http://www.nfib.com/article/13-reasons-yo ure-not-a…
I saw this article and I just had to share. While this isn’t written about premeds specifically, so many items on the list applied to me, that I thought I’d share. Hopefully, this will be as helpful to OPM as it’s been to me!!!
BTW #3, 4, and 12 sounded uncomfortably familiar to me. 
Applies to med students as well as premeds… #9 . Guess that’s my cue to get off the forums and go back to memorizing drug mechanisms. 
Thanks for posting this!
Thanks for responding, I was starting to think I was the only one who needed this kick in the butt!
Kick in the butt? I was refraining from giving you a virtual punch in the face for this…
- croooz Said:
Kick in the butt? I was refraining from giving you a virtual punch in the face for this...
Do tell Crooz, which on the list has YOUR name written all over it, ROTFL????
- pathdr2b Said:
- croooz Said:
Kick in the butt? I was refraining from giving you a virtual punch in the face for this...
Do tell Crooz, which on the list has YOUR name written all over it, ROTFL????
Um....none actually! I'm exactly where I want to be in life and doing exactly what I always dreamed about....
Now that I've typed my affirmation...
3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 11, 12, & 13. With 13 it's like I have zero problem believing it in others and encouraging them. Heck I now can boast three MD's, one DO, and two PA's...who I "inspired", motivated and encouraged to get started, apply, stay in, and now they're either practising or in residency...grrrrrrr So I'm changing how I identify myself and taking an entirely different approach to "goal" setting and the mentality needed to change habits versus attain goals which also deals with #5. I'm done with #3 at this point in my life.
Yeah a few of the students I mentored in the past are now practicing Docs too, so I TOTALLY get that Crooz. But the difference between me and them was that they were alone, whereas I have a family, so that changes the timeline depending on your support system.
At the end of the day, I do believe in timing and I now realize that I’m out of excuses for putting this off any longer. So April MCAT, June application for the class entering in the fall of 2016!!!
I will say that I feel a little more comfortable posting this here than on another site. For some reason, this place feels tighter and less judgmental.
OK, so, a big one for me is money.
I need to work. I have kids in college. My daughter just got engaged; so next year we are looking at her big wedding.
I left a job that paid well, but it was in nursing leadership, which required me to work 70 + hours. When I added up the time invested, compensation was an issue. But that was not it alone.
The huge reason was I couldn’t see myself getting into a PB-intensive program, or even a less intensive program and working those hours. Something would have to give. So, right now, it’s about finding a position/s that will allow me to invest the necessary time in the PBPM work.
Also, since my SAT is way old, and some formal PBPM programs require SAT, I am confused. I mean, I have an undergrad and did great in it; so, wouldn’t it make more sense for me to take the GRE?
I guess I could study for both SAT & GRE; but isn’t that superfluous?
I have a lot of clinical experience b/c of my work, but more would be great–particularly shadowing.
Here’s the other thing. OK, so I was summa cum in my bachelor’s program; however, I first became a RN through an ASN program. In that program, although sometimes I was on the dean’s list, I really did, with some exceptions, what I needed to get through the program. So from that program my cGPA is 2.8. Yes, it was a long time ago. Yes from Drexel I have a 3.95; BUT the total cum from the ASN brings me down to about between 3.0 and 3.2. So this may not make me competitive enough for some number of formal PBPM programs.
I am thinking of repeating courses I received C’s or B’s in to help a small amount with the GPA; but also, b/c they are so old now.
Thirdly, I haven’t gotten enough volunteer time in–just b/c of work and family demands.
I’m at the point, however, age-wise, where it is now or never–and even then, I am still pushing it.
My questions, though perhaps I should post them elsewhere, are as follows:
- Should I focus on the GRE?
- About how many volunteer hours are key for most schools/adcoms? I like to volunteer; but the issue has been more about having the hours available, especially considering my last job.
