What Are My Chances and Other General Questions

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bozz said:
Don't mean to post in this thread again... I don't think I got any replies earlier since I didn't have enough info.

But can someone check my MdApps and tell me how I might fare at these schools. I am considered to be an International Student btw. I am definitely planning to add more schools... just not sure which yet.

Case
Vanderbilt
Northwestern
University of Chicago
SUNY Upstate
Penn State

Dartmouth
Yale
? Columbia
?Washington University in St. Louis
Emory
Boston University

Albert Einstein
University of North Carolina
Rosalind Franklin
? Texas A&M
Loma Linda

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hey bozz, do you have an MSAR? That might help you figure out which schools that accept international you might have a shot at.
 
Vihsadas said:
Hey bozz, do you have an MSAR? That might help you figure out which schools that accept international you might have a shot at.
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yeah I've been using it... the schools I listed above all accept internationals
 
Hey there,

I have a quick question about the physics requirement for medical school. I know a student can choose between algebra based physics or calculus based physics, and I was just wondering if you guys knew of any schools that require calculus based physics. On most of the medical school websites, it only says they require a year of physics with lab, but it doesn't actually say which one. Would it be better to take calculus based physics just in case?

Thanks in advance.
 
zentone said:
Hey there,

I have a quick question about the physics requirement for medical school. I know a student can choose between algebra based physics or calculus based physics, and I was just wondering if you guys knew of any schools that require calculus based physics. On most of the medical school websites, it only says they require a year of physics with lab, but it doesn't actually say which one. Would it be better to take calculus based physics just in case?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I don't know of any. But if you really want a definite answer, call your local/top choices and ask them (if it's not on their web site). I'd be shocked if they said calc-based was required.
 
Thanks a lot for your reply. I wasn't sure which physics course the majority of pre-med students took, so I just wanted to make sure.

Thanks again,

zentone
 
crazysn said:
i dont know why you haven't heard back from any school. Your stats look quite competitive. but DO try again this year, and I believe you can take the MCAT in June; since the registration date recently opened last week, I am sure you can still sign up.

Anyways, if you do decide to take a year off, maybe continue to your clinical involvement or pick up new bio un-related activities? I have talked to a few admission people and they say that sometimes it is better to be involved in something else that is not health related - to prove that you are well rounded? but then again, that is just a few opinions.

good luck!!
Click to expand...


Thanks everyone for your help! I guess I should broaden my list of schools next time. I'm considered international so I guess that also damaged my chances. I really appreciate your inputs! Good luck to everyone!!
 
zentone said:
Hey there,

I have a quick question about the physics requirement for medical school. I know a student can choose between algebra based physics or calculus based physics, and I was just wondering if you guys knew of any schools that require calculus based physics. On most of the medical school websites, it only says they require a year of physics with lab, but it doesn't actually say which one. Would it be better to take calculus based physics just in case?
Click to expand...

It's not required. Some undergraduate schools have classes entitled "Physics for pre-med" just to avoid any confusion.
 
Star2008 said:
Thanks everyone for your help! I guess I should broaden my list of schools next time. I'm considered international so I guess that also damaged my chances. I really appreciate your inputs! Good luck to everyone!!
Click to expand...

You've got competitive stats, but the international status will definitely hurt your chances. If I were you, I'd go through the MSAR and apply to a very broad range of 30-35 schools that accept international students. It's expensive, but beats reapplying. :luck:
 
After having read many pre-med profiles, I feel it is the right time to ask about the application process. I keep seeing the word "secondaries" in various comments, and I was hoping someone could provide a simple explanation of what one has to go through when applying to medical school. If I'm not mistaken, you first apply to many schools through AMCAS, they verify your application, and then...? I noticed in some profiles there was something about people submitting secondaries before they had their MCAT score?

Thanks in advance,

zentone
 
zentone said:
After having read many pre-med profiles, I feel it is the right time to ask about the application process. I keep seeing the word "secondaries" in various comments, and I was hoping someone could provide a simple explanation of what one has to go through when applying to medical school. If I'm not mistaken, you first apply to many schools through AMCAS, they verify your application, and then...? I noticed in some profiles there was something about people submitting secondaries before they had their MCAT score?

Thanks in advance,

zentone
Click to expand...

here's a good basic rundown of the process.

P.S. don't worry about the 5 tiers that are mentioned.
P.P.S i think the target time frame should be june for primary and all secondaries in by august.
 
