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Ashley Simon
Nontraditional Medical School question (and more)
I have always wanted to become an OBGYN. Right now, school is going much better than it used to be, but I struggled with college for a very long time, for many reasons. I thought becoming a doctor was out of my reach and began to search for career alternatives when I stumbled on a program and would like to know about more if there are any in the country like it. Right now, I have a 2.7 gpa, but that will increase after this semester considering how good my grades have been. Drexel University has a Pathway to Medical School program offered for students with a Bachelor's degree to enhance their academic background before entrance to medical school, and they require minimum 2 .9 gpa. Acceptance to the medical school the following year is contingent on successful completion of the program. Does anyone know much about these programs?
I am a senior in college and plan to take a year off after graduation in May 2016. With that year off I plan on increasing my GPA with community college courses, and strengthening my resume by becoming a certified EMT. Also, when is the right time to apply if I plan on going back to school in the year 2017?
#University
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- Eric Allen expert @Ugochi Akoma would be a great person for you to connect with. Also @Leila Roumani or @Gayle Squires might be able to help as well. {{ 1446075059520+1-1 | date : 'short' }} my Ashley Simon likes this
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- Ugochi Akoma alum Hello Ashley, I hope that all is well. Im glad that you have perseverance, and patience, as those are two of the most important character traits to have in order to make it through 10-15 years of medical school, residency, and possibly fellowship! Im glad that you are looking into pathway programs, as the present GPA is realistic roadblock. The year off will be a plus, not only for your resume and GPA, but for the immeasurable life experience you will get working in the medical field in a fast paced allied health specialty. I dont know much about the Pathway to Medical School programs, but I have worked at institutions that have them, and I have colleagues who have successfully completed them. From the little that I do know, they work when they work! It is a yearlong rigorous program, which is basically a really long interview. You will be exposed to the school, the academic faculty, and experience a fraction of a dose of the work load that is expected of you and at the same time, have to be on your ”A” game every day, as the faculty in the program will have to write letters on your behalf. The few people that I know who got in from those programs all did well in Medical School, and are doing well now. Only one that I know is enrolled in another graduate program. She didn’t get in, but was allowed entry to the PHD program. Brief summary of timeline, Spring 2016 take MCAT. Summer 2016, you should submit your AMCAS application, and in the fall and retake MCAT if needed (hopefully not). If schools are interested, you will get supplemental applications and other requirement from them. Interviews and acceptance letters late Fall through early Spring. If you get wait listed, send them any accomplishments that you have had from the time they interviewed you to the present. Make sure that along the way, you thank everyone Emily Post style who helped you as you will possibly need them to make phone calls on your behalf. , If you go the Pathway program route, you wont have to worry about applying because it should be all set up through the program. If you don’t get in though Pathways, and want to apply, Im glad that you are planning ahead, because either road you take, it is a long process. Whatever road you take, I wish you the best, and remember, always highlight your strengths, be humble, be honest, be yourself and keep reaching for the stars! {{ 1447126463973+1-1 | date : 'short' }} my Eric Allen, Ashley Simon like this
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- Ashley Simon Thank you so much, Ugochi, for all your helpful advice! {{ 1447916798671+1-1 | date : 'short' }} my Eric Allen likes this
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