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Hey all, Hoping everyone's taking time to de-stress and look after your own mental and physical health during this current Medschool and CaRMs cycle! Keeping this brief, my name is Kevin, I'm currently a PGY1 in Psychiatry. I started tutoring professionally with Kaplan for MCAT, many of my students end up scoring competitively and then subsequently requesting my services for Interview Prep, CASPer, Essay Editing, thus I've been providing these consulting services for more than 5 years now and have helped hundreds of students matriculate into MD, DD, and Vet D, and Physio schools! With plenty of positive student feedback too! (available upon request Just ask!) I kept up a busy workload during clerkship and residency too (10+ hours/week), mainly because I really love teaching and coaching! I love hearing all of your stories, and helping you achieve your goals! (And a little bit of career counselling). If you don't think I'm the right choice for you, I am ALWAYS open to a FREE INITIAL 10-15min chat so that I can get to know you a bit better Don't be shy! Reach out~ kshao19@gmail.com Goodluck everyone! TL:DR 5+ Years MCAT tutor, professional with Kaplan 5+ Years Freelance CASPer, Interview Prep Assessed for Med School Admissions 2x 60$/hr Free initial 10-15 minute meet and greet Excited to meet you! -
I decided to make this thread for applicants that are thinking of, or have already started, working towards a second degree in the hopes of applying to McGill. I found McGill's website to be quite jumbled regarding this topic, so hopefully that information can be summarized here in a clear and concise way. If you notice any errors, please comment below and I will edit this post accordingly. I would also encourage second degree applicants to ask their questions here, if only for the sake of keeping information in one easily accessible place. Basic Science Prerequisites & the MCAT: The MCAT is not required to apply to McGill, but if you have already completed the basic science prerequisites, it may be in your best interest to write the exam. Every applicant MUST complete the prerequisites by January 15th of the year they plan to start medical school, and a maximum of two prerequisites can still be outstanding by the application deadline (November 1st). However, if your pre-requisite science GPA (sGPA) is significantly below the average of 3.80, then a strong MCAT score can be used in its place. Currently, a competitive MCAT is a 33, and this score should be as close to 'balanced' as possible (11/11/11). *Pre-requisite courses 'expire' after eight years, so make sure to repeat those courses if they will exceed the eight year mark by November 1st. List of Prerequisites: 6 Credits Biology (Introductory) w/ Labs 6 Credits Chemistry (General or Physical) w/ Labs 3 Credits Organic Chemistry w/ Lab 6 Credits Physics (Introductory) w/ Labs GPA: Before we get into GPA, it's important to emphasize that you are NOT a second degree applicant unless you COMPLETED your first degree. For example, if you left your first degree early and pursued another degree, then the following information will not apply to you. Your GPA will instead be calculated based on every course you have completed, in both degrees. Those who have completed a degree, and are now working towards another, will have their GPA calculated differently then applicants in their 'primary' degree. For starters, even if you received transfer credit from your first degree, those courses will NOT be included in the GPA calculation. Only the courses you have completed while enrolled in the second degree will be considered. The year you apply, you must have completed at least 45 credits (15 courses) before the application deadline (November 1st), and at least 60 credits AND your degree by July 1st. This means that your second degree needs to take at least two years to complete, but if you were paying attention to the deadlines, you'll realize that if it only takes you two years, you likely won't be able to apply until after you've graduated. There are ways to get around this (i.e. overloading semesters, spring/summer courses, etc), but keep in mind that you need to maintain a competitive GPA, so don't get overzealous. On that note, a competitive GPA is a 3.80, but if you're an OOP applicant there's a limited number of seats. **Those 60 credits need to be completed in consecutive years or you risk your application being rejected Conclusion: This concludes the second degree specific information. I hope it will provide some insight for future applicants and help you move one step closer to achieving your medical school goals. Good luck! Class Profiles - Admissions - Accepted/Rejected/Waitlisted Thread - Admission FAQs - Dark
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I (female, Asian) am currently enrolled in Masters Program with cGPA 3.41 and sGPA 3.38, and will graduate in fall 2022. I am planning to apply this cycle but my last two MCAT scores were less than 500 and I won't be able to take MCAT until July 2022. I am planning to apply to one MD school so that my application is processed and apply to rest once I have my MCAT scores back. Should I apply this cycle or wait? What would my chances be? Are the schools able to see your previous scores even if you put the scheduled test date on your application or do they wait for new scores? - I am working as medical scribe for 3 years now and have worked in ED, hematology, oncology, cardiology, and primary care. - I have worked as a lab TA for biology last semester. - I have done research as independent study for 3 semesters (mainly involving growing colonies and identifying species, and DNA and RNA extractions) and as a volunteer for 2 semesters (neuroscience lab and testing lab rats for PTSD). - I don't have any non-clinical volunteer hours. I feel like I have enough clinical/research experience to apply this cycle but not having non-clinical volunteer hours worries me. Will it look bad if you don't have this section filled in the application? Thank you.
