Working Full-Time and studying for the 3/27 MCAT

[obgyny]

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Has anyone done well on the MCAT with only 3 months to study and while holding a 40+ hrs/wk job? Anybody in the same boat as me now? Any advice?

I work 40 hours per week, sometimes more, at a research lab. I always thought I would have time in between gels, PCR, etc etc to pull out my books and study. And I would even bring my MCAT books with me to work everyday in the beginning. However, I have been so busy with two projects at work that take up all of my time. So now I'm left with studying on nights/weekends.

I've just started REALLY studying for the March 27 MCAT... which is coming up way too soon! . I'm studying with TPR materials since I just finished the class. The class wasn't that helpful since I haven't had time to keep up with all the homework.

Taking time off before the MCAT to study is not an option, since I have bills to pay. My boss is really understanding, but honestly I can't afford to take time off. I also don't want to take the MCAT any later than March so I can leave plenty of time to re-take the MCAT if necessary (I hope not!!!).

 

[unique135]

I understand your situation. But, regardless of others have done it or not, you don't seem to be prepared for your very own idea.

My advice.

• Consider all your past situations, how did you cope with the stress? How well were you able to learn in such situations?
• Also, schedule yourself in a way, that you are least burntout while learning.
• Least take a month off before your MCAT.

I hope this helps.

I, myself, am giving my MCAT in May. Meanwhile, I have two hardcore courses, two online courses, research volunteering with 1/2 projects and immigration issues. But, I have planned my coolness 😎. Hopefully, it stays that way.

 

[samuraiR]

I'm in a similar working situation. I work around 40 hours a week, plus volunteering, shadowing, and organic chemistry 2 this semester.
I plan to take the mcats on may 27th and hope I can do really well in them so I dont have to retake...

But who knows, my planned schedule is
8:30-4:30 work with mcat studyin or class from 5-9:30, gym from 10-11 (to keep me sane), sleep at around 12, wake up at 7:30 and repeat.
and on weekends my saturday is volunteer/shadow from 9-6pm, and then mcat study or take a night off.
Sunday is a full-length test every week.

Thats my game plan. Hopefully all things work out accordingly.👍

 

[summerallwinter]

I do understand where you are coming from even though my MCAT is a little over a year away. However I have worked full time or more since I started college and balancing school and work can be a pain. As my studying gets more intense, though, I've come upon an important realization...

While supporting yourself is obviously a must, there comes a time when you really have no choice but to sacrifice some work and thus money in order to study more. If it makes the difference between becoming a doctor or not, it is worth it. Have you considered moving somewhere cheaper, getting an extra roommate, taking out extra loans, getting a couple credit cards, and allowing yourself to land in more debt? I'd say it's time for you to take an honest assessment of your priorities and see what you can sacrifice in order to study more. Whatever you choose to do best of luck to ya.

 

[metalgirl14]

I have to work about 40 hours per week too. I was originally going to take the MCAT on January 30th (I've been studying since October using the night/weekend schedule). I can honestly tell you, this type of schedule is tough to maintain. I really did not have enough time to go over everything adequately (and I have been consistently studying every night).

I took a couple of practice tests recently and my scores was nowhere near where I wanted them to be so I'm going to push my test back to April. I would rather hit the books some more and have a better grasp on the material than end up with a sub-par MCAT score.

After trying this schedule out, I would strongly suggest using a 3 month schedule but studying for ~4 months (to account for any unexpected set-backs that may occur). Definitely allow for as much time as possible and make sure you give yourself break days from the studying. Good luck with the studying!

 

[jmartinez]

Im in the same boat but I cant necessarily quit my job. Its kinda hard to quit the Army! 🙂

 

[jmartinez]

Plus Im doing the same exact thing as SamuraiR

 

[samuraiR]

Plus Im doing the same exact thing as SamuraiR

haha good luck! hopefully we can both keep it up then 😀

 

[kthakore]

I work full time and I am planning on writing my MCAT on the 01/29/2010.

Here is what I have done so far:

• Took the Kaplan Course (This forced me to do some work every week)
  • Don't leave it up to yourself to do ... believe me doesn't work
  • But ignore Kaplan Verbal and do ExamKrackers Verbal (VERY VERY IMPORTANT)
• Did 18 hrs Saturday or Sunday (You will not get a lot of work done in the week)
• Taking 2.5 weeks off before the test day
  • I am planning on finish at least 6 of the aamc and 6 more Kaplan Full Lengths here

Results
- Diagnostic 17 (This really doesn't mean ****)
- Full Length 1: 22 (8 6 8)
- Full Length 2: 23 (7 8 8)
- Full Length 3: 28 (10 10 8) (Started using ExamKrackers verbal method here)

I will keep you posted on my results if you are interested.

Good Luck!

Lastly BELIEVE it can be done. Don't listen to anyone. And don't beat your self up if you slack off. I wasted precious time being mad at my self.

 

[Moose A Moose]

You can do it. Just keep swimming, hah

I work 40 a week as well.. bringing my books in, etc etc.
Rest assured, there are many others in your boat.

 

[Mister T]

Dude stop feeling sorry for yourself. Just quit your job or work part-time and focus on the MCAT.

$120,000 after taxes *40 years = $4.8 million dollars versus the piece of **** minimum wage job that you have probably have right now.

