Please Help Me!!

[Adaze]

Okay so where should I start...... African American female non-traditional student(27), and married. My science gpa is 3.71 and overall is non-science is 3.76. I plan on taking the MCAT this summer. I was in a car accident back in 2007, had a brain injury (as well as other injuries) and was forced to withdrawal from my classes. I ultimately ended up sitting out for over a year while doing speech and physical therapy. Once I returned back to school I was only able to take one class at a time working myway back up to full time (which explains why I’m just now applying to medicalschool at the age of 27. THE STORY OF MY LIFE!!!)

Problem #1: I have some EC hours but not a lot due to physical limitation (I have chronic headaches on a regular as a result from my TBI, which physically limits me at times, making it a challenge to do ANYTHING). Of course this makes me awful, especially when I hear about other people that have 300+ hours in their EC

I’ve worked very hard to getthis far, although compared to others I feel like I’m lacking


Major: BS in Psychology

GPA: sgpa 3.71, nonscience 3.76

Volunteer Hours: 150

Shadowing: 50+

Supervised Independent Research in Psych

Work experience in Senior Care: 4 1/2 years ( I have cared for many senior citizens with medical illness ranging from Alzheimer,Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, diabetics, and individuals recovering from stroke or heart attack etc.)

Another thing: Do medical school look down upon extended test time on the MCAT???(without it I will be DOOM!!!)

I would greatly appreciate some advice! Thank you so very much!!!

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[Goro]

You'll easily get interviews unless you bomb the MCAT. Taking extended time isn't a problem for AdComs, we have students who need those al the time.

I'd lust like to know given your health problems are you ready for medical school. It's quite the burden.

Another thing: Do medical school look down upon extended test time on the MCAT???(without it I will be DOOM!!!)

I would greatly appreciate some advice! Thank you so very much!!!

 

[skargylejohn]

Okay so where should I start...... African American female non-traditional student(27), and married. My science gpa is 3.71 and overall is non-science is 3.76. I plan on taking the MCAT this summer. I was in a car accident back in 2007, had a brain injury (as well as other injuries) and was forced to withdrawal from my classes. I ultimately ended up sitting out for over a year while doing speech and physical therapy. Once I returned back to school I was only able to take one class at a time working myway back up to full time (which explains why I'm just now applying to medicalschool at the age of 27. THE STORY OF MY LIFE!!!)

Problem #1: I have some EC hours but not a lot due to physical limitation (I have chronic headaches on a regular as a result from my TBI, which physically limits me at times, making it a challenge to do ANYTHING). Of course this makes me awful, especially when I hear about other people that have 300+ hours in their EC

I've worked very hard to getthis far, although compared to others I feel like I'm lacking


Major: BS in Psychology

GPA: sgpa 3.71, nonscience 3.76

Volunteer Hours: 150

Shadowing: 50+

Supervised Independent Research in Psych

Work experience in Senior Care: 4 1/2 years ( I have cared for many senior citizens with medical illness ranging from Alzheimer,Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, diabetics, and individuals recovering from stroke or heart attack etc.)

Another thing: Do medical school look down upon extended test time on the MCAT???(without it I will be DOOM!!!)

I would greatly appreciate some advice! Thank you so very much!!!

Your GPAs, URM status, and age give you a great chance at getting an interview. Aim for 30+ but if you get a 28 or 29 I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you have a bunch of W's on your transcripts (which it sounds like you might from rehab and PT) spend some time explaining that in your personal statement but use it to your advantage. Most med schools look for an applicant who has overcome the odds to follow their dream. For some it's a learning disability, growing up in poor household or underprivileged, but overcoming a serious medical condition is also an excellent example to use.

However, I agree with Goro that you must make sure you are able to handle medical school. You'd be looking at 60+ study weeks, then more time once you get into clinicals. The fact that you cannot spend a lot of time volunteering due to your condition is concerning. I think your top priority should be to get healthy only then will you be ready for med school and you'll be attractive to med schools. This is especially true since they want to see if you can handle extremely rigorous coursework plus ECs, clinicals, and have a healthy work/life balance.

Don't feel awful about yourself though! You overcame a traumatic injury and STILL did so well in school (3.7+ is excellent). Give yourself some more time, pack in the EC's, and then apply in a year or so (unless you get a 35+ on the MCAT). Plenty of people get in at 30+.

Also, I don't think they look down on extended time on the MCAT, but an adcom member would need to confirm/deny that.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

It's incredible that you were able to come back from that, so huge props. 🙂 I agree that your bigger concern is whether you'll be able to handle med school, residency, and working as a physician. If you are confident that you can, I think your chances for MD are very good with a 28+ MCAT.

 

[Adaze]

You'll easily get interviews unless you bomb the MCAT. Taking extended time isn't a problem for AdComs, we have students who need those al the time.

I'd lust like to know given your health problems are you ready for medical school. It's quite the burden.

Thanks for the advice.I know its going to be quite the burden, but i'm ready for the
challenge🙂.....A little faith goes A LONG WAY

 

[Adaze]

It's incredible that you were able to come back from that, so huge props. 🙂 I agree that your bigger concern is whether you'll be able to handle med school, residency, and working as a physician. If you are confident that you can, I think your chances for MD are very good with a 28+ MCAT.

Thanks so much for the input 🙂.....it's not easy but i'm willing to put my all into becoming a physician.

 

[Adaze]

Your GPAs, URM status, and age give you a great chance at getting an interview. Aim for 30+ but if you get a 28 or 29 I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you have a bunch of W's on your transcripts (which it sounds like you might from rehab and PT) spend some time explaining that in your personal statement but use it to your advantage. Most med schools look for an applicant who has overcome the odds to follow their dream. For some it's a learning disability, growing up in poor household or underprivileged, but overcoming a serious medical condition is also an excellent example to use.

However, I agree with Goro that you must make sure you are able to handle medical school. You'd be looking at 60+ study weeks, then more time once you get into clinicals. The fact that you cannot spend a lot of time volunteering due to your condition is concerning. I think your top priority should be to get healthy only then will you be ready for med school and you'll be attractive to med schools. This is especially true since they want to see if you can handle extremely rigorous coursework plus ECs, clinicals, and have a healthy work/life balance.

Don't feel awful about yourself though! You overcame a traumatic injury and STILL did so well in school (3.7+ is excellent). Give yourself some more time, pack in the EC's, and then apply in a year or so (unless you get a 35+ on the MCAT). Plenty of people get in at 30+.

Also, I don't think they look down on extended time on the MCAT, but an adcom member would need to confirm/deny that.

This is GREAT ADVICE!!! I know its a lot of studying, which I'm fine with. I just need to focus on kicking butt on the MCAT, I just try to take it a day at a time. I believe there a MD degree with my name on it, and i'll will to go the distance for it. Thanks so much for your input, I greatly appreciate it🙂

 

[skargylejohn]

No problemo! Keep your spirits up and your face in the books and you'll do great. Best of luck to you.