Anonymous asked: I was on academic probation in college. I want to transfer to an university but I am afraid this will affect my ability. As well as when I graduate and want to get into medical school, will the medical admissions community reject me?

Hi anon!

Sorry it’s taken awhile to respond; thank you for your patience :)

An out-right rejection won’t happen. On the med school apps, there are sections to explain any concerns or issues you feel need explaining (bad grades, academic probation, suspensions, criminal record). What matters is that you explain what happened honestly and clearly. 

I can promise you that not all of us are saints; we’ve all got things in our past. I’m definitely no saint. But so long as your trajectory is upward (working hard, doing well) and always true to your passions and dedications, the right medical school will choose you. 

Best of luck!

md-a

Hello anon!

Congrats on your acceptance! I remember having a blast when I visited the area. Big fan of Rasputin Music and Top Dog. :)

That said, don’t transfer just to be around others. If you must transfer, do it for your own learning and passion. It IS nice to feel the solidarity and know you are going through the rigorous pre-med courses alone. But sometimes, especially during times of stress, there can be negative attitudes and bad behavior that erupts. So think about the type of person you are: do you do well when everyone is very similar, working towards a common goal or do you prefer some variety?

Personally, I made it a point to hang out with as many non-pre-med individuals as possible. I have weird lone wolf urges like that. The only one I did hang out with is now my roommate. I liked learning about different experiences and points of views. It was fun to hear about engineering projects, art portfolios, business classes, and philosophical debates. 

Hope that helps!

md-a

Hi anoushkabhat!

I don’t think I’ve been asked this question before! My major was interdisciplinary with a long, weird name. It was also DIY, so I focused mine on bioethics, pre-med science courses, and a dash of anthropology. I also minored in occupational therapy. :)

Thanks for the question!

md-a

Thank you for exhibiting Every. Single. Symptom. And. Sign. Of a classic celiac patient.

And for that, learning about celiac disease during the GI system has been fun, informative, and easy to teach to others. 

I would not; however, like to thank you for telling me “But I’m in love with your roommate.” during junior year.

But I would like to thank you for those five Aerosmith albums you let me ‘borrow’. They’re still delightful.

Hi teflonwonton!

A simple question but a complex answer!

Cut, but I promise it’s a short story :)

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Hi Anon!

Everything that we learn is an end unto itself, so yes, chemistry is important. As are biology, ochem, writing, and all the things you do! 

However, if you worry that being weak in chemistry makes you ineligible for med school, fear not! That’s definitely not the case. I got Cs in the first semester of ochem and physics. And I absolutely hated biology not because I hated the subject, but I always seemed to get terrible instructors.

So if chemistry is your only fear, I promise that it’s going to be okay, and that you’re probably doing a lot better than I was when I was in undergrad! :)

Best,

md-a

Anonymous asked: Do you have any advice for someone wanting to take a year off between college and medical school?

As someone who took a year off, I really benefitted from the time away from school so I am an advocate. If it’s something you’re considering, it’s a topic I’ve discussed here and I’m sure in other places too, but that’s the one where I discussed it most extensively! Whatever you choose, do what’s best for you!

Love,

md-admissions

gollywholly asked: Hi, I think I've asked you something before, and now I have another question. Surprise! This one is about global health. I'm a senior in high school and I'm interested in studying global health as an undergrad. It's usually only offered as a minor, and not many colleges have it, so it's really complicating my college choices. I'm wondering if global health is a worthwhile pursuit, if I ultimately want to be a doctor anyway.

Hi again, gollywholly!

All things are ‘worth it’ if they have value to you. So if you like it, go for it! As a senior now, read up and find ways to get more involved in global health if you’re curious. :)

Global health is indeed a relatively new but fascinating minor and/or major now being offered at many colleges. Considering the globalization of this world, doctors now more than ever are at the vanguard of addressing health concerns and trends for all continents. 

If you think you should pick your college based on the availability of this minor alone, that’s probably not a good idea. Even if a college does not have this major/minor, there are always global health clubs, global health events on affiliated medical campuses, and research. I’ll cross my fingers for you, here’s to getting into a college that is exactly what you need WITH the bonus of a global health minor!

Best,

md-admissions

fabulousqueerys asked: Hi md-admissions, I'm going into my second year at a prestigious all women's liberal arts college. I plan to go to medical school right after college. My problem is my grades. I'm currently getting a 3.36 GPA, which is pretty low to get into med school- I'm president of our college's EMS corps, involved in the student government association. I'm really worried I won't get into medical school because my grades aren't the best and I don't test well. Any advice? Thanks! Fabulousqueerys

Hi fabulousqueerys!

While GPA is an important component, remember that schools are not only looking at your GPA but also your MCAT, personal statement, extracurriculars, volunteering, and shadowing! 

If I had to give any advice, it would be reassurance. You still have three years to change the face of your GPA, so use these next few years wisely! Take challenging courses, but remember to give yourself breathing space and time to relax. Don’t be afraid of asking for help, admitting your mistakes, or changing paths. Do what you love to recharge your intellectual curiosity. And don’t fall under the peer pressure of pre-med. Do what is best for YOU; do what you love. You can’t go wrong :)

Best of luck! Let me know how things go :)

md-admissions 

spontiferous asked: Hello! In the fall I'm going to be a bio major at my university. When I was applying to schools last fall, I applied for an accelerated 6-year B.A./M.D. program that my university offers. I applied, got an interview, but did not get accepted (700 people apply, 300 interview, 100 get accepted). My counselor told me that people from my school have applied, didn't get accepted, but then re-applied the fall of their freshman year and had better luck. I'm confused as to what I want to do. Help? :(

Congrats for your acceptance, spontiferous! :)

This is a tricky question that only you can answer. What I can offer is some behind-the-scenes info collected from friend who were in similar accelerated program.

The first thing to know is that these programs are all about the school’s need to retain good medical school candidates for themselves. Their definition of ‘good’ means those who have already decided 100% that they want to be physicians AND have many reasons for staying at the institution (family and friends are all here, they are not interested in changing up too many things, they have strong ideas for what the future should hold for them, etc.). There is no shadow of doubt in their mind.

If you want to explore options or if you want/just so happen to have a more unknown future, a program like this will not be the best fit. If you’d like to discuss further, drop a line in my inbox and we can continue the conversation :)

Love,

md-admissions