Brief Profile:
U.S. Air Force: six years as a rad tech Adult literacy volunteer for two years 100+ hours primary care shadowing Tulane Vector-borne Infectious Disease Fellowship
// Applications //
Application Cycle One: 2007
Undergraduate college: Angelo State University
Undergraduate Area of study: Biological/Life Sciences
Institution: Tulane University
Area of Study: Biological/Life Sciences
Degree Obtained: MSPH
Institution: University of Kansas
Area of Study: Psychology/Social Sciences
Total MCAT SCORE: 513
MCAT Section Scores:
B/B 127,
C/P 126,
CARS 132
Overall GPA: 3.34
Science GPA: 3.25
Summary of Application Experience
Wow! It is finally over.
This has been a long process for me. I decided that I wanted to go to medical school when I was 25. Unfortunately, I could not work toward that goal until I separated from the Air Force when I was 30. Even then, I had my doubts about my chances.
When I was younger, I was a very inconsistent student. My love of world travel left me with several semesters of horrendous grades (e.g., all F's). I did not believe that I could overcome the academic carnage I had wrought. Luckily, I met a physician who gave me hope when I was in the Air Force. He provided me with sound advice and I credit him with my success.
After separating from the Air Force I went back to school and received nearly all A's in nearly 50 hours of coursework. While I think this demonstrated that I had changed from my days of youthful indiscretion, I believe my MCAT score is what sealed the deal for me. I cannot overemphasize the importance of the MCAT, especially if you have a shady academic past. While I wish I would have done better, I believe my score opened doors for me that a 30 or less wouldn't have.I believe medical schools are very forgiving if you can prove that you have changed and that you have the intellectual skills to succeed.