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I know most people recommend writing the MCAT after year 2 but is it a good idea to write it after the first year? The main reason for this is to get a realistic estimate of what I've learned in year one and how well I can apply the content from year 1. I will probably bomb it but afaik Canadian med schools don't view multiple tests as negative so should I go through with the idea? -
Hi everyone and mostly Premeds, giving away my 4th edition MCAT Books in Montreal. Not sure which edition they are on now, but used them in 2020. Some have underlined passages and markings, but they're free for someone who needs them so! -
Hi everyone, I just did my first mcat and got a 492, I was scoring ~500 on the samples. Im so disappointed I was aiming for a 505+. I don't think I studied well, I did content review for the first month, I read the kaplan chapters, didn't attempt the end of chapter Qs as I heard they were useless and for Pych/soc I read the 300 page doc. Then I did Uworld for the entire second month , then the last month I did AAMC fls, with aamc sb/qp etc until the final exam on August 26th. During the first month of content, I used an anki deck I found and did the corresponding kaplan chapter anki deck each day (2 chapters a day, thus two decks). After the content month, I stopped doing anki, and only did Uworld, and never really picked up anki again. It might come better hearing it from someone else but can anyone explain what I should do to score better, if I had been doing anki review the whole way throughout would my score have been higher? Also when I retake should I do uworld with content or after? I really messed up and I wont let this happen again but any help would be appreciated! This is a sample schedule I made based on my mistakes this year: THINGS TO DO NEXT YEAR: >MAY: (5-6 WEEKS) -content (2 chapters/day) + Anki + U world >June: (WHEN CONTENT IS DONE) Uworld + Anki AAMC SB/QP >JULY: -AAMC SB/QP + ANKI -FILL CONTENT GAPS >AUGUST: PRACTISE AAMC EXAMS (REVIEW THROUGHLY) RE-DO AAMC SB/QP ANKI EVERYDAY -
CARS I have over a year of experience tutoring in CARS and achieved a score of 129 myself. I provide you with CARS passages written by me and vetted by other top scorers in CARS. You can write these passages live and explain your thought process, and I will help you to learn which strategies you should have used, and where your thought process went astray. Past students have found this to be an excellent way to improve your score. I charge $40/hour for new students and $35/hour for regular students. CASPer I have helped several students with the CASPer test in the past, and am now offering my services to the general public. I offer several services to help you improve your CASPer score: 1. One-on-one lessons in which we discuss general strategies that have worked for students in the past, question types, and formulate a study plan. The CASPer also requires you to be self-aware of the experiences you've had in the past, so we will go through your extracurriculars and find examples where you've demonstrated CASPer-worthy skills. I charge $40/hour for this service. 2. A package of three practice CASPers. Once you have taken each practice CASPer, we will do a phone call and I will provide you with individualized feedback. This package costs only $150 for all three practice CASPers and unlimited feedback. 3. Additional practice CASPers cost $75 each including feedback. I write all of my own practice CASPers, so you won't find duplicate questions! MCAT I achieved a 519 (129 C/P, 129 CARS, 130 B/B, 131 S/P) after having studied for the MCAT for only four months and also working full-time. I used a highly efficient strategy called retrieval learning. Message me and we can discuss how you can improve your score as well! -
Hello, I had some questions regarding the use of MCAT for Calgary MD program. Their website says the look at all the MCAT scores and use your highest CARS score for meeting the CARS cutoff requirement. My highest CARS score is 128 which should meet their cutoff. Based on my calculations getting rid of my lowest year, my GPA is also 3.89. My question is how important are the other sections of MCAT for receiving interview invitation, since my attempt with the 128 CARS is not the one with my highest total MCAT score. My highest MCAT score is 509. Is that even competitive. Is there any statistics for OOP applicants and competitive total MCAT scores? Thanks in advance. -
Hi guys, I am going to start my undergraduate degree in September 2021, which means if I got into med school in the first try I would start in 2025. When would be the best times to take my attempts on the MCAT? Like when is too early and how much should I space out each attempt?
