Thoughts?

[zgotham1]

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Hello All,

I just was wondering if i could get some input or maybe just writing some stuff down and talking it out would help me out.

So currently, I am a junior in my 2nd semester. Next semester I will be a senior, obviously, however as i come closer to the end of my undergraduate degree i find myself having second thoughts about my future. As of right now i am enrolled in Sport and Exercise Science/Pre-PA Maj. I have taken all the necessary pre-reqs for PA school, which typically follow the same format as medical school.
I have taken the following courses:
GPA: 3.71 SciGPA:~3.66
- Bio 1 and 2 w/ Labs
- Human Gross Anatomy w/ Lab (Cadaver Based)
- Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 (with Orgo 1 lab)
- Psych Statistics
- Human Physiology
- Gen Chem I and II
- 9 Cr. of Psych (Including Psychopath)
- Trig
- Exercise Biochem (Which will not count as my biochem, i havent learned a single thing...)

However, on the pre-med side im obviously missing Physics I and II w/lab and structural biochemistry lecture. Now, since im in an odd situation i would have to take Genetics this summer, physics I w/lab next semester along with biochem, then cram in Physics II w/ lab my graduating semester. I would study for MCAT ~June (giving myself 1 month to relax, also to go over ORGO since my professor was awful and i dont remember anything) and then take it January and apply year of 2021. (Edit: **Also side note is orgo II lab required at most DO/MD schools?)

Im just a little confused and was wondering if i could get some insight and possible guidance.

I have always wanted to become a physician, but never felt like i was good/smart enough. I bounced from doing 4+3 DPT program, then went PA because I didn't think i could accomplish my goal. However, as mentioned above as the time comes closer i just have this nagging thought that i should be a physician.
But im also scarred that if i somehow screw up my DO process then ill mess up my chances of becoming a PA if i cant handle it or find out its not for me.

- Do you have any advice?
- Is there a reason why you chose DO/MD over PA (if you had the same situation as me)?
- Does my plan make sense in order to attempt to get into med school?
- LECOM is my local medical school and I feel like i would like to apply there to stay close to family and cut down on living expenses. Any thoughts on LECOM?
- Im terrified of physics and the MCAT overall lol. Tips for studying?

Thank you so much for any input 🙂

 

[Osminog]

Do you have any advice?

Don't make any rash decisions. Shadow professionals in different healthcare careers, observe carefully, and see what feels like a good fit for you.

Is there a reason why you chose DO/MD over PA (if you had the same situation as me)?

I'm starting medical school in the fall. I chose medical school over PA school because I value the autonomy and extensive expertise that comes with being a physician. I realized while shadowing and volunteering that I wouldn't be satisfied with playing a supporting role at the peak of my career. (For many other people, the PA track makes more sense. Some benefits of being a PA over being a physician: less legal responsibility, less paperwork, and way more versatility—you can switch specialties easily as a PA.)

Does my plan make sense in order to attempt to get into med school?

Yes, but don't "cram" or rush anything. Also, make sure to get clinical and non-clinical volunteer experience, extracurricular academic experience (clubs, tutoring, etc.), and (preferably) some research experience. Remember that coursework, grades, and scores aren't the only admission factors; admissions officers want well-rounded, compassionate, worldly individuals.

LECOM is my local medical school and I feel like i would like to apply there to stay close to family and cut down on living expenses. Any thoughts on LECOM?

At this point, aim for MD programs. If you score well on the MCAT, you probably won't have to apply to DO schools. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with going to DO school and becoming an osteopathic physician, having an MD (from a US institution) opens more doors for you.

People generally have mixed feelings about LECOM-Erie. The tuition is pretty low, and having less debt is definitely a good thing. However, the rotations aren't well-established, and the school tends to be very controlling over its students in terms of dress code, class attendance, etc.

Im terrified of physics and the MCAT overall lol. Tips for studying?

In high school, I barely scraped by with a B- average in physics, but I got straight A's in college physics. The key to success is practice problems. Do as many as you can and make sure you understand the solutions thoroughly.

This is an outline of what I believe is the best method for studying for the MCAT, based on my own experience and on my discussions with others who performed well on the MCAT (originally posted by me on another thread):

RESOURCES: Kaplan books (used or old versions work), UWorld Qbank, NS or Altiu$ practice exams, AAMC section banks (FYI: the MCAT Flashcards are only useful for CARS), AAMC FLs.

1. Read all of the Kaplan books using active reading techniques (i.e., asking yourself questions as you read and trying to synthesize concepts). Consider scribbling down brief notes. This initial content review phase should only last a couple of months of full time study at most. Don't focus on memorizing every little detail in the books, because that's unproductive. The MCAT isn't as much about fact recall as it is about critical thinking, and you'll only be able to truly master the MCAT by doing a lot of practice questions.