- Should I take some of the old courses in order to score A’s in them? (I am a very good student. It’s just back when I first went to school to become a nurse, all my life goals were very different. I was focused on being able to carry to term–had serious problems with miscarrying–it was a big mystery until I found an awesome specialist, who was able to help me nail down the issue–autoimmune. I pretty much knew what I was getting into with nursing and had a lot of clinical exposure prior to becoming a nurse. I just didn’t dot all my i’s and cross all my t’s as far as being an excellent student back then. Regardless, back at that time, for RN boards, you received actual scores for NCLEX, and my were off the charts. So, I must have absorbed a lot and was able to apply for the boards. Funny, they no longer give scores for NCLEX; it’s just Pass or Fail. I wish back then I had known I would be applying for medical school–but I have to say, again, my focus was mostly on successfully carrying to term while going to RN school FT and working two PT jobs. I also had a toddler at the time I started RN school.)
At any rate, if I re-take some courses for A’s (very doable) and study for GRE, will that be enough to get into most formal PBPM programs?
OTOH, should I just focus on prepping well for the GRE, getting LORs, and applying for the post-baccs?
OTOH (I am running out of hands.), Should I consider doing the rest of the pre-med prereqs at a CC and then applying to a SMP instead? Most EVERYONE says that doing pre-reqs through CC is a total “No Go.”
I’d appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Geez, thanks Path. I was so hoping none would apply to me! LOL. In all seriousness: 3, 4, 5. Those have plagued me for a loooong time. Since I can remember. In the last couple of years, I have made so much progress in all three, though. On this journey, you have to confront your own demons. Or they eat you alive. That much I know.
jl lin – I understand complicating life factors all too well. By my original “schedule,” I would be an M2 this year. As it stands, I’ll be starting medical school next year. I had to postpone applying an entire year because I got divorced and simply wasn’t ready. I got accepted last cycle, but then had to defer (postpone a 2nd year) because I couldn’t get my loans approved due to bad credit. I don’t necessarily have all the answers for you. Here are a few thoughts:
- As far as post-bac programs go, and applying to them, I can’t tell you what to focus on – you need to talk to specific schools/programs and ask for their requirements for admission. Evaluate how that matches up with your own goals and resources, and go from there. (Note: I did a formal post-bac, and it required neither GRE nor SAT. Just my college transcript, a couple LORs, and a brief essay.)
- Grade replacement helps your GPA if you are going the DO route, but not MD. Keep that in mind; again your own goals determine whether this is useful.
- Volunteer hours: If I remember correctly, Judy Colwell (a private advisor for non-trads who presents each year at the OPM conference) recommends about 200 hours. Consistency matters here – better to have hours from one organization (shows commitment) than from 10 different ones.
- CC courses: This all depends on your situation. I honestly have no idea how that looks to an SMP, but I understand SMPs are pretty competitive now, too. I know people who have gotten into medical school with some or all CC pre-reqs. That said, many medical schools discourage them and look down on them. Some may not accept them. For other medical schools, it matters much less. If you are interested in specific medical schools, look at their requirements. If you are going the allopathic route, buy the AAMC’s MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) eBook. It lists requirements and various statistics and info for US and Canadian allopathic schools. Here is the link: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/req uirement… I know there is a similar DO publication, but don’t know the details. I’m sure you could find out online, though.
Hope this helps!
Ji Lin, your post sounds like a case of #5 on the list. IMHO, you’re all over the place with what you could do, instead of making a decision, sticking with it, and moving on with the plan.
If that sounded harsh, I apologize because that wasn’t my intention. I was all over the place too until I got affiliated with a University who along with my advisors, have forced me to make up my freakin’ mind.
IMHO, what you’re looking for simply doesn’t exist and that’s a sure way into med school. You just have to decide on a plan, make that plan work as best you can, and apply.
Lorien I think you’re the poster child of exactly what to do to be successful in this process, damn all the obstacles!!!
Double post.
Path,
Wow, thank you for sharing your insight.
