Working on a plan.

[Jezzielin]

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So, being on the waitlist, I just thought I would sit around and wait. Then I thought I would write letters. Well over break I have accomplished nothing but those.

I have whined, been sad, then I wanted to try and do something so I wrote LOIs to a few people at the school. I liked the letter very much.

So then, I thought I would wait some more and let that be that. Well, something happened to me tonight where I was shocked at how lax I have been over break about this instead of making a plan on what I can do this semester to help my chances - I started planning my post-bac and numerous years I thought I would have to wait to get into medical school.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I am trying to do things, not just to fill up my update letter, but things which I really believe I will grow passionate for.

I have decided to choose between:
*Health Outreach Aide - goes into the community to help alleviate and teach about health care, insurance, etc.
*Mental Health/Depression - talks with others who might be depressed, like a visitor.
*Mentor - to teenages 14-18 years old.
*Peds/Post Surgery Volunteer - I have never done this as a hospital volunteer and would love to see what it is like.

So this is what I plan to do for my volunteer update. I do not do research and my grades are basically the same but I am going to try hard to 4.0 this semester to help my GPAs. 🙂

As for as the MCAT. I don't feel that re-taking this test will help me. Of course if I did better it would work wonders. But I have taken it 2 times, doin worse the 2nd time. I personally think the test is not a true testament to what quality of a doctor a person may become. So I think it would be wise to leave that be.

Anything else I can do? I am really motivated to give this my all. I feel that if I do not do everything I can this semester to try and get off the waitlist, I could end up never knowing if I could have gotten in had I worked harder. 🙄

Thanks, sorry for the long post! But as always, all your advice is appreciated! 😍


FYI - THIS IS MY 500th POST!!! 😀

 

[DrBowtie]

I will provide an opposite perspective. It is great that you are undertaking these activities for personal reasons.

However, in relation to your application I don't see them helping. From what I have read, you have a very solid list of EC's already.

IMO, giving the MCAT one more try would be the best thing to increase your chances. 3 point increase would probably put you in somewhere.

Also, If you choose not to retake I would consider applying a lot more places including the Caribbean next time around.

Of course I hope things work out for you this time around. Good Luck!

 

[USArmyDoc]

I will provide an opposite perspective. It is great that you are undertaking these activities for personal reasons.

However, in relation to your application I don't see them helping. From what I have read, you have a very solid list of EC's already.

IMO, giving the MCAT one more try would be the best thing to increase your chances. 3 point increase would probably put you in somewhere.

Also, If you choose not to retake I would consider applying a lot more places including the Caribbean next time around.

Of course I hope things work out for you this time around. Good Luck!

I gotta agree with Brett. However, lets hope you don't have to.

 

[Nate]

My advice is to retake the MCAT. Even though the MCAT is brutal, the preparation for it time wise and intensity wise is less than you will be doing at medical school over the first two years and nothing compared to what you will put in for the USMLE/COMLEX. You can do it but it takes sacrifice and hard work, harder work for some. I am sorry if this is not what you want to hear but it is my informed opinion. I know that the MCAT may have nothing at all to do with your ability to become a good doctor but it is just a sacrifice we all have to make. Perhaps all it does is show that we have the discipline and work ethic to bust our way through medical school and the boards. I hope you make it in and can put the test behind you this year and just concentrate on working hard in medical school but if you want a backup plan like you are stating I think that retaking the MCAT is the best plan by far.

 

[Jamers]

So, being on the waitlist, I just thought I would sit around and wait. Then I thought I would write letters. Well over break I have accomplished nothing but those.

I have whined, been sad, then I wanted to try and do something so I wrote LOIs to a few people at the school. I liked the letter very much.

So then, I thought I would wait some more and let that be that. Well, something happened to me tonight where I was shocked at how lax I have been over break about this instead of making a plan on what I can do this semester to help my chances - I started planning my post-bac and numerous years I thought I would have to wait to get into medical school.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I am trying to do things, not just to fill up my update letter, but things which I really believe I will grow passionate for.

