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*The averages of my incoming IUSM class were somewhere around a 3.73 cumulative GPA and a 3.7 science GPA. Most U.S. allopathic schools have similar standards. Osteopathic medical schools have been known to accept students hovering around a 3.5. Caribbean Medical Schools have been known to accept students with GPAs hovering around 3.3.
*Every medical school requires their applicants take science classes - some schools even require that you take calculus too. These science classes, cumulatively, will be the "pre-med coursework" you must complete in order to take the MCAT and apply. It will include studies in the general principles of inorganic/general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics.
Extracurricular activities and service
*First, document everything you do that is extracurricular.
Seriously, start a Word document and write down everything you've done since day one - this will make it much easier when you are applying.
Also, write down event names, dates, event leader's names, phone numbers, doctor's names, etc.
*Try to take part in research - Research is important because schools are desirous of producing the next physician that will find the cure to some of the most devastating diseases out there. Medical school is no joke, you are the future of health care.
*You should also begin formulating and documenting ideas of why medicine grows increasingly important in your life via your experiences. This will be great fuel for writing your personal statement.
Once your ducks are in a row, you'll have to start thinking about taking the MCAT. The MCAT is a standardized test you have to take when applying to medical school.
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NOW YOU KNOW WHAT BEING A PRE-MED ENTAILS - HERE IS WHERE YOU STAND AS A NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT...
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So you've been in the working world, and it doesn't seem to suit you anymore, and you wish to pursue a career in medicine.
WHY?
You probably have a job. Maybe even a spouse and children. And now, x years later, you wish to go back to into training for at least 7 more years?
Tell me WHY again? Why are you leaving your current position? What's to say you won't leave this one too, if we choose to offer you a spot?
This is how medical schools will approach you. Non-traditional students must have the best reasons for wanting a spot in a class. They should also truly demonstrate that they are ready and desirous of going into the medical field.
But, don't fret!
Plenty of non-traditional students make it into medical school!
On the plus side, your GPA is a little (I use this term loosely) less important - hence why the averages exist.
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Non-traditional students are normally the most interesting people in medical school. Why? Because a person having real-world experience is more likely to be professional than a student coming straight from the grind of the undergraduate-world.
Most traditional students NEED non-traditional students to achieve the professional growth needed to practice medicine. It is almost a monkey see, monkey do thing in medical school. Everything from how one talks to patients, to the way one dresses and carries their self. This is what creates a part of the diverse class that all medical schools are striving to achieve.
Medical school admission committees understand that truly non-traditional students weren't planning on medicine, so it makes sense why they don't have outstanding grades. However, Non-traditional students MUST also demonstrate a very strong desire to become a physician.
THEREFORE YOU SHOULD - volunteer weekly, shadow monthly, try to do research, have GREAT (not just good) recommendations, and perform on the MCAT at the school's average OR higher.
Oh yeah, did I mention that you should also have an extremely well written personal statement?
SHOW THAT YOU WANT THIS - In this scenario, Actions do speak louder than words.
The years you've been removed from school are important - but it is the time from when you decided to pursue a career in medicine that matter the most!
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So, have you finished or started you pre-medical classes, please click yes or no?
*Start developing professional relationships - Being able to develop professional relationships is very important in medicine, you can begin by contacting old favorite professors. Odds are, if they were one of your favorites, you're more likely to have more in common as individuals. This could come in handy later when you're applying and need recommendations.
*Begin shadowing doctors - This will provide a general idea of what physicians do on a day-to-day basis. Each doctor is unique, trained with a specific skill set, and each practice medicine differently. Therefore, the more doctors you shadow, the more educated you will become on the various fields and opportunities available. Remember, doctors work a lot, and you should know what the life is like. You may go about shadowing by calling your local hospital and telling them you are interested in shadowing a doctor - your scope will be very limited at first, until you know the doctor well.
*It is important to demonstrate volunteerism. By volunteering, you will be able to see if you actually do enjoy working with/helping people. All health care professionals deal with people, and if you don't like people, you should have no business treating them as patients.
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