When to give up?

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hopeful32

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...or examine other options? I applied really early to a ton of medical schools with my shakey grades and MCAT score because I didn't want to wait another year if I didn't have to do so. I've gotten two interviews (no responses yet) and a number of rejections. I'm still waiting for about 8-10 schools for any kind of response.

It is now November, which was the timepoint I set for myself to consider retaking the MCAT in April. I am also thinking about applying to schools of public health because I eventually want to get an MPH anyway. I do know, however, that if I get into medical school for 2005, I will definitely do med school over an MPH program. I know there is still time for interviews etc., but if I am going to retake the MCAT or take the GRE for grad schools, then I really need to garner the motivation and begin preparation imminently.

Suggestions??
 
The GRE is not that difficult. It is wise to review some of the math material and understand the writing format, but otherwise, it seems much like the SATs. If you want to get your MPH anyways, then maybe you should prepare for applying to the appropriate programs. That way, you can at least have a backup plan if you don't get into med school.
 
The thing is, the GRE books have been sitting on my floor for at least a month now, and the motivation to open them is severely lacking - mostly due to the fact that I feel like I'd be wasting my time to push through these applications when I just finished med school secondaries not too long ago and I know an MPH is only a back-up for next year.
 
how did you do on your first mcat?
 
hopeful32 said:
...or examine other options? I applied really early to a ton of medical schools with my shakey grades and MCAT score because I didn't want to wait another year if I didn't have to do so. I've gotten two interviews (no responses yet) and a number of rejections. I'm still waiting for about 8-10 schools for any kind of response.

It is now November, which was the timepoint I set for myself to consider retaking the MCAT in April. I am also thinking about applying to schools of public health because I eventually want to get an MPH anyway. I do know, however, that if I get into medical school for 2005, I will definitely do med school over an MPH program. I know there is still time for interviews etc., but if I am going to retake the MCAT or take the GRE for grad schools, then I really need to garner the motivation and begin preparation imminently.

Suggestions??

...give up. I actually think I'm in the same shoes as you, except for some of the minor details. There are lots of people in the same shoes. You must know about the post-bacc programs and the one/two year master programs that are essentially designed to boost your GPA and sometimes MCAT scores. They are costly though.

How did interviews go? Don't get discouraged, but bear in mind that all this time and money should have you question whether or not you are dedicated to the long haul to making it. I have heard of people applying and being rejected and applying again upto 3-4 times. Good news is that they have in fact made it at the end of the tunnel.

Best of luck.

(ps. try doing both the GRE and MCAT, see where that takes you.) 😀
 
28R - nothing to write home about and not something that will balance out a very average GPA. But then, every practice exam I took I was making 35s and 36s consistently, so it was a pretty frustrating outcome.
 
I am looking at foreign schools.
 
I guess foreign schools are an option too. I've just heard it can be a nightmare getting back into the States after med school and good preparation for the USMLEs is not-so-certain.
 
If you are an US citizen, then it's much easier for you. USMLE is all up to the individual. I hear if you study hard for it you can do well no matter which school you attend.
 
"IF" the foreign schools teach allopathic medicine with similar ciriculum, classes and level that most US schools do, then one should be prepared for the USMLEs (step 1,2,3).
 
1. you don't need to take the GRE. a number of MPH programs accept the MCAT in place of GRE.

2. It's too early for you to think about MPH. the application deadline for most MPH programs is after new year. thus, you can wait two more months before you need to decide.

3. you have a solid mcat score (if it is balanced). if your gpa is the problem, getting a master may be better than MPH degree. look into the master programs at georgetown, chicago med, drexel. the deadline for those programs is after new year. Again, it's too early for you to think about it.
 
Try to relax and not stress yourself out about backup plans yet! (Easier said than done, I know) You have had two interviews...that could possibly be more than enough for one acceptance! Where were your interviews? Were your stats somewhat close to the schools' averages? Did they say if they stress the interview and your personal qualities more than stats after the interview? Applying can be a very random process, but you could very well have an acceptance in the mail as I type! Try to stay positive and don't stress yourself out about backup plans until there is a definite need to do so.

:luck:
 
Its not a bad idea to start making backup plans so that you can have a better application for the next cycle or at least have something ready to update your schools with if you find yourself on the waitlist. Nothing is worse than to find yourself shutout in the spring and then have to defer for another year because your application hasnt changed too much.

I think its way to early to give up or to think about going offshore. You might as well give up if youre considering that.
 
I would always start to look over back up plans. I should also tell you a little about my situation. I applied with a 3.46GPA, 26MCAT, and excellent ECs after my senior year of college. While I was applying I had taken a research position and was working for a year. I got one interview and got wait-listed at that school. I was told by some that I may never get in to med school (because of how small my school was and no one knew of it) and that I should go to grad school. Well, long story short I worked in research for another couple years and then studied my ass off for the MCAT, got a decent score and applied to schools last year. I finished 15 applications and got 8 interviews, wait-listed at 7 schools. IT SUCKED and again people were telling me that I would probably not get in, WELL F##K them. I stayed in touch with the schools I like and asked them what my chances were. I also got in touch with admissions Deans to review my file and look at how to improve it. I was getting ready to enter a Master program when I got the call that I got off a wait-list. It may be over for you this year BUT do not give up on your dream. I know of a MD who took the MCAT 5 times and applied 4 times before getting in. I also know someone who applied 3 times and got in off a wait list on his 3rd try, after med school he went to one of the top residencies in the country. BEST ADVICE IS TO FORMULATE A PLAN, STICK TO IT, AND DON'T LET ANYONE STOP YOUR FROM ACHEIVING YOUR GOALS.
 
Well, I'm not ready to give up and I am willing to re-apply. I was just wondering if I should be starting to consider back-up plans, but it sounds like it may be too early given the options I am considering. I've taken post-bac courses just to bring up my GPA for the past year or so and that has been fine. I am learning how to be patient, but it is really difficult seeing the acceptance and interview threads and wondering if I there is anything else I can do at this point. Thanks for everyone's suggestions!
 
Wow! That's a very admirable story W222. I may be doing something similar...
 
W222 said:
Well, long story short I worked in research for another couple years and then studied my ass off for the MCAT, got a decent score and applied to schools last year.

If you don't mind me asking, what did you get on your last MCAT?
 
Wow--are things so bad already? It's Nov and I have yet to even get an interview! If people who already had 2 interviews are ready to give up at this point, am I seriously just f***ed? I took the Aug MCAT, but I didn't realize not having an acceptance (let alone an interview) at this point was such a bad sign. I'm still trying to be optimistic, but this thread makes me feel like I'm clutching at straws or something. 🙁
 
IT IS STILL EARLY IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS!!!! Lots of people will not be getting interviews until after the first of the year. Many will not find out if they have been accepted until March or even later. Everyone take a deep breath and go do something to relax (if possible). 🙂
 
I agree with your supporters, hope.

Hang in there. I think that thinking of backup plans is a great idea - it could even be an interview question for you. But to give up this early is perhaps a bit too drastic. As others have alluded to, if you get a rejection, you may wanna call up the school and see how to improve. Rumor has it that schools are generally pretty upfront about the advice that is given. And you never know when you'll hear - I sent my first secondary to Baylor, so we're talking sometime in July or early Aug., and they just sent me an interview yesterday (11/08). And the interview won't be until December!

Schools have rolling admissions for situations like yours. Be prepared for the worst, but give yourself a shot for the best!

dc
 
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