Undergraduate Area of study: Computing and Information Science
Institution: Loyola University - Chicago
Area of Study: Premedical Studies
Degree Obtained: none
Total MCAT SCORE: 516
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 125,
C/P 130,
CARS 130
Overall GPA: 3.00
Science GPA: 3.00
Summary of Application Experience
I looked to MDapplicants.com as a 'non-traditional' pre-med for some reference as to 'what it would take' to be accepted to medical school. I hope to return the favor to up and coming pre-meds with my summary and advice. If you have stumbled upon my profile, I hope it helps.
There are clearly defined criteria for gaining admissions to medical school. You can always find small exceptions to these 'rules.' Nonetheless, they are fairly predictable.
- Do well in you pre-med prerequisites and all other science classes. (read: almost all A's)
- Do well in all your other classes, too. :)
- Do well on the MCAT. Score well and consistently on all test sections. (Yes, I did have to explain my 9 in Biological Sciences.) It seems as though you 'must' score above 30 to be competitive, I would guess around 32-34 to be confident. Don't put off reviewing, plan for six months of casual review with a big ramp up of practice test in the 4-6 weeks prior.
- Demonstrate your commitment to a career in medicine and an understanding of the profession you are trying to join. This does NOT mean logging 500+ volunteer hours. It does NOT mean shadowing a physician. These things can help, but hopefully participation in these activities would stem from a natural desires of yours to gain experience and knowledge. It is less about the quantity of medically related experience and more about the quality (forgive the cliche) and how you convey what you learned from your experiences. Bottom line, you need to do more than just go to class, but make sure you are doing things that inspire you and not just checking off boxes.
- Research: I didn't have any research experience. If you want to go to a 'big name' school, do research. That is why big name schools are big name schools. Clearly, it is possible to get in without research, but your options will be limited.
- Set yourself apart. Tell a story about your life and experiences that demonstrates your ability to commit to a goal and see it through until it is complete. I am just starting medical school and I have heard many times that, 'What's most important is being the type of person who will get out of bed at 3 a.m. on a Saturday to come into the hospital and not just leave something until tomorrow.'
I took the approach that the application process was a test in itself. Everyone needs good grades and MCAT scores to get in. So in addition, get your materials in early, call to confirm things, ask questions, be diligent. Be that person who sends all their AMCAS materials in on the first day they are accepted. Why not?
A note to non-trads: It took me almost three years from the time I decided to pursue medicine until matriculation. I will begin school at the age of 27. Be patient, work hard, and remind yourself that once you are in medical school all of the hard work and uncertainty involved in making a big career change will seem like a blink of your eyes. Being non-trad will only help you tell a story and show commitment and well roundedness. You still must score well on the MCAT and in your classes. Period. Slightly sub-par undergrad performances can be overcome with outstanding post-bacc/grad school work and a strong MCAT. Period.
