Brief Profile:
Non-Trad student-Several years as a Paramedic, 3 years urgent care, published research on racial disparities in health care, several volunteer experiences and shadowing, research on Alzheimers and head injury patients, and worked full-time through college.
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2004
Undergraduate college: Michigan State University
Undergraduate Area of study: Psychology/Social Sciences
Institution: Baker College
Area of Study: Nursing/Pharmacy/Medical Technology
Degree Obtained: A.S.
Total MCAT SCORE: 507
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 127,
C/P 124,
CARS 130
Overall GPA: 3.40
Science GPA: 3.30
Summary of Application Experience
I can't believe all the interview invites I got. I guess schools really will look past lower stats for non-trads like me who worked full time through college. The DO schools are especially receptive, but I have some MD interviews as well. I am interested in OMM, but all the docs I know have told me to go MD if gioven the chance (even DO's told me this)because there are more residency opportunities in specialties for MD's, and the AOA has very weal leadership. Not sure which way I want to go yet.
I never thought I would be in a position to decide between so many great schools. Yes, it can be done! Have faith!
I decided on MSU-CHM. Since I am in state, the tuition is cheaper, and I like their PBL second year.They also had a very impressive match list, and although they emphasize primary care, they had a huge number of students match into specialties like surgery. It was hard to decide between the DO and MD school at MSU, both are great, but the fact is that MD is more recognized and there are more residency opportunities without having to take 2 tests (COMLEX and USMLE). Mostly though, it is just the curriculum that made me decide on the MD school and I have great respect for DO's.
Advice to applicants: 1. Have Faith in yourself 2. APPLY EARLY 3. Get good LOR's and have some meaningful clinical experience 4. Never give up if medicine is truly your dream
