Why is this so nerve racking?

[OrthoRehab33]

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So, I've been wanting to create this thread for awhile and not at all simultaneously. I feel like most people on this thread are demi-gods. Endowed with a hand that heals by Asclepius himself. It's all very intimidating. Anyways, lets get to it.
cGPA: 3.34
Won't be taking the MCAT for another 2 years Im starting review what I can though now.
Have roughly 50 hours of clinical experience (by the time I graduate I predict somewhere around 200-300 hours) I volunteer at a free health clinic for people who don't have health insurance. So, I actually get to interact with patients (take basic patient history and vital signs). I love it! I haven't gotten a chance to shadow except a few times at the free health clinic (I prefer being active and not just being a passive bystander. I think its important to have EC's you enjoy doing. Not just shadowing for the sake of doing it?)
I'm getting started on a Neuroscience research project (just started so Im guessing like 20-30 hours.) We're presenting at the Society for Neuroscience Conference in Washington DC in November. I've studied abroad in Australia for 6 months, I plan on doing a medical mission in Thailand this coming summer (2012).
Other important information: I know my GPA is low. Luckily though it's not in any pre-med requirements. The only classes considered pre-med that Ive taken is Anatomy, Physiology and Physics 1 which I got A's in all three woohoo! So, I know I'm just going to have to work really hard to do well in the rest of the pre-med classes (easier said than done). I'm a Psychology major and have a strong shot at entering the honors program for it. So, no MCAT score and havent finished the majority of required classes yet, I'll be a senior in college next semester (I'll be outta here in 5 yrs). I know I'm kinda teeter tottering with so many unknowns but I'd rather get advice early on before its too late. I really want to go to USUHS, luckily their averages I believe have been a 3.5 gpa and 30 mcat. I plan to apply to DO schools as well which I dont mind but I'd rather go allo and specifically the one I mentioned. I'll apply broadly to MD schools, one other complication however, is that lately the majority of MD schools Ive been looking up now either require Biochemistry and/or Genetics or strongly recommend to. If I plan to graduate in 5 years I cant manage to fit those courses in. Anyways, I appreciate all advice and words from the wise!

 

[littlefaster]

cGPA: 3.34

Make that number go up.

 

[OrthoRehab33]

Make that number go up.

🙄 Occam's razor proves to be infallible. Any other advice? General ideas of my standings?

 

[macsta]

Why is the processes of applying to medical schools so nerve racking?

It is because you are being judged. Judged on the largest scale imaginable. You are basically ripping out the essence of what you are and laying it on a table to hundreds of strangers to prod at. Most of the them will think you aren't good enough and some might even laugh at you. But, if you are lucky, there will be a medical school that wants you to be apart of their program. Talk about validation. I hope I get accepted somewhere...

 

[OrthoRehab33]

Why is the processes of applying to medical schools so nerve racking?

It is because you are being judged. Judged on the largest scale imaginable. You are basically ripping out the essence of what you are and laying it on a table to hundreds of strangers to prod at. Most of the them will think you aren't good enough and some might even laugh at you. But, if you are lucky, there will be a medical school that wants you to be apart of their program. Talk about validation. I hope I get accepted somewhere...

This. Verbatim. I thought I was done with cliques when I graduated High School. Yet, we now have ascended beyond that to almost a cult.

 

[Ismet]

IMO, biochem is pretty helpful for the MCAT. The genetics on the MCAT is nothing more than what you learn in general bio.

And like others said, make that GPA go up. Everything else sounds good. And 👍 for neuroscience! Maybe you'll see the head of my lab (and head of my school's neuro dept) at the conference 🙂

Also, don't start reviewing for MCAT now. Whatever you refresh yourself on now will be lost in 2 years and you'll just have to go over it again. I was 3 years removed from gen chem and physics when I took my MCAT, and PS was my highest section. It all comes rushing back! 🙂

 

[littlefaster]

🙄 Occam's razor proves to be infallible. Any other advice? General ideas of my standings?