I totally hear you. I am an analyzer. I think that is why I have loved critical care as an RN so much. Compared to a lot of other areas in nursing, we do learn and review a lot of labs, hemodynamic pressures, pharmaco effects on pt’s progress/outcomes, even in CT, chest films, and of course the various cardiac rhythms, ABGs,etc. We learn a lot from the residents, fellows, and attendings. So, it’s sort of the nature of the beast to analyze so much in order to hone in on what to report, do, and consider with our patients.
Yea. I think that I am trying to figure out what is the most advantageous approach, given the reality that I feel like I am running out of time to really “do this thing.”
Sure, there is no guarantee of anything is life, other than death and taxes. I just want to give it my best shot. I mean that’s why I stressed at Drexel about getting straight A’s in everything; b/c I knew I was coming from not doing the absolute best, in terms of the grades, in the ASN program years ago. I mean, I was really juggling other things back then, AND I gave nursing school the philosophy back then that as long as I am “getting it,” as long as “I am learning for the sake of learning and application,” I’ll be good. I just really didn’t want to stress that process too much, in light of the other things going on in my life. Truly, critical care nursing came very naturally to me. The courses to progress in that area came naturally. The CCRN certification was a bit challenging; but I didn’t think it was overwhelming, as many other nurses did.
But thanks path, for giving that little kick in the butt. I need to make a plan and work it, period.
The best to you on your MD/PhD journey. That’s really a lot to bite off, and I love your determination. I went to your blog and liked it. BTW, Happy Belated Birthday. It seems to me that the best people are born in September. I can say this; b/c I am a September birthday girl too. 
OK. Upward and onward!
Tera,
Thank you for the encouragement and helpful advice.
I am sorry that you hit some pretty hard bumps along the way. . .BUT CONGRATULATIONS on your medical school acceptance!!!
I know people say not to make up your mind ahead of time about the area of medicine you want to go into; but I am 99.5% sure I want to do FM. And believe me. I have heard the feedback over and over about just going to NP school for FP. Sigh. Beyond my views about the complexities of many pediatric and adult patients–and that being a major factor in the approach and type of practice (physician FP vs NP, FP), if it were just about the money to me, at this point in my life, I would apply and probably get into a CCRN program–and some of them are pretty competitive. I would come out in my area probably starting at the same or maybe even more than those in physician primary care at the start of their careers. Honestly, doing that for the money, as much as I have loved critical care (and CCRN programs like you to have experience in it, and I have a lot), I feel like I would be settling and selling myself short. I think that I would ultimately get bored with that.
I agree with Path that I have to hone in on a plan and work it, period.
Perhaps I am missing something, but re-taking courses can incrementally increase your cGPA. For some PBPM programs that I am looking at, 1/10 or 2/10s of a point up are what I would need. Actually, for others that I have looked at, the average cGPA for acceptance was >3.5; whereas, with the SMAs, which are really sGPA/cGPA enhancers for those after completing the needed science pre-reqs, the average GPAs were slightly lower for acceptance. But I am not at the SMA place; b/c I have not taken most of the science pre-reqs + biochemistry (which frankly I am pretty psyched about taking). The biology courses I have taken are very old as well.
I am hearing from you also that I probably need to do a bit more research and evaluate things with what may work best for me, and then just do it! And this is in keeping with what Path has said.
On SDN, there is so much emphasis on doing the application “your best,” the first time–meaning, apply and get accepted first-time out. So, that’s another factor in why I am really obsessing–>number 5 for sure.
Thanks again for your response, and the best to you in MS and throughout your journey.
Ah! This is wonderful! To be done with number 3!
- jl lin Said:
Ah! This is wonderful! To be done with number 3!
Hey Ji Lin thanks for the vote of confidence and B'day wishes! Yes, folks born in September tend to have some of the same over achieving personality traits which I think is a VERY good thing until we start over analyzing stuff! And YES, I work on this ALL THE TIME too, ROTFL!!!!
BTW, I've bee reading your posts here and on that "other" site for a while now and I think you'd make a FABULOUS critical care DOCTOR.