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Ive just graduated from my undergrad in Alberta with an Okkk GPA.. around 3.7 (first few semesters of undergrad were pretty rough since I prioritized sport but eventually got on the deans list and graduated with honours). I have 2 years of research experience, a co author publication coming in the fall, travel experience, and competitive sport background. I am due to take my MCAT this fall and I have recently been presented with a unique opportunity from a previous research supervisor to do a funded masters at UofT starting this September (most likely on the topic of cardiac oncology). I originally planned to take the MCAT, apply to Canadian med schools, then take the GAMSAT (Australian med school test) and apply to Australian med schools. However, this has definitely shaken up my original plan. A part of me wonders if my EC's and a great MCAT score are enough to get an interview... another part of me wonders if I need that masters/experience to help me be a more competitive applicant not only for med school but potentially residency. I am also curious as to which medical schools will take into consideration my Masters and put me in this rumoured "separate pool of applicants" A large con I have to accepting this masters is that if I don't perform well on the MCAT this fall... I will have to wait until after my two year masters to retake the test! Would appreciate any insight and advice -
mcat Summer Courses and Studying for the MCAT
nerdy_unicorn posted a topic in General Premed Discussions
Hey guys I’m really confused as to what I should do and can really use some advice. I originally wrote my MCAT last summer and I didn’t do as good as I wanted to (Canadian). If I don’t get accepted to med school this year I should retake the MCAT this summer. I also want to expand my options and apply to USA schools this summer. However the problem is I didn’t take physics 1 (only did physics 2) and it is a prerequisite for basically all the schools. So would it be doable to study for the Mcat while also taking physics 1 condensed? Physics 1 would be running from May 1st to June 15th and I will retake the Mcat like early august or end of July. Basically my four options are: rush the Mcat retake prep so I can take the Mcat before summer school physics starts. I have all my notes from the first time I took, I just need to work on cars and review my notes again but I feel like I don’t remember anything lol. just take physics 1 in the summer (lectures are Mon/Wed and virtual (covid) labs Wed) while also studying for the MCAT screw applying to American med schools and just leave physics and study for the Mcat full time this summer for Canadian schools only. Taking physics in the fall isn’t an option for me because I’m starting my one year masters program in the fall. Also most Canadians don’t get into USA schools so is it even worth it? take the MCAT and just apply to USA med schools without the physics prerequisite and if I get into a school I can try to take the one physics course the summer prior to matriculation. If anyone has experience taking a class while also Mcat studying let me know thank you! -
Hi everyone, I am looking for your real and honest advice here. I am in my fourth year of a b.sc undergad at mcmaster and will be graduating in the spring. I did not apply to med this past cycle because I had no confidence in my application and thought that perhaps doing a masters would be a better alternative in the meantime. While I have been offered acceptance to these programs the thought of letting med go without every trying makes me sick. I want to go to medical school so badly but I am so afraid that it will never happen for me and scared to face that reality. Here are my stats please tell me your thoughts: Year 1 3.3888 (took 9 courses) Year 2 3.73 (took 10 courses) Year 3 3.78 (took 11 courses but 1 is p/f so only 10 in gpa calculation) - fall gpa 3.6, winter gpa 3.96 (not counted at some schools) Year 4 3.96 (took 10 courses) I calculate my cgpa to be 3.723. My best two years without winter 2020 would be year 2 and 4 = 3.845 (Western) My most recent two years without winter 2020 would be = 3.84 (Queens) - not that this matters now but had I not taken ochem as an elective in the fall of my third year my fall gpa would have been a 3.925 (3.925+3.96/2 = 3.945 best two year without winter 2020 - so this sucks) I would have to write an academic explanations essay to get uoft wgpa since I took only 9 courses in my first year but otherwise it would have been = 3.747 I have done the calculations