2. Start drilling with the UWorld question bank. Take an NS or Altiu$ practice exam once a week (under strict test conditions) and track your progress on a spreadsheet. After each question bank session and after each practice exam, go through EVERY question. For questions you get correct, make sure you know precisely why your answer was right and others were wrong. For questions you get incorrect, make sure that you know exactly where your confusion lied. Make note of the question topics/types that you struggle with so that you can detect patterns; when you detect a pattern, shift your focus to reviewing that area of weakness. Keep doing content review on specific topics you're underperforming in.

3. Starting approximately two months before the exam, drill the AAMC section banks. Don't get frustrated; these questions are known to be challenging. Again, check your answers thoroughly and actively. The AAMC question bank is golden, because it will prepare you for the toughest passages you'll see on exam day. Keep doing content review on specific topics you're underperforming in.

4. Starting approximately a month before the exam, take the official AAMC practice exams (under strict test conditions). These are the best predictors for your actual performance, but you can still boost your score by checking your answers thoroughly and reviewing what you seem to be messing up on. Keep doing content review on specific topics you're underperforming in.

5. On test day, be confident that all of your hard work paid off and trust that your AAMC FLs are relatively accurate predictors of test day performance. Don't make any extreme changes to your regular routine.

If you follow the above steps and devote enough of your time, you should be pleased with your result. Best of luck!

 

[GTown]

I think you can absolutely get in your pre-reqs, it might just take you a little extra time.

Your GPA looks great, rest depends on how you do on your MCAT.

I’m older, with a young family, and an leaving an established career in research to go to medical school. People have asked me why I didn’t do PA school and my answer is that I want to be the one ultimately responsible for a patient. Medicine is very collaborative and everyone has input and everyone’s input is considered but ultimately it’s the doctor that makes a decision and accepts responsibility for that decision. Also I know PAs specialize in certain areas, but my current research and background would be practically inapplicable as a PA and my current work ties in closely to what I’d like to be doing as a physician.

But that’s my answer. The question you should ask is why do you want to be a physician? What’s working to change your mind?

 

[zgotham1]

Don't make any rash decisions. Shadow professionals in different healthcare careers, observe carefully, and see what feels like a good fit for you.


I'm starting medical school in the fall. I chose medical school over PA school because I value the autonomy and extensive expertise that comes with being a physician. I realized while shadowing and volunteering that I wouldn't be satisfied with playing a supporting role at the peak of my career. (For many other people, the PA track makes more sense. Some benefits of being a PA over being a physician: less legal responsibility, less paperwork, and way more versatility—you can switch specialties easily as a PA.)


Yes, but don't "cram" or rush anything. Also, make sure to get clinical and non-clinical volunteer experience, extracurricular academic experience (clubs, tutoring, etc.), and (preferably) some research experience. Remember that coursework, grades, and scores aren't the only admission factors; admissions officers want well-rounded, compassionate, worldly individuals.


At this point, aim for MD programs. If you score well on the MCAT, you probably won't have to apply to DO schools. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with going to DO school and becoming an osteopathic physician, having an MD (from a US institution) opens more doors for you.

People generally have mixed feelings about LECOM-Erie. The tuition is pretty low, and having less debt is definitely a good thing. However, the rotations aren't well-established, and the school tends to be very controlling over its students in terms of dress code, class attendance, etc.


In high school, I barely scraped by with a B- average in physics, but I got straight A's in college physics. The key to success is practice problems. Do as many as you can and make sure you understand the solutions thoroughly.

This is an outline of what I believe is the best method for studying for the MCAT, based on my own experience and on my discussions with others who performed well on the MCAT (originally posted by me on another thread):

Thank you so much for all of your insight. It definitely is an incredibly hard decision to make and I need to make sure that it is 100% for me. I will attempt to do more shadowing and what not to again solidly my decision making process. This isn't the first time I've had this thought, not to get all philosophical, but i feel like if i have this pressing want and subconscious thought that deep down in my heart its what i know i should be doing. Regardless of the PA shorter route.

 

[zgotham1]

I think you can absolutely get in your pre-reqs, it might just take you a little extra time.

Your GPA looks great, rest depends on how you do on your MCAT.

I’m older, with a young family, and an leaving an established career in research to go to medical school. People have asked me why I didn’t do PA school and my answer is that I want to be the one ultimately responsible for a patient. Medicine is very collaborative and everyone has input and everyone’s input is considered but ultimately it’s the doctor that makes a decision and accepts responsibility for that decision. Also I know PAs specialize in certain areas, but my current research and background would be practically inapplicable as a PA and my current work ties in closely to what I’d like to be doing as a physician.

But that’s my answer. The question you should ask is why do you want to be a physician? What’s working to change your mind?

Thanks for the compliment! I worked really hard to attempt to get the best grades possible. Like i mentioned earlier im incredibly nervous to take the MCAT, especially when it comes to physics/orgo components, so really need to get grinding on that once i finish my physics pre-reqs. If i may ask, what were your tactics on getting accepted into medical school/obtaining the needed MCAT score to get in

 

[Kyle Broflovski]

Hello All,

I just was wondering if i could get some input or maybe just writing some stuff down and talking it out would help me out.

