Ask AdmissionsConsultants

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gonzalesg

Hey guys,

I’m new to this site but it’s wonderful that there is a resource out there like this. I’d like to give a little background about myself before I ask my question.

I like to think that I’m a slightly “non-traditional” premedical student. I am graduating this May from a good state university with my BS in Nuclear Engineering. My GPA is not that great (3.1) due to a very rough start in college (all 4 of my first semesters were sub 2.5) as well as my program being ridiculously difficult. I was in the Mechanical Engineering program but didn’t like it and switched to Astrophysics and then to Nuke E. Since being in Nuke I have had a GPA of around 3.5 and my major GPA is, of course, about 3.5. I have had 3 internships: 1 at a national laboratory working with particle accelerators and radiation detectors, the next at a classified DOE nuclear weapons test site and third at a nuclear power plant. For the work I did at the national lab, I was published. I was looking into doing nuclear engineering with a concentration in medical physics for grad school but after really looking into that department in a hospital, I realized that what a doctor does is really what I absolutely would love to do so I have decided I would try to get into medical school. (Logically in radiology but I don’t want to get ahead of myself). This is a decision I have thought through extensively and I am sure that it is absolutely what I want to do.

I was considering the “do it yourself” path since I have taken calc based physics I, II, and III with labs, modern physics, Gen Chem I and II with labs and engineering Calcs I, II, and III as well as Ordinary Differential Equations and Partial Differential Equations. So all I would need to take after graduating would be O chem I summer session I, Bio I summer session II, O chem II and Bio II Fall 2011, and Biochem and A&P Spring 2011 to strengthen my application, all while studying for the MCAT. However, when looking around I stumbled upon the post bacc programs being offered at many schools. This seemed to be exactly what I needed.

My first question is: I have looked at the career changer programs that are geared towards students that need only some of the pre medical classes but not all, are there any programs that anyone knows of that my type of background would appeal to? Appeal to meaning I would stand a better chance of being admitted to than others. If not what would you recommend? I don’t want to delay my graduation by taking those classes and raising my GPA since this is my sixth year as an undergrad.

My second question is: If I am admitted to a post bacc programs and do well on the MCAT (35+) as well as get near a 4.0 in the certificate program ( I know I may need to take 24-36 credits for graduation of the program and apply in the summer for the second coming fall semester), do I stand a chance at getting into ANY MD program with my awful start in college? Will they consider my improvement as well as my extracurriculars? Also, what kind of advantage, if any, would I have by having a nuclear engineering degree? I haven’t found any admissions data on that specific degree, only the common ones such as EE, ME, ChemE, BME etc. but I would hope that they might like that since I’ve read that adcoms a lot of times will admit students with unique backgrounds like music and art. Lastly, is it also an advantageous to me that I happen to be an underrepresented minority student? Anyway, thank you very much for your time and any advice is greatly appreciated.

gg

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Dear GG,
Thanks for your question. You are asking a number of questions. Unfortunately in an informal service like this forum, I cannot into issues that are too complex and extensive. From what you say, a post bac program sounds like a reasonable option for you. Yes, if you do well and get a strong MCAT score, you may very well be competitive for medical school admission. If you would like a systematic review of your situation, just contact our office about signing up for a one hour consultation with one of our expert consultants.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

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[AdmissionsConsultants]

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to give you a friendly reminder that our next newsletter will be out on Tuesday, February 1. You can sign up for it by clicking here.

News items will include:

• Video: Should You Set Your Sights on a Top Medical School?
• FREE Medical School Admissions Webinar
• Nurse Shadowing Gains More Traction

Best of luck on your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com

AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[PleaseHelpMe]

I might be the ultimate non-traditional premedical student. So, I just graduated last semester from a CSU with a BA in Communication. My gpa was an atrocious 2.9 with mild upswing in my junior and senior year. Obviously my coursework was light in science, however I did manage to get an F in Human Physiology… in two consecutive semesters. To say I lacked motivation would be an understatement, which is too bad (for me at least) because I’m brilliant. That might sound like I’m being full of myself. However, if you put any stock in either, I’ve shattered IQ tests and never been under the 90th percentile in those state tests you take in high school. The one semester a professor actually set a challenge to me I reviewed his notes once and got the highest score on his midterm in his tenured history of teaching that course.