I have decided to choose between:
*Health Outreach Aide - goes into the community to help alleviate and teach about health care, insurance, etc.
*Mental Health/Depression - talks with others who might be depressed, like a visitor.
*Mentor - to teenages 14-18 years old.
*Peds/Post Surgery Volunteer - I have never done this as a hospital volunteer and would love to see what it is like.

So this is what I plan to do for my volunteer update. I do not do research and my grades are basically the same but I am going to try hard to 4.0 this semester to help my GPAs. 🙂

As for as the MCAT. I don't feel that re-taking this test will help me. Of course if I did better it would work wonders. But I have taken it 2 times, doin worse the 2nd time. I personally think the test is not a true testament to what quality of a doctor a person may become. So I think it would be wise to leave that be.

Anything else I can do? I am really motivated to give this my all. I feel that if I do not do everything I can this semester to try and get off the waitlist, I could end up never knowing if I could have gotten in had I worked harder. 🙄

Thanks, sorry for the long post! But as always, all your advice is appreciated! 😍


FYI - THIS IS MY 500th POST!!! 😀

You have the passion and, as such, are, in my eyes, deserving of your dream. However, as you have seen, the road is not easy at all. I'd say keep doing as much as you can, this goes more then GPA and into anything else you can do to make yourself more attractive. As for the MCAT, I don't know how all schools are, but, I know that most schools frown when you retake the MCAT and you scores are lower. If you want to retake it, you may want to look into taking the class to try to raise your scores. However, I do agree that the MCAT are not an adaquate measure of what type of physician you will be. However, that being said, most, if not all, medical schools enforce the opposite point of view. Thus, the best I can say to you is to keep at it! If you have to take a year off and make yourself even better, that is not such a bad option! I wish you the best of luck!! 👍

 

[mj1878]

So, being on the waitlist, I just thought I would sit around and wait. Then I thought I would write letters. Well over break I have accomplished nothing but those.

I have whined, been sad, then I wanted to try and do something so I wrote LOIs to a few people at the school. I liked the letter very much.

So then, I thought I would wait some more and let that be that. Well, something happened to me tonight where I was shocked at how lax I have been over break about this instead of making a plan on what I can do this semester to help my chances - I started planning my post-bac and numerous years I thought I would have to wait to get into medical school.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I am trying to do things, not just to fill up my update letter, but things which I really believe I will grow passionate for.

I have decided to choose between:
*Health Outreach Aide - goes into the community to help alleviate and teach about health care, insurance, etc.
*Mental Health/Depression - talks with others who might be depressed, like a visitor.
*Mentor - to teenages 14-18 years old.
*Peds/Post Surgery Volunteer - I have never done this as a hospital volunteer and would love to see what it is like.

So this is what I plan to do for my volunteer update. I do not do research and my grades are basically the same but I am going to try hard to 4.0 this semester to help my GPAs. 🙂

As for as the MCAT. I don't feel that re-taking this test will help me. Of course if I did better it would work wonders. But I have taken it 2 times, doin worse the 2nd time. I personally think the test is not a true testament to what quality of a doctor a person may become. So I think it would be wise to leave that be.

Anything else I can do? I am really motivated to give this my all. I feel that if I do not do everything I can this semester to try and get off the waitlist, I could end up never knowing if I could have gotten in had I worked harder. 🙄

Thanks, sorry for the long post! But as always, all your advice is appreciated! 😍


FYI - THIS IS MY 500th POST!!! 😀

JEZZIELIN:

The bottom line is this: if someone asked you if you were willing to do what it takes to get into medical school, you would respond with a resounding "YES!". You sound like a sincerely motivated individual that is going into medicine for all of the right reasons, and I do think that eventually you will get in somewhere. However, part of doing what it takes to get in is playing the "game" of applying, and doing it to the best of your abilities.

Unfortunately, one of the more ugly aspects of applying (along with all of that money for postage) is doing well enough on the MCAT to make your application shine and stand out from the rest. I know (as does EVERYONE on SDN) that this test is all KINDS of no fun, but that doesn't mean that you can avoid doing it and think that simply "buffing up" your extracurriculars will breathe life into your application. Extracurriculars are nice, but if that were all it took to get ADCOMS to consider you, I would have gotten in the first time I applied, and I wouldn't have had to suck it up, take the MCAT again, and pay out the a$$ to apply the following year, to even MORE schools.