Sure you have to pay for bills and electricity and all, well do that, just dont' work full time. It's only for like 3 months or so anyways.

If you have family, friends, girlfriend, live with them, or borrow from them too.

I mean you're not as bad off as it sounds.

Sell off your computer if need be, or take out some loans.

Keep in mind that I didn't say stop working completely, my biggest emphasis is that you should probably work maybe 10-15 hours at the max in the week (and I consider classes + homework to be "work" too).

 

[samuraiR]

$120,000 after taxes *40 years = $4.8 million dollars versus the piece of **** minimum wage job that you have probably have right now.

although I agree with some of ur post, this i disagree with... its really stupid to assume that you are making minimum wage just coz you arent a doctor. I have an IT degree and make a REALLY good salary...but doing something I dont love. Perhaps you should use passion as opposed to money as your argument.👍

 

[Mister T]

although I agree with some of ur post, this i disagree with... its really stupid to assume that you are making minimum wage just coz you arent a doctor. I have an IT degree and make a REALLY good salary...but doing something I dont love. Perhaps you should use passion as opposed to money as your argument.👍

ha ha, the ones who go into medicine as a passion are the ones who delude themselves the most.

Doctors are essentially overglorified/very skilled technicians, it's a well paying job that affords job security and respect.

Perhaps you should use passion as opposed to money as your argument

Get back to me in 4-12 years. Also, might wanna take a class on economics, and even behavioral economics to see what the fundamental forces that drive people.

**Hint** There's a reason why the demand for medical school is always high, and supply is low.

It's really not stupid to assume that a recent college grad/college student is a lab tech that is making minimum wage or close to min. wage even in grad. school. Job prospects for a B.S. in science these days is pretty ****ty with hiring freezes around the country, and the pay has decreased significantly.

I, too, wasn't making minimum wage, and I was making about a good 40K this year if I worked the full year, and I'm assuming that you're like me, a couple of months out of school or even years perhaps.

For me, the opportunity cost has been really $20,000 (more like $15,000 after taxes) for not doing work full time. It's still worth it.

Of course, I would be deluding myself as well if I or anyone else was going into medicine and didn't have any proclivity/interest in science either. I would also wager that I generally like to help people too, so please don't go into the cliched whole you can go into "business."

I can't stand pre-meds who keep on talking about medicine being a "passion" and that's why they're going into it. Either they're naive, or lying to you/themselves in the end.

 

[samuraiR]

Maybe you are right, maybe I am naive. But I make about double what you posted as a good "starting salary" And the niche I am in will give me a salary higher than many doctors in 10 years, which will be about the time I finish residency, but without any of the debt.

I was a business major from a top 5 program in my major, I took plenty of economics classes, trust me. But I've learned that it isn't always about the money. I could stay at this job and enjoy this "lifestyle" but i hate every minute of it.

Does this make me naive and stupid? perhaps. But at least with medicine I know that I enjoy science, enjoy problem solving, enjoy interacting with people, I will have a decent salary, good job security, and every day I know that I have the opportunity to help someone feel better...that's more than I can say for my POS job right now.

 

[Mister T]

Maybe you are right, maybe I am naive. But I make about double what you posted as a good "starting salary" And the niche I am in will give me a salary higher than many doctors in 10 years, which will be about the time I finish residency, but without any of the debt.

I was a business major from a top 5 program in my major, I took plenty of economics classes, trust me. But I've learned that it isn't always about the money. I could stay at this job and enjoy this "lifestyle" but i hate every minute of it.

Does this make me naive and stupid? perhaps. But at least with medicine I know that I enjoy science, enjoy problem solving, enjoy interacting with people, I will have a decent salary, good job security, and every day I know that I have the opportunity to help someone feel better...that's more than I can say for my POS job right now.

Sure, as does everyone else. Everyone feels a little noble or virtuous to some degree about something, which is all fine and motivates one to go through the B.S., but I find that the day to day life is still at the end --- a job and you or I are generally no different in human needs, wants, etc. either. You should read PandaBearMD's or medschoolhell.com --- they're people who have experienced it and give you the no B.S. story. You may say that their experiences may be separated incidents but I doubt it http://www.usnews.com/blogs/paper-t...s-more-depressed-than-general-population.html. For me, the knowledge will at least psychologically prepare me for what to expect and not to get jaded ya know?



Well, in any case going back to topic, the op said that he was doing PCR, gels, blots, etc. and in general the b#$# work of the lab. I'd think that because he's a lab techie that it's not very self-gratifying work or even well paying either otherwise Mr. Op wouldn't be having these problems.

I stand by my previous advice.

 

[PRamos]

Im in the same boat but I cant necessarily quit my job. Its kinda hard to quit the Army! 🙂

I thought the navy used the boats. 🙂

I think there are many of us in this same situation. My circumstances were facilitated by my company folding, and my nest egg is getting really small. I'm working as a substitute teacher (which is surprisingly steady work), so while I can't do MCAT passages while at work, I don't have to take very much home with me like full time teachers. And the last three weeks have been the best for getting going on MCAT materials. I'm not sure how it will be starting Monday though. If only my landlord would accept future health care in exchange for rent now.

