Hello,
It sounds like my path to medicine is fairly uncommon, even among old premeds. Early in undergrad I was pre-vet, but after working in a large veterinary hospital for a few years I decided it wasn’t for me. I switched to a research path and went to grad school. I am now finishing my PhD in conservation biology (but I study aging and stress), but I have never been interested in a career in academia. My original goal with conservation bio was to work as a wildlife biologist or something with a government agency or nonprofit. However, I don’t feel that what I do now or could do in that setting is as impactful as what I could do as a physician. I want to put my lifelong interest in biology into action with medicine (definitely clinical, not research).
I also really want to go to an out of state public med school - one in particular. I am a resident of ND (had to become a resident for my PhD program) but my significant other got his permanent job as a professor in Ohio, where we then bought a house. I have been planning to move there for years now as soon as I graduate, and I spend 2-3 months/year in Ohio.
I haven’t taken the MCAT yet but I’m preparing to and am generally a strong test-taker (92nd percentile on GRE), plus have a good background in science. I am volunteering as a radiology assistant at the local VA hospital for clinical volunteer experience, and also have many hours of “other” volunteer work.
Some of my specific questions include:
On the old premeds podcast, Ryan often says that a master’s degree isn’t that helpful for improving your application. Does this also apply to PhD coursework? For reference, my GPAs are 3.65 for undergrad (B.S. biology), 3.9 for M.S. biology, and 4.0 for PhD conservation biology.
Does graduate coursework in science factor at all into the science GPA calculation?
I have one prerequisite left to take, which was not required for my bachelor’s or grad school (ochem 2). Does this need to be completed before submitting my application?
How much of my personal statement should be devoted to talking about why I want to attend the med school in Ohio? Or should I reserve this for the supplemental? I will apply to other schools as well, but the one at the university my SO teaches at is my top choice, even though it’s not a “top med school.”
Does it look bad that I was kind of career-undecided until recently? I have been committed to life sciences for my entire educational career, but only decided on medicine recently. How do admissions committees view science PhD graduates?
Thank you for your time,
Aurelia
At the PhD level, they’re going to be more interested in your research (read: publication) record, especially for science type stuff.
You don’t have to have all of the prereqs done (my understanding for most if not all schools) as long as you show on your application that you are enrolled in or plan to complete prior to matriculation.
Personal statement (PS) should be a pretty broadly applicable to all schools, unless you really just plan on applying to Ohio schools. There should be a place in the supplemental to discuss “why this school” or “other info you think we should know that isn’t discussed elsewhere” which you can include the rationale for really wanting to go to said school. You could also look and see if that school has an Early Decision Program, where you basically commit to that school should they accept you (downside is if they reject you, you’re applying late to other schools).
Your path is your path, you should just be able to explain why you made the decisions you made to get to this point. I think there’s a greater understanding that people change, and their desires change. Your job will be to convince them that this decision is more final and this is what you want to do (at least as of now) for the rest of your life.
Thanks, Kennymac.
Another question I thought of regarding teaching experience: I heard something about schools wanting not only diverse students, but also students that will benefit their program. Everyone applying wants to help people, so it can be good to add in stuff about why they should take you before someone else does. I have several years of experience teaching undergraduate biology labs now (intro bio, human anatomy, parasitology, and ornithology), and is that something that should be highlighted as a way to show the adcom that I’m different and useful?
In my opinion, desire and proven ability to teach in a desirable trait. I included it in my experiences section of my app and it worked out for me. I haven’t done much “teaching” in school but have the desire to be an attending working with residents and med students.
Probably a double bonus for you that you’ve had some of the same material and have taught…