for a couple of other schools but I don't want to make this post messier than it is. If you think there is a school I could potentially have a chance at then I will definitely add that number in. I am willing to go to literally any school in Canada, will do US MD. If neither of those I have been thinking about DO, Carib, Ireland and Australia. What are your thoughts on that? I have also thought about taking courses after I graduate (i know western allows these to be counted as a special year) If i got a hypothetic 4.0 in year 5 my cgpa would be 3.779 (not much dif. for mac) but my best 2 year/ most recent 2 year gpa would be 3.96+4/2 = 3.98 which would be my Queens and Western score. ECS: 2 full years research under department chair and now completing senior thesis (possibly of publishing), intro psych ta, 2 mcmaster clubs, free volunteer tutoring, 300+ hours volunteer at cardiology clinic (taking bp, recording medical information etc), summer volunteer at sunnybrook veteran centre, volunteered for 2 months with a arthritis research assistant at mount sinai, has worked as a red cross swim instructor (1 year) and as an inclusion instructor (2 years) with special needs Want to write MCAT again in early July to apply to some US schools, the first time I wrote I knew I didn't feel ready and hardly studied toward the end, I know I can do significantly better. (Keep in mind I have 2 gen chem with lab, 2 bio with lab, 1 physics with lab, 2 orgo with lab, 1 calc, 1 english, many psych) I know I am missing biochem, phys 2 and eng 2 for some schools in Canada/ US. I am so sorry this is so long I just need someone's advice. Should I give it a try what are my chances realistically? -
How is MCAT considered?
PreMed#219099 posted a topic in University of Western Ontario Medical School
Are GPA and MCAT or GPA or MCAT only looked at as a cutoff or competitively? Is it different pre- and post- interview? Thank you! -
Hey guys! Hope you're all doing well I'd really appreciate some perspectives on my chances at Western and Queens specifically! MCAT: 514 (127/127/128/132) 2YGPA: 3.87 Thanks in advance!!
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I'm looking for advice on preparing to write the MCAT for April 2021. I completed a Honours B.Sc in 2012 and am now considering Med school. I want to write the MCAT as a first step in determining if I have what it takes before potentially doing a second UG. I'm looking for advice on the best study package for the MCAT. As a non-trad applicant who has been out of university for some time, I know I have knowledge gaps that need to be filled. I know Kaplan has been mentioned as a great resource and there are many other free study guides online. I'm considering purchasing the DIY Kaplan course for $1799. Am I better off trying to do free practice tests and using free online resources before purchasing Kaplan? Is the investment of purchasing the prep course worth it? Thanks for your feedback.
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Hey guys, congrats to those who have finished the application process! I know this is a super redundant post, but if anyone could tell me what my chances are looking like, I would really, really appreciate it... if I'm headed for rejections, I hope to be able to prepare myself for them. MCAT is 514: 127/127/128/132 2YGPA: 3.88 (cumulative is 3.61) My extracurriculars are strong - awards, president of large non profit, accessibility research, etc. I've applied to Western, Queens and Mac... any thoughts are greatly appreciated! -
Hello my name is BrownBeachBum, does anyone want to form a study group for the mcat? Where are you guys at in terms of prep? I need to refresh on content best, brownbeachbum
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I was looking to apply to McGill this cycle and wanted an idea of how competitive I'd look pre-interview. I'm a Quebec resident (though I did post secondary in Ontario) and I have a CGPA of 3.83, I'm finishing up my Masters and my GPA for that is 3.93. I also just got my MCAT score back and got a 517 (130 in everything except CARS which was 127!). I know McGill this cycle is no longer looking at prerequisite GPA specifically and the average GPA for IP students admitted last year was 3.87. I'm just wondering how I'd fare this year as I feel my undergrad CGPA may be too low (considering this can take up to 70% of my pre interview score). I was pretty happy with my MCAT this year and definitely wanna apply with it but McGill made it pretty unclear as to what extent it can support an application this cycle. Any thoughts/advice?
