WAMC? Application advice for a non-traditional

[Ms.CatATCtoMD]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello,

Wanted to get some advice on my current stats and ECs. Trying to build a strong application for 2021. Here's what I have...

Demographic: 26 y.o., Filipino American, California resident, mom, high school teacher, ATC
Degree: B.A. Athletic Training from a private christian university
cGPA: 3.8
sGPA: 3.89
MCAT: taking in Jan. 2021.
Finishing pre-reqs this summer 2020: Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Studying from August-January.
Currently doing a DIY Postbacc to fulfill all the recommended prerequisites. Hoping to boost my GPA to a 3.9.

-4 years experience as a full time Sports Medicine Teacher at a low income high school
-4 years experience as Head Athletic Trainer at the same high school
-Independent contracted ATC for large scale sporting events. Soccer, lacrosse, rugby, basketball tournament coverage and emergency response.
-American Heart Association BLS Instructor
-Advisor to the Sports Medicine Club, Co-advisor to our Science and Innovation Academy
-Clinical Preceptor for local college athletic training students
-Developed an internship program for high school students interested in medicine
-100+ volunteer hours at injury clinics for high school athletes and pre participation exams
-2 years as a Young Life youth group leader in an underprivileged neighborhood
-400+ hours of shadowing: Orthopedic surgery, Sports Medicine Physicians, Family Medicine, General Medicine, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training
-Strong LOR from physicians I have worked with throughout the years as an ATC
-Mentor to International Baccalaureate student. Currently helping her with an Extended Essay on Autism.
- I also did some volunteer coaching for basketball... don’t know if I should include that.
No current research experience. Wondering if research in the Kinesiology field would be accepted? Have an opportunity to do some biomechanics research.

Looking to get into a California MD school because of tuition cost and location. With my background in Athletic Training and the emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, my dream is to specialize in Orthopedics.

Any advice on how to improve my application will be much appreciated!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

No bets until an official MCAT score is posted. Also the route to orthopedics doesn't always go through a top-20 school. How recently have you taken upper-level biomedical science coursework? When did you get your B.A.?

 

[Ms.CatATCtoMD]

No bets until an official MCAT score is posted. Also the route to orthopedics doesn't always go through a top-20 school. How recently have you taken upper-level biomedical science coursework? When did you get your B.A.?

I got my B.A. in 2016. Started doing a DIY post-bacc summer 2019 to refresh my science knowledge. Last year I took general chemistry and physics. This year biochem and organic chem. Also, trying to squeeze in a upper division biology. Deciding between genetics and molecular biology. Any suggestions on which one would be better to take before the MCAT?

 

[Ms.CatATCtoMD]

I got my B.A. in 2016. Started doing a DIY post-bacc summer 2019 to refresh my science knowledge. Last year I took general chemistry and physics. This year biochem and organic chem. Also, trying to squeeze in a upper division biology. Deciding between genetics and molecular biology. Any suggestions on which one would be better to take before the MCAT?

In undergrad I took Zoology, Cell Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Ecology & Evolutionary Systems. Received an “A” in all courses. I love biology, but has been 4-6 years since I took a course.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

In undergrad I took Cell Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Systems. Received an “A” in all courses. I love biology, but has been 4-5 years since I took a course.

Okay... just saying that as an admissions screener, I'd see what you did over the past 2 years to prepare for medical school given your past B.A. and your impending MCAT. Your postbac GPA would be of interest to me in rigorous biomedical science classes. Keep up the good work, and network with schools where you want to attend for any additional advice on what to do. I also include DO schools because you are non-traditional and have an athletic training background which could appeal to the OMM/OMT element of the curriculum.

 

[Ms.CatATCtoMD]

Okay... just saying that as an admissions screener, I'd see what you did over the past 2 years to prepare for medical school given your past B.A. and your impending MCAT. Your postbac GPA would be of interest to me in rigorous biomedical science classes. Keep up the good work, and network with schools where you want to attend for any additional advice on what to do. I also include DO schools because you are non-traditional and have an athletic training background which could appeal to the OMM/OMT element of the curriculum.

Thank you for the great advice! Definitely looking at DO schools in CA.

 

[Ms.CatATCtoMD]

I may be wrong, but you have no research. If you look at the stats for top 20s, 98% of accepted applicants have research so it’s almost required for those schools.

Also don’t be dead set on top schools until you get your mcat results bc it can make or break an app unfortunately. but aim for 516+ if you’re interested in them

Yes research is definitely where I am lacking. Currently trying to find volunteer research positions, unfortunately with COVID-19 going on there isn’t much. I am absolutely going to get it done before my application. Do you happen to know if any type of research would be accepted? For example, research in Exercise Phyisology.

Also, keeping an open mind about medical school list. It’s is a grueling and unpredictable process. Thank you for your time and advice!

 

[kare69]

You should be fine. Its mainly about how well rounded you are and from the looks it seems you got that covered. I was like you guys some 13 years + ago.


Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[Ms.CatATCtoMD]

You should be fine. Its mainly about how well rounded you are and from the looks it seems you got that covered. I was like you guys some 13 years + ago.


Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

That video was just amazing! You are such a inspiration. I do have a question for you. Did you do any research while teaching? That is what I am really struggling with. Don’t know how to go about finding a research position with little scientific background.
Thank you for the best advice. All about the process and enjoying every part of it 🙂