- Joined
- Jul 6, 2017
- Messages
- 61
- Reaction score
- 55
Hi everyone, I don't really have any specific questions at the moment but I just wanted to describe my situation and see if anyone has any general advice or similar experiences.
I originally applied the summer after I graduated from college - unsuccessfully, of course. My stats were quite good on paper (3.8/34) but I think I made several critical mistakes, namely sending out secondaries too late and applying to too few schools, and too many competitive ones in the northeast. I felt quite discouraged/unmotivated at the time and thought that my application had not improved enough to reapply immediately.
I am now 5 years out of undergrad, and was researching PhD/masters programs in biology with the intention of applying this year. Slowly I realized that I was trying to find programs with a more translational or clinical focus, or even ones that would involve some elements of patient interaction. I even searched for dual degree PA/PhD programs
! When I finally allowed myself to consider med school again, the interest came flooding back and I felt excited and motivated about pursuing higher education/a career for the first time in maybe years. Now I am facing the prospect of applying in 2018 and taking stock of how I have changed as an applicant, for better and worse.
Pros:
- 1.5 years of full time experience as an anesthesia technician after graduation (started just too late to list on primary app)
- 2+ years of experience as a research assistant in a molecular biology lab at a top university. Original app had no wet lab research at all, outside of lab courses. Clinical research component to the lab; I served as interim study coordinator for a time and interacted with patients and families.
- I am open to DO schools this time around.
- Generally more mature and probably a better person (just the general benefits of living on one's own, holding a steady job, cultivating relationships, etc.)
Cons:
- My good MCAT score has long since expired (in essence wasted); I will have to study and retake, many years further removed from physics, chemistry, etc.
- 1+ year without a decent job, between the ones listed above. However, I did have some temp gigs and I pursued multiple artistic projects (performing and recording music).
- Clinical experience has trailed off - will need to get involved in some volunteering (both to improve app and convince myself that I am interested in this path again)
- Now in a long term relationship, probably less flexible geographically than the first time around (ironic considering that I focused on one small region of the country then)
- Having flip-flopped a few times between goals and interests, I will have to convince both myself and admissions committees that this is what I really want to do.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling post and thank you to anyone who read my story! Looking forward to any thoughts from you all, especially those who were in similar situations.
I originally applied the summer after I graduated from college - unsuccessfully, of course. My stats were quite good on paper (3.8/34) but I think I made several critical mistakes, namely sending out secondaries too late and applying to too few schools, and too many competitive ones in the northeast. I felt quite discouraged/unmotivated at the time and thought that my application had not improved enough to reapply immediately.
I am now 5 years out of undergrad, and was researching PhD/masters programs in biology with the intention of applying this year. Slowly I realized that I was trying to find programs with a more translational or clinical focus, or even ones that would involve some elements of patient interaction. I even searched for dual degree PA/PhD programs
! When I finally allowed myself to consider med school again, the interest came flooding back and I felt excited and motivated about pursuing higher education/a career for the first time in maybe years. Now I am facing the prospect of applying in 2018 and taking stock of how I have changed as an applicant, for better and worse.Pros:
- 1.5 years of full time experience as an anesthesia technician after graduation (started just too late to list on primary app)
- 2+ years of experience as a research assistant in a molecular biology lab at a top university. Original app had no wet lab research at all, outside of lab courses. Clinical research component to the lab; I served as interim study coordinator for a time and interacted with patients and families.
- I am open to DO schools this time around.
- Generally more mature and probably a better person (just the general benefits of living on one's own, holding a steady job, cultivating relationships, etc.)
Cons:
- My good MCAT score has long since expired (in essence wasted); I will have to study and retake, many years further removed from physics, chemistry, etc.
- 1+ year without a decent job, between the ones listed above. However, I did have some temp gigs and I pursued multiple artistic projects (performing and recording music).
- Clinical experience has trailed off - will need to get involved in some volunteering (both to improve app and convince myself that I am interested in this path again)
- Now in a long term relationship, probably less flexible geographically than the first time around (ironic considering that I focused on one small region of the country then)
- Having flip-flopped a few times between goals and interests, I will have to convince both myself and admissions committees that this is what I really want to do.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling post and thank you to anyone who read my story! Looking forward to any thoughts from you all, especially those who were in similar situations.
