(Personal story in the beginning and more general questions towards the end)
I have seen many people get berated in this forum when they mention they were in some kind of legal/interdisciplinary trouble. I would appreciate it if these close minded individuals would keep their negative comments to themselves.
I am 23 years old, and I graduated from Penn State University in May 2008 with a B.A. in Economics. I graduated with a 3.05 GPA and some interdisciplinary action on my record. I received a temporary expulsion for being involved in an altercation in a campus dorm room. Fortunately no one was hurt, but the incident was reported and the University took strict action.
During my semester off, I took three courses at a community college that were able to transfer to Penn State as electives. I was still able to graduate in four years, but with a GPA that poorly reflects my intelligence and work ethic.
In the fall of my senior year, I received a DUI. My BAC was a .08 and because of this I was convicted of a misdemeanor (not a felony).
I realize the impact these actions have on what people will think of me, specifically admissions departments. I also realize that everyone makes mistakes (even doctors), and there must be several successful medical school applicants who went through something similar to me. I would love to hear any advice from these people.
Now on to some positive information...
I have spent the past five months shadowing surgeries in a plastic surgery center, as well as local hospitals. My father is a plastic surgeon and we have spent a lot of time together talking about what it is like to have a career in medicine. I have also watched my father deal with these challenges. Some may find it strange that I didn't think about a career in medicine until now. I don't really think it is. But I do know now, it is exactly what I want to do and I am very eager to get started.
I took zero sciences at Penn State, so while my undergrad GPA is low, I can still acquire an impressive science GPA when I take my prereqs. I applied to two formal Postbacc Programs; Columbia an NYU. I know my chances of getting in are low, but I don't see anything wrong with trying.
My plan was to apply to these two schools, and develop a backup plan for an informal postbacc program while waiting for the schools to make their decisions. That is where I am now.
This forum has been very helpful up until this point. I am having trouble finding posts regarding informal postbacc premed programs. Specifically, the application/registration process to state universities, a mock schedule of what courses to take and when, and some sort of premed related work/activity time line during so called informal postbacc program (such as volunteering, clinical research...).
Is it acceptable to apply to a state university as a transfer/2nd degree seeking student with no intention of acquiring the second degree? I think applying in this fashion will help with the course registration priority problem. I think this will also give you access to university resources that you otherwise would not have had access to. (Can people please comment on this?)
Is taking 3 courses at once highly discouraged? I have gotten that feeling from what I have read so far, but I would appreciate any input on that.
I have seen many people get berated in this forum when they mention they were in some kind of legal/interdisciplinary trouble. I would appreciate it if these close minded individuals would keep their negative comments to themselves.
I am 23 years old, and I graduated from Penn State University in May 2008 with a B.A. in Economics. I graduated with a 3.05 GPA and some interdisciplinary action on my record. I received a temporary expulsion for being involved in an altercation in a campus dorm room. Fortunately no one was hurt, but the incident was reported and the University took strict action.
During my semester off, I took three courses at a community college that were able to transfer to Penn State as electives. I was still able to graduate in four years, but with a GPA that poorly reflects my intelligence and work ethic.
In the fall of my senior year, I received a DUI. My BAC was a .08 and because of this I was convicted of a misdemeanor (not a felony).
I realize the impact these actions have on what people will think of me, specifically admissions departments. I also realize that everyone makes mistakes (even doctors), and there must be several successful medical school applicants who went through something similar to me. I would love to hear any advice from these people.
Now on to some positive information...
I have spent the past five months shadowing surgeries in a plastic surgery center, as well as local hospitals. My father is a plastic surgeon and we have spent a lot of time together talking about what it is like to have a career in medicine. I have also watched my father deal with these challenges. Some may find it strange that I didn't think about a career in medicine until now. I don't really think it is. But I do know now, it is exactly what I want to do and I am very eager to get started.
I took zero sciences at Penn State, so while my undergrad GPA is low, I can still acquire an impressive science GPA when I take my prereqs. I applied to two formal Postbacc Programs; Columbia an NYU. I know my chances of getting in are low, but I don't see anything wrong with trying.
My plan was to apply to these two schools, and develop a backup plan for an informal postbacc program while waiting for the schools to make their decisions. That is where I am now.
This forum has been very helpful up until this point. I am having trouble finding posts regarding informal postbacc premed programs. Specifically, the application/registration process to state universities, a mock schedule of what courses to take and when, and some sort of premed related work/activity time line during so called informal postbacc program (such as volunteering, clinical research...).
Is it acceptable to apply to a state university as a transfer/2nd degree seeking student with no intention of acquiring the second degree? I think applying in this fashion will help with the course registration priority problem. I think this will also give you access to university resources that you otherwise would not have had access to. (Can people please comment on this?)
Is taking 3 courses at once highly discouraged? I have gotten that feeling from what I have read so far, but I would appreciate any input on that.
