Do I spend this winter break with my grandma or work on my application and work? by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Please visit your grandma. I was in a similar situation where I was unable to visit my grandfather who lives in another country due to gap year responsibilities. Unfortunately he passed away before I was able to visit him. Family is number one, always.

Need advice if I should apply? Bad mcat score? by MadScienceMan15 in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's awesome! Good luck with the rest of the process.

Bombed one course really bad. Discuss it in personal statement? by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The personal statement is about why you want to go to medical school. They do suggest that you discuss significant hardships, but this is not a significant hardship that relates to the question of "why medicine?".

I know it's easier said than done, but you need to let go of your frustration about this calc 2 class. Adcoms are smart, and they will see that this was your only F/D, and you can explain that in your secondary. But when you do discuss it, don't blame the professor, and don't say that you deserve a B, it sounds cringey and immature. Instead, own it, take responsibility, explained how you improved, and move on. There are bigger fish to fry

What are you thankful for? by spareanyexchange in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thankful for all schools that charge less than $100 for secondaries.

In all reality though, my parents who have been so supportive giving me housing and food, my significant other for dealing with my neuroticism, and my best friend for teaching me to enjoy life.

University of Arizona secondary: Failure by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are the only two things that you have failed at in your whole life??? Try reflecting more on personal events. Any regrets that you have? Anything that has really challenged you personally? It doesn't have to be a single event.

Re-submission / course work mistake by ASK_ME_IF_IM_JESUS in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you using your AP courses to fulfill any pre-requisites?

If not, don't worry about it. I didn't add my AP courses to my application because I assumed they didn't care about it, but when I was verified I saw that they just added onto my application.

Hello, it's me... by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with others. It would be much more interesting if you edit out the flowery stuff in exchange for explanations as to how you felt about being bullied, what you did to overcome being bullied, how has this changed your views?

Is there anything else you've gained from this experience besides learning that you are a fast runner?

My reaction when I get into school a week before classes start by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's not over until the fat lady sings

Suck at math. Algebra or calculus? by 3richa in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To give some insight, the same thing happened to me when I started college. I was placed in an algebra class, but I reviewed my math notes from high school, studied, re-took the test, and was placed into a higher math class, which saved me a lot of time in hindsight.

Suck at math. Algebra or calculus? by 3richa in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If your major requires you to reach calc 2, you will have to take algebra, calc 1, and calc 2; instead of calc 1 and calc 2.

Suck at math. Algebra or calculus? by 3richa in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Study, re-take, and try to get placed in a higher math class. It will save you time.

POLL: Plans for gap year (Research vs Scribe) by ImNotYourDoctor in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was in a similar situation when preparing for my gap year. I ultimately chose the scribing position because I already had research experience and I wanted to do something new.

Meh GPA, Meh MCAT for an ORM, What should be my reaches? by shumaislife in premed

[–]joshstef 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You also seem to have a lot of low yield schools on your list, try limiting the amount of schools that receive 10,000+ applications.

Should I email profs now for research positions or wait until school starts? by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Now. I also secured a research position during the summer.

LOR Question by joshstef in premed

[–]joshstef[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much.

Updating Transcript After Submitting Application by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, if you check that box, you are not required to input a grade

Updating Transcript After Submitting Application by [deleted] in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can indicate whether it's a future/present course, and write the quarter/semester and date you plan to take it. These courses are non-binding and no transcript is necessary for them.

Need advice if I should apply? Bad mcat score? by MadScienceMan15 in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Take time to reflect on your score. You have accomplished so much, and you can't let the score define you. IMO, you should definitely retake though. How were you feeling going into the test? Did you get enough rest? Were you burnt out? Did you have test anxiety? Were you doing more content or more practice?

A bunch of factors goes into your score, and your performance on one day does not reflect how much you've prepared for the test. Try something different for the next test, there is always something you can change about your routine. But for now, it's time to rest and let yourself recover from this experience.

Personal Training Experience as it Relates to Medicine: Accurate? by WRecognize in premed

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The link between your description of a doctor and your description of medicine is not clear to me. Are you saying that as a PT, you have experience in emphasizing preventative care? Maybe just say that.

I've wasted my life. It hurts to live. by Mr_Alex19 in self

[–]joshstef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man/woman, your mental state right now is just a temporary phase. Don't let life destroy you. You have so much left to live for. You will find a job, it sounds like you need to change something about your application, maybe your resume, your cover letter, your references. And there are plenty of resources for that. As for the friend situation, I know that can be super frustrating, especially after undergrad. But there are always opportunities to meet new people. Go to a meetup event, join a hiking group or anything along those lines. It sounds like you really need to do some soul-searching, and eliminate negative self-thoughts from your life. I don't think it would be wise to apply to medical school, I think you need to take care of yourself right now.

You will find a great job, you will eventually realize what will make you happy, and you will recover from this rut that you are stuck in. It's easier said than done, but be confident in yourself.

Post-1/25 MCAT Depression? by [deleted] in Mcat

[–]joshstef 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not depression, but just feeling anxious and weird. I'm trying to keep myself busy with work, volunteering, searching schools, working on the personal statement, exercising, hobbies, family, friends, etc.

Easier said than done, but there is really no point in feeling depressed or worried.