 

[Mister T]

I thought the navy used the boats. 🙂

I think there are many of us in this same situation. My circumstances were facilitated by my company folding, and my nest egg is getting really small. I'm working as a substitute teacher (which is surprisingly steady work), so while I can't do MCAT passages while at work, I don't have to take very much home with me like full time teachers. And the last three weeks have been the best for getting going on MCAT materials. I'm not sure how it will be starting Monday though. If only my landlord would accept future health care in exchange for rent now.

Live at home ftw.

Although you may not be able to bang chicks at home, the free rooming always wins + good cooking too for a combo breaker = power level over 9000.

 

[PRamos]

If you have family, friends, girlfriend, live with them, or borrow from them too.

ha ha, the ones who go into medicine as a passion are the ones who delude themselves the most. Doctors are essentially overglorified/very skilled technicians, it's a well paying job that affords job security and respect. Get back to me in 4-12 years. Also, might wanna take a class on economics, and even behavioral economics to see what the fundamental forces that drive people.

I can't stand pre-meds who keep on talking about medicine being a "passion" and that's why they're going into it. Either they're naive, or lying to you/themselves in the end.

Everyone feels a little noble or virtuous to some degree about something, which is all fine and motivates one to go through the B.S., but I find that the day to day life is still at the end --- a job and you or I are generally no different in human needs, wants, etc. either. You should read PandaBearMD's or medschoolhell.com --- they're people who have experienced it and give you the no B.S. story. For me, the knowledge will at least psychologically prepare me for what to expect and not to get jaded ya know?

You make some salient points about the rough parts of becoming a physician. But when it comes to knowing what makes people tick, you are pretty out in left field. For a young kid who knows everything through the wonderful world of reading, and thereby avoiding having to learn about it by real life, you sure are opinionated.

The reality is that not all of us come from wealthy families off of whom we may leech. Not all of us have walked the same path as you. Not all of us can afford to take time off from work, because we have family members who depend on us. Just because it's true for you doesn't make it universally true for all of us.

I have such mixed emotions when reading your post, because there is some validity to what you say. I have certainly considered the finances associated with medicine and how I can pay for it over the next ten years. I'm sure I will worry about how to pay back my debt. I worry every day if it's going to be worth it in the end, and while I won't know until I'm there, I love the path. The jaded doctors you quote were probably jaded premeds years ago. You clearly identify with them. I tend to identify with the doctors who live for the love of helping people, and there are plenty of those too. They're just too busy helping others to take time to type up and speak out about their woes in their career choice.

I tend to identify with the interns and doctors I know who love what they do and wouldn't have done anything else. Don't delude yourself into thinking every doctor hates their life and is nothing more than a well-paid mechanic. I have been lucky enough to work with many a doctor who was willing to give up their weekend with their family to drive 200+ miles into a foreign country just to help some people he might not ever see again, all at their own expense. That's the passion people are talking, and if you don't get that, fine. But don't be so arrogant that you think you can tell all of us how we feel and what drives us based on what drives you.

In 4-12 years we can trade stories, because we will both be different people. Watching lives lost and wasted mixed with saving lives and changing lives will also carve into our psyche and form who we become at the end of the day. It won't just be the politics and money that formulate our perspective of life as a physician. And maybe focusing on the job aspect is a great coping mechanism.

In the end, if you are driven by the money, prestige, and whatever else makes you keep going (which could very well be the enjoyment you get out of complaining--many people do this and there's nothing wrong with it), then let that power you up the hills we'll climb. For me, I have a different motivation.

 

[samuraiR]

You make some salient points about the rough parts of becoming a physician. But when it comes to knowing what makes people tick, you are pretty out in left field. For a young kid who knows everything through the wonderful world of reading, and thereby avoiding having to learn about it by real life, you sure are opinionated.

The reality is that not all of us come from wealthy families off of whom we may leech. Not all of us have walked the same path as you. Not all of us can afford to take time off from work, because we have family members who depend on us. Just because it's true for you doesn't make it universally true for all of us.

I have such mixed emotions when reading your post, because there is some validity to what you say. I have certainly considered the finances associated with medicine and how I can pay for it over the next ten years. I'm sure I will worry about how to pay back my debt. I worry every day if it's going to be worth it in the end, and while I won't know until I'm there, I love the path. The jaded doctors you quote were probably jaded premeds years ago. You clearly identify with them. I tend to identify with the doctors who live for the love of helping people, and there are plenty of those too. They're just too busy helping others to take time to type up and speak out about their woes in their career choice.

I tend to identify with the interns and doctors I know who love what they do and wouldn't have done anything else. Don't delude yourself into thinking every doctor hates their life and is nothing more than a well-paid mechanic. I have been lucky enough to work with many a doctor who was willing to give up their weekend with their family to drive 200+ miles into a foreign country just to help some people he might not ever see again, all at their own expense. That's the passion people are talking, and if you don't get that, fine. But don't be so arrogant that you think you can tell all of us how we feel and what drives us based on what drives you.

In 4-12 years we can trade stories, because we will both be different people. Watching lives lost and wasted mixed with saving lives and changing lives will also carve into our psyche and form who we become at the end of the day. It won't just be the politics and money that formulate our perspective of life as a physician. And maybe focusing on the job aspect is a great coping mechanism.

In the end, if you are driven by the money, prestige, and whatever else makes you keep going (which could very well be the enjoyment you get out of complaining--many people do this and there's nothing wrong with it), then let that power you up the hills we'll climb. For me, I have a different motivation.

