexel and Temple that take a good out-of-state percentage and where your stats are very much in line. I'd also add SLU and Creighton. Yes, they're expensive (my debt load from Temple will be +200K) 🙁 but it's absolutely worth the tuition to become a doctor. In the meantime, just take the best job you can find while you ride out one more year.

Don't get too down on yourself. You don't need a postbac, MS degree or osteopathic school. Just do the above and you honestly should make it. Everything happens for a reason, I know I've become much more independent and have had experiences I never would in Canada. Best of luck! 🙂
Click to expand...

Hey Lara I like your name, you gotta be European.
 
Hello...

First of all, I'm a fourth year medical student who just put in her match list. My path to medical school was not direct...I was a re-applicant and got in off the waitlist...so, this can be done.

Couple things -- if you want this bad enough you have got to open up the net you are casting. I apologize if I am misreading this thread but it sounds like you applied to your state schools and then some out-of-state public schools. Apply to private schools. If your concern is debt...I'm in it up to my eyeballs but I wanted it bad enough and the financial side will work itself out.

Next, while I agree that you have a decent set of applicant stats and extracurriculars, you also seem to be the typical pre-med who has taken tons of science undergrad, did moderate on the MCATs and your extras are all medically related (EMT, hospital volunteer, etc.) What are you passionate about? Sometimes something you are passionate about doing and can talk about in interviews, even if not medically related, can really close the gap in whatever your interviewing deficits may be. I spent two years working in a school -- it wasn't medically related, it wasn't glamorous, but I was passionate about it, it made me "different", and it was an endless source of interview fodder. I would say having some stand-out quality is true of most of my classmates as well -- whether it is extensive travel, community involvement, research, sports, whatever. You seem to have a smattering of everything and that's great but I'm not hearing that you stand-out in anyone thing.

Please don't take my advice as a personal attack. I reapplied too...obviously I didn't have everything it took the first time around. But I found something that made me even more passionate about wanting to do medicine and that really comes across. I changed who I was as an applicant and now I am two months away from actually having this degree in my pocket and moving on to the next phase. You can do this!

Keep the faith.

Allison
 
👍
tupac_don said:
Hey Lara I like your name, you gotta be European.
Click to expand...


My girlfriend's name is Lara 😍 ok, thats my useless post for the day
 
Check out this web site!

http://clubs.weber.edu/tropicalpatho/

Set yourself apart from other candidates. Everyone has done the basics, but how many of us out there have studied infectious diseases in the Amazon Basin? That's what I thought. Check it out, it's definitely worth your time.
 
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