I am graduating this year and will be a applying in June (maybe). Should I do more to improve my application, or go ahead with the following already on there:

GPA: 3.44 overall/3.36 BCPM
Good Upward Trend: 3.81 overall/3.76 BCPM (Junior and Senior Years - 61 credits)
MCAT: 33Q

ECs:
Hospital and Nursing Home Volunteer (150+ hours)
AMSA (pre-med club)
Licensed Pilot
Piano
1 Alternative Spring Break Trip
Shadowing (2 General Surgeons, Gastroenterologist, Opthalmologist, General Practice Physician)

Michigan Resident

Contemplating a Master's Degree

Schools to which I plan on applying:

Loma Linda
Georgetown
Loyola
Tulane
Tufts
MSU
UMich
Wayne State
St. Louis U.
Wake Forest
Creighton
Albany
NYMC
Cincinnati
Toledo
OHSU
Drexel
Penn. State
Temple
EVMS
VCU
U. VT

thanks in advance for all your help!
 
Pedsonchopeful said:
I am graduating this year and will be a applying in June (maybe). Should I do more to improve my application, or go ahead with the following already on there:

GPA: 3.44 overall/3.36 BCPM
Good Upward Trend: 3.81 overall/3.76 BCPM (Junior and Senior Years - 61 credits)
MCAT: 33Q

ECs:
Hospital and Nursing Home Volunteer (150+ hours)
AMSA (pre-med club)
Licensed Pilot
Piano
1 Alternative Spring Break Trip
Shadowing (2 General Surgeons, Gastroenterologist, Opthalmologist, General Practice Physician)

Michigan Resident

Contemplating a Master's Degree

Schools to which I plan on applying:

Loma Linda
Georgetown
Loyola
Tulane
Tufts
MSU
UMich
Wayne State
St. Louis U.
Wake Forest
Creighton
Albany
NYMC
Cincinnati
Toledo
OHSU
Drexel
Penn. State
Temple
EVMS
VCU
U. VT
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If you're going to apply to Drexel and Temple, you should probably add Jefferson to that list. It's in the area and costs about the same.

GW is also a good school, and if you're thinking about Georgetown, might as well add GW to that list.

Consider Syracuse and Rochester if you don't mind going to Albany. They're solid schools, although a little farther upstate than Albany.
 
You might want to consider cutting these schools.

Loma Linda- Seventh Day Adventist. You don't have to be SDA to be accepted but they are strongly religious and slant their application heavily towards that. You don't have any religious ECs listed. I don't know how big a part of your life it is but this could easily be wasted money.

Georgetown- They like numbers. You've got a good MCAT, but your GPA leads me to think you'll probably get rejected after your secondary check clears. This happened to me and a number of my friends with stats similar to yours.

OHSU- I think their residency requirement is a little more strict than it seems on paper. Unless you're in states bordering Oregon, you probably don't have that good of a chance as an OOS applicant. Might want to look into this further.

Penn. State/U. VT- I think their OOS acceptances aren't that great.

Suggestions:

More Chicago private schools (like RFU). Check out SUNY Buffalo and Upstate.
 
Depakote said:
Penn. State/U. VT- I think their OOS acceptances aren't that great.
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Penn State has good OOS acceptances, as do all the PA med schools. According to their website, the entering class of 2007 was over 60% out-of-staters.

http://www.hmc.psu.edu/md/admissions/profile.html

Being a PA resident doesn't earn you any preference when it comes to med school - since we have 6 allopathic schools in PA, we get no instate preferential treatment.
 
Strongly consider dropping: Loma Linda, Georgetown, Penn State, Vermont
Strongly consider adding: Southern Cal, SUNY Stonybrook&Downstate, RFU, Jefferson

I would keep the total # around 25-30

Good luck!
 
Pedsonchopeful said:
Schools to which fisko would plan on applying to if in pedsonchopeful's shoes:

Georgetown (talk about how much you love god)
George Washington (talk about how much you love public health)
Loyola
Tulane
MSU (talk about your love for primary care in rural places unknown to man)
UMich
Wayne State
St. Louis U.
Creighton (I've heard horrible secondary Q's though, beware.)
Albany
NYMC
Cincinnati
Toledo
Drexel
Penn. State
Temple
EVMS
VCU
Ohio State (talk about how you hate Michigan)
SUNY Downstate
UIC
Case Western (forgiving of gpa for high mcaters)
RFU
Albert Einstein
MCW (talk about your love of dairy products)
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Hello fellow MI resident. I have adjusted your list to include schools I would and wouldn't apply to if I were in your shoes. GL on the app cycle. 👍
 
smq123 said:
Penn State has good OOS acceptances, as do all the PA med schools. According to their website, the entering class of 2007 was over 60% out-of-staters.

http://www.hmc.psu.edu/md/admissions/profile.html

Being a PA resident doesn't earn you any preference when it comes to med school - since we have 6 allopathic schools in PA, we get no instate preferential treatment.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected and retract my previous statement.
 
