Comments on: Medical School Admissions: Lessons Learned

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:38:01 +0000

JMC Dr., thank you for an informative article. I have a foreign bachelors degree in Management and CS with what I think is equivalent to 2.62 GPA in the American system (will be waiting on IERF or WES to evaluate… first of all, do you think there is a preference between those 2 organizations?). I’ve been working in the Business field for about 15 years now and intending to change my career to medicine (with ultimate goal of becoming a psychiatrist). Also, I have a lot of hours in community volunteer work and started shadowing doctors. I plan to go to a postbac program to fulfill science prereq’s and a junior college (to save on cost) for other classes (languages and humanities). as obvious, the downside is the low GPA. I’ll do my best to stay in the A’s in my upcoming courses and shoot for at least 34 on MCAT. I’m sure I’ll get excellent LOR’s from my supervisors (whether at work, service, or the doctors I’m shadowing) and hopefully the same from future professors. with this plan, do you think I have any chance to overcome the the low evaluated GPA of the foreign degree (which was caused by personal adversity, still to be honest I could have tried harder) and be a competitive candidate for med school? if this plan is still weak, what else could you advise me to prepare? Thank you in advance for all your help.

By: Gassan Al-sadiq

Gassan Al-sadiq — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:07:43 +0000

I’m Ghassan Al_sadiq an Iraqi citizen that just immigrated to the United States.I am interested in attending MUA of medicine hopefully . I had some questions regarding the admissions process; I had moved to the states from Iraq- where I got my high school diploma, and attended three years of undergraduate studies (pre-medicine) at the medical college of baghdad university. I got my GED back, however, due to the slight difference in the grading system between Baghdad and the US, my grade point average was calculated to1.29, and many of my science classes ended up being recorded as F’s and D’s. I am planning on applying to a community college to finish the required classes for medical school. I would appreciate any guidance or opinion about my situation and what you would think is the best path would be for me in order to be a good candidate for your school.

By: Gassan Al-sadiq

Gassan Al-sadiq — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:59:35 +0000

I’m Ghassan Al_sadiq an Iraqi citizen that just immigrated to the United States.I am interested in attending st.james school of medicine hopefully soon. I had some questions regarding the admissions process; I had moved to the states from Iraq- where I got my high school diploma, and attended three years of undergraduate studies (pre-medicine) at the – . I got my GED back, however, due to the slight difference in the grading system between Baghdad and the US, my grade point average was calculated to1.30, and many of my science classes ended up being recorded as F’s and D’s. I am planning on applying to a community college to finish the required classes for medical school. I would appreciate any guidance or opinion about my situation and what you would think is the best path would be for me in order to be a good candidate for your school.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:41:22 +0000

Morning bloggers, I am really struggeling with my decision to start the pre-med track, I have most of my prequisite courses done. I first was at the university of kentucky, kind of bombed there, considering I took 3 histories and 2 poli sci classes. Then I transfered back to a community college. I had horrible issues going on at the time, and have withdrawls on my transcripts. Now I am finally on tract and my gpa is steadly rising ( from 2.8-3.45), I am planning on transfering to either U of Mich. Ann Arbor, or U of Minnesota Twin Cities. Before I do this, am I completely wasting my time. On the other hand if I did not get into medical school, would a science realted PhD program such as Pathology, would be a good area to go?

By: Jerricho

Jerricho — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:33:47 +0000

In this time where applicants seek to join any medical school should be a little more complicated. Findrxonline mentions that schools and universities in United States are hosting millions of people from all countries to study medicine and its different branches.

By: bb

bb — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:32:33 +0000

Medical School is not hard to get in. I think you have to apply when you are ready to get in and you will get in!

By: 100 Blog Posts You Should Read Before Going to Med School - Nursing School Search Blog

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:07:37 +0000

[...] Medical School Admissions: Lessons Learned: This doctor shares her experiences on what will help students increase their chance of acceptance into medical school. [...]

By: Roshni

Roshni — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:59:53 +0000

I’m going to take the MCAT in the summer between my sophomore and Junior year…so when I should send my stuff for AMCAS verification? I mean I won’t be applying till the summer between my junior and senior year…so I’m kind of confused…

By: isha juneja

isha juneja — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:37:13 +0000

what to do to clear NBDE part 1 for dds??(which books i refer)

By: JMC Doc

JMC Doc — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:08:23 +0000

I agree with Musicaldna. This is simply an article written for SND members to read and consider. There are plenty of forums in which you are able to pose whatever questions you might have or discuss your history/application/CV etc. This is muddles the page with unnecessary text. Gary is right. If you don’t have an opportunity to shadow an intern or resident, i suggest reading the book, “The Intern” by Sandeep Jauhar. It provides, in great detail, the transition from med school to first year internship, all the way through fellowship. Medicine is not a fantasy world. It’s a field that requires giving everything you have. It has to be who you are, not just what you do.