The end of the road?

[tanu6784]

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Well I just found out today that the bs/md program I'm in right now won't accept the verbal 7 i got and will not let me attend the medical school after 3 years in the program. Can someone help me to what i need to do now? I filled out the amcas 2005 application for this medical school e/c we didn't have to enter any essay. Is there still time to apply for 2006 or am i too late?

 

[raidermedic]

You can still apply for the 2006 class well into the fall.
I'm wondering if you're program will let you retake the MCAT. It seems odd to just kick someone out of the program after three years because of one test.

 

[tanu6784]

Do you know how long i have to work on my personal statement and extraciriculars.. I submitted the 2005 application to my medical school but wasn't required to fill out the essay or activities area.. I'm adding a few more this summer now and wondered when should i submit it all..?

 

[HCA1500A]

Can't you retake in august? How are the rest of your mcat sections? If your total score isn't a 30 or better, it might be tough to get into other schools unless your gpa is pretty high.

 

[DrBowtie]

So basically you haven't done any EC's or anything during your 3 years? I would ask if you can retake. It seems a bit harsh to give you the boot after 1 test.

 

[BlondeCookie]

You're already in a BS/MD program? Can you transfer somewhere else?

 

[tanu6784]

Unfortuantely, i can't retake the test.. Im just wondering if you guys know when you need to have LORs by.. I know they have the deadlines but should be you be getting them now? Also im applying to 20+ schools so is it ok to ask to have a copy of the letters from some of the people i ask.. it seems crazy for them to have to fax a lettter 20 different places etc...?

 

[2tall]

I know of programs- high school to MD - where they require you make at least a 25...with at least an eight on each section. No retakes. It sort of defeats the purpose of the program or funding or something. Who knows? It's the past now.

Sorry to hear about your situation tanu. YES, get your LoRs in ASAP. Does your school have a health professions advisory committee? It could be easier to have your letters sent there...and have the committee distribute those letters to schools. Letters are generally mailed directly to schools. I've never heard of anyone faxing letters. Make sure you provide your letter writers with your a copy of your personal statement- or draft, your transcripts, a resume, and stamped envelopes.

If you're weary of having your writers lick 20 envelopes, I have heard mention of "letter holding" services that distribute your letters for you. I don't know exactly how they work or the fees involved...but I'm sure someone else in this forum will give your info on that option.

 

[tanu6784]

Thanks for all the help guys. One more question. Since i just found out about my situation thurs last week I have been working on my amcas since Sunday. I had my transcripts sent out rush delivery and rush processing on Monday. I'm still working a bit on my PS but should have it done by the end of the week.. will that be ok still or am i waay late in the application pool? And secondly there is no commitee at my school so my advisor can provide a letter but the two science prof's that some schools require i have not been able to get a hold of (i emailed them mon) and am scared i might have to wait till later in Aug when schools resumes here before they can get me my letters.. hmm should i call the departments or what? thanks again for all the input and advice.. you guys are great!

 

[2tall]

No...it's not really considered late. It's late when your file is complete @ about the same time as August MCATers. Their files are generally On Hold until their scores arrive in October. IMHO, you're starting to be "late" when September hits.

Definitely, have someone look over your PS. Make sure it's glossy!

Your instincts are correct. Contact the department to find out when your profs might be in their offices. Explain your situation...the fact that you needs LoRs ASAP. The dept should be able to help out. Science profs understand the drill. You're not the first premed who needs a LoR. To be on the safe side, I asked 3 profs for letters - just in case one wasn't able to come through. Profs have other letters to write, classes to teach, grant apps to be completed. I had my timeline.

Additional letter writers...volunteer cooridinator/director, a physician you shadowed, church leader, etc. may enhance your app.

 

[PhDtoDO]

I have some advise for you...

1) Did you totally bomb the MCAT? If so, you may want to consider doing a postbac program and applying next year after you retake it...but if you want to go forward and consider the postbac later...

2) interfolio.com....15$ and they'll send all your recs out for you electronically...I found out about it through this site...thanks guys!

3) Make sure you ask your professors in person...they get too much of the email stuff and a recommendation request isn't something you should do over email unless you're really close with the professor etc. Call to make an appt asap with MORE people than you'll actually need. Professors should be given some opportunity to bow out of a rec gracefully (like time constraints in this case )if they don't think they can write a good one for you...and make sure they know why its being asked for so late in the season. Also make sure you have a rec from non professors too...like your sports coach or the coordinator of that tutoring program at your church. Give each of them a large yellow envelop (assuming they said they could write it) with your transcripts (unofficial photocopies are fine) your personal statement...doesn't have to be the one from AMCAS...more of a letter, and a list of your extracurriculars/sports and job stuff...your resume if you have one...this will help them One professor actually asked for all the graded papers from his class...AND tell them when you need it by, Late June is best but Mid August is ok....ASK MORE PEOPLE THAN YOU NEED because if one person still doesn't have it in by mid August but all the others are, you can add it later and send it to them extra...I'm new to interfolio so I'll have to figure this one out myself
Don't tell them you're doing this either. Its not bad, its just not good either.

3) Get your AMCAS in by the end of July at the latest.

4) I'm unsure if I would retake the MCAT in August until you're totally sure you can do a lot better...if you do the same or worse, it will only delay your application and will not look good for you. I say go with what you got and just cross your fingers...and at some point look into the postbac or masters program for a year while you study and reapply.


All, just my opinions.

Good luck and don't stress, we're all in your shoes too;-)

-s

 

[2tall]

I just wanted to clarify what I meant about a complete file. It's when the admissions office has received all your application materials: AMCAS, secondaries, LoRs, photos, etc.

Those should be completed optimally before mid-September. My opinion.

 

[tanu6784]

Ok i got 3 profs, 2 who are science to give me letters or that are wililng too. My pre-med advisor will mail all 20 applications i have by next wed.. but when should i make sure the other people send out my letters.. i still have to give them my info and stuff.. like should end of july be their deadline or do they have some time seeing how i haven't yet submitted my amcas but prolly will in the next 2-4 days.. Also do i give them regular envelopes or do they need to be the large yellow minalla (sp?) 8 x 11 inche ones? thanks once again for everyone that is their to help me out.. you guys are awesome!!

 

[2tall]

Ok i got 3 profs, 2 who are science to give me letters or that are wililng too. My pre-med advisor will mail all 20 applications i have by next wed.. but when should i make sure the other people send out my letters.. i still have to give them my info and stuff.. like should end of july be their deadline or do they have some time seeing how i haven't yet submitted my amcas but prolly will in the next 2-4 days.. Also do i give them regular envelopes or do they need to be the large yellow minalla (sp?) 8 x 11 inche ones? thanks once again for everyone that is their to help me out.. you guys are awesome!!

A regular envelope will be fine. LoRs are typically only a page.

As for the deadline...generally two to three weeks should suffice for rec writers. You should send a thank you card about a week after you initally meet with your prof/give them all your info. The t.y. card is more of a reminder.