So currently, I am a junior in my 2nd semester. Next semester I will be a senior, obviously, however as i come closer to the end of my undergraduate degree i find myself having second thoughts about my future. As of right now i am enrolled in Sport and Exercise Science/Pre-PA Maj. I have taken all the necessary pre-reqs for PA school, which typically follow the same format as medical school.
I have taken the following courses:
GPA: 3.71 SciGPA:~3.66
- Bio 1 and 2 w/ Labs
- Human Gross Anatomy w/ Lab (Cadaver Based)
- Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 (with Orgo 1 lab)
- Psych Statistics
- Human Physiology
- Gen Chem I and II
- 9 Cr. of Psych (Including Psychopath)
- Trig
- Exercise Biochem (Which will not count as my biochem, i havent learned a single thing...)

However, on the pre-med side im obviously missing Physics I and II w/lab and structural biochemistry lecture. Now, since im in an odd situation i would have to take Genetics this summer, physics I w/lab next semester along with biochem, then cram in Physics II w/ lab my graduating semester. I would study for MCAT ~June (giving myself 1 month to relax, also to go over ORGO since my professor was awful and i dont remember anything) and then take it January and apply year of 2021. (Edit: **Also side note is orgo II lab required at most DO/MD schools?)

Im just a little confused and was wondering if i could get some insight and possible guidance.

I have always wanted to become a physician, but never felt like i was good/smart enough. I bounced from doing 4+3 DPT program, then went PA because I didn't think i could accomplish my goal. However, as mentioned above as the time comes closer i just have this nagging thought that i should be a physician.
But im also scarred that if i somehow screw up my DO process then ill mess up my chances of becoming a PA if i cant handle it or find out its not for me.

- Do you have any advice?
- Is there a reason why you chose DO/MD over PA (if you had the same situation as me)?
- Does my plan make sense in order to attempt to get into med school?
- LECOM is my local medical school and I feel like i would like to apply there to stay close to family and cut down on living expenses. Any thoughts on LECOM?
- Im terrified of physics and the MCAT overall lol. Tips for studying?

Thank you so much for any input 🙂

You will need orgo II lab for all medical schools I know of.

I chose med school over PA because I can’t stand the thought of not being able to handle the complex situations. I want to be able to handle any situation, not just the “bread and butter” problems.

My advice for you would to be take things slow, there is no reason to rush. Take an extra year and continue to do well in your classes and study for the MCAT. My greatest regret was rushing and taking 20+ credits a semester while cramming for the MCAT. If I had slowed down and taken some extra time I would have been a better a applicant.

Don’t freak out about the MCAT there is an algorithm that guarantees a good score. Take all the pre req classes, do a prep course or follow a strict all encompassing personal study plan. Then take as many practice tests in a test like situation as you can. Take the official AAMC practice exams a month or so before your test, if your not happy with your score then postpone your exam and study more. My first practice test was 494 then after doing 6 or 7 practice tests and half a prep course I was up to 508-510. I took the aamc test a week before my test and scored a few points higher than my practice test. My study partners who actually finished the prep course and took 11/12 practice tests all scored 515+. It’s a lot of work but if you take the time and put in the work you’ll kill it.

Don’t get hung up on LECOM, there are tons of great schools out there and if you decide to do medicine you should pick a handful of schools MD/DO that you like. Go to interviews and pick the best fit. You might be surprised what schools you like after visiting them and meeting other students.

Good luck on your journey! Whatever you decide will be great, PA and MD/DO are both good careers.

 

[zgotham1]

You will need orgo II lab for all medical schools I know of.

I chose med school over PA because I can’t stand the thought of not being able to handle the complex situations. I want to be able to handle any situation, not just the “bread and butter” problems.

My advice for you would to be take things slow, there is no reason to rush. Take an extra year and continue to do well in your classes and study for the MCAT. My greatest regret was rushing and taking 20+ credits a semester while cramming for the MCAT. If I had slowed down and taken some extra time I would have been a better a applicant.

Don’t freak out about the MCAT there is an algorithm that guarantees a good score. Take all the pre req classes, do a prep course or follow a strict all encompassing personal study plan. Then take as many practice tests in a test like situation as you can. Take the official AAMC practice exams a month or so before your test, if your not happy with your score then postpone your exam and study more. My first practice test was 494 then after doing 6 or 7 practice tests and half a prep course I was up to 508-510. I took the aamc test a week before my test and scored a few points higher than my practice test. My study partners who actually finished the prep course and took 11/12 practice tests all scored 515+. It’s a lot of work but if you take the time and put in the work you’ll kill it.

Don’t get hung up on LECOM, there are tons of great schools out there and if you decide to do medicine you should pick a handful of schools MD/DO that you like. Go to interviews and pick the best fit. You might be surprised what schools you like after visiting them and meeting other students.

Good luck on your journey! Whatever you decide will be great, PA and MD/DO are both good careers.

Lmao why am i crying in the club right now. Thank you for your words of encouragement and thoughts about how to tackle this dilemma. I greatly appreciate you taking time out of your day to answer my post! I will definitely consider all of my options and take things slow to hopefully create the best outcome possible.

Good luck to you and your endeavors.