Just saying. If you'd like to go MD, I'd really spend a lot of time on school work. Your EC's are very good so I don't think there's a problem there. At this point it's your GPA that is most likely to hold you back.

Without an MCAT score it's difficult to say your standing, but here is a chart that will be of some use: https://www.aamc.org/download/157450/data/table24-mcatgpagridall2008-10.pdf.pdf

 

[DaisyBuchanan]

I'll apply broadly to MD schools, one other complication however, is that lately the majority of MD schools Ive been looking up now either require Biochemistry and/or Genetics or strongly recommend to. If I plan to graduate in 5 years I cant manage to fit those courses in. Anyways, I appreciate all advice and words from the wise!

The med school I'm attending in the fall is one of the ones that requires biochem, and you can take it the summer before attending. That means you can pretty much take it after you learn you've been accepted and not worry too much about it til then. Reeeeelax buddy, don't let SDN get to you 🙂

 

[Entadus]

with high numbers, this process doesn't seem to be any less stressful. Having said that, I must admit that I would NOT want to go through this process with borderline numbers 🙁

This is a rough game and there is a nasty choke at the end of the tunnel called "applications". We do what we have to do to make it through there...

 

[OrthoRehab33]

with high numbers, this process doesn't seem to be any less stressful. Having said that, I must admit that I would NOT want to go through this process with borderline numbers 🙁

This is a rough game and there is a nasty choke at the end of the tunnel called "applications". We do what we have to do to make it through there...

I go to one of the biggest party schools in the nation. There's hardly anyone on campus that is "pre-med". The ones that say they are...for the most part are just bio or chem majors that take the necessary classes with a few A's here and there but mostly just average grades. A few hours of volunteering here and there. They scape by undergrad without any real sacrifice. I know maybe a handful of people that have greater aspirations besides getting blacked out every, tuesday, thursday, friday-sunday night and occasionally mornings. Most people dont understand or underestimate what we sacrifice. Even as pre-med. I'm 21 years old, in the best shape of my life, and attractive 🙂p). I could be out satisfying every biological impulse I crave. Yet, Im usually stuck in the library studying. Why? Because I'm not naturally smart. I have some engineering friends who are just innately dominating in math. I SUCK at math! Oh God I'm terrible. I have to work really really hard for any good grade that I get. Its easy to be motivated for one semester and pull off a awesome grades but to stay motivated for the next 10 years of our lives? It's definitely a struggle for anyone. At the end of it I won't be able to reverse the clock and go to that party that a cute girl from class invited me to because I had a 8'o'clock exam that heavily determined the course of my grade, or go to the park with my friends because I had to be in lab or at the clinic. I dont regret anything I love what I do or I wouldnt be doing it, but make no mistake. It's a sacrifice that none my friends can relate to. The only people that understand are totally strangers that we form unique bonds with over in this forum. 🙂

 

[DinoSaysRawr]

IMO, biochem is pretty helpful for the MCAT. The genetics on the MCAT is nothing more than what you learn in general bio.

And like others said, make that GPA go up. Everything else sounds good. And 👍 for neuroscience! Maybe you'll see the head of my lab (and head of my school's neuro dept) at the conference 🙂

Also, don't start reviewing for MCAT now. Whatever you refresh yourself on now will be lost in 2 years and you'll just have to go over it again. I was 3 years removed from gen chem and physics when I took my MCAT, and PS was my highest section. It all comes rushing back! 🙂

A pre-med advisor of mine actually recommends not taking the MCAT until you've taken at least one semester of Biochem.

Also, OP, I believe SN2ed recommends not studying for the MCAT if you're over 6 months out from taking it.

 

[Entadus]

Even as pre-med. I'm 21 years old, in the best shape of my life, and attractive 🙂p). I could be out satisfying every biological impulse I crave. Yet, Im usually stuck in the library studying.

Haha, yeah I pretty much agree with your post.