First off, thank you to anyone who reads and considers my question here, it means a lot to me.

I will be quick about it. I have a 3.38 overall, 3.40 science and 3.6 postbacc. On the MCAT, I got 10 (P) 10 (V) 12 (B) and an M* on the written section.

I am from California but am willing to go to any allopathic medical school in the US.

My question is, assuming my research and extracurricular/volunteer background is roughly that of the "average" matriculant - what chance do I really have of getting into any allopathic medical school? Of course the application/acceptance process is a bit of a crap shoot, so nobody can give me percentages or anything... but I mean in terms of "Poor chance", "Excellent chance", "50/50ish", etc...

Thanks so much again guys.


*by the way, can I have my written section re-scored if I took it January 08? I am supposedly a decent writer, not sure how that happened.
 
First off, thank you to anyone who reads and considers my question here, it means a lot to me.

I will be quick about it. I have a 3.38 overall, 3.40 science and 3.6 postbacc. On the MCAT, I got 10 (P) 10 (V) 12 (B) and an M* on the written section.

I am from California but am willing to go to any allopathic medical school in the US.

My question is, assuming my research and extracurricular/volunteer background is roughly that of the "average" matriculant - what chance do I really have of getting into any allopathic medical school? Of course the application/acceptance process is a bit of a crap shoot, so nobody can give me percentages or anything... but I mean in terms of "Poor chance", "Excellent chance", "50/50ish", etc...

Thanks so much again guys.


*by the way, can I have my written section re-scored if I took it January 08? I am supposedly a decent writer, not sure how that happened.
 
Thanks, but i'd prefer to post the question here. If anybody could please respond, I'd REALLY appreciate it. Thanks so much.
 
majahops said:
First off, thank you to anyone who reads and considers my question here, it means a lot to me.

I will be quick about it. I have a 3.38 overall, 3.40 science and 3.6 postbacc. On the MCAT, I got 10 (P) 10 (V) 12 (B) and an M* on the written section.

I am from California but am willing to go to any allopathic medical school in the US.

My question is, assuming my research and extracurricular/volunteer background is roughly that of the "average" matriculant - what chance do I really have of getting into any allopathic medical school? Of course the application/acceptance process is a bit of a crap shoot, so nobody can give me percentages or anything... but I mean in terms of "Poor chance", "Excellent chance", "50/50ish", etc...

Thanks so much again guys.


*by the way, can I have my written section re-scored if I took it January 08? I am supposedly a decent writer, not sure how that happened.
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I would say an average chance if you apply broadly and can interview well.
 
I think you can probably get in if you present yourself well. Also, make sure to apply to a lot of schools, just in case.
 
I have an undergrad 2.84cum 3.1sci 29p MCAT. So far in my post bac I have a 4.0 would i benefit from applying to smaller medical schools like meharry or should i apply to the bigger state run schools in NC where i currently live?
 
If you are planning on applying with your current scores, I would definitely choose only in-state and smaller, less competitive schools. Speaking from experience (see my MDapps profile), your GPA is going to devastate you. Of the 28 schools I applied to, I've been rejected a whopping 20 times and waitlisted once. I'm still waiting on 7 schools. Unless you have some extremely impressive extracurriculars and research and work experience, you probably won't get many hits. Your post-bac performancewill help you - especially if the school you're taking it at has a med school you can apply to - but I would suggest trying to improve your MCAT score before applying.
 
