science background/research experience

[rwk66]

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I am looking for some insight into the application process/my chances of gaining acceptance at an MD granting institution. Here's my situation:
I graduated from college 4 years ago with an MS in Information Science...currently work as the IT Director for a large university's Athletic program. I decided about 2 years ago that I wanted to go to med school and started on my pre-req's. At this point, I have 2 classes left and have about an A- average which I hope to keep. I still have to take the MCATS. I talked to a👎 MS-2 recently who told me that, no matter my GPA and MCAT scores, it's going to be nearly impossible for me to get into ANY MD school. He said that my lacking a science background and research experience would hurt me, and that even if I got an extremely good GPA/MCAT score, my only chances are to either enter a Post-Bac program, or go for the DO. I realize that I lack a science background, but I've excelled in my field and have worked my a** off in these classes and plan to do so on the MCATS.

I'm not looking to get into Havard or UofPenn, just any old MD school. Do I still have a chance, or does my non-science/research background eliminate me from the competition?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[Amy B]

Hi,

First off don't believe everything people say. I knew a bunch of undergrads that only took the med-school required science course to get in and were accepted with only those bare minimum. Those are the only classes that med schools really require you to take. If it was mandantory to take more, then they would require more.

Do good on your MCAT, have a decent GPA and take at least one or two upper level science courses. I would recomemend Cell Biology and Physiology. And I would suggest you take them before the MCAT. They will really, really help!!!!

You don't need any research experience to be accepted to med school.


Now, that said...... You did not mention anything about your clinical volunteer or paid experiences. Do you have clinical experiences? They are VERY important to your application. 99.99999% of applicants will need these EC's in order to be accepted to any med school, DO and MD. You must have these.

 

[rwk66]

Thanks for your reply, Amy! Yes, I have done volunteering in a local hospital and have shadowed a physician. Unfortunately my schedule restricts me from getting as much clinical experience as I'd like to get, but I am getting some. Thanks again for your reply!

 

[Amy B]

That's good. I would strongly suggest you get as much time in as you can. Do you have any free health clinics where you live? They are a GREAT place to get clinical EC's. But since you have shadowed and been at the hospital, you are one step ahead.

Good luck.

 

[rwk66]

Thanks Amy...that's a great idea. I've volunteered at the university affiliated hospital system, but it was very limited. Perhaps I should check out the VA hospital nearby...they'd probably be more open to volunteering. Thanks again for the help!

 

[Anka]

I think you'll find medical schools a whole lot more open to nontraditional applicants than they were not too long ago. You need to demonstrate your ability in science, but if you're taking your science pre-reqs and getting As, then you're probably fine. If you're nervous, a couple of upper level science courses might be good (as has already been suggested). Keep in mind much of the premedical "wisdom" was designed to make absolutely positive people who knew ten years in advance they wanted to become doctors became doctors. Most admissions committees are open to applicants who have taken a different path, as long as they prove they can perform... your MCATs will be important!

Anka

 

[edik]

I don't know whether I can speak on the subject since I have no acceptances yet, but I don't think that having no research background hurts that much at most schools. Apparently it does decrease your chances at the big-name schools.
My degree was in Computer Science. I have been working as a Software Engineer for 8 years now. I have a fairly weak science research background. I applied to 18 schools and got interviews from 9 of them. I haven't received interviews from the big-names.
My stats are pretty good. 3.8 GPA, 36 MCAT.
So I assume that good numbers, volunteering, and a meaningful personal statement should get you interviews.
Good luck.

 

[jlee9531]

your ms2 friend is just trying to scare you.

there are so many applicants who do not major in the sciences and just take the core requirements that the med schools require. if you take those classes and get good grades in them then you are going to be fine. make sure your mcat score is good and during the time you are taking these classes make sure you find some clinical experience as well. not many people just get in by numbers alone.

your lack of research experience isnt going to hurt you getting into a med school. like you said...you arent aiming for harvard or any top research school like that...so you are going to be fine.

i have no scientific research experience and many others on this forum do not as well. so far i have 2 acceptances and waiting decisions from 2 more schools.

 

[rwk66]

Great, thank you all for your information. It has been very helpful. I had a feeling that the information I was given may have not been totally accurate, and your messages have confirmed that. Thanks again.