Just sayin'!
- pathdr2b Said:
- jl lin Said:
Ah! This is wonderful! To be done with number 3!
Hey Ji Lin thanks for the vote of confidence and B'day wishes! Yes, folks born in September tend to have some of the same over achieving personality traits which I think is a VERY good thing until we start over analyzing stuff! And YES, I work on this ALL THE TIME too, ROTFL!!!!
BTW, I've bee reading your posts here and on that "other" site for a while now and I think you'd make a FABULOUS critical care DOCTOR.
Just sayin'!
Thank you for that vote of confidence--especially coming from a high-achiever.
Yes, I think I would like working as a critical care physician; but I don't know how that would work for me at this point in my life. I want to try and help with the chronic conditions, in light of other significant co-morbid issues that affect quite a number of folks. Also, however, I would like to include, eventually, some form of integrative medicine, as is appropriate. I think optimizing wellness is something well overdue in medicine. I realize it's easier said then done, and that a fair number of folks can be resistant. But especially for those that aren't resistant and that want to pursue wellness, I would like to be able to help guide them as much as possible.
Let's face it. Yes, some number of folks getting critical care treatment improve, and some number don't. I'd like to see pts that need certain surgeries and medical treatments and critical care move forward faster, with much less morbidity. I have a rosier view in this regard, b/c I worked a lot of open heart/cardiac ICU both adults and peds. A nice percentage of those needing various cardiac procedures/treatments do quite well. Yes there are the exceptions. When you work in medical ICUs, you see the percentage of those that do well compared with those that do not goes down--more morbidity and mortality overall. At least this has been my experience, and what I have seen in relevant information and research.
I think with the right approach and appropriate usage of integrative care, we may be able to help those that do end up needing critical care to have better outcomes, and perhaps even reduce the number of those that would end up needing critical care in the first place. Of course there will be people always needing critical care for some reason. But it would be nice if sound wellness practices were shown to reduce the number of people who would need critical care--other than say, for uncontrollable trauma issues, or resultant diseases from deleterious germline mutations.
- jl lin Said:
I think with the right approach and appropriate usage of integrative care, we may be able to help those that do end up needing critical care to have better outcomes, and perhaps even reduce the number of those that would end up needing critical care in the first place. Of course there will be people always needing critical care for some reason. But it would be nice if sound wellness practices were shown to reduce the number of people who would need critical care--other than say, for uncontrollable trauma issues, or resultant diseases from deleterious germline mutations.
WOW!!
The attending for my MICU rotation last Spring was a pregnant Mom. We talked briefly and she mentioned her supportive husband as well as the Nanny she had to help her at home. Just sayin'.
Reason #9 is where I’m stumbling. I have 2 semesters left to finish NP school, and I’ve been putting off finishing up my prerequisites and studying for the MCAT because I’ve been so focused on getting this NP program over and done with. It suddenly hit me after reading this article that I’m really just wasting my time and money on NP school. I was trying to finish what I started, but I now have no interest at all in working as an NP after I get done, and I certainly have no desire to stay in grad school for another 2 to 3 years to become a DNP, so what would be the point?
I’ve decided to just stop with the NP stuff, and focus on getting into med school next fall.
- rgp1207 Said:
Reason #9 is where I'm stumbling. I have 2 semesters left to finish NP school, and I've been putting off finishing up my prerequisites and studying for the MCAT because I've been so focused on getting this NP program over and done with.
If you drop out with just 2 semesters left, you're going to look like a quitter which I think would be BAD.
You should finish for a couple of reasons not the least of which is that:
1) You'll demonstrate that you finish what you start.
2) There's NO guarantee you'll get in med school the first time.
3) You'll have the opportunity to make good money until you do get admitted.
No one understands the frustration you feel about not being in med school now better than I do, but med school isn't going anywhere. So there's NO need for you to feel rushed. TAKE YOUR TIME and do the process right to increase your chances for success the FIRST time.