I strongly advise against going the Caribbean route, and I really don't think that that's something you're enthusiastically entertaining, either. Be confident that medical school is something that is definitely in your future; you may simply have to wait another application cycle for it to come to pass, and you WILL have to retake the MCAT, as unpleasant as it sounds. I was in your exact position last year, and taking the MCAT again was like asking me to voluntarily bash myself in the head with a golf shoe, but I did it, did quite well, and now it's all a distant memory as I prepare for orientation in the Fall.

Use EK study guides and practice problems, and get Audio Osmosis to break up the textbook studying. Start studying now, and I guarantee you will do great on that God-forbidden test. Try not to focus on what you know vs. what you don't know, and try to change the way you think about the test. Above all things, the MCAT is a a test of the way you use your logical reasoning. I actually studied LESS for the test the second time around, but I studied smarter. On test day, I was calmer, I moved slower and more deliberately (the first time, after I finished PS, I could feel my pulse in my face!), and tried not to put myself in an adversarial mode. READ THE PASSAGE, especially on the PS AND BS sections!! I cannot stress this enough. DO NOT attempt problems before reading the entire passage, as paralyzingly boring as it is. No, don't read the passage because it's important that you know that "a student used a 400 ML Erlenmeyer Flask"; read it because not only does it put you in the correct head space to solve the problem sets, but the passage almost ALWAYS give you special experimental conditions that may or may not coincide with what you know. For example, they may flippantly mention that a certain acid does NOT behave the way it usually does, and there's no way you'll know this before answering a question unless you read the passage, and you'll get EVERY SINGLE question about the acid incorrect, because they assume you'll answer the question with your logic, and NOT by reading the passage.

Speaking of long passages...

Really; good luck to you. I know you'll get in somewhere; you just have some "housecleaning" to take care of first. I'm sure you'll keep us posted.

 

[cfdavid]

Jezzeilin,

I agree with some of the others that more EC's will probably not help.

HOWEVER, you have the right idea in that this process is not passive. Granted, there are times where there is truly very little to be done "proactively". But, there are some. Writing LOI's, in the proper context can be good. Keeping your application updated with any recent grades or accomplishments would as well.

This is a very tough process. Try keeping a positive outlook. I've read that you've been waitlisted. There's still a ton of hope for you getting in this year.

I know how horrible the suggestion of another MCAT is right now. Especially given that you may still get in later in the cycle (hell, you could get in on April 16th!). But, you may not have a choice.

**Perhaps you could start to review again. Maybe don't go so crazy for now, but as February draws nearer, you may wish to kick it in higher gear.

Again, trust me, I empathize. The MCAT is not fun, for any of us.

**********When all is said and done, and IF (I wish you all the best, girl) you need to reapply for 07, then there are some majorly proactive things you can do. We'll get to that later, if necessary.

Good luck to my fellow "Southeastern Michiganian". lol

 

[HunterGatherer]

When on an interview I discussed what are good things to do if I did not get into medical school. I was told increasing your GPA or retaking the MCAT will make the biggest impact in your chances to get into med school. So EC's are fine short term for your update letter. But if you are looking at next cycle then the MCAT and GPA is the way to go not work, research, or EC's.

Most schools give you a point system based on GPA, MCAT, and interview. There are other factors sometimes but these probably make up 75% or more of the decision.

Also if you were to apply again you'd be best off with April MCAT scores so you can apply early and not worry about them looking at your old scores and having to wait on the August MCAT score. Consider what you may use to study but come early February you need to decide if you are going to put all your effort into another MCAT. Good luck.

 

[Jezzielin]

Wow, thank you all for responding! I am so scared to take this test over. I can't imagine doing worse. But I am definately going to think about it, and while I do I will crack open a book just in case.

I really have a LIGHT load this semester. Only classes Tues, Wed, Thurs! So I DO have time to study. The material isn't hard on the exam it is how they ask it, all those darn passages... Haha, kinda feels like a crapshoot for me. Because on the practice tests I was getting in the mid 20s.

Anyway, I am going to strongly consider this today - thank you.