MilkmanAl said:
If you are planning on applying with your current scores, I would definitely choose only in-state and smaller, less competitive schools. Speaking from experience (see my MDapps profile), your GPA is going to devastate you. Of the 28 schools I applied to, I've been rejected a whopping 20 times and wait listed once. I'm still waiting on 7 schools. Unless you have some extremely impressive extracurriculars and research and work experience, you probably won't get many hits. Your post-bac performance will help you - especially if the school you're taking it at has a med school you can apply to - but I would suggest trying to improve your MCAT score before applying.
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thank you a whole lot i do plan on taking the MCAT again in the near future as i try to maintain close to a 4.0. The post bac i attend is at UNC-Charlotte. i plan on actually acquiring a second bachelors this time with some research experience over a couple of summers. If all else fails Caribbean here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
fisko82 said:
Hello fellow MI resident. I have adjusted your list to include schools I would and wouldn't apply to if I were in your shoes. GL on the app cycle. 👍
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You mentioned I should add Albert Einstein. According to the latest MSAR, they have a median of 3.77 and an MCAT of 32. I am just curious as to why you think my 3.44 would be competitive here.
 
You could also opt for a DO program. They would be much more forgiving of your GPA. You're welcome, and good luck to you. Lord knows we all need it. 😛
 
Hello!!!

I'm a freshman at PSU--UP and I just wanted to get your opinion on whether I'm on the right track (esp. GPAwise 🙁 🙁 ). I haven't taken the MCATs yet, so I'm not going to post anything from that, but I'll just give you the rest of my info.

GPA: Projected to be a 3.5-3.67 at the end of the semester (stupid Ochem Honors and BMB). I'm not THRILLED with it, since I was exceptionally lazy last sem. and still am....

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology...and Double major in either Poli Sci and Econ. I toyed around w. the idea of BMB and Physics, but decided that I liked my sanity. I'm LEANING towards Econ right now.

Research: Currently started working in a virology lab, but the graduate student that I'm working with is graduating in May....and my PI has no idea what to do, so I'm scouting out other options. And..the work is basically me watching the other grad students do stuff, since Evil Graduate Student Who Hates Undergrads will not give me anything to do.

Job: I work at Kaplan Test Prep (haha), teaching the SAT, well, I'm training right now. But, yup, SAT teacher for a bunch of *awesome* kiddos

Volunteering: I've worked at the local hospital for a couple years now, since frosh year of HS. Currently I'm in the ED, and I know the doctors fairly well (I live in a small town). I just wanted to know, how do I go about approaching one of them about shadowing her? Like, we talk quite a bit, but I don't want to be rude and upfront about it....

I mean, I guess that's it for my ECs and stuff

First of all, I got a B in both BMB and in Honors Ochem 🙁 🙁 🙁 which tanked my GPA this past semester. I know it's not THE END of the world, but it still rankles.

Is there anything I should be doing? How do I make myself stand out more? I mean, my PASSIONS are reading, learning languages (I've taught myself Italian--rudimentary, and am working on Greek), and sewing. What should I do? Open a bookstore, live in Italy, and become an American Designer? I just feel like I'm too...conventional and I don't have enough. My biggest issue with getting into college this past year was that I was ALL academics and zero zero zero ECs. I just don't know if I'm OK.

Thanks so much!
 
You should have posted this in the big, "What are my chances?" thread.

But it'll be moved there soon.
 
You sound like you're in good shape to me. I wish I'd had my act together that well when I was a freshman. Your experience and grades are good. As for shadowing, just ask, especially if you know the doctor. I can't imagine that someone who knows you and your aspirations would deny you an opportunity to...well, stand in a room with them and watch.
 
gan11 said:
Hello!!!

I'm a freshman at PSU--UP and I just wanted to get your opinion on whether I'm on the right track (esp. GPAwise 🙁 🙁 ). I haven't taken the MCATs yet, so I'm not going to post anything from that, but I'll just give you the rest of my info.

GPA: Projected to be a 3.5-3.67 at the end of the semester (stupid Ochem Honors and BMB). I'm not THRILLED with it, since I was exceptionally lazy last sem. and still am....

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology...and Double major in either Poli Sci and Econ. I toyed around w. the idea of BMB and Physics, but decided that I liked my sanity. I'm LEANING towards Econ right now.

Research: Currently started working in a virology lab, but the graduate student that I'm working with is graduating in May....and my PI has no idea what to do, so I'm scouting out other options. And..the work is basically me watching the other grad students do stuff, since Evil Graduate Student Who Hates Undergrads will not give me anything to do.

Job: I work at Kaplan Test Prep (haha), teaching the SAT, well, I'm training right now. But, yup, SAT teacher for a bunch of *awesome* kiddos

Volunteering: I've worked at the local hospital for a couple years now, since frosh year of HS. Currently I'm in the ED, and I know the doctors fairly well (I live in a small town). I just wanted to know, how do I go about approaching one of them about shadowing her? Like, we talk quite a bit, but I don't want to be rude and upfront about it....