 

[Polymer Based]

I go to one of the biggest party schools in the nation. There's hardly anyone on campus that is "pre-med". The ones that say they are...for the most part are just bio or chem majors that take the necessary classes with a few A's here and there but mostly just average grades. A few hours of volunteering here and there. They scape by undergrad without any real sacrifice. I know maybe a handful of people that have greater aspirations besides getting blacked out every, tuesday, thursday, friday-sunday night and occasionally mornings. Most people dont understand or underestimate what we sacrifice. Even as pre-med. I'm 21 years old, in the best shape of my life, and attractive 🙂p). I could be out satisfying every biological impulse I crave. Yet, Im usually stuck in the library studying. Why? Because I'm not naturally smart. I have some engineering friends who are just innately dominating in math. I SUCK at math! Oh God I'm terrible. I have to work really really hard for any good grade that I get. Its easy to be motivated for one semester and pull off a awesome grades but to stay motivated for the next 10 years of our lives? It's definitely a struggle for anyone. At the end of it I won't be able to reverse the clock and go to that party that a cute girl from class invited me to because I had a 8'o'clock exam that heavily determined the course of my grade, or go to the park with my friends because I had to be in lab or at the clinic. I dont regret anything I love what I do or I wouldnt be doing it, but make no mistake. It's a sacrifice that none my friends can relate to. The only people that understand are totally strangers that we form unique bonds with over in this forum. 🙂

I think with age and perspective, the superficial things that seem to matter to you now will no longer matter.

 

[littlefaster]

.

 

[littlefaster]

A pre-med advisor of mine actually recommends not taking the MCAT until you've taken at least one semester of Biochem.

Biochem, Physiology, and Orgo were crucial to my success on the MCAT. IMO, the "if-then" thought process that these classes emphasize is really important to applying information from passages.

 

[babypp2]

IMO, biochem is pretty helpful for the MCAT. The genetics on the MCAT is nothing more than what you learn in general bio.

 

[scribble]

I'm 21 years old, in the best shape of my life, and attractive 🙂p). I could be out satisfying every biological impulse I crave. Yet, Im usually stuck in the library studying.

Kudos to you for delaying your biological enjoyment for the sake of school. My friends in med school would complain about the exact same thing though. Just remember to work hard and play hard too.

Upward-trend your GPA and smack down the MCAT.👍

 

[Ride Big Sky]

Why is the processes of applying to medical schools so nerve racking?

It is because you are being judged. Judged on the largest scale imaginable. You are basically ripping out the essence of what you are and laying it on a table to hundreds of strangers to prod at. Most of the them will think you aren't good enough and some might even laugh at you. But, if you are lucky, there will be a medical school that wants you to be apart of their program. Talk about validation. I hope I get accepted somewhere...

As I found out in one spectacular interview day they can even laugh in your face at the interview!!

 

[FirefighterDoc]

As I found out in one spectacular interview day they can even laugh in your face at the interview!!

Seriously?

 

[Web MD]

I think with age and perspective, the superficial things that seem to matter to you now will no longer matter.

Forming relationships, socializing and enjoying some of the prime years of your life don't strike me as "superifical" things to forego

 

[sharpie1006]

So, I've been wanting to create this thread for awhile and not at all simultaneously. I feel like most people on this thread are demi-gods. Endowed with a hand that heals by Asclepius himself. It's all very intimidating... I know I'm kinda teeter tottering with so many unknowns but I'd rather get advice early on before its too late. I really want to go to USUHS, luckily their averages I believe have been a 3.5 gpa and 30 mcat. I plan to apply to DO schools as well which I dont mind but I'd rather go allo and specifically the one I mentioned. I'll apply broadly to MD schools, one other complication however, is that lately the majority of MD schools Ive been looking up now either require Biochemistry and/or Genetics or strongly recommend to. If I plan to graduate in 5 years I cant manage to fit those courses in. Anyways, I appreciate all advice and words from the wise!

Dear OP,

note: Please take with grain of salt because I am a fellow pre-med

I think the most important part of this process is why you are going into medicine. Do you have a good perspective on your life, where you are coming from, and how your experiences will add to your career? What are your goals for going into medicine? These are the Big Questions that will be important before, during, and well after you apply and get accepted. I've found that if you spend time thinking about these questions and are continuously developing real, honest answers to them, you'll be just fine. The grades and the MCAT studying will come more naturally, as will the marathon that is pre-planning/applying/interviewing.

