Hi everyone. I am a Junior pre-med student who is majoring in Neuroscience. I am very worried about not being a competitive applicant for a number of reasons and I would like to get some opinions as to whether you guys think these things will be working against me when applying to medical school. I have spoken with some admissions advisers, and have been told several times that these will not decrease my chances of being accepted or even invited to an interview, but I am having trouble believing it.
1. Starting at community college.
Due to my financial restraints, I had to begin my education at community college. I mostly transferred general credits, and saved my upper level science courses for a University, but I did finish gen chem, anatomy, and physics (all of which I recieved a 4.0 in) at community college. That being said, I did very well in organic chemistry (4.0), and physiology (4.0) coming into my university, so I have no doubt I was given a very well rounded foundation to my education at community college. I am just worried however, that I will get looked down upon for starting there.
2. Taking 5 years to graduate.
Again, because of my financial strains, I have worked throughout college, in order to pay for my education. As a result, I have only been taking 12 credits a semester, and will take 5 years to graduate.
3. Being a white male.
I know this one sounds kind of weird, but I feel as though being a white male in a white male saturated field, I have less of a chance of standing out, especially given my above circumstances.
4. Getting medical experience at an urgent care instead of a hospital
After becoming CNA certified, I was simaltaneously offered a CNA position at a hospital, and an MA position at an urgent care. I took the urgent care position because they trained me in several other areas (injections, IV's, blood draws, intake, emergency response, etc.). It was incredible experience, and I have over 500 hours of direct work with patients and providers, but I fear it will be looked down upon for it not being in a hospital.
5. Taking a gap year
Because I did not take Organic chemistry at community college, I am not able to take Biochem until this coming fall of my senior year, and I do not want to take the MCAT without having Biochem under my belt. I also want to take the year to get more medical experience and research time.
So those are my worst application qualities that I fear. I do however, have a 3.68 GPA at my university, and I am expecting to get 4.0's in all of my classes this semester, which will be boosting it to a 3.74, I have a 3.8 science GPA overall, my community college GPA was a 3.5 (Started off rough, but had an upward trend ending with 3 perfect semesters in a row). I have traveled to Nicaragua on a medical brigade, providing medical care and sustainable fresh water resources to impoverished communities, I have been delivering for Meals on Wheels twice a month now for almost a year, and I currently have a research assistant position in a Neuroscience lab. On top of this, I am very passionate about the medical field, and I am very fascinated by the human body, with a special passion for neuro-biological foundations of behavior. I have several letters of recommendation, and I am a very extroverted and motivated individual.
I am not trying to flaunt or brag at all, and I am not trying to spread a sob story, I am simply curious if anyone can give me feedback as to whether or not I stand a chance of getting into medical school. Sorry for the long post
1. Starting at community college.
Due to my financial restraints, I had to begin my education at community college. I mostly transferred general credits, and saved my upper level science courses for a University, but I did finish gen chem, anatomy, and physics (all of which I recieved a 4.0 in) at community college. That being said, I did very well in organic chemistry (4.0), and physiology (4.0) coming into my university, so I have no doubt I was given a very well rounded foundation to my education at community college. I am just worried however, that I will get looked down upon for starting there.
2. Taking 5 years to graduate.
Again, because of my financial strains, I have worked throughout college, in order to pay for my education. As a result, I have only been taking 12 credits a semester, and will take 5 years to graduate.
3. Being a white male.
I know this one sounds kind of weird, but I feel as though being a white male in a white male saturated field, I have less of a chance of standing out, especially given my above circumstances.
4. Getting medical experience at an urgent care instead of a hospital
After becoming CNA certified, I was simaltaneously offered a CNA position at a hospital, and an MA position at an urgent care. I took the urgent care position because they trained me in several other areas (injections, IV's, blood draws, intake, emergency response, etc.). It was incredible experience, and I have over 500 hours of direct work with patients and providers, but I fear it will be looked down upon for it not being in a hospital.
5. Taking a gap year
Because I did not take Organic chemistry at community college, I am not able to take Biochem until this coming fall of my senior year, and I do not want to take the MCAT without having Biochem under my belt. I also want to take the year to get more medical experience and research time.
So those are my worst application qualities that I fear. I do however, have a 3.68 GPA at my university, and I am expecting to get 4.0's in all of my classes this semester, which will be boosting it to a 3.74, I have a 3.8 science GPA overall, my community college GPA was a 3.5 (Started off rough, but had an upward trend ending with 3 perfect semesters in a row). I have traveled to Nicaragua on a medical brigade, providing medical care and sustainable fresh water resources to impoverished communities, I have been delivering for Meals on Wheels twice a month now for almost a year, and I currently have a research assistant position in a Neuroscience lab. On top of this, I am very passionate about the medical field, and I am very fascinated by the human body, with a special passion for neuro-biological foundations of behavior. I have several letters of recommendation, and I am a very extroverted and motivated individual.
I am not trying to flaunt or brag at all, and I am not trying to spread a sob story, I am simply curious if anyone can give me feedback as to whether or not I stand a chance of getting into medical school. Sorry for the long post