So, if I send an update letter in a month or two, what should I say? Should I tell them that I am retaking? Would it sound too "poofy" to say, "I am retaking the MCAT and working to 4.0 every class"... Kinda confused how to tell them or if I should tell them at all.

 

[crys20]

Yes, the best thing I think you can do is prepare to raise your score in April. Then, if waitlists don't pan out you will for sure get in, and have multiple options, for the class of 2011. One year, honestly, makes no difference in the long run. My boyfriend took the MCAT 3 times, yes count em 3 times. His score wasn't that poor, but he didn't know about osteo schools. The third time was useless; he was on nothing but waitlists at this time so he prepared for the possibility of having to reapply. He ended up getting off 3 waitlists in May, and the MCAT was for nothing, but who cares, you're in and you don't care at that point. It will save you so much time in the long run if you are to not get in...Which you still easily may.

 

[HunterGatherer]

-This is what I concentrated on for verbal. Kaplan teaches there are about 6 question types and you need to understand them to know what they are looking for. Learning that helped me get in the 10/11 range for verbal. I went from thinking "WTF?" on 10 questions or so to only about 1-2 per verbal exam.
-In the BS you can learn to read the questions and answer most of them without the passage. I did not beleive it until I tried it.
-This works on PS as well but I did not have enough of a solid understanding to pull this off in this section.

Don't tell them you are restaking the MCAT. It will sound like you are planning to get in 2007 not 2006. Tell them what is positive now(Fall grades?) not what you plan to do.

The material isn't hard on the exam it is how they ask it, all those darn passages...

 

[Jezzielin]

-This is what I concentrated on for verbal. Kaplan teaches there are about 6 question types and you need to understand them to know what they are looking for. Learning that helped me get in the 10/11 range for verbal. I went from thinking "WTF?" on 10 questions or so to only about 1-2 per verbal exam.
-In the BS you can learn to read the questions and answer most of them without the passage. I did not beleive it until I tried it.
-This works on PS as well but I did not have enough of a solid understanding to pull this off in this section.

Don't tell them you are restaking the MCAT. It will sound like you are planning to get in 2007 not 2006. Tell them what is positive now(Fall grades?) not what you plan to do.

I am not saying that I would not consider retaking, but I am not confident in this test to say that I will just to the mid/upper 20s. I am not optimistic about retaking because I busted my a** last time and did 1 pt. worse!

I thought LECOM wasn't that much into numbers anyway. I mean, not saying they aren't at all... I guess I should call them.

 

[FutureDocDO]

So, if I send an update letter in a month or two, what should I say? Should I tell them that I am retaking? Would it sound too "poofy" to say, "I am retaking the MCAT and working to 4.0 every class"... Kinda confused how to tell them or if I should tell them at all.

Hi. Sorry to hear you are waitlisted but look on the bright side you are not rejected. Keep updating your file and tell them how much you like LECOM and would definitely attend if accepted. Make sure you do really well in your classes this semester and send an updated transcript as soon as you get your final grades. I would not let the adcom know about your plan to retake the MCAT.

 

[Jezzielin]

Hi. Sorry to hear you are waitlisted but look on the bright side you are not rejected. Keep updating your file and tell them how much you like LECOM and would definitely attend if accepted. Make sure you do really well in your classes this semester and send an updated transcript as soon as you get your final grades. I would not let the adcom know about your plan to retake the MCAT.

Yea, I had hard fall classes so I am not sending those quite yet. My spring shouldn't be hard though. I am going to call up Dr. Wise and whoever else tomorrow to get some advice of what they prefer that I do.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Whatever you choose you have a number of people on SDN and especially this forum that will help you. Keep us posted.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Yeah, I'm with the others. Everything on your app in good aside from your MCAT score. If you raise that, you'll definitely get in somewhere next year, if the waitlist doesn't pan out for you this year. Check out the MCAT forum where there's already a thread for April people who are prepping for next year. There are lots and lots of great tips. Buy the examkrackers books and maybe the cd's -- also, if you've got the dough, sign up for a prep class. It's just a test, and if you focus, you can master it. Good luck. 🙂

 

[Jezzielin]