I mean, I guess that's it for my ECs and stuff

First of all, I got a B in both BMB and in Honors Ochem 🙁 🙁 🙁 which tanked my GPA this past semester. I know it's not THE END of the world, but it still rankles.

Is there anything I should be doing? How do I make myself stand out more? I mean, my PASSIONS are reading, learning languages (I've taught myself Italian--rudimentary, and am working on Greek), and sewing. What should I do? Open a bookstore, live in Italy, and become an American Designer? I just feel like I'm too...conventional and I don't have enough. My biggest issue with getting into college this past year was that I was ALL academics and zero zero zero ECs. I just don't know if I'm OK.

Thanks so much!
Click to expand...

Looks good to me. Do well on your MCAT... Make sure your GPA is above 3.5. You've done research, volunteer, etc. and that's great. But you shouldn't do something you don't like just to "stand out". What do you like to do? Do that. Hmm...it doesn't sound like i'm helping too much.

You're still a freshman. I REALLY suggest doing something NOT med or research related. Do you play an instrument? Sport? Travel? Have an interesting job? Take language classes at school. It seems that you're interested in that. But that's still academics... Does your school have any type of "mini courses". Mine have all kinds of stuff like Yoga, salsa, martial arts, wine tasting, speed reading. Maybe try some stuff out and see what you like. You like to sew. Take it somewhere.

You're in your FIRST year. you have time. But really, i think you should get into something EXTRA curricular. It would definitely help. Your GPA is fine. And since you're teaching the SAT, you did well in that. So....i'm sure you can do well in the MCAT. Just try super hard...ace it the first time around. Don't torture yourself twice!

Hope this helps 😳
 
If I take classes after graduation, say 27 credits worth in an attempt to make all As, it will pull both of my GPAs (BCPM and Overall) to just over 3.50, (it would also make my last 88 credits GPA 3.84 🙂) I understand this will only benefit me the following application cycle, but if I go this route, will AMCAS give me a "post-bacc" GPA of 4.0 or will they apply these credits to my GPA I had before graduation, thus improving that GPA? Thanks!
 
I am currently considering to attend a couple of programs......ie University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Hartford (Connetticut, I am getting a lot of money from them!)
I read that as long as you thrive in a known school and obtain amazing MCAT scores then your chances of getting accepted to med school are those as good as someone who attended ivy league for premed(and maintained good grades).
Is that true????
Have you guys heard good things about these programs?

Lismin89
 
This is the ****general layout of the biology option 2 (faster paced than option 1) at my university



General Bio + Lab = 4 hrs
General Chem + Lab = 4 hrs
Calculus I = 4 hrs
Freshman Composition=3 hrs
Orientation=1 hr

16 credits

2nd semester

General Bio & LAB = 4 hrs
General Chem & LAB = 4 hrs
Freshman Comp = 3 hrs
Intro to Bible/religion elective (church school) = 2 hrs
Principle of Sociology or Psychology or elective 3 hrs

16 credits

I plan on being a double major but most of my requirements will be filled during a year traveled abroad. All I need to take is Beginning French I and II or Intermediate Spanish I and II before I travel abroad (most likely after my sophomore year) because i took spanish I and II in high school.

If I add a language I will have 19 hours a semester. Comments? I get to meet my advisor over the summer but I just started thinking about it.

*If anyone wants to see the rest of the suggested courses ask....
 
19 hours a semester is a huge burden. I wouldn't suggest taking that on unless you absolutely have to. I had 18 hours one semester, and it really killed my GPA. I think I came out of it with a 2.7 or something, and everything was a science course except a 1 hour communications calss. 🙁
 
lismin89 said:
I am currently considering to attend a couple of programs......ie University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Hartford (Connetticut, I am getting a lot of money from them!)
I read that as long as you thrive in a known school and obtain amazing MCAT scores then your chances of getting accepted to med school are those as good as someone who attended ivy league for premed(and maintained good grades).
Is that true????
Have you guys heard good things about these programs?

Lismin89
Click to expand...
Go wherever you want and do well there. Work hard, get good grades, rock the MCAT, become a well-rounded person in and out of academics, and cultivate a personality while you're at it. You have the benefit of your predecessors' mistakes here on SDN. Don't take it for granted. Good luck.