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Hi everyone, This is my first time here on Premed 101 Forums. I'm a Canadian premed student who has been very concerned for the health and safety of examinees like myself who have and will be writing the MCAT during a pandemic. Our fellow peers who are immunocompromised are at a greater risk, however they have no choice but to put their lives at risk by writing the MCAT during these time. I myself am mainly worried about the health of an immediate family member with whom I live. The AAMC has not been cooperative enough to add more test dates in September or any in October, or to allow the exam to be taken online like the LSAT. They have also been ignoring students' concerns left and right. Whether you are a premed student who has yet to write their MCAT or one who has already written it, I urge you to come together and help support each other in order to prevent putting more students' lives at risk with increasing numbers of COVID-19 infections in Canada. I ask that you please read this petition and support it by signing and sharing it. Please feel free to remain anonymous. I appreciate your help. https://www.change.org/p/royal-college-of-physicians-and-surgeons-of-canada-withdraw-the-mcat-from-the-september-2021-canadian-medical-school-admission-requirement -
Hello, I'm not sure if I'm posting this right so I apologize if this ends up in the wrong place. I am wondering if its worth it to retake a 127 Cars in a few weeks. I understand for Western the cut-off was 127 last year but there's no guarantee it will stay there this year correct? Is it risky to rewrite so close to the first attempt? (all other sections were 128+) Especially pretty much just for Western and Mac? Would appreciate any input. Edit: OMG SORRY MED STUDENTS I THOUGHT I WAS IN THE PREMED AREA. How cringe of me.
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I am a UBC Medical School (Doctor of Medicine) graduate and experienced tutor offering tutoring as well as application review and interview preparation services. All ages welcome. --Services offered--High school: English/Math/Science/Calculus/Biology/Chemistry/PhysicsCollege/University:Calculus/English/Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Anatomy/Physiology/Psychology/PharmacologyPCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) preparation - all subjectsMCAT (Medical College Admission Test) preparation - all subjectsInterview Preparation - Panel/Traditional and Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)Application Review - Academic and Non-academic/Extracurricular/Personal Statement ReviewResidency Interview (CaRMS and NRMP) application and interview preparationBase rates:$50/45min - high school level$75/45min - college/university level$90/45min - application review + interview preparation Summary of Qualifications: 1. Experienced tutor/coach2. UBC MD graduate3. Over $75000 in scholarships4. A+ average throughout university5. Stellar PCAT and MCAT scores6. Got into pharmacy school age 197. Got into medical school age 22 Able to provide service in-person and virtually. Flexible scheduling. Group discounts available. Please PM with contact number and basic information regarding desired services. Alternatively, you can email me by visiting my CL ad: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van/lss/d/ubc-md-graduate-offering-tutoring-and/6988648830.htmlHave a nice day! -
Hi all, Christopher here from the Pluripotent Premed podcast, and creator of www.UltimatePremedPackage.ca. After overwhelmingly positive feedback on 'Season 1' of the podcast that I co-host with a medical school classmate of mine, Ziad, we are back in the (virtual) studio and recording new weekly episodes for Season 2! If you haven't heard of Pluripotent Premed yet, feel free to check us out on any major podcasting platform (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) or on our Facebook page. We are two medical students in Canada who host a completely free podcast that is designed to guide premed students through the premedical years.In Season 1, we focused on all aspects of the MCAT, med school interview, admissions process, CASPer, and much more. This season we have a couple of new series that will help guide you on your premed journey: 2020-2021 Admissions Cycle series - last year Ziad and I recorded a single episode that broke down each Canadian medical school and the requirements for admission, interlaced with stats from previous classes that provided insight into whether you are a 'competitive' applicant. This year we've decided to do it a little differently - we've invited a medical student from each of the 17 Canadian medical schools to come on a do a condensed 10-15 minute episode about their specific medical school. We will discuss with them the academic and non-academic admission requirements, the school's curriculum, and their personal experience as a student at the school. We hope that this format will provide a greater and more personal insight into each of the schools, and will allow listeners to seek out the specific episodes that highlight the schools that they are interested in. Alternative Background series - the purpose of this series is to bring on medical student guests who don't come from the typical premed background, in order to discuss their route to medicine. We had numerous listeners request a series like this, and we believe it will be helpful and provide hope for those listeners who don't fit that 'cookie cutter' premed applicant. So far we have episodes with a medical student who did an undergraduate degree in music with no science background, a student who did a dual business and science degree and how they balanced it, and a student who is pursuing an MD/PhD and what the admissions process looks like for that applicant stream. We intend to plan more episodes in this series based on requests from our listeners. −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−-−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−-−−−− Aside from the podcast project, feel free to check out my premed website UltimatePremedPackage.ca (again, totally free), which hosts a BUNCH of resources for the MCAT, med school interview, and a whole lot more. That's all for now - keep up with the hard work everyone!
