A few questions about getting into med school, please help!

[fleazo]

Hello. I have recently realized over the last few years that I want to become a doctor so that I can help in developing countries. I don't care at all for the salary or for the prestigue of being called doctor... I just want to help people who are suffering, even if I never work a day in the US. I am curious about my chances of getting into medical school, and what I might have to do to prepare.

I have a B.S. in mathematics from a good private school, with 3 minors: chemistry, biology, and computer science. During this time I spent a full year doing research in the field of plant pathology and have my name on one journal publication. I also spent one year doing research in the field of Artificial Intelligence. My overall GPA was 3.8 although 2 years were spent in community college. During my undergrad I was funded with a full scholarship from a very competitive foundation. The problem was that I got most of my B's by doing my chemistry and biology minors. My overall science GPA (including math) is probably around 3.6

Next year I will have my M.S. in Computer Science (at the same university). I have spent the whole time doing AI research. I expect to have probably 1 - 2 workshop publications, and possibly my name will go with the rest of my research team in a book chapter. I am doing a thesis as well and am a TA. I currently have a 4.0, but I don't know how long will that last... only time will tell!

I will add that I have had an "interesting" background. I come from a poor family and I was a high school drop out. I spent time on the streets when I was a teen, went to juvie, etc. I worked in construction (I am a girl) until I finally found my way to community college. From there I won an incredible scholarship and that was how I was able to complete my studies and how I have come this far.

I know usually you have to take say physiology, human anatomy, etc. But it is my understanding that you retake these subjects your first year of medical school. Do they ever waive these requirements for people who hold advanced degrees and apply? Or is it all the same? Similarly, do they shun away from accepting students from non-biology backgrounds? If I need to take additional courses can I take them at a community college? I have a Teaching Assistanceship for my masters program, but it will never cover letting me take courses out of my field... In undergrad I took (for chemistry) basic chem I and II, organic chem I and II, molecular modeling, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. For biology I took : intro to biology, zoology, genetics, plant virology, microbiology, and a year's credits worth of independent study in biology. I feel out of all of what I studied as an undergrad, even mathematics, biology is what I know and understand most. That is because I spent so much time in the lab and did so much research. I am very interested in virology (where i did my research) and have tried to learn as much about the subject as possible.

I will really appreciate any advice. Pretty much if I don't go to medical school I am going to try for my phd in either comp. sci or mathematics, so I am going to be spending the same amount of time in school anyway (it will take 4 - 5 years for my phd probably) But I just realize more over time that mathematics is not really going to help anyone... at least not directly or immediately. I really want to help others, that is my goal in life!

[cheechootrain]

It's better to take some anatomy classes to get a feel of what medical school will be like. If you can't handle undergrad anatomy and physio, then you'll have a tough time adjusting to medical school.

[fleazo]

I don't really have a doubt as to weather or not I could handle med school but what is the process of getting in, does it hurt me to come from a different background, does it help me to have a masters, mcat score to aim for, etc

[CaribMD]

I have a B.S. in mathematics
I spent a full year doing research in the field of plant pathology and have my name on one journal publication. ....
I also spent one year doing research in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
My overall GPA was 3.8 although 2 years were spent in community college. . My overall science GPA (including math) is probably around 3.6

Next year I will have my M.S. in Computer Science I currently have a 4.0,

Your GPA is excellent so far just fullfill the preqs you need do not over do it, in a sense you already have as a "professional student". Now show you are focused on the goal by just doing what you need.

I will add that I have had an "interesting" background. I come from a poor family and I was a high school drop out. I spent time on the streets when I was a teen, went to juvie, etc. I worked in construction (I am a girl) until I finally found my way to community college. From there I won an incredible scholarship and that was how I was able to complete my studies and how I have come this far.

You should be proud of what you have done but this history is a struggle, the tone makes me think you thought it was a plus, I know you don't think so, just be careful of how you word things and the tone.
You did Good!

My thoughts here

- do what you need to, volunteering and some patient experience you have already have enough research, good.
- Make your past a struggle,one that you overcame this will be a plus!
- Your grades prove you can study well, but staying in school to do so much also can look like you have done these things because you have no direction, I'm not saying you do not, but the way it looks, you can now show direction by just finishing the courses you need to.

- The MCAT is a hard test, do not underestimate it. Its a test of problem solving using the knowledge you are supposed to have from the premed courses.

I think you should do well and look forward to your posts over the next year or so.

GL

[chiben18]

Your GPA is excellent so far just fullfill the preqs you need do not over do it, in a sense you already have as a "professional student". Now show you are focused on the goal by just doing what you need.


wow!!!!