P.S. Don't worry about school name.
 
Pedsonchopeful said:
If I take classes after graduation, say 27 credits worth in an attempt to make all As, it will pull both of my GPAs (BCPM and Overall) to just over 3.50, (it would also make my last 88 credits GPA 3.84 🙂) I understand this will only benefit me the following application cycle, but if I go this route, will AMCAS give me a "post-bacc" GPA of 4.0 or will they apply these credits to my GPA I had before graduation, thus improving that GPA? Thanks!
Click to expand...
As far as I know, since you will have already graduated, it will be an informal post-bacc. But does AMCAS even separate out a post-bacc GPA on the application? I thought it was undergrad versus grad GPA, with undergrad including post-bacc.

Check out the AMCAS website if no one has a definite answer for you. You could email them too.
 
MilkmanAl said:
19 hours a semester is a huge burden. I wouldn't suggest taking that on unless you absolutely have to. I had 18 hours one semester, and it really killed my GPA. I think I came out of it with a 2.7 or something, and everything was a science course except a 1 hour communications calss. 🙁
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Yeah its alot. A part of me tells myself i can do it but i know that it will be rough. What about taking the classes at a community college over the summers or study over the summer and CLEP or take the AP exam?
 
I wouldn't bother trying to CLEP out of anything, honestly. It seems like many (most?) schools don't accept CLEP credits. Community college is an option, but be wary of taking too many premed courses outside of your school. Admissions committees will interpret that as you padding your GPA with easy classes.
 
MilkmanAl said:
I wouldn't bother trying to CLEP out of anything, honestly. It seems like many (most?) schools don't accept CLEP credits. Community college is an option, but be wary of taking too many premed courses outside of your school. Admissions committees will interpret that as you padding your GPA with easy classes.
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No Im taking all my premed/major classes at my university. I meant taking the 4 classes (if i major in french) or the 2 classes (if a major in spanish) at a community college over the summer or I could study over the summer/get a tutor or whatever it takes and take the CLEP or AP exam for credit for the first 2 classes I need if i major in french. These are the classes I need before i can travel abroad. I dont need to do this if i major in spanish because ive already taken the first 2 classes.
 
For many various reasons that I could spend a great deal of time listing, I have begun to think that I am much more interested in attending medical school rather than veterinary school. My self story of all that is pretty long and I will spare you the details (although anyone else in the same position I would love to talk to!!)

My question is, what do you all think medical schools will think of my vast amount of veterinary clinical experience? Will this help make up for a relatively small amount human clinical experience? Will they appreciate it or give it any weight as medical experience? I've probably logged in at least 2000 hours of veterinary clinical time.

I have my own reasons for why this experience was invaluable (firsthand experience with digital radiology, labwork and sample testing, surgery and surgical techniques, obtaining pt histories and information, dealing with people in an exam setting, handling emergency situations, etc etc etc...) but will the adcoms see this? I have average-ish GPA's (3.5s) from a competitive undergraduate school, very good other EC's (D1 athlete, worked 2 years in a lab doing eye research with frogs).... Haven't taken the MCATs yet but I have had good success with other standardized tests (GRE - 1450).... So anyone have any opinions? Thank you so much for everyone's input!! Any comments from other career switchers would be helpful too!!!
:0)
 
The Good...
GPA: 3.80 @ moderately competitive private school, science degree
- including straight As in orgo, physics, anatomy and phys
MCAT: yet to be taken, practice tests ~24 without studying
SAT was 1200 without studying

Extracurriculars (the bad):
EMT at Summer camp 1 summer
Habitat for Humanity once
Professor's Assistant - Anatomy and Physiology
On-campus office job

Shadowing (the ugly): virtually none...except as an EMT.
 
UVA Wahoo said:
For many various reasons that I could spend a great deal of time listing, I have begun to think that I am much more interested in attending medical school rather than veterinary school. My self story of all that is pretty long and I will spare you the details (although anyone else in the same position I would love to talk to!!)

My question is, what do you all think medical schools will think of my vast amount of veterinary clinical experience? Will this help make up for a relatively small amount human clinical experience? Will they appreciate it or give it any weight as medical experience? I've probably logged in at least 2000 hours of veterinary clinical time.

