Questions

[platy11]

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Hi All- I have 2 questions that I was hoping to get some help with, please.

1. I am planning on applying to start medical school in 2011 (the year I graduate undergrad). As of right now, however, I do not think my chances are very good due to grade deflation at my school and lack of experience (however, I know that medical school is right for me- Ill explain a little more later). If I do not get accepted right away or decide to take a year off, what happens with my undergrad loans from the government? Do I need to start paying them right away?

2. I have struggled with a mental illness for a long time (not a learning issue, more along the lines of depression). I feel this my experiences have changed me to be a bit more compassionate and understanding. They have also verified, at least for myself, that I am made to be a doctor.
My problem, however, is how I present this to admissions. I do not know if they will look at an applicant with "issues" as a liability, and thus pass me over. I do not know if I should avoid the situation or directly bring it up. Has anyone else been in this situation? How did you deal with it? Also, due to my own medical issues, I do not have many clinical experiences or much volunteer work (I worked in a lab over this past summer and have followed a few MDs, but not much more). Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thank you very much! Sorry this was so long. 🙂

 

[TheMightySmiter]

1. You have a six-month grace period for your federal loans from the time you graduate. After that, you will start repayment. Depending on your loan provider, the repayment time is flexible so you can always use this to drop your monthly payment to the lowest level. But you will still have to repay between the time that your grace period expires and the time you start med school. Luckily, once you start med school, your loans are again deferred provided that they are subsidized (not sure about unsubsidized, since I got only subsidized loans myself).

2. There's some debate about whether or not you should disclose mental illness to adcoms. On the one hand, it can help to explain a semester or two of poor grades. However, there's always the possibility that it will make you appear as though you won't be able to handle med school. regardless of your medical problems, you will need to improve your grades (don't blame grade deflation) and you will need to get some ECs and volunteer work before you apply. If you can't do both of these things, then adcoms will definitely question whether or not you will be able to make it through a grueling four years of med school and another grueling 3+ years of residency. Try volunteering at a free clinic or hospital a few hours a week until the time you apply. Based on what you have said about your GPA and lack of ECs, I think you will need to hold off applying for another year. If you start getting clinical experience now, you'll have about 1.5 years' worth by the time you apply. This should be enough to show your dedication.


Good luck, though!

 

[FloatOn]

2. I have struggled with a mental illness for a long time (not a learning issue, more along the lines of depression). I feel this my experiences have changed me to be a bit more compassionate and understanding. They have also verified, at least for myself, that I am made to be a doctor. My problem, however, is how I present this to admissions. I do not know if they will look at an applicant with "issues" as a liability, and thus pass me over. I do not know if I should avoid the situation or directly bring it up. Has anyone else been in this situation? How did you deal with it? Also, due to my own medical issues, I do not have many clinical experiences or much volunteer work (I worked in a lab over this past summer and have followed a few MDs, but not much more). Any thoughts/suggestions?

I think your experience is what makes your reasons for going into medicine unique, so I do not see how you can completely avoid mentioning this when you're applying, whether in your personal statement or during interviews. I feel like you can present your story in a positive light without bringing too much unwanted attention. Do understand, however, that there is still a very large stigma against people with mental illnesses, whether someone is going to openly admit it or not. Society doesn't view it the same way as, for example, a broken leg. It's important to be honest, but just be careful about the situation and good luck!

 

[gumboelephant]

I know someone that was seeing a psychiatrist for whatever reason and mentioned this in all her interviews. She was rejected or waitlisted by every school she interviewed at.