As I’ve been reflecting these past months since my graduation I’ve come to the realization that the only thing I want to do with my life is be a M.D. I care about people. I volunteer at a homeless shelter frequently. If I can become a physician I plan to volunteer abroad after residency. I’ll do anything to become a physician. Is it possible for me to accomplish this in the next 12 or 13 years? I’m open to anything. Would a SMP help me in my situation? Going back for a second bachelors in a science such as biology? I’ve never taken physics in my life, but always thought it’d be right up my alley.

[PleaseHelpMe]

My main question is just: “is it possible for me to turn things around get admitted to a US MD school?” If it’s possible, I can figure out the “how” on my own. However, that’s not to say that any additional advice would be unappreciated.

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Hello everyone!

I just wanted all of you to know there is still time to sign up for our next medical school webinar this Tuesday night at 9 p.m. EST. We will be again teaming up with some of the sharpest MCAT experts in the world to provide you with free information on the MCAT and the medical school admission process.

Please click here to register today!

Best of luck on your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com

AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by PleaseHelpMe

My main question is just: “is it possible for me to turn things around get admitted to a US MD school?” If it’s possible, I can figure out the “how” on my own. However, that’s not to say that any additional advice would be unappreciated.

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Dear PleaseHelpMe,
Thanks for your inquiry. If you decide to explore the option of medical school, it will be a long haul. My sense is that, first, you need to go back and complete an undergraduate major in biology or chemistry, or something in that area, and complete all the medical school prerequisites–and you will need to get all A’s. After that, you are then looking at doing a post bacc somewhere to show you are able to do medical school level work. Good luck if you decide to go this route.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[PleaseHelpMe]

I appreciate your quick response. Thank you very much. I’ve pretty much figured that’s what I’m looking at. I’ll be sure to write again in 12 years or so when I’ve completed my residency.

[pitachips]

Hi. I am currently in a Masters of Nursing program and would like some input on my chances of getting into medical school:

–Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.1 (when comparing the rigor of my undergraduate program to others, a 3.1 is equivalent to a 3.3).
–Undergraduate health science GPA 3.1
–Masters of Nursing GPA- 4.0
–MCAT score 37

I know it is a strange situation and I am interested in whether or not my undergraduate GPA will keep me from getting accepted into MD programs. Will they take my graduate nursing GPA into consideration? And how much will my MCAT score help me?

Thank you!

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by pitachips

Hi. I am currently in a Masters of Nursing program and would like some input on my chances of getting into medical school:

–Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.1 (when comparing the rigor of my undergraduate program to others, a 3.1 is equivalent to a 3.3).
–Undergraduate health science GPA 3.1
–Masters of Nursing GPA- 4.0
–MCAT score 37

I know it is a strange situation and I am interested in whether or not my undergraduate GPA will keep me from getting accepted into MD programs. Will they take my graduate nursing GPA into consideration? And how much will my MCAT score help me?

Thank you!

---

Dear Pitachips,
Thanks for your question. Given your 4.0 in your masters program and a 37 MCAT, it is definitely worth your time to apply, especially to your in-state schools. I think it’s likely these numbers will help to offset your undergraduate GPA. Please let us know if we can help you in the application process.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[bacon047]

Hello All!

First and foremost I would like to thank you for any advice you have for me, your help is deeply appreciated.

