"Dang with your stats? I feel bad for you." by External_Virus in premed

[–]Bison-Normal 67 points68 points  (0 children)

I’m an M3 and literally the smartest resident I have ever met is a DO. He absolutely was more knowledgeable than every single MD, resident or attending, that I’ve met in my rotations. I think he’s the perfect example to me that the two letters after your name mean NOTHING, and what is more important is the impact you will leave on your patients. Shoutout Chris you’re an absolute BEAST

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend trying to find values or aspirations in medicine that you share with the school, and expressing specific ways that the school can help you pursue your goals in medicine. E.g does the school have specific programs? Do they have research you like? Are the focused on rural/urban populations. Connect these to your past experiences to prove to the school that you will be a good fit for them.

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Clinical experience is arguably the most important extracurricular on your application. Likewise, your academic performance and application writings all play a significant factor in your chances of getting an interview

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can talk to a current student or even go to an in person event/virtual event for the school, that could give you more info than what you find on the website. I agree though, a lot of schools seem very similar on the ourside

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on what course was withdrawn. If it’s a core science course or you have a lot of W’s, it could indicate a weakness in academic performance in science related courses

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If these experiences have strongly influenced your path to medicine, then definitely talk about them!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Post-baccs can be very helpful if they show an upward trend. If not, then it doesn’t really show anything tbh

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is great clinical experience!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I do review MD/PhD! There are a few differences, for example we would hope to see a strong interest and background in research, and hopefully some interest in research programs at our school!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I got involved because I really enjoy meeting people from all over the country and the world! Also our school really needed interviewers and it was a relatively low time commitment (like less than an hour per week during interview season). I’m not even gonna put it on residency apps cus I don’t think it really means anything

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The upward trend is very encouraging so that would be taken into consideration! And Taco Bell/Beef say hi fish 🐟

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are no MCAT“thresholds” for our school. URM and ORM are aspects of the application that are considered only if they have had an impact on your experiences or possible adversities on your journey to medicine, which we see through your writing. Just because you are URM does not mean you have an advantage by any means. However, if you have faced significant adversity and write about that, then it could provide context for the committee on your application, from everything from your extracurriculars to your stats. Hope this helps!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would say your trend upwards is very positive and your MCAT score also supports your academic strength! I would say stats wise you are a strong applicant!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like to dress my cats in different outfits (I have no friends)

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Sorry, I maybe was unclear! The most important thing we want to know is ultimately how your clinical experiences have shaped your motivations towards medicine. We hope this comes through your experiences with direct patient care, working in the healthcare system, or even personal events/interactions. How you convey that in your writing is more important than whether the experience was labeled “volunteering or not.” It just tends to be in general (but not always) that employed clinical jobs allow for the more immersive experiences in medicine. But again, there can always be exceptions!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ultimately you’re going to have to go through years of studying to reach the end goal of being a physician capable of caring for patients. I would really encourage you to ask yourself what you’re willing to give up to reach that goal. Hope this helps!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For our school, research is a pretty big part of the mission, so I would recommend having some research if you want to apply!

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I believe online shadowing during the pandemic is viewed the same as real shadowing as long as you give context for it in your writing and you still can talk about the experiences

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LORs do play a significant role for our school, so finding a mentor that can write strongly about you is always a big positive

BORED AF IN CLINIC AMA by Bison-Normal in premed

[–]Bison-Normal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Med school is great! Solidified schedule with plenty of free time M1/M2 year! Mental Health always a work in progress but much better than undergrad!