👍👍👍

 

[Mister T]

You make some salient points about the rough parts of becoming a physician. But when it comes to knowing what makes people tick, you are pretty out in left field. For a young kid who knows everything through the wonderful world of reading, and thereby avoiding having to learn about it by real life, you sure are opinionated.

The reality is that not all of us come from wealthy families off of whom we may leech. Not all of us have walked the same path as you. Not all of us can afford to take time off from work, because we have family members who depend on us. Just because it's true for you doesn't make it universally true for all of us.

I have such mixed emotions when reading your post, because there is some validity to what you say. I have certainly considered the finances associated with medicine and how I can pay for it over the next ten years. I'm sure I will worry about how to pay back my debt. I worry every day if it's going to be worth it in the end, and while I won't know until I'm there, I love the path. The jaded doctors you quote were probably jaded premeds years ago. You clearly identify with them. I tend to identify with the doctors who live for the love of helping people, and there are plenty of those too. They're just too busy helping others to take time to type up and speak out about their woes in their career choice.

I tend to identify with the interns and doctors I know who love what they do and wouldn't have done anything else. Don't delude yourself into thinking every doctor hates their life and is nothing more than a well-paid mechanic. I have been lucky enough to work with many a doctor who was willing to give up their weekend with their family to drive 200+ miles into a foreign country just to help some people he might not ever see again, all at their own expense. That's the passion people are talking, and if you don't get that, fine. But don't be so arrogant that you think you can tell all of us how we feel and what drives us based on what drives you.

In 4-12 years we can trade stories, because we will both be different people. Watching lives lost and wasted mixed with saving lives and changing lives will also carve into our psyche and form who we become at the end of the day. It won't just be the politics and money that formulate our perspective of life as a physician. And maybe focusing on the job aspect is a great coping mechanism.

In the end, if you are driven by the money, prestige, and whatever else makes you keep going (which could very well be the enjoyment you get out of complaining--many people do this and there's nothing wrong with it), then let that power you up the hills we'll climb. For me, I have a different motivation.

Oh wait you're a premed too or a medical student? You're right let's get back in 4-12 years.

What comes off as arrogance to you may seem so because I am confident in the reality of medicine. You can delude yourself otherwise and dream that a pile of **** is really very rosy or whatever, but that's your prerogative.

And you make a lot of assumptions about my life too. I don't come from a rich or even middle class family. I went to a community college for two years, transferred out to my state school, worked part time as a waiter, and I still have about $6000 left to pay off, so stfu and don't make a straw man argument. Besides, the op is a lab tech of some sort --- pretty sure he's relatively young.

But I digress.

Taken from: http://www.medschoolhell.com/2006/09/10/premeds-stfu/

"I was browsing over at SDN and saw a post in the "pre-allo" forum where you guys were responding to the issue of medical student harassment based on the latest study. Let me say that I was reminded as to why I only visit the pre-allo forum once a year now.
I used to be just like you guys - all pumped up and empathetic about "helping people" while I was in college. I thought I knew it all with my 4.0 GPA and badass MCAT score. Just like you think you know it all now. Let me tell you that you don't know ****. That's right, you're ****ing clueless. You're clueless just like I was. If you ever get accepted into medical school you'll think back to this blog post one day and be like "you know what, that guy was right."
All of you 20-somethings responding to the post are doing so without any experience whatsoever in dealing with residents, nurses, ancillary staff and attending physicians. All you have to base your comments on is what you read in that study. Your comments are meaningless dribble, much like your foreign "medical experience" in Peru that's in your MDApplicants profile.
Until you spend 2 years on the wards working 14 hours per day and then come in to round on Saturday and Sunday morning, quit acting like you know what's going on and shut the **** up."

Ahh good times.

 

[obgyny]

Dude stop feeling sorry for yourself. Just quit your job or work part-time and focus on the MCAT.

$120,000 after taxes *40 years = $4.8 million dollars versus the piece of **** minimum wage job that you have probably have right now.

Sure you have to pay for bills and electricity and all, well do that, just dont' work full time. It's only for like 3 months or so anyways.

If you have family, friends, girlfriend, live with them, or borrow from them too.

Easy for you to say. I can't just up and quit my job. I will not be selfish and move back home to financially burden my family just so I can study for a test. Yes, I don't get paid much, but I get paid more than minimum wage. But better yet, I actually love my job. I have to work full-time--not only do I need money to pay for living expenses, but I also need to save up for the med school application process.

Ideally, I would love to do nothing but study for the MCAT. But I can't. So I'm just trying to do the best I can with my current situation.

By the way, I'm female. But I know you couldn't have known that based on my username.

The reality is that not all of us come from wealthy families off of whom we may leech. Not all of us have walked the same path as you. Not all of us can afford to take time off from work, because we have family members who depend on us. Just because it's true for you doesn't make it universally true for all of us.

Well said 🙂

Im in the same boat but I cant necessarily quit my job. Its kinda hard to quit the Army! 🙂

I work full time and I am planning on writing my MCAT on the 01/29/2010.