Ok, lets get started! I am a college senior with a 3.1 GPA and an unknown MCAT score at the present (my results come March 5th). I have been a college baseball player and starter for 3 years, I am a resident adviser this year at my college, I have shadowed with an MD at my hometown and I am continuing my shadowing experience at a small clinic near my college with a PA. I started off my academic career pretty well (As and Bs) my freshman year. Then my sophomore and first semester junior year I had a rough patch (Cs and Bs) and my GPA suffered. I had a small increase in grades the last semester my junior year (Bs and 1C+). I retook two classes (biochemistry C to an A and O-chem C to C+). I knew I needed to increase my GPA so I worked really hard last semester and got nothing less than an A- in 7 classes (there was a large degree of maturation on my part that contributed to this). I am on pace to match or exceed that mark this semester as well. All in all though, my academic track record is kind of inconsistent. I needed a good MCAT score to really help me, however I don’t feel I did as well as I needed to on the MCAT so to be safe, I started exploring plan B. Here is where the problem lies, what is my plan B? So many people are telling me different things, and I’m not sure what to do. Some say post-bacc programs, but they are expensive and guarantee nothing. I heard about HealthCorps (branch of AmeriCorps) but I’m really not sure if that will help me or not. I am a biochemistry major and will have my bachelors this spring, so I could also work, but what jobs would be beneficial to increasing my medical school credentials? Then some people tell me I should just apply to medical school next year and maybe I get in with my good standing in my grades the last stretch of college. I just don’t know, I’m very confused. I hear of people that get in with bad GPAs, then some people have stellar GPAs and get wait listed. My medical school adviser doesn’t seem to have answers for me either. I ask him about all of these options and he says he has never heard of them before or doesn’t know much about them. He doesn’t have much advice for me except “Good Luck!” So all in all, if anyone has any ideas for me I would love to hear them. And please, don’t hold anything back, I value your opinions no matter how good, bad, positive or negative.

Thank you so much!
bacon047

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to let you know we just published a new feature content article with an accompanying video that breaks down the medical school admission process into three distinct parts. You can go to http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/medical/admissions_hurdles.asp to read the article and watch the video.

As always, we’re available at 703.242.5885 if you want to discuss your particular profile in more detail.

Best of luck on your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com

AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[bravo]

Great video. Thanks. Very nicely done!

[fedaykinn]

Hi, I’d like to ask about my chances of getting into a US allopathic med school.

I’m a former teacher and changing careers. Undergraduate years were crappy. Five years, two schools, and five majors. I came out with a 2.67 cumulative, and my science was similar. Poor grades on some of my prerequisite courses (I actually need to finish a few prerequisites, but let’s ignore that for a moment).

[As an aside, I’m grimacing whenever I see someone complaining about an ‘abysmal’ 3.3 GPA or thereabouts. I’d kill for that.]

I’m currently a grad student in a traditional MS program (MS in Biomedical Sciences). Grad GPA is currently 3.7, will be higher when I finish.

[As another aside, what the heck is this “grade inflation” in graduate school I keep hearing about? The only part of my grad courses that’s easier than my undergraduate courses were is that grad courses don’t have lab components. I just happened to grow up a lot in the years separating undergraduate and graduate.]

Haven’t taken the MCAT, but I’ve never taken a standardized exam and tested below the 98th percentile (SATs, MATs, GREs). So I anticipate a competitive if not superior grade with the proper preparation. I expect mid-30s or better.

I’ll finish my MS with research experience and clinical shadowing. I already have copious volunteer work- EMT, STD clinic, 1800 SUICIDE operator, etc.

I KNOW that I’m not competitive now. I’ve also done the math and found that I would need around 50 more undergraduate credits all A grades to get my undergrad GPA to a 3.0. So that’s hardly an option, aside from finishing my prerequisites.

My question is, with other work, can I eventually make myself competitive for medical school? Or is my GPA so low that I’m more likely to spend thousands of dollars getting nowhere fast?

Is there such a thing as burning my undergraduate degree and starting over?

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by fedaykinn

Hi, I’d like to ask about my chances of getting into a US allopathic med school.

I’m a former teacher and changing careers. Undergraduate years were crappy. Five years, two schools, and five majors. I came out with a 2.67 cumulative, and my science was similar. Poor grades on some of my prerequisite courses (I actually need to finish a few prerequisites, but let’s ignore that for a moment).

[As an aside, I’m grimacing whenever I see someone complaining about an ‘abysmal’ 3.3 GPA or thereabouts. I’d kill for that.]

I’m currently a grad student in a traditional MS program (MS in Biomedical Sciences). Grad GPA is currently 3.7, will be higher when I finish.