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I'm finishing my BComm in marketing this academic year and am planning on taking all mcat/med school prereqs the following year. I am considering completing these courses at cegep level— reason being that my current university tends to split up the lab and theory component of a class to be taken in separate semesters plus the level of difficulty is likely greater at university level. I know a few med students who obtained bachelors in degrees outside of science, went back to cegep to complete their prereqs and ended up attending Montreal-based medical schools (i know McGill, University of Montreal and a few other Quebec med schools will accept cegep courses from an undergrad applicant) but I'm not sure if other Canadian medical schools and US medical schools would as well...I know I could call up each one individually and ask but...If anyone has a general idea of the answer to this question, that would be helpful. Thanks in advance! -
What are my chances? Where should I apply?
Jessica12091 posted a topic in General Premed Discussions
Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice. I am entering my fourth year at McMaster earning my B.Sc. Here are my stats converted using OMSAS: 1st year: 3.388 (sem1: 3.3 + sem2 3.5 (only took 4 courses)). 2nd year: 3.73 (sem1 3.62 + sem2 3.84) 3rd year: 3.78 (sem1 3.6 + sem 2 3.96) I know some schools aren't taking winter 2020 anymore:( Had I not taken organic chemistry in the Fall 2019 term (my third year, first semester), which I should not have because it was an elective my GPA fall 2019 would have been a 3.925 Bringing my third year grades to a 3.942. I wish I could remove this grade it would change a lot. 4th year: aiming for 4.0 (only taking electives this year) I know these grades are terrible, especially first year I had a very difficult time mentally. In the semesters that followed I've gotten nearly all As but have always had 1 class a year bring me down significantly. I am hoping to do really well in my fourth year but even then I feel like its not enough. I am taking the MCAT August 15th for the first time. Here are my ECs: Red cross swim instructor, Inclusion Instructor (children with special needs), will be intro psych TA in Fall 2020, 1 year research with department chair and will be continuing next year, volunteer tutoring services, copy editor for undergraduate journal, macchangers team (find solutions for Hamilton community during Covid-19), international buddy (aid international students), volunteer hospital (clinical) around 60 hours, volunteer hospital (administrative/research assistant) around 30 hours, volunteer in cardiology clinic around 200 hours, in hs: dance team, leadership, chaplaincy, volunteer at elementary school 50 hours, volunteer at rec centre 20 hours... I am willing to go to any school in Canada or US MD that would accept me. Do I have any chance with my GPA anywhere? If I do what is the minimum MCAT score you think I need? I appreciate your honesty, opinions and advice. Thank you -
Hi Everyone Over the past couple of years I have religiously scrolled through Premed101 with so many doubts in my head; coming across posts that gave me confidence and others that tore it down. After years of hard work, I have finally made that cumbersome leap from a premed to a med student (Bumblebee Class of 2024). I'm still in disbelief that I made it and hope I never lose this feeling. I've found myself reflecting on my journey thus far (thank you Covid19 for all the time) and have come to realize that perseverance and hard work were the stars in my story when everyone and everything around me told me I wasn't good enough. With about a month left before I finally embark on this next chapter of my story, I wanted to use my time to help any of you out there that feel lost, scared, or unsure. As someone that didn't have any mentors on my path to medicine, I think I would've benefited from talking to someone that had gone through the process. Please feel free to message me with any questions you have about Canadian, US, or International medical school admissions or even if you need a friend to vent it all out As a disclaimer, I'm not affiliated with any company/school and will probably not have all the answers, but I can try to give you my thoughts/advice from my own experiences. I'll be here for you if you need it
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