Undergraduate suspension for fighting: medical school out of the equation for life?

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seeker123

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Hey all,

Going to try to not sugarcoat things here. Background: 30 y.o. male, have worked in technology in the past few years since undergrad, have also worked in education teaching middle/high school students in intimate settings.

Major f$$$up: I hope none of this comes across as an excuse because I don't intend for it to be. During undergrad (I went to a so-called "top 10" school), I was suspended for physical violence/threatening behavior. I started off school strong for only the first year or two, but then I went on a downward spiral as I dealt with adult issues such as relationships, heartbreak, etc. I had anger management issues and on one occasion got in a fight while intoxicated (I provoked it); and sadly on another occasion, almost got into a fight during an athletic event, verbally threatening the other person and throwing an object. Ultimately, no charges were filed in either case, but I received a hefty suspension, and rightfully so. On top of all of this, my overall undergrad GPA ended up in the low 3's - academics was the last thing on my mind, unfortunately.

College was a major awakening and growth period for me, and I've not had any incidents since then - worked on myself, saw therapists, practice meditation, etc all for my personal well-being and emotional maturity. In the past few years, I've been pleased with how my career's been going - got promoted to a senior position overlooking and mentoring junior folks. I've also been volunteering at a government hospital.

How severely am I limited in medical school admissions? Let's just say, assuming I go through post-bacc, earn high grades and a high MCAT score (this is just hypothetical, as I know how difficult actually achieving this is), will my undergrad record render it impossible for me to gain admittance? I understand the absolute necessity of having emotionally mature physicians, and also due to the insanely high volume of applicants, I totally empathize with why a med-school committee wouldn't even consider applicants like myself who have a suspension history.

Thanks! Appreciate honest feedback
 
Last edited:
Hey all,

Going to try to not sugarcoat things here. Background: 30 y.o. male, have worked in technology in the past few years since undergrad, have also worked in education teaching middle/high school students in intimate settings.

Major f$$$up: I hope none of this comes across as an excuse because I don't intend for it to be. During undergrad (I went to a so-called "top 10" school), I was suspended for physical violence/threatening behavior. I started off school strong for only the first year or two, but then I went on a downward spiral as I dealt with adult issues such as relationships, heartbreak, etc. I had anger management issues and on one occasion got in a fight while intoxicated (I provoked it); and sadly on another occasion, almost got into a fight during an athletic event, verbally threatening the other person and throwing an object. Ultimately, no charges were filed in either case, but I received a hefty suspension, and rightfully so. On top of all of this, my overall undergrad GPA ended up in the low 3's - academics was the last thing on my mind, unfortunately.

College was a major awakening and growth period for me, and I've not had any incidents since then - worked on myself, saw therapists, practice meditation, etc all for my personal well-being and emotional maturity. In the past few years, I've been pleased with how my career's been going - got promoted to a senior position overlooking and mentoring junior folks. I've also been volunteering at a government hospital.

How severely am I limited in medical school admissions? Let's just say, assuming I go through post-bacc, earn high grades and a high MCAT score (this is just hypothetical, as I know how difficult actually achieving this is), will my undergrad record render it impossible for me to gain admittance? I understand the absolute necessity of having emotionally mature physicians, and also due to the insanely high volume of applicants, I totally empathize with why a med-school committee wouldn't even consider applicants like myself who have a suspension history.

Thanks! Appreciate honest feedback

Owning up to your mistakes is huge. I think age and maturity will work in your favor, but I'm not on an adcom, so I'll wait for @gyngyn and @Goro to chime in with their thoughts.
 
Owning up to your mistakes is huge. I think age and maturity will work in your favor, but I'm not on an adcom, so I'll wait for @gyngyn and @Goro to chime in with their thoughts.
There are Adcom members that believe in redemption, especially when many years have gone by and you have led an exemplary life.
 
Hey all,

Going to try to not sugarcoat things here. Background: 30 y.o. male, have worked in technology in the past few years since undergrad, have also worked in education teaching middle/high school students in intimate settings.

Major f$$$up: I hope none of this comes across as an excuse because I don't intend for it to be. During undergrad (I went to a so-called "top 10" school), I was suspended for physical violence/threatening behavior. I started off school strong for only the first year or two, but then I went on a downward spiral as I dealt with adult issues such as relationships, heartbreak, etc. I had anger management issues and on one occasion got in a fight while intoxicated (I provoked it); and sadly on another occasion, almost got into a fight during an athletic event, verbally threatening the other person and throwing an object. Ultimately, no charges were filed in either case, but I received a hefty suspension, and rightfully so. On top of all of this, my overall undergrad GPA ended up in the low 3's - academics was the last thing on my mind, unfortunately.

College was a major awakening and growth period for me, and I've not had any incidents since then - worked on myself, saw therapists, practice meditation, etc all for my personal well-being and emotional maturity. In the past few years, I've been pleased with how my career's been going - got promoted to a senior position overlooking and mentoring junior folks. I've also been volunteering at a government hospital.

How severely am I limited in medical school admissions? Let's just say, assuming I go through post-bacc, earn high grades and a high MCAT score (this is just hypothetical, as I know how difficult actually achieving this is), will my undergrad record render it impossible for me to gain admittance? I understand the absolute necessity of having emotionally mature physicians, and also due to the insanely high volume of applicants, I totally empathize with why a med-school committee wouldn't even consider applicants like myself who have a suspension history.

Thanks! Appreciate honest feedback

If you just own it and explain how you have changed (as you did here) I think you would be okay. This was what, 9 years ago? As long as you can substantiate growth and newfound academic excellence, I think you'll have a shot.
 
Which answer were you looking for? The feel good one or the harsh reality?

Feel good one:
There are Adcom members that believe in redemption, especially when many years have gone by and you have led an exemplary life.

Harsh reality one: Look at who your competition will be. Students who already have the grades who don't need any redemption.

Not saying you shouldn't move forward because I don't know you but I don't want to do you a disservice and sugarcoat anything for you considering you're 30 and this journey will require money and time...time that is not on your side.
 
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