JackieK Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 I am dedicated to going to med school. It's not a life long dream of mine, but I have developed the desire in the past few years. I am an RN and I want to expand my practice and continue learning. I really believe I have what it takes. I am passionate about patient care! However, I'm feeling discouraged about my chances of actually getting in... I have 2 undergrad degrees as B.Sc in Biology GPA 2.74 and a B.Sc in Nursing GPA 3.73. I have written the MCAT twice...21Q the first time, and after much studying only 24Q (6 PS, 9 BS, 9 VS) the second time (so disappointing!) Any thoughts...encouragements..or suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks for reading! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopeful Med Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 What province do you reside? Some universities do not want MCAT and your second degree GPA is not bad. Are you an Ottawa resident by any chance? What about going international? I think that 24Q is fine for many international schools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 see my PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryann Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 A while ago, I read of someone who took the mcat four times. His first couple of scores were lower than yours..fourth attempt, he got around 36... Have you taken a prep course...or have you used EK, or Princton etc.. Just thoughts, if you are thinking of rewriting.. And as was said, Ottawa and NOSM do not take mcat..and for NOSM, I believe if you are from a small town, you would stand a great chance with your nursing degree... If it is what you want, keep going.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 Kaplan was a total waste of $2,000, stopped going after the first session which was my last. Don't take my word for it, perhaps take a poll, lol, some trust me, others don't - take you pick, I am a happy camper either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopeful Med Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 The usefullness of the prep courses depend on the person. Future_doc is probably someone who got into many med schools all over Canada on his/her first try and has no trouble with self studying for MCAT. I, on the other hand, took 3 years to get into med school. The prep course was good for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamP Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 I found the prep classes pretty useless. I think you're paying for the material though, I thought their online stuff and the books did a pretty good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrhumble Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 I'd say that you have a chance. Your GPA is not spectacular, but it's still good. Your experience as a health care professional may help as well. I'd say go for it. I'm doing my second degree in nursing, and I still haven't given up my dream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Posted September 28, 2009 Report Share Posted September 28, 2009 I am dedicated to going to med school. It's not a life long dream of mine, but I have developed the desire in the past few years. I am an RN and I want to expand my practice and continue learning. I really believe I have what it takes. I am passionate about patient care! However, I'm feeling discouraged about my chances of actually getting in...I have 2 undergrad degrees as B.Sc in Biology GPA 2.74 and a B.Sc in Nursing GPA 3.73. I have written the MCAT twice...21Q the first time, and after much studying only 24Q (6 PS, 9 BS, 9 VS) the second time (so disappointing!) Any thoughts...encouragements..or suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks for reading! You do have a chance - especially with your work experience. I have 2 suggestions: (1) Look for med schools that will only focus on your best 2 years or last 2 years of GPA; you will not feel the impact of the low GPA from your first degree. (2) Do your MCAT again. I really believe that practise makes improvement and it's likely that you will improve your score on the third try (especially of you get extra help via the correct prep course and/or materials). It is possible. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostLamb Posted September 28, 2009 Report Share Posted September 28, 2009 What province are you in? That can also have an impact on your chances as some provinces assess inprovince applicants differently than out of province applicants. Even with your MCAT score, apply again. You can always write it again, never know what happens--perhaps the third time is a charm. Fortunately, you have a good second degree GPA and as others have mentioned you have healthcare experience. This should provide good fodder for essays and interviews. Good luck and keep on working towards your goal! LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atreides Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 I actually found the Princeton Review prep course helpful. Of course, this was more because of the mock MCAT (which we did in actual test situation, i.e. timed, with other students, in assigned rooms which they may no longer do with the computer test) and the preparation materials then the actual course component. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bede Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 I think you have an good shot. Once you have an interview, the majority of your score is based on the interview with marks as a small component. You're life experience will prep you very well for the interview. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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