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Hey, this is my first post on SDN, referred here by a friend. So here goes:
Overview:
B.S. in Physics & Math, 2007, 3.1 UGrad/3.2BCPM
Couldn't find a job between 07-08
Worked as a defense contractor data analytics consultant (and hated it) for a year
2-year Post-bacc (51 credits, all science), 2011, 4.0
MCAT (March '11): 32
Current VA resident
ECs:
Physics research in undergrad (published paper as primary author)
Bio research in post-bacc (produced course material for future classes)
Shadowed an ER doc and orthopedic surgeon for 1 week each
Volunteered in the ER for ~50 hrs over the course of 1 year
Various other undergrad non-medically related volunteering (homeless shelters, etc)
Hobbies: aquarium keeping, wood shop, welding, etc
Background:
I pursued physics and math in undergrad because I was interested in a graduate degree / becoming a professor in one of those subjects (which my GPA would have been fine for). I was not pre-med at the time (I didn't take any bio or chem classes back then).
After graduating and taking a year "off" (aka, the economy was miserable and I couldn't find a decent job in New Hampshire) I got a job as a defense contractor in the DC area, hated it, and decided to switch fields.
At 25, with some job experience and a post-bacc under my belt, I know I'm not a traditional applicant. But how will schools see that? Undergrad was 4 years ago, and I know I've grown up a lot since then. I have my act together, but combining my undergrad and post-bac GPAs is still going to make it like a 3.4 bcpm in the end. I bought an MSAR and, based on school stats, I'm not sure how competitive I am. Do I have a shot at schools with higher posted GPAs or should I just be shooting for less competitive ones? Any suggestions for what schools to apply to?
I would really appreciate any insight/advice from those who've been through all this or understand how this process works! Thanks in advance.
Overview:
B.S. in Physics & Math, 2007, 3.1 UGrad/3.2BCPM
Couldn't find a job between 07-08
Worked as a defense contractor data analytics consultant (and hated it) for a year
2-year Post-bacc (51 credits, all science), 2011, 4.0
MCAT (March '11): 32
Current VA resident
ECs:
Physics research in undergrad (published paper as primary author)
Bio research in post-bacc (produced course material for future classes)
Shadowed an ER doc and orthopedic surgeon for 1 week each
Volunteered in the ER for ~50 hrs over the course of 1 year
Various other undergrad non-medically related volunteering (homeless shelters, etc)
Hobbies: aquarium keeping, wood shop, welding, etc
Background:
I pursued physics and math in undergrad because I was interested in a graduate degree / becoming a professor in one of those subjects (which my GPA would have been fine for). I was not pre-med at the time (I didn't take any bio or chem classes back then).
After graduating and taking a year "off" (aka, the economy was miserable and I couldn't find a decent job in New Hampshire) I got a job as a defense contractor in the DC area, hated it, and decided to switch fields.
At 25, with some job experience and a post-bacc under my belt, I know I'm not a traditional applicant. But how will schools see that? Undergrad was 4 years ago, and I know I've grown up a lot since then. I have my act together, but combining my undergrad and post-bac GPAs is still going to make it like a 3.4 bcpm in the end. I bought an MSAR and, based on school stats, I'm not sure how competitive I am. Do I have a shot at schools with higher posted GPAs or should I just be shooting for less competitive ones? Any suggestions for what schools to apply to?
I would really appreciate any insight/advice from those who've been through all this or understand how this process works! Thanks in advance.
