My applications were acknowledged complete Nov 7th, meaning I am later than most. I've been quite naive about the application process as a whole so far, only when I started with Kaplan and met other applicants did I learn the status quo among applicants. I really am thankful the Professors at my UG institution have been very flexible and patient in working with me to get recommendations for me, despite my tardiness.
Other things that have hurt me so far.
1) Taking an undergraduate course load light on sciences. I have AP credits for Physics and Bio, though I took upper division Bio classes, I never took Biochemistry. I heard from my brother-in-law Vanderbilt doesn't particularly care for AP credit and most schools require Biochem. I am currently taking both an upper division physics and Biochem but those didn't show up on my AMCAS, so that played a hand in some rejections
2) Everyone with an SO goes through domestic discord, but it hurt that it occurred during the time I was completing my primary and writing my secondaries, leaving the more lengthy secondaries to be put off. In all reality, money became tight and motivation was nil and I ended up withdrawing from UCSD, and Tulane.
3) Most importantly, Probably the thing that hurt me most is 90% of my medically related experience coming after Nov/2006. I wish I was more on top of volunteering. And had known more about being an EMT earlier.
Other things I wish I had done
4) Take research more seriously as an UG. I could've had an extra LOR if I had a better relationship with the PI.
5) Maybe write letters of interest after the interview? I was pretty active up until march, perhaps some more insistent updating would've convinced a school or two I was serious.
News and Views:
Feb 21: First acceptance. Though OSU was not the favorite of the schools I interviewed at, pending financial aid it is the cheapest and closest to my family, so I would be very happy going here. Still waiting on cold but friendly MN and rural but community-strong Iowa.
April 9: Well its official, 9 rejections and one acceptance. When I started, I didn't know much about the process or where I stood, heck, I figured I was as likely to end up a PA as a MD, but then I found my MCATs were pretty good and I guess the system figured I needed something to keep my head from expanding because its been a year of humble pie since then.