At the end of the day, you'll meet applicants/med students/physicians/etc. that got better grades than you, that took more upper-div bio courses than you did, etc. All of these are good things, which I guess is why they're recommended. But your psych major can be a good thing too. If you're mature and motivated, your application will speak for itself.

Regarding your situation: how about graduating in 5 years and taking either genetics or biochem, depending on which you'll learn more from. For ex. if you're taking a molbio course heavy on genetics, take biochem in addition, or vice versa. The rest of your activites sound niceeeeee.

 

[Ride Big Sky]

Seriously?

Completely serious. I interviewed at UNECOM because I had a guaranteed interview with them and the two people took turns reading lines from my secondary and then laughing. Needless to say it was one of the most awkward interviews I could imagine. I actually ended the interview early because it was so ridiculous, left the interview day early, and went to the beach in Old Orchard. I was pumped when I got an anonymous survey from them later on in the cycle.

 

[OrthoRehab33]

Wow, that's rough! I don't know how I could maintain any composure. Well, I could engage in an intellectual catharsis and test Newton's first law of motion by throwing something heavy and hard at them. Purely on academic standings. Maybe I wouldn't but it's always the thought that counts.

Biochem, biochem, everyone keeps saying it to take it before the MCAT. I dont know how I can take it before the MCAT. At my school they want you to take Orgo Chem 370 before you take Biochem. And by the time I finish the last part of Orgo it'll be my final semester. I suppose I could squeeze in the Introduction to Biochem 330 class along with the last part of Orgo?

 

[Web MD]

cell bio/molecular cell bio usually has some basic biochem components to it as well

 

[OrthoRehab33]

cell bio/molecular cell bio usually has some basic biochem components to it as well

Here's the descriptions of both classes mentioned. They both require 360 (genetics) to be taken before. I know I could sign up for the class but I feel like I might be pretty lost without taking genetics first. Cell biology seems like it'll have more cross over in biochem the molecular class?

BIOL 409
Molecular Biology

Prerequisites: BIOL 153, BIOL 360.
Detailed analysis of structure and related functions of cells with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and gene regulation. Lectures and laboratory sessions focus on current theories and methodologies associated with cloning, nucleic acid analysis, gene expression, bioinformatics, and genomics.

BIOL 411
Cell Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 153, BIOL 360.
Detailed study of cellular function with an emphasis on intracellular and intercellular communication. Topics include protein structure and function, properties of biological membranes, signal transduction, protein trafficking pathways, vesicular transport, cell cycle, apotopsis and cancer.

 

[Web MD]

Yeah, cell bio is what you want. Molecular bio at my school was a little different from what yours is described as. Bio chem isn't that important for the MCAT, everything you'd need to know can easily be learned from a review book. That being said, if you feel you really need a class to prepare cell bio should be more than adequate for it

 

[littlefaster]

Yeah, cell bio is what you want. Molecular bio at my school was a little different from what yours is described as. Bio chem isn't that important for the MCAT, everything you'd need to know can easily be learned from a review book. That being said, if you feel you really need a class to prepare cell bio should be more than adequate for it

I agree that your Cell Bio class would be sufficient. The information you learn in a class like Biochemistry isn't as important as the way it teaches you to think. Discreet passages are fact-based, but the majority of the BS section is synthesizing loads of information into your working knowledge of biological systems. Basic biology classes, unfortunately, are normally about rote memorization. Practice thinking in a logicial A->B->C (think: what is the system trying to accomplish by doing this?) manner and you'll be golden.

 

[FirefighterDoc]

Completely serious. I interviewed at UNECOM because I had a guaranteed interview with them and the two people took turns reading lines from my secondary and then laughing. Needless to say it was one of the most awkward interviews I could imagine. I actually ended the interview early because it was so ridiculous, left the interview day early, and went to the beach in Old Orchard. I was pumped when I got an anonymous survey from them later on in the cycle.