[As another aside, what the heck is this “grade inflation” in graduate school I keep hearing about? The only part of my grad courses that’s easier than my undergraduate courses were is that grad courses don’t have lab components. I just happened to grow up a lot in the years separating undergraduate and graduate.]

Haven’t taken the MCAT, but I’ve never taken a standardized exam and tested below the 98th percentile (SATs, MATs, GREs). So I anticipate a competitive if not superior grade with the proper preparation. I expect mid-30s or better.

I’ll finish my MS with research experience and clinical shadowing. I already have copious volunteer work- EMT, STD clinic, 1800 SUICIDE operator, etc.

I KNOW that I’m not competitive now. I’ve also done the math and found that I would need around 50 more undergraduate credits all A grades to get my undergrad GPA to a 3.0. So that’s hardly an option, aside from finishing my prerequisites.

My question is, with other work, can I eventually make myself competitive for medical school? Or is my GPA so low that I’m more likely to spend thousands of dollars getting nowhere fast?

Is there such a thing as burning my undergraduate degree and starting over?

---

Dear Fedaykinn,
Thanks for your question. It’s impossible to say with any precision what your chances are at this point for medical school admission. It’s safe to say, however, that it will be an uphill battle. You will have to finish your MS degree with good grades and then get high (mid 30’s) score on your MCAT exam. All you can do now is to keep working hard, and take each day one at a time. In the coming months when you have more information about where you are with your MS and the MCAT, you also may want to consider D.O. programs and Caribbean schools. But hang in there and don’t give up.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[wshelton]

quote:

---

Originally posted by bacon047

Hello All!

First and foremost I would like to thank you for any advice you have for me, your help is deeply appreciated.

Ok, lets get started! I am a college senior with a 3.1 GPA and an unknown MCAT score at the present (my results come March 5th). I have been a college baseball player and starter for 3 years, I am a resident adviser this year at my college, I have shadowed with an MD at my hometown and I am continuing my shadowing experience at a small clinic near my college with a PA. I started off my academic career pretty well (As and Bs) my freshman year. Then my sophomore and first semester junior year I had a rough patch (Cs and Bs) and my GPA suffered. I had a small increase in grades the last semester my junior year (Bs and 1C+). I retook two classes (biochemistry C to an A and O-chem C to C+). I knew I needed to increase my GPA so I worked really hard last semester and got nothing less than an A- in 7 classes (there was a large degree of maturation on my part that contributed to this). I am on pace to match or exceed that mark this semester as well. All in all though, my academic track record is kind of inconsistent. I needed a good MCAT score to really help me, however I don’t feel I did as well as I needed to on the MCAT so to be safe, I started exploring plan B. Here is where the problem lies, what is my plan B? So many people are telling me different things, and I’m not sure what to do. Some say post-bacc programs, but they are expensive and guarantee nothing. I heard about HealthCorps (branch of AmeriCorps) but I’m really not sure if that will help me or not. I am a biochemistry major and will have my bachelors this spring, so I could also work, but what jobs would be beneficial to increasing my medical school credentials? Then some people tell me I should just apply to medical school next year and maybe I get in with my good standing in my grades the last stretch of college. I just don’t know, I’m very confused. I hear of people that get in with bad GPAs, then some people have stellar GPAs and get wait listed. My medical school adviser doesn’t seem to have answers for me either. I ask him about all of these options and he says he has never heard of them before or doesn’t know much about them. He doesn’t have much advice for me except “Good Luck!” So all in all, if anyone has any ideas for me I would love to hear them. And please, don’t hold anything back, I value your opinions no matter how good, bad, positive or negative.

Thank you so much!
bacon047

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Dear Bacon047,
Thanks for your question. It’s hard to analyze in depth your entire situation in forum like this, but I will try make a few general suggestions. First, depending on what score you get on your MCAT exam, you might consider applying this coming year to medical school–but the number would have to be well into the 30’s. The more likely scenario is that you will need to do a postbac program–these programs are expensive and there are no guarantees, but they do provide the extra opportunity you need to prove you can perform academically at a high level. All that said, none of this precludes working a year or so to really sort our your goals and strategies.
My advice is to contact our office and arrange for a one hour consultation so we can analyze and discuss your situation in depth.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

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