Yeah, I'm with the others. Everything on your app in good aside from your MCAT score. If you raise that, you'll definitely get in somewhere next year, if the waitlist doesn't pan out for you this year. Check out the MCAT forum where there's already a thread for April people who are prepping for next year. There are lots and lots of great tips. Buy the examkrackers books and maybe the cd's -- also, if you've got the dough, sign up for a prep class. It's just a test, and if you focus, you can master it. Good luck. 🙂

I did take the Kaplan course and also work a little with AudioOsmosis. Not much. I also this 2nd time did about 6 practice AAMC exams, scoring in the 20s, highest 26 I think. Even though that was not high, it was a heck of a lot higher than what I really got...

I just don't know how else to study for it. I will check the MCAT forum.

 

[DOtobe]

Jezzielin,
Sorry I didn't answer your PM - I've been working night shifts in the Children's Hospital ER.

I agree with the above posters that the rest of your application is solid minus the MCAT score. I know you don't want to take it again, but I think it would help your application.

And if you are definitely sure you want to go to LECOM, why don't you apply for LECOM's post-bacc program? There were a ton of post-bacc students in my class.

Or you could do what one extremely ballsy guy in my class did - send in the deposit without an actual acceptance 😱 He ended up in our class! 😱

 

[USArmyDoc]

Jezzielin,
Sorry I didn't answer your PM - I've been working night shifts in the Children's Hospital ER.

I agree with the above posters that the rest of your application is solid minus the MCAT score. I know you don't want to take it again, but I think it would help your application.

And if you are definitely sure you want to go to LECOM, why don't you apply for LECOM's post-bacc program? There were a ton of post-bacc students in my class.

Or you could do what one extremely ballsy guy in my class did - send in the deposit without an actual acceptance 😱 He ended up in our class! 😱[/QUOTE]


Thats ridiculous. I hope you guys took the right steps. If you do not gain admission, you do not belong there. Period.

 

[Jamers]

I am not saying that I would not consider retaking, but I am not confident in this test to say that I will just to the mid/upper 20s. I am not optimistic about retaking because I busted my a** last time and did 1 pt. worse!

I thought LECOM wasn't that much into numbers anyway. I mean, not saying they aren't at all... I guess I should call them.

Are you hell bent on LECOM or willing to look at other schools as well? Only saying this because WVSOM has one of the lowest average MCAT's that I know of; 22. If you don't end up re-taking the MCAT's, try to apply to a wide range of schools, just to cover all of your bases. If it helps, I applied to 12 D.O. schools 😱 and, while I didn't accept interviews at all of them or even most of them for that matter, it gave me more options. You have the dedication Jezz, I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Jamers]

Jezzielin,
Sorry I didn't answer your PM - I've been working night shifts in the Children's Hospital ER.

I agree with the above posters that the rest of your application is solid minus the MCAT score. I know you don't want to take it again, but I think it would help your application.

And if you are definitely sure you want to go to LECOM, why don't you apply for LECOM's post-bacc program? There were a ton of post-bacc students in my class.

Or you could do what one extremely ballsy guy in my class did - send in the deposit without an actual acceptance 😱 He ended up in our class! 😱[/QUOTE]




Thats ridiculous. I hope you guys took the right steps. If you do not gain admission, you do not belong there. Period.

I think a P.S. I don't care UsArmyDoc would fit nicely here. 😀

 

[Jezzielin]

Hahaha, I just called up the Admissions Counselor and got someone else. I wanted to ask for advice for what I can do, so somehow I got transferred to Elaine Morse and he was like, "Sorry kiddo, I don't have any advice right now." Ouch... I think I am annoying them so I think I am going to hide my phone so I don't call there anymore. 😱

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Hahaha, I just called up the Admissions Counselor and got someone else. I wanted to ask for advice for what I can do, so somehow I got transferred to Elaine Morse and he was like, "Sorry kiddo, I don't have any advice right now." Ouch... I think I am annoying them so I think I am going to hide my phone so I don't call there anymore. 😱

Honestly, that is a question -- how often are you calling them? There is a fine line between showing interesting and hassling people. Since the admissions department at LECOM is supposedly a bit understaffed, they might be a bit more likely to view your interest as the latter. The thing is that they've made their decision, and you've amply demonstrated to them your interest in their school. I think the best tactic right now is to back off and contact them once a month or so.