Here is what I have done so far:

• Took the Kaplan Course (This forced me to do some work every week)
  • Don't leave it up to yourself to do ... believe me doesn't work
  • But ignore Kaplan Verbal and do ExamKrackers Verbal (VERY VERY IMPORTANT)
• Did 18 hrs Saturday or Sunday (You will not get a lot of work done in the week)
• Taking 2.5 weeks off before the test day
  • I am planning on finish at least 6 of the aamc and 6 more Kaplan Full Lengths here

Results
- Diagnostic 17 (This really doesn't mean ****)
- Full Length 1: 22 (8 6 8)
- Full Length 2: 23 (7 8 8)
- Full Length 3: 28 (10 10 8) (Started using ExamKrackers verbal method here)

I will keep you posted on my results if you are interested.

Good Luck!

Lastly BELIEVE it can be done. Don't listen to anyone. And don't beat your self up if you slack off. I wasted precious time being mad at my self.

You can do it. Just keep swimming, hah

I work 40 a week as well.. bringing my books in, etc etc.
Rest assured, there are many others in your boat.

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement 🙂. I've met so many premeds that are able to not work or take classes just to study for the MCAT, but unfortunately I do not have that luxury. It's good to hear I'm not alone.

kthakore, thanks for the advice! I'll definitely have to check out the EK verbal strategy. Good luck to you and keep me posted!! We can motivate each other 🙂

 

[PRamos]

Easy for you to say. I can't just up and quit my job. I will not be selfish and move back home to financially burden my family just so I can study for a test. Yes, I don't get paid much, but I get paid more than minimum wage. But better yet, I actually love my job. I have to work full-time--not only do I need money to pay for living expenses, but I also need to save up for the med school application process. Ideally, I would love to do nothing but study for the MCAT. But I can't. So I'm just trying to do the best I can with my current situation.

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement 🙂. I've met so many premeds that are able to not work or take classes just to study for the MCAT, but unfortunately I do not have that luxury. It's good to hear I'm not alone.

Well put bpost!

You reach a certain age where you have to take responsibility for your own path. There's no way at my age I can move back home and ask my mom at 55 to work full time and then come home and cook and clean for me. Eventually you grow up and realize how wrong that would be.

Your comment about premeds with no cares in the world resonates loud and clear. I was studying in Coffee Bean the other day when some guy and his girl friend walked up to ask about my study books. They were both decked out in what would amount to a couple months rent for me drinking a beverage that took at least ten words to order. The guy asked me about BR and I told him I wasn't actually in the course but was using the books. He told me that he was thinking about taking BR even though he and his girlfriend were already enrolled in some other program.

They signed up and then discovered they didn't like the teaching and the class had no materials. So their solution was to abandon the crappy course and take BR for the live teaching and materials and get the Kaplan online class for more materials. They were casually talking about dropping $3500 each on top of whatever they had already paid for the crappy course like it was nothing. I'm struggling to afford some review books and these kids are not hesitating at the thought of spending five grand. It must be nice.

We just have to work a little harder. I have to believe that our day will come when we interview. That will be the great equalizer.

 

[Insulinshock]

Has anyone done well on the MCAT with only 3 months to study and while holding a 40+ hrs/wk job? Anybody in the same boat as me now? Any advice?

I work 40 hours per week, sometimes more, at a research lab. I always thought I would have time in between gels, PCR, etc etc to pull out my books and study. And I would even bring my MCAT books with me to work everyday in the beginning. However, I have been so busy with two projects at work that take up all of my time. So now I'm left with studying on nights/weekends.

I've just started REALLY studying for the March 27 MCAT... which is coming up way too soon! . I'm studying with TPR materials since I just finished the class. The class wasn't that helpful since I haven't had time to keep up with all the homework.

Taking time off before the MCAT to study is not an option, since I have bills to pay. My boss is really understanding, but honestly I can't afford to take time off. I also don't want to take the MCAT any later than March so I can leave plenty of time to re-take the MCAT if necessary (I hope not!!!).

Haven't read the thread, only this post. All I wanna say is have fun cause wow man this sucks. I've been studying over christmas break with no classes or work and I'm still cramming for the test on the 30th. I couldn't imagine going to school full time and also working full time (which I do during the semester); I'm actually not even sure there would be enough hours in the day to do well at all 3.

Good luck dude, but I would seriously consider cutting some hours cause the MCAT is no joke.

 

[Mister T]

Easy for you to say. I can't just up and quit my job. I will not be selfish and move back home to financially burden my family just so I can study for a test. Yes, I don't get paid much, but I get paid more than minimum wage. But better yet, I actually love my job. I have to work full-time--not only do I need money to pay for living expenses, but I also need to save up for the med school application process.

Ideally, I would love to do nothing but study for the MCAT. But I can't. So I'm just trying to do the best I can with my current situation.

Again, read the thread before hit the reply button. The other idiot made a straw man argument that I'm rich and pulled it straight out of his ass when I'm not.

Anyone can move back home --- it doesn't financially burden family when they're already paying rent as it is. Sure electricity may go up, but you're not working an additional number of hours just to pay for the monthly rent at least. Your argument makes no sense and is fallacious, so it's not really burdening family. I work a part time job for about 10-15 hours a work which is a far cry from the 40-60 hours weeks (variable schedule) that I have had to work to pay for food/electricity/utilities/etc.

But the general gist of this thread is that you're looking for emotional satisfaction, I'm just telling it like it is, as unpopular as it is. I don't really care though, to each his own.

 

[Mister T]

Well put bpost!

