What program is best for me?

[whyasky]

---

Members don't see this ad.

All,

I'm looking for a little bit of advice on what type of post-bacc program would be best for me (and which I could possibly be accepted into). I graduated with a Finance and Accounting degree from Penn with a 3.6 in 2005 and have worked for an Investment Bank ever since. I have done well professionally, but I find that I am not fulfilled with my work and am interested in pursuing medicine. Other than an unfulfilled childhood dream and a little bit of fundraising/volunteering experience for the leukemia and lymphoma society, I have little in the way of "medical experience." I am currently looking for a good ER volunteering position that I can add to my weekend routine (only type of volunteering I can squeeze in alongside of my current job).

I have been reading these very helpful forums and have spoken with several friends who are currently pursuing post-bacc and medical programs so I know the demands (and also the rewards!).

My question is specifically about what type of program I should/can pursue. I know about the different types and the pros/cons of each. The one thing I can not figure out is whether my background (i.e. no significant medical experience/volunteering) eliminates the possibility of going to one of the top 3 formal programs. I am convinced that with determination I would be successful and I don't think that I would have any issues obtaining recommendations about my intelligence, motivation and ability to work very hard for sustained periods of time.

With all of that said:
1) should I forget about the likes of Goucher and Bryn Mawr and just go for HES/Columbia/Penn or is it worth trying to get into one of those top programs?
2) If i do apply to a formal program, should I wait until Feb/March when I will have 3/4 months of volunteering under my belt, or just apply as soon as possible to increase my chances of getting in?

Any help is much appreciated!

 

[Erisium]

I was in a similar situation before I went to Goucher this year--I had been in investment banking and realized it made me less and less of a person every day. So I know exactly how you feel! I also had relatively little medical experience prior to my decision to change careers, but I ended up volunteering almost full-time at a hospital for 3 months before applying.

With your background I'd say you're competitive for Goucher/BM/Scripps, so don't rule them out! Clinical volunteering is important though, so get something under your belt (ER volunteering is a great idea). I don't know about BM/Scripps, but Goucher tends to keep a few spaces open into March/April so that great candidates aren't penalized if they can't get their apps in early. So don't worry if you feel you don't have all the experience you need yet; work at the ER for a month or two and then apply.

 

[NewmansOwn]

All,

I'm looking for a little bit of advice on what type of post-bacc program would be best for me (and which I could possibly be accepted into). I graduated with a Finance and Accounting degree from Penn with a 3.6 in 2005 and have worked for an Investment Bank ever since. I have done well professionally, but I find that I am not fulfilled with my work and am interested in pursuing medicine. Other than an unfulfilled childhood dream and a little bit of fundraising/volunteering experience for the leukemia and lymphoma society, I have little in the way of "medical experience." I am currently looking for a good ER volunteering position that I can add to my weekend routine (only type of volunteering I can squeeze in alongside of my current job).

I have been reading these very helpful forums and have spoken with several friends who are currently pursuing post-bacc and medical programs so I know the demands (and also the rewards!).

My question is specifically about what type of program I should/can pursue. I know about the different types and the pros/cons of each. The one thing I can not figure out is whether my background (i.e. no significant medical experience/volunteering) eliminates the possibility of going to one of the top 3 formal programs. I am convinced that with determination I would be successful and I don't think that I would have any issues obtaining recommendations about my intelligence, motivation and ability to work very hard for sustained periods of time.

With all of that said:
1) should I forget about the likes of Goucher and Bryn Mawr and just go for HES/Columbia/Penn or is it worth trying to get into one of those top programs?
2) If i do apply to a formal program, should I wait until Feb/March when I will have 3/4 months of volunteering under my belt, or just apply as soon as possible to increase my chances of getting in?

Any help is much appreciated!

Your academic record seems decent (have good SAT scores, by any chance?), but medical/volunteering experience is all but essential for these programs. Unfortunately, you're getting a rather later start if you want to begin the program in '09. I know my program has been interviewing people for 3 weeks now, and the biggest rush of applications comes in in January.

Normally, I'd recommend you avoid that rush, but in your case I would get a volunteering position (any volunteering position -- like, right now) and work a couple nights a week until January or February, then apply. I'm afraid if you apply now the lack of volunteer experience would really hurt you.

Also, a bit of friendly advice: mentioning to programs that you're unfulfilled with your current job, so you figured you'd give medicine a try is a huge mistake -- you'll be rejected flat out. You need them to see that you have a genuine and rich interest in pursuing medicine, not just that you're interested in a change of pace. I know this is just an anonymous internet forum, so no big deal, but make sure you're a little less cavalier and a little more earnest in your actual application. Good luck.

 

[whyasky]

Thanks for the replies! I appreciate the advice and am indeed aware that my statement may have come across as cavalier. The reality is that I know exactly why I am passionate about pursuing medicine and I think that I will be able to express that desire thoughtfully in both my essays and interviews.

With respect to your question on my SATs, I had a score in the high 1400s, which I hope to be ok. In any case, thanks again for taking the time to help!

 

[NewmansOwn]

Thanks for the replies! I appreciate the advice and am indeed aware that my statement may have come across as cavalier. The reality is that I know exactly why I am passionate about pursuing medicine and I think that I will be able to express that desire thoughtfully in both my essays and interviews.

With respect to your question on my SATs, I had a score in the high 1400s, which I hope to be ok. In any case, thanks again for taking the time to help!

Then I'd say you're in good shape. My SATs were no better than that. Good luck to you.

 

[BORNagainSTDENT]

curious why you asked about SAT's

 

[Squiggy]

Lots of post-bacc programs require SAT/GRE scores in lieu of the MCAT since for those you haven't taken the science prerequisites yet.

 

[betterlate]

All,
2) If i do apply to a formal program, should I wait until Feb/March when I will have 3/4 months of volunteering under my belt, or just apply as soon as possible to increase my chances of getting in?

Any help is much appreciated!

I interviewed at Goucher at the beginning of October. During the interview I asked about their time frame for filling the 2009 class. From the response it sounds like they try to keep some spots available until April/May and on at least one occasion they invited someone to join the class 2 weeks into the summer session.

It sounds like with the exception of direct medical experience you have a strong application for top tier formal post-baccs. I wouldn't worry about waiting a month or two to gain volunteer experience before submitting an application. Putting off the application should not put you out of the running for a slot in those programs.

Good luck!