 

[Jamers]

Honestly, that is a question -- how often are you calling them? There is a fine line between showing interesting and hassling people. Since the admissions department at LECOM is supposedly a bit understaffed, they might be a bit more likely to view your interest as the latter. The thing is that they've made their decision, and you've amply demonstrated to them your interest in their school. I think the best tactic right now is to back off and contact them once a month or so.

I aggree, esp. since she is not exactly the happiest person on the planet. I mean, anyone that says, during the interview, DO NOT CALL ME FOR ANYTHING, is usually someone to shy away from with questions...haha 😀

 

[Hoberto]

I aggree, esp. since she is not exactly the happiest person on the planet. I mean, anyone that says, during the interview, DO NOT CALL ME FOR ANYTHING, is usually someone to shy away from with questions...haha 😀

Wahhahhhaaaa!!!
We heard that during the informational session too! Then we were told to send emails in emergencies but not to expect a prompt response. Really made me feel like LECOM wants our business. 🙄

 

[HunterGatherer]

I did not know about that. LOL! You better erase the LECOM number from your cell phone!

I aggree, esp. since she is not exactly the happiest person on the planet. I mean, anyone that says, during the interview, DO NOT CALL ME FOR ANYTHING, is usually someone to shy away from with questions...haha 😀

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Jezzlin:

Were you ever able to get Dr. Wise on the phone?

Was Elaine Morse the one who had her left arm in a cast for those who interviewed in December? Just trying to remember...

 

[Jamers]

I did not know about that. LOL! You better erase the LECOM number from your cell phone!

Haha, well imagine my suprise, that being my first interview and all, hearing that... 😱

 

[Jamers]

Jezzlin:

Were you ever able to get Dr. Wise on the phone?

Was Elaine Morse the one who had her left arm in a cast for those who interviewed in December? Just trying to remember...

I interviewed in early November and, if there was a cast, I erased it from my memory. That being said, maybe an angry LECOM student tried to get revenge for phone calls not being returned 😱 Though I think she could lay a beating on most people...haha 😀

 

[USArmyDoc]

I think a P.S. I don't care UsArmyDoc would fit nicely here. 😀

You ever gonna let that go?

 

[Dr Trek 1]

I interviewed in early November and, if there was a cast, I erased it from my memory. That being said, maybe an angry LECOM student tried to get revenge for phone calls not being returned 😱 Though I think she could lay a beating on most people...haha 😀

At my interview Elaine Morse seemed like an incredibly nice lady. She was very matter-of-fact about the formaility of the admissions timeline- however she sat and ate lunch with us for the entire hour and was laughing and telling stories, making small talk, completly unrelated to med school. Very nice woman. Just a bit overworked.

 

[Jamers]

You ever gonna let that go?

Eh, I suppose. I just got bored.... 😀

 

[Jamers]

At my interview Elaine Morse seemed like an incredibly nice lady. She was very matter-of-fact about the formaility of the admissions timeline- however she sat and ate lunch with us for the entire hour and was laughing and telling stories, making small talk, completly unrelated to med school. Very nice woman. Just a bit overworked.

It's like Jekyll and Hyde...

 

[USArmyDoc]

It's like Jekyll and Hyde...

BTW, the reason why I did the whole "PS" deal is because I confused you with another individual who regularly bashes DO's. Therefore, when I saw the comment about being overseas I was like "Here we go again" and I responded with my "PS." So, my apologies.

 

[Jamers]

BTW, the reason why I did the whole "PS" deal is because I confused you with another individual who regularly bashes DO's. Therefore, when I saw the comment about being overseas I was like "Here we go again" and I responded with my "PS." So, my apologies.

Eh, didn't bug me all that much, I was just tired (for once) when I replied. Anyways, it looks like we are both going to the same school (DMU all the way!! ) so all is forgiven

 

[USArmyDoc]

Eh, didn't bug me all that much, I was just tired (for once) when I replied. Anyways, it looks like we are both going to the same school (DMU all the way!! ) so all is forgiven

👍 👍