You reach a certain age where you have to take responsibility for your own path. There's no way at my age I can move back home and ask my mom at 55 to work full time and then come home and cook and clean for me. Eventually you grow up and realize how wrong that would be.

Your comment about premeds with no cares in the world resonates loud and clear. I was studying in Coffee Bean the other day when some guy and his girl friend walked up to ask about my study books. They were both decked out in what would amount to a couple months rent for me drinking a beverage that took at least ten words to order. The guy asked me about BR and I told him I wasn't actually in the course but was using the books. He told me that he was thinking about taking BR even though he and his girlfriend were already enrolled in some other program.

They signed up and then discovered they didn't like the teaching and the class had no materials. So their solution was to abandon the crappy course and take BR for the live teaching and materials and get the Kaplan online class for more materials. They were casually talking about dropping $3500 each on top of whatever they had already paid for the crappy course like it was nothing. I'm struggling to afford some review books and these kids are not hesitating at the thought of spending five grand. It must be nice.

We just have to work a little harder. I have to believe that our day will come when we interview. That will be the great equalizer.

Again you're making more assumptions and straw man arguments. Who said that moving in home means mooching off of mama and dada? It means not paying extra for room and board. It doesn't mean that they have to cook for you or wash the **** off of your underpants.

The general feeling I'm getting in this thread is a "them (being the "rich" people) versus the "poor."

I come for a dirt poor family that has been through hell in terms of poverty growing up, my family has little savings as it is, and we literally live paycheck to paycheck and to boot my father has his pride and refuses to take welfare checks from the government, so you know how difficult that can be.

Yet, I still find it possible to make rational decisions and realize when enough is enough. I know that I got a 32 the last time because I studied for 4 weeks and only for like an hour or so of quality time a day. It wasn't enough practice, I was too burnt out after working a full day, then starting MCAT studying. It's possible, but you will more likely burn out. I need this semester off because I need downtime to stop thinking about the MCAT for instance, and I think a lot of other viewers will agree with me though they won't necessarily reply

Now you can feel noble about being an "underdog" or whatever, but you're not going to get a lot of sympathy from others because you can't afford $1800.

Why? Because 1) if you could not really afford it, it would REALLY be like $800 or so after financial assistance that these problems give.
2) You don't need the class to do well on the exam, and a good $100-200 on review books, asking some other kids for old exams makes the total cost about $450-$500 at the most.

If there's one thing that most pre-meds and doctors lack is any sense of financial understanding whatsoever and vastly overexaggerate how "bad" they have it. Sheesh.

 

[obgyny]

Again, read the thread before hit the reply button. The other idiot made a straw man argument that I'm rich and pulled it straight out of his ass when I'm not.

Anyone can move back home --- it doesn't financially burden family when they're already paying rent as it is. Sure electricity may go up, but you're not working an additional number of hours just to pay for the monthly rent at least. Your argument makes no sense and is fallacious, so it's not really burdening family. I work a part time job for about 10-15 hours a work which is a far cry from the 40-60 hours weeks (variable schedule) that I have had to work to pay for food/electricity/utilities/etc.

But the general gist of this thread is that you're looking for emotional satisfaction, I'm just telling it like it is, as unpopular as it is. I don't really care though, to each his own.

Again you're making more assumptions and straw man arguments. Who said that moving in home means mooching off of mama and dada? It means not paying extra for room and board. It doesn't mean that they have to cook for you or wash the **** off of your underpants.

Whoa, I never said you were rich. All I was saying is that moving back home seems like a reasonable option to you, but it's not an option for me. Even if I wanted to, my parents wouldn't let me move back home. They have their fair share of financial problems, and I wouldn't want to add to them anyways. And at least how I define it, your parents providing room & board, food, electricity, etc is still mooching off of your parents. I also have car payments and loans to deal with. Med school applications and flying to interviews is not cheap and I'm not making my parents pay for that. At least that's how I feel about it.

And by the way, you say all it would cost for the MCAT study materials is $450-500 at most... that's still a lot of money, at least in my opinion. I wouldn't ask my parents for $500 to take a test... That's not even including registration fees.

How about we agree to disagree? 🙂

 

[Mister T]

Whoa, I never said you were rich. All I was saying is that moving back home seems like a reasonable option to you, but it's not an option for me. Even if I wanted to, my parents wouldn't let me move back home. They have their fair share of financial problems, and I wouldn't want to add to them anyways. And at least how I define it, your parents providing room & board, food, electricity, etc is still mooching off of your parents. I also have car payments and loans to deal with. Med school applications and flying to interviews is not cheap and I'm not making my parents pay for that. At least that's how I feel about it.

And by the way, you say all it would cost for the MCAT study materials is $450-500 at most... that's still a lot of money, at least in my opinion. I wouldn't ask my parents for $500 to take a test... That's not even including registration fees.

How about we agree to disagree? 🙂

It's not mooching when there is no additional cost involved. Physical "room" is free which is the biggest expense. The only other expenses are food, electricity, gas, internet/cable really which can't be more than $100-150 a month. I eat $25/week, and showering/heating costs/electricity increased by like 30 bucks each month (I take long showers 😛), and that's really it (I don't watch tv) so I'm spending like $130-140 a month.

That's compared to what I was paying before in rent ($1200/month --- New York City is expensive)

$500 is about one week's worth of minimum wage salary give or take a few dollars.

Its really more like $250 if you end up selling the books anyways. The exam was something like $250 right?

