Success Stories

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Hey y'all, I guess I got really very lucky because I had a crappy undergrad BPA and BCMP and still got in. I spent $2900 to take some classes at my local university this past fall but I was gonna be damned if I had to spend $40k on an SMP to get into med school.

My story is in my mdapps page. My advice...write a good AMCAS PS and get your stuff in early. And be atleast 28....and awesome....
 
Hey y'all, I guess I got really very lucky because I had a crappy undergrad BPA and BCMP and still got in. I spent $2900 to take some classes at my local university this past fall but I was gonna be damned if I had to spend $40k on an SMP to get into med school.

My story is in my mdapps page. My advice...write a good AMCAS PS and get your stuff in early. And be atleast 28....and awesome....

how many credits did you take as a postbacc?
 
Eight credits. All undergrad level.
Human A/P = 3
A/P Lab = 1
Genetics = 4

I started them in the Fall 2007 semester. I interviewed at Tulane on 10/4 and received my acceptance on 10/20. I was doing great in my classes but after my acceptance, I asked Tulane if I could drop them so that I could return to my engineering job full time (and full pay - I had dropped to 30 hours/week and 75% pay). They said "yes" so my classes were history and I returned to work.

My case might have been unique since I was 28 and I was taking classes to up my BCMP in case I didn't get in this year.

Also, these weren't real "postbac" classes per se, rather they were regular undergrad, upper level (200-300+) bio courses at my local Univ of Maryland branch. My plan was to use these classes (and the same load the following semester if needed) to up my BCMP and to secure some fresh science letters of recommendation.

I had done a lot of research and I was willing to gamble that $7k spent on a few classes locally would pay me the same benefits as a $40k+ SMP. I also did not want to enroll fully into a structured masters program or something with a degree or certificate at the end of it because most med schools require you to finish that degree path before enrolling. At 28, I didn't want to risk getting in and being locked out. And to be totally honest, I couldn't get into any bio grad programs because I lacked the upper level undergrad bio courses like biochem, genetics, and cell bio.
 
I would like to start out by saying F Cinni's program, since they decided to not let me in!! granted I wouldnt' have gone, but it was rather sad to not get in.

Undergrad gpa: 3.5 (Bio and relg studies degree)
BCPM: maybe 3.2?
Mcat: 30 (2nd attempt)

1st app process - 1 interview @ West Virginia School of Medicine (so random I know... Goes to show you applying to 30+ schools, 1 might make a mistake) - Waitlisted....

Went to EVMS for 2-3 months... applied early Decision to GW... got in... quit EVMS... and am now waiting out my days in DC, working (if you can call it that) at NIH.

:laugh: muahahah I'm going to medical school!!! Goodluck to everyone!! except people @ Cinni's program Just Kidding
 
I would like to start out by saying F Cinni's program, since they decided to not let me in!! granted I wouldnt' have gone, but it was rather sad to not get in.

Undergrad gpa: 3.5 (Bio and relg studies degree)
BCPM: maybe 3.2?
Mcat: 30 (2nd attempt)

1st app process - 1 interview @ West Virginia School of Medicine (so random I know... Goes to show you applying to 30+ schools, 1 might make a mistake) - Waitlisted....

Went to EVMS for 2-3 months... applied early Decision to GW... got in... quit EVMS... and am now waiting out my days in DC, working (if you can call it that) at NIH.

:laugh: muahahah I'm going to medical school!!! Goodluck to everyone!! except people @ Cinni's program Just Kidding

What do you think was the clincher for GW? What do you think they liked about your app to accept you? Good luck! I was there a couple of days ago (not interview though) and got to see the 6th floor education center... pretty neat.
 
SMPer here that has been accepted to medical school. My advice:

1. Do REALLY well in your SMP...I mean literally, study like your life depends on it (well technically it does if being a doctor is that important to you)
2. Keep in contact with EVERY school you apply to. Update them on everything constantly...even if it is just exam grades
3. Stay positive and focused...keep your eye on the prize
4. Get additional LORs from your SMP professors if you can
5. I know this is really corny, but you have to believe in yourself. When you start to have doubts, then you are hurting your drive. Keep that hunger going!
 
SMPer here that has been accepted to medical school. My advice:

1. Do REALLY well in your SMP...I mean literally, study like your life depends on it (well technically it does if being a doctor is that important to you)
2. Keep in contact with EVERY school you apply to. Update them on everything constantly...even if it is just exam grades
3. Stay positive and focused...keep your eye on the prize
4. Get additional LORs from your SMP professors if you can
5. I know this is really corny, but you have to believe in yourself. When you start to have doubts, then you are hurting your drive. Keep that hunger going!


Word!👍
 
My advice to people would be to make sure that this is what you want. I think ambivalence has killed as many apps as poor stats.

Next, show that you want it. Actions speak louder than words, but you'll need both to succeed.

Finally, believe in yourself. There are few things less attractive than insecurity.

You'll notice I haven't mentioned stats. This isn't b/c they aren't important, but b/c they aren't what help non-trads stand out. Imo, a compelling story and passion will take you far.
 
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