The right path

[MidnightSun]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi all,

I have been reading up on these posts for a while, and finally decided to join in on the fun. I have a few questions and I'm hoping that someone on this forum can help me find some answers.
I live in Alaska, so my choices for schools are very limited. I am currently attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks, studying Biological Sciences and I'm hoping to keep my GPA and EC's impressive enough to eventually 🙂xf🙂 get into the WWAMI program and attend the University of Washington School of Medicine. I just want to know what EC's would help keep me competitive in the running for one of the 20 slots open for Alaskan students each year. Anybody have any suggestions??
Right now my GPA is right around 3.25, although I do plan to take at least 3 more classes in the summer semester to bring that up a bit. I am going to be volunteering at Hospice and I'm hoping to get a job at one of the local clinics or hospitals for patient contact volunteer hours. Anything else I can do to boost my stats?

Also, I was enrolled in another college before the one I am currently enrolled in and I did very poorly (mostly because it was an online based curriculum, with super-condensed 8 week terms). I hope that MD school adcoms will see that I have changed venues and started a new upward trend, but I'm also open to DO schools if that's what it comes down to.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MidnightSun]

Also, I forgot to mention that I plan to pursue a career in Diagnostic Radiology.

 

[ChE04]

In addition to what you are doing, I'll suggest the following:
1) MCAT: kill it, obviously
2) shadow a few docs
3) non-medical volunteer work with some substance that meshes with your interests
4) meaningful research experience (depending on the school)
5) remain committed to the EC's you pursue--longevity shows dedication, and the fact that you didn't just sign up because you needed a box checked on AMCAS

Also keep in mind that the GPA on your application is going to be influenced by your grades at every institution, so depending on how much of a hit you took at your first institution, it may or may not be easy to forgive. Don't put all your eggs in the WWAMI basket. Regardless, you are doing the right thing by demonstrating an upward trend.

By the way, I used to live in AK, so stay warm and good luck!

 

[EdLongshanks]

Also, I forgot to mention that I plan to pursue a career in Diagnostic Radiology.

This is premature. You and I don't yet have enough information for this decision. Saying it publicly is a turnoff to adcoms. You may have a thought in the back of your mind, but I would suggest that you voice it quietly and tentatively.

 

[MidnightSun]

Just for curiousity's sake, why is it bad to let AdComs know where you want to go with your career? I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just curious.

Thanks!

 

[FixedGearMD]

This is random I guess, but i'm currently reading this book "What Patients Taught me" by Audrey Young, it mentions the WWAMI program. Thought I share.

 

[MidnightSun]

Hey, thank you.

I'll have to check it out. I'm open to any and all resources that will help me move forward.

 

[Helen Wheels]

Just for curiousity's sake, why is it bad to let AdComs know where you want to go with your career? I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just curious.

Thanks!

Well, radiology is one of the specialties known for having a great lifestyle - very high pay without having to work crazy long hours and with little to no on call responsibilities. If you were to tell an adcom this is what you want to do it:

A) Makes you look like you are just in it for the $$$

b) It is also very competitive as far as getting into a radiology residency. So, you look a little naive when you haven't even started med school.

I am not saying the above points apply to you, just that for the ROAD specialties (Rad, Ortho, Anesthesia, Derm) some people might think the above apply to you.

 

[zebalong]

Washington is looking for students to provide critical medical services to the states that don't have medical schools... ie primary care or some version of it (hospitalist, ob/gyn, even emergency a bit ect.) Saying that diag. radiology is what you are gunning for might be a disadvantage because you aren't really going with the mission statement of the program nor of the school. I'm not saying that the school expects that their students won't choose radiology, they know some will, but going in and telling them that to an interviewer who is looking for someone to take care of the Alaskan population could only put your interview in a less favorable light.

If they had to choose between two similiar applicants, they will probably choose someone who they feel fulfills the mission of their school best. ie that wouldn't be you.

I'm not saying lie, but i believe it is best just not to mention what you are leaning toward for your future specialty. If asked then the best response for you would be that understand you are inexperienced and have not been fully exposed to medicine, so while you find many fields interesting you are keeping all of your options open.

 

[MidnightSun]

Hey,

Thanks for the information, everyone!

I'll definitely keep all of this in mind for the future.