I didn't apply for financial assistance for the MCAT, though I qualified, though i probably will for applications when the time comes (and if I qualify at that point).

 

[Mister T]

I think you're missing the point. Whether or not the job is minimum wage or even decent paying, you are making the wrong decision financially by hindering your chances of getting in by working for what is ultimately a tiny scrap of money in the long term. I see idiots in undergrad all the time failing out of their courses so they can clutch on to that $1k a month they make with some **** job that they could do without for a few more years.



I like you and your sense of real talk, Mister T. Especially the bit about how being a doctor is a well paying job that affords security and respect...there are many other jobs out there that afford these same things and nobody has any problem with admitting that's why they want the job, but for some reason when it comes to medicine people feel the need to lie to themselves with grandiose motives. Passionate about helping people? Really? Why don't you move to a 3rd world country and be a full time volunteer where you'll help more people than you ever would as a doctor?

On an unrelated note, why are you listed as a Fellow?

Read my sig.

And Mister T graciously accepts your kind words of wisdom and respect.

Even on Scrubs (which I don't really like anymore but I watch on occasion to procrastinate from MCAT studying) two nights ago, Dr. Cox asked the medical students why they wanted to be doctors, and the annoying skinny blonde gunner girl gave all these fake reasons and Dr. Cox tore her a new one. COX FOR THE WIN! Disappointed she then proceeds to ask the ******* jackass rich kid who's going to go into medicine for the money and chicks, why he's going into medicine and he says why not? And Dr. Cox approved.

Why? Because he was being honest with himself (which is not the same thing with being honest with the admission committee: **** that).

And besides, if you ever peruse the residency forums you see threads about pay/lifestyle/ROADs all the time on SDN for crying out loud

Let's face it, I and probably 90% of us here on the boards would not be going into medicine if the money wasn't that good. I don't like it, I'm not money greedy, but hey, I don't want to be left working my ass off for some employer who is milking any revenues that I'm bringing in and making substandard pays particularly when there is on job security. That's just reality, and on the internet you can be honest about this **** rather than just lie to each other and/or delude yourself.

And newsflash, those people interviewing you at the admission committees aren't any different either.

It's OK to be selfish --- that's what, in many ways (and in many bad ways too) makes this country so great. The very best and the brightest are the ones who are going into the topmost specialties or fields and thus will command a higher pay for that --- but at least they'll be very productive which in the end helps lower health costs and a whole slew of other benefits but now Mister T is just rambling...

Again, I will recommend to anyone to read through medschoolhell.com for a very "real" account of medical school, what to expect of the competition, what the culture is like, and the bottom line of medical school.

Back to studying.

 

[BennieBlanco]

[/B]

Again, I will recommend to anyone to read through medschoolhell.com for a very "real" account of medical school, what to expect of the competition, what the culture is like, and the bottom line of medical school.

Yes, we should all go to med school hell.com to learn about medicine from some anonymous person who is cranky and complains a lot...

Wait... I actually know surgeons and a dozen emergency physicians that I actually respect! I could ask them about what medicine is really like. WOW.

random guy on internet who is depressed OR real people who are well respected in their community who enjoy what they do...

HMMMMMM.

 

[jl lin]

Yes, we should all go to med school hell.com to learn about medicine from some anonymous person who is cranky and complains a lot...

Wait... I actually know surgeons and a dozen emergency physicians that I actually respect! I could ask them about what medicine is really like. WOW.

random guy on internet who is depressed OR real people who are well respected in their community who enjoy what they do...

HMMMMMM.

Not sure how I bumped into this thread. . .


Bennie, you have discernment. That's not simply something one can learn or just pick up. It's more like a gift--some have it and some don't--or at least some of have more of it than others. IMHO, besides hard work, commitment, and your intellect, it will serve you well with your patients in the future. You will pick up on things that others miss.

It is great that you see through total detritus and mishigas.



Yes. I too will stick with what I've learned thus far from those most actively involved and successful in the field.






Egads. . .

 

[MT2MD]

Mister T, some of us have no one to support us. It's either work full time or live on the street...

 

[obgyny]

It's not mooching when there is no additional cost involved. Physical "room" is free which is the biggest expense. The only other expenses are food, electricity, gas, internet/cable really which can't be more than $100-150 a month. I eat $25/week, and showering/heating costs/electricity increased by like 30 bucks each month (I take long showers 😛), and that's really it (I don't watch tv) so I'm spending like $130-140 a month.

That's compared to what I was paying before in rent ($1200/month --- New York City is expensive)

$500 is about one week's worth of minimum wage salary give or take a few dollars.

Its really more like $250 if you end up selling the books anyways. The exam was something like $250 right?

I didn't apply for financial assistance for the MCAT, though I qualified, though i probably will for applications when the time comes (and if I qualify at that point).

Well, then that works out for you and your family doesn't mind you moving back home. For other people like me, moving back home isn't an option.

You say $500 is about a week's worth of minimum wage? Geez, in California, minimum wage is $8/hour. So if you work 40hrs/wk, that's $320 a week without taking out any taxes!! And according to Google, NY minimum wage is $7.25/hour, so that's even less...

"Mooching" isn't just about money... if your family is still providing a roof over your head, cooking you meals, etc (I'm not assuming yours does but I know other people to be the case)... I'd still consider that mooching. That's how I see it anyway.