I have my own reasons for why this experience was invaluable (firsthand experience with digital radiology, labwork and sample testing, surgery and surgical techniques, obtaining pt histories and information, dealing with people in an exam setting, handling emergency situations, etc etc etc...) but will the adcoms see this? I have average-ish GPA's (3.5s) from a competitive undergraduate school, very good other EC's (D1 athlete, worked 2 years in a lab doing eye research with frogs).... Haven't taken the MCATs yet but I have had good success with other standardized tests (GRE - 1450).... So anyone have any opinions? Thank you so much for everyone's input!! Any comments from other career switchers would be helpful too!!!
:0)
Click to expand...

I'm not sure where you're at in terms of your education (i.e., how long ago you graduated, etc.), but here's my two cents. I think that those experiences are great BUT you absolutely need to have some solid clinical experiences with patients in a human medical setting. If you're thinking of taking the MCAT this summer and applying this cycle, but you don't have any (or much) clinical experience in a non-veterinary setting, then I think you're going to have a very rough go of it. Your gpa is fine. Here are your problem spots, or things to be sure you do:

1) Get as much clinical experience in a non-veterinary setting as possible. If you can volunteer at a free health clinic, ER, etc., great. You could also shadow. You NEED to show that you know what being a physician entails first hand. Clinical experience for med school apps isn't so much about learning transferrable skills for medical school - it's mainly to show that you know what the day to day work entails (botht he positives and the negatives), and you've been in that environment long enough to know it's for you;

2) Your personal statement will be key. Given your significant veterinary experience, it will be clear that you've had a change of heart from vet to med. I think you'll need to really explain why, and make it compelling. Show your passion for medicine and becoming a doctor, and how you got to that mentality. Worst case scenario would be that an adcom looks at your app and just figures that you struck out at vet school, so are using med school as a back up. (I am an attorney, and an adcom/dean brought up that they're always very careful in assessing whether career changers are applying because they're running away from their old career, or whether they are really pursuing medicine in and of itself). So, you need to be sure your personal statement makes it clear that medicine is your passion.

Alas, gotta get back to work, but those two things should keep you busy. Also, get LORs from people who can attest to your passion for medicine. If you've got the benefit of time, I'd take a year to get some solid clinical experience down and get LORs from one or two of those experiences. If you don't have the time, start some clincal volunteering/shadowing YESTERDAY, kill the MCAT, write an amazingly convincing personal statement, and be sure apply early and broadly. Your best chances are your state school, so depending what state you're in.... :luck:
 
Hey,
so pretty much I'm freaking out after this quarter...here's the story:

I am a second year at a top public school. basically, I decided to take a load of pre-med courses although I was dealing with some family stuff (my mom was diagnosed with cancer)... Although I managed to scrape by in my chem lab with a B, I might have failed my O-chem class with a C-/D+.

And its not as if my pre-med grades have been great this far. I have averaged a B- in my other chem classes and an A- average in my math classes. I have a 3.8 average with my humanities major but have yet to take my Bio or physics classes.

As far as extracurriculars, I've had clinical experience working in a cardiology clinic for a year, research experience working with epileptic children for a year, and now working on a more public health project about mental health clinics. I am on an educating committee for a charity raising money for AIDS and am an editor for a top ranking college paper. I also work as a full-time academic/peer counselor during the summer. I also have a couple of other leadership positions but in less relevant areas.

Am I on the right track? Can I still get into a top tier? Realistically, its not like Im going to get straight As in physics or score amazingly well on the MCAT, but will my extracurriculars be any help at all?

Thanks for your help and I hope you have a great day!
 
Well you're a smartgurl, so they must be pretty good.
 
Lecter said:
The Good...
GPA: 3.80 @ moderately competitive private school, science degree
- including straight As in orgo, physics, anatomy and phys
MCAT: yet to be taken, practice tests ~24 without studying
SAT was 1200 without studying

Extracurriculars (the bad):
EMT at Summer camp 1 summer
Habitat for Humanity once
Professor's Assistant - Anatomy and Physiology
On-campus office job

Shadowing (the ugly): virtually none...except as an EMT.
Click to expand...

If what you're saying is that your only clinical experience is as an EMT ONE summer, then you need to fix that ASAP if you're applying this cycle. You don't need to shadow if you have other solid clinical experience and can demonstrate in your personal statement/secondaries that you know what you're getting into. Basically, either start volunteering in a clinical setting, shadowing, or using your EMT since that's the weakness in your application. And of course, do your best on the MCAT, apply early, and choose your schools wisely (your state schools plus a variety of reach and target schools OOS). Good luck.
 
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