Ouch. Thats brutal

 

[Naquadria]

Op: If you really want to go to USUHS remember it isn't all about the numbers for them.A lot of schools say that but at USUHS I found it to be true. I was waitlisted and then accepted there this cycle and I had a later interview to boot. People with better MCAT scores and a higher gpa than me were rejected or put on the alternate list.. My cum gpa was a bit higher than yours but science gpa was lower. So don't lose hope. Also the fact I was an athlete at my school really helped even though I had to quit bc of I just couldn't fit it into my schedule anymore. So if you can add some physical ec's that will help you. My student interviewer told me they have had people not pass the physicals which is clearly contrary to the personal mission of the school. If you really want military med and make that clear to them then you should have a shot. The whole process sucks beyond belief but keeping working at it and you will get there!

 

[Entadus]

I love this thread and all of its posters 😍 feels real and less troll-y ya know?

 

[jeffro1080]

I go to one of the biggest party schools in the nation. There's hardly anyone on campus that is "pre-med". The ones that say they are...for the most part are just bio or chem majors that take the necessary classes with a few A's here and there but mostly just average grades. A few hours of volunteering here and there. They scape by undergrad without any real sacrifice. I know maybe a handful of people that have greater aspirations besides getting blacked out every, tuesday, thursday, friday-sunday night and occasionally mornings. Most people dont understand or underestimate what we sacrifice. Even as pre-med. I'm 21 years old, in the best shape of my life, and attractive 🙂p). I could be out satisfying every biological impulse I crave. Yet, Im usually stuck in the library studying. Why? Because I'm not naturally smart. I have some engineering friends who are just innately dominating in math. I SUCK at math! Oh God I'm terrible. I have to work really really hard for any good grade that I get. Its easy to be motivated for one semester and pull off a awesome grades but to stay motivated for the next 10 years of our lives? It's definitely a struggle for anyone. At the end of it I won't be able to reverse the clock and go to that party that a cute girl from class invited me to because I had a 8'o'clock exam that heavily determined the course of my grade, or go to the park with my friends because I had to be in lab or at the clinic. I dont regret anything I love what I do or I wouldnt be doing it, but make no mistake. It's a sacrifice that none my friends can relate to. The only people that understand are totally strangers that we form unique bonds with over in this forum. 🙂

 

[OrthoRehab33]

Op: If you really want to go to USUHS remember it isn't all about the numbers for them.A lot of schools say that but at USUHS I found it to be true. I was waitlisted and then accepted there this cycle and I had a later interview to boot. People with better MCAT scores and a higher gpa than me were rejected or put on the alternate list.. My cum gpa was a bit higher than yours but science gpa was lower. So don't lose hope. Also the fact I was an athlete at my school really helped even though I had to quit bc of I just couldn't fit it into my schedule anymore. So if you can add some physical ec's that will help you. My student interviewer told me they have had people not pass the physicals which is clearly contrary to the personal mission of the school. If you really want military med and make that clear to them then you should have a shot. The whole process sucks beyond belief but keeping working at it and you will get there!

Thanks, thats good to know! I should have no problem passing the physicals. I take pride in my fitness, I've ran 28 miles nonstop in 4 hrs, deadlift 300 pounds and still run a mile in just under 6 mins! Maybe I could add "sculpting the guns" under my EC's haha.
And to the poster above; thanks buddy! Im glad you stopped by! 🙂

 

[Entadus]

pretty slow mile time for a 21 year old marathoner, no?

 

[OrthoRehab33]

pretty slow mile time for a 21 year old marathoner, no?

To be honest I didnt plan on doing the whole thing from the start. My buddy and I were cross country runners in HS and he was stilling running XC and Track for UCI and he talked me into. I figured I'd run the first 8-10 miles then quick because i had zero training for it, but once I got started I decided heck why not do the whole thing? haha I was only 18 when I did it. I would probably be at least an hour slower by now haha. Havent trained endurance like that in a long time! And mile time? Yeah, pretty dang slow. I stopped doing cardio and have focused on power lifting oh well..