 

[MT2MD]

bpost137, is it possible to postpone your test to 5/22? It'll give you an extra 2 months to study and it's still pretty early in the cycle

 

[obgyny]

bpost137, is it possible to postpone your test to 5/22? It'll give you an extra 2 months to study and it's still pretty early in the cycle

Well I wanted to leave room so I could re-take it if I needed to. But I figure if I'm still not close to my ideal score on my practice tests when march comes around, then I'll postpone it. But I'm going to try my best to be ready by march. I'm just hoping if that's the case, there will still be a seat available somewhere.

 

[MDminded]

I'm in the same boat - taking the test at the end of this month. Here's what I suggest:

- Full-length exam at least ONCE a week. Practice sitting down for 5 hours straight if nothing else. You'll be at least prepared endurance-wise. I used days that I had to work a half-day.
- Flashcards. I also did Kaplan, and the flashcards they prepare for you are pretty great. I also supplemented with flashcards of my own, so I've been cycling through those.
- Lunchbreaks! I am not sure about you, but I have an hour for lunch and utilize those for either reading up online about material I didn't understand the night before or for doing s'more flashcards. Also, practice questions. Anytime you can be near a computer, do practice MCAT questions.
- Every night: do at least an hour of questions. I wish I had done this more, and I realize it now. Do them timed, do them untimed, whatever is your best method of studying.

Ultimately, you want to fit in practicing as many questions as you can. You learn not just from DOING the questions, but from reading how you should have answered the questions (what SHOULD you have thought, how you can conform your thinking to MCAT writers' thinking). Everything else comes secondary. So practice questions. Anytime you have access to a computer - practice. You definitely have plenty of time to do all this practice in 3 months. Ultimately it's a matter of YOUR readiness and YOUR confidence, so do as much as you will need to do in order to feel confident.

Good luck!

 

[luckyducky87]

Heh, yeah. This is rough. 🙁 I'm also signed up for the 3/27 exam. I'll be a retaker (last time taken: 2008 May). I work 50-60 hours/wk in a research lab, and I get 20 minutes for lunch, during which labmates like to discuss... science. Bringing books to lab hasn't worked because (1) I've been looking like a slacker "not caring about lab" and (2) I really didn't have time anyway among multi-tasking for different parts of the experiment...

Recently, upon discovering that there are 2 other high-end research groups working on the very project I'm working on, I've been getting pressure to do far more work ASAP in all directions, and it's been really tough for me 🙁 I actually bursted into tears in lab 2 days ago. It was embarrassing, but everything was getting just too overwhelming... sigh.

Argh. I started studying during the first week of January as well, and now it is already the end of January. I'm studying with mainly all the BR materials, and so far, of the 38 science chapters, I've gone through... 6. And this is the result after spending 1 hour in the morning and 2-3 hours in the evening M-F (plus doing all end-of-chp passages over the weekend + FL) for... 3 weeks now. So. I'm getting a tad concerned at my pace... rawr.

I didn't want to schedule for a later date because if I don't get a score I want this time around, I might go for plan B and take the GRE ASAP... but at this point, I'm not even sure if there will be any seats left in the April/May dates for me to reschedule anyway.

 

[Velocity]

Has anyone done well on the MCAT with only 3 months to study and while holding a 40+ hrs/wk job? Anybody in the same boat as me now? Any advice?

I work 40 hours per week, sometimes more, at a research lab. I always thought I would have time in between gels, PCR, etc etc to pull out my books and study. And I would even bring my MCAT books with me to work everyday in the beginning. However, I have been so busy with two projects at work that take up all of my time. So now I'm left with studying on nights/weekends.

Heh, yeah. This is rough. 🙁 I'm also signed up for the 3/27 exam. I'll be a retaker (last time taken: 2008 May). I work 50-60 hours/wk in a research lab, and I get 20 minutes for lunch, during which labmates like to discuss... science. Bringing books to lab hasn't worked because (1) I've been looking like a slacker "not caring about lab" and (2) I really didn't have time anyway among multi-tasking for different parts of the experiment...

Recently, upon discovering that there are 2 other high-end research groups working on the very project I'm working on, I've been getting pressure to do far more work ASAP in all directions, and it's been really tough for me 🙁 I actually bursted into tears in lab 2 days ago. It was embarrassing, but everything was getting just too overwhelming... sigh.

Yeah, sort of same here. I'm finishing up a master's degree and my project is winding down, but in this lab nobody leaves before 6 PM, even if their work for the day is done, because they're terrified that the PI will think that they're slacking or that they're not dedicated. It's a bit silly. I'm lucky in that it isn't a job for me; I just need to ensure that my work is done in a satisfactory manner and that the PI is happy with my performance. I'm trying to wake up early and get in at least two hours of studying each morning, then go to lab, get through the day, and finish by 5 or so. Get home, take about an hour for dinner and rest, and then study again.

I can't study in lab, as my mind is generally elsewhere and I'd get too distracted. I try to do any paper reading in lab instead, and not bring any lab work home. It's certainly a test of personal efficiency and discipline. It does sound like between the three of us you two have it worse, though. I commiserate just the same, and you both have my respect for doing what you're doing.

(Of course, I say all that, and yet I find myself in the lab on a Sunday afternoon to finish up an experiment from earlier in the week 🙂 )