I loved the discussion on yesterday’s spinning post! Such thoughtful responses.
I did end up going to the second class. It was like once it was in my head it was a challenge and I couldn’t back out. The instructor got the BIGGEST smile on her face when she saw me, and then started laughing and scheming ways to kick my butt. I didn’t push it too hard – not too much resistance, not my fastest sprints – but overall I felt pretty good! I made sure to eat some extra snacks to make up for the extra burn.
She also told me about a spinning instructor certification course at my gym in a few weeks. Hmmmm…
Post-Bacc PreMed
Apparently I am not a very good secret keeper, and you guys are good investigators, so most of you know by now that the program I will be starting this summer is a Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program.
(If you have no clue what I’m talking about, I left my job in advertising in December and moved home as I prepare to go back to school. I’m making a total career change from business to medicine and could not be more excited.)
This was a huge decision that I spent lots of time considering. I talked to my parents, my friends, doctors, PhDs, therapists, current medical students, college advisors, and more. I was told I was both making the best decision and the worst decision. When it came down to it, I had to do what was best for me and what I knew would make me happy.
Now that I’m telling people, most friends are saying, “It’s about time! We knew you would eventually.”
I was terrified, but once I made the decision there was a huge weight off of my shoulders. Since moving home, I’ve been immersing myself in the medical field as much as possible. I’m a research assistant to a physician, shadow my dad, and am taking Anatomy and Physiology. My parents (both doctors) have started including me in their discussions of work, so I’m hearing all the good, bad, and frustrating. I’m incredibly intimidated, but SO EXCITED! I truly feel this is right.
What is Post-Bacc PreMed?
When I started to think about med school, I didn’t even know if it was possible. I haven’t taken science since high school, and I watched so many friends in college take years of difficult classes that I knew the road wouldn’t be easy or quick. I thought I’d have to go back to undergrad and try to take all of the pre-reqs on my own, until my mom told me about Post-Baccalaureate PreMedical programs. Her roommate from college has as daughter that went to Bryn Mawr’s program.
Post-Bacc PreMed programs are not for people that need a refresher in science or that didn’t get into medical school the first time they applied. Those exist, but these are specifically for career changers – people that already have a college degree but with little to no science background.
The programs differ in size, length, and structure, but most that I’m looking at last around 12 months. All the science pre-requisites are included, as well as personal advising, medical volunteer work and internships, and MCAT preparation. Many boast a 90 – 100% acceptance rate into medical school. There is much more to say, but I’ll save that for the more detailed post if you’re interested in learning.
Where I Applied:
I applied to six schools last Fall. This is not an exhaustive list of programs and doesn’t include some of the biggest and best ones, it’s just a personal list that made sense to me:
- University of Virginia
- Johns Hopkins
- Georgetown
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Bryn Mawr
- Scripps
UVA, Johns Hopkins, Bryn Mawr and Scripps required interviews (if selected for one). I visited the first three to interview in person (here and here)and had a Skype interview with Scripps.
Where I Got In:
I just heard back from my last school on Monday and so am finally ready to share with you where I currently stand. I have been admitted to all the schools except for Bryn Mawr (bummer).
Considering I had no idea what the applicant pool would be like, and whether or not my application was good or terrible, I am thrilled! I was so nervous that I had no chance of getting in and my plans would be ruined that I didn’t want to talk about it on the blog. I was worried I’d be super embarrassed and/or jinx myself, so thanks for baring with me.
Here are my current thoughts on the schools. These are totally personal and based on my experience there and conversations I’ve had with current students, admissions directors, etc:
- University of Virginia: I loved Charlottesville and UVA when I visited. It was gorgeous, a great school, and somewhere I’ve always thought would be great to go to be. The advising and teachers were spoken of very highly. However, the program is a little newer and doesn’t have quite as strong of a reputation as some others.
- Johns Hopkins: I didn’t expect to like JHU, but it was fantastic. It helps that my visit was on the most beautiful 60-degree sunny day ever. The campus was gorgeous, the student I toured with was so nice, the facilities were fantastic, and I got along wonderfully with the program director. The Johns Hopkins name obviously can’t be beat, they have an 100% acceptance rate into medical school, and Baltimore was a pleasant surprise. My worry is that it may be too competitive and not as strong of a community feel.
- Georgetown: I wanted to love Georgetown, especially since it’s a Catholic school in Washington D.C., but the program isn’t quite a structured as the others. It’s designed to take 18-24 months and doesn’t have the same close advising and support. I think I could do really well, it’d just be much more on my own.
- Washington University: This is a great school right in my home town! The perks to that are many, however the program is actually designed for people that are still working full time. That means lots of classes are scheduled at night and it can take 2-3 years. I think I might be able to make some exceptions, but I wouldn’t have the same community or support. Unfortunately I don’t think that’s right for me.
- Scripps: Scripps has a great reputation in California, but it’s a school I’m not as familiar with. A personal source told me they weren’t thrilled with the advising there, which wasn’t a positive thing to hear. I think if I had grown up visiting California more often I may be more comfortable going out there.
So that’s where I am! Still talking to tons of people, doing research, and trying to make my decision. I’m going to Washington D.C. with my family this weekend, which was a completely separate trip, but will have some school-related visits involved now.
**Another reminder to email me (fittingitallin at gmail dot com) if you want to be included on the D.C. meet up plans!**
I’d appreciate not having any mean-spirited comments about my decision or the programs, but if you’d like to share some helpful perspectives or love for certains schools or cities I’d love to hear it!
Also, feel free to leave any questions about the process so I can be sure to include answers in my more detailed post.
I could totally see you fitting it an Georgetown! My best friend went to med school there and loved it. VERY competitive but in the end totally worth it. and the reputation there you can;t beat. The town and DC has so much to offer as well!
I do love Georgetown, but I’m not sure if the program is right for me
I wish!
Congratulations on making such an amazing choice to go to med school!! I’ve entertained the thought since I’m so passionate about health, but am leaning more toward Health Psych PhD programs. I can’t wait to follow you through med school via your blog!
Go to med school Erica!! We can have a med school party!!
Lol – we’d be to busy to party
Study party? lol
If you have any questions about the med school path let me know!
I live in Charlottesville and one of my roommates is in the program and enjoys it! Sounds like she has a great community of people around her!
That’s so good to know!! I’d love to talk to her at some point…I may be there this weekend to visit again!
Ha, Andy is my roommate. If you’re in town tweet me
Maybe we can meet up to grab lunch on the mall?
Move to cville!
Congratulations! I just applied for a grad school program at UVA too (for a complete career change as well!)! I LOVE C-Ville–such a cool town. And I actually graduated from UVA’s only satellite school! It’s a great school.
we could be there together!!!
wow – that’s awesome! Do you know what kind of medicine you would like to get into?
I seriously applaud you for following your dreams and going after it. I sure wouldn’t have the same enthusiasm as you!
Thanks Chelsey!! I am a little clueless, but could see pediatrics, endocrinology, or gastroenterology!
Ahhhhh congratulations, that is so, so amazing Claire!!!
I don’t know much about your program specifically, but as far as it’s Med School, UVA is hard to beat and Charlottesville is just wonderful!
Good luck with your decision, its a good problem to have
I love love Charlottesville! Definitely persuading me!
Wow Clare congratulations, that is a massive career change! If your heart and head is in it, then you are 100% doing the right thing. Sometimes you just have to forget about how long it will take to get to where you’re going and enjoy the journey!
Thanks Ger!! My dad wants me to do med school in Ireland:)
I’m at Johns Hopkins right now doing their accelerated nursing school, and I love it! The School of Nursing and the School of Medicine don’t interact that much, but the hospital is a great asset, and Baltimore is so much better than its reputation, and I’ve been incredibly happy here. Is your program based out of the undergrad campus, or the School of Medicine? I live right near the undergrad campus, and it’s one of my favorite parts of town- there’s a great community, and a year-round farmers market that I totally love.
I’d be at the undergrad campus!
Congratulations! Good luck in choosing a school!
Thanks Emily!
My vote is Hopkins. It is the number 1 med school pretty much… I’m not biased either since I don’t even like Baltimore and that’s where I go to school (not at Hopkins, though). But those are all amazing schools. You have a lot to think about!
You don’t like Baltimore?! And I wouldn’t be at the med school, the undergrad!
Baltimore is nice! It’s easy to get around, and there’s lots of fun stuff to do, and the people are super friendly!
I second the Hopkins. My friend went to Medical School there and loved it. After many, many, many(!!!) years of school, he still never regrets it and has a fabulous job at Duke. It is #1 and Baltimore has quite a bit to offer, the least of which is the proximity to D.C!
Good luck!
Thanks! I wouldn’t be at Hopkins med, just the undergrad program to get my pre reqs
Out of curiosity because I have no clue how these things work- what is the difference between taking your classes at one of these schools and getting your pre-req’s at a community college? I know the names are more prestigious, but aren’t they the same classes? I only have experience with my own degree (CC first and then a University) which is definitely NOT a medical degree, so I am just wondering if it is different for pre-med.
It is the same classes, but you don’t have the support, advising, MCAT preparation, or prestige of these programs. It’s doable, but your chances of getting into a med school are probably higher at a program and it’s much easier logistically.
Hopkins med would be amazing! I’d be at hopkins undergrad, but still a good name!
I am so excited for you, Clare! I started medical school this year after making a career change as well. I worked for a year as a nurse then applied to medical school. Not as big of a switch as it is for you, but I am still so thrilled for you! You’ve done so much research, and you’re right, a lot of people told me – don’t go to medical school, you’re ruining your life, blah blah blah….but some people really encouraged me to do it – ultimately I had to make the decision on my own. I do not regret it one bit and I love it. E-mail me if you ever need support!
So good to hear you’re happy with your decision!!
Congratulations on all your acceptances! You have so many great choices. I can’t wait to hear what you decide. Do you know what part of the medical field you’re interested in?
Thanks Elise!! Answering that Q soon!
I guessed right! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and that’s great news! I’m a second year at georgetown med and it is tough. Make sure it’s what you really want!
You’re a smartie:) I bet Georgetown Med is awesome – I wish their post-bacc was more structured!!
Congratulations! When I got into DPT school, I had to move to a city where I knew NO ONE and didn’t meet anyone in the program until orientation the day before classes started. I was very concerned about that, but it ended up being the best decision I ever made. I think Hopkins sounds like the best choice! You may be worried about the competitiveness, but there will be people like that EVERY WHERE you go and I am sure you will find someone that you will just “click with”. I am not a city girl by any means, but I absolutely love Baltimore.
Thank you!! And good to know you like Baltimore!
I really admire your motivation. I have a teaching degree and I sometimes think about going to nursing school, but I also want to start a family and plan to stay home a few years with the babies. A nursing degree would only be two years, so much less than med school! Maybe you will motivate me and I can go part time while I’m off
Yes, if I had a family it would be different. And it will be challenging in the future, for sure. But I really want it!!!
WOW! What an ambitious decision! I have a BS in Microbiology, so prepare yourself for an intense journey, but there’s no doubt you can do it. You’re a determined lady, so you’ll be fine. How exciting to be choosing a school! I think that Johns Hopkins is an easy choice if it were me, but any school you chose will be the right choice for you!
Yes, it’s hard to pass up that Hopkin’s name, huh?
Congrats to you, Clare!! Best of luck!!
Thanks Linz!
Congrats, girl!! It’s really an exciting time for you so enjoy the process! My sister is in grad school at John Hopkins for Public Health. While obviously not the same program, I think she’s been really happy there.
Hopkins Public Health is so great! She’s on the other campus.
Congratulations. I won’t weigh in on schools because I think its a very personal decision, but I would just say that I wouldn’t take competitiveness as a factor. If you love the area and the program those are the most important things. Med school is a very competitive environment especially when you get to the end of applying to your residencies…most degrees are this way! There are always going to be the people you click with and those that you don’t, but you don’t want to be stuck in a place you hate location wise. Speaking of location, I’m sure this is a ways off, but it seems like things with you and P are pretty serious. I’m wondering, would you try to pick a med school based off of where P is, or would it not factor in? Just curious I’ve seen many long distance couples journey through med school!
Yes – I’m realizing that being in a place and environment that is as least stressful as possible is important. And P will be stationed somewhere close by hopefully!
Wow congrats, Claire!!! I had an inkling you were headed in the med school direction. I don’t know enough about the programs to help you in your decision, but I don’t see how you can go wrong with any of them!
Thanks Allie!!
I am so stoked for you!! I would love to be doing the same thing!
Can’t wait to hear about this journey. You’ll do great
Thanks Ashley!
This is HUGE! I am so excited to see your journey. I’m not at all familiar with any of the schools, but I’ve visited UVA a couple of times and think it would a great place to go to school! Best of luck, Clare!
Thanks Amanda! I agree – UVA is amazing!
Congratulations Clare–all amazing schools so I don’t think you could go wrong. I had a really nerdy, boring perception of Hopkins but now that I’m looking into programs there as well, it really seems like a wonderful place! Good luck!
Oh you’re looking there! It’d be fun to know someone:)
Bravo! Good for you. My husband got his Masters in Medical Sciences at Loyola in Chicago and he worked super hard which helped him get accepted to Loyola’s med school and now he is in his third year. The post-bacc program was highly instrumental in preparing him for the rigor of first year. Plus, he (and I) made lots of new friends! Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do great!
Good to know the post-bacc was successful!!
Congrats!! Your ambition is so inspiring, I think it’s awesome that you are pursuing this career change. I went back/continued for my DPT (doctorate physical therapy) this winter and am in a program that’s made for already practicing PTA’s so it’s only every other weekend. I finished my bach degree only a year ago and It’s definitely hard not having the support system of your classmates and instructors most days of the week. If you don’t have to work full-time and have the chance to do the more traditional route my suggestion would be to do that, but I know you’ll do great at either!
My sister lives in Arlington, Virginia and loves it there. She goes in to D.C. at times and always has fun. Driving the highways isn’t always fun there, but overall I really like it also. A friend of hers lives in Baltimore and has conflicting views on the city, she has a lot of fun there, but says she doesn’t like the city. I think it’s really dependent on where exactly you live because one street is nice and then the next is not so nice. Congrats again and can’t wait to hear more about your plans!
DC is incredible, and I’ve heard similarly conflicting things about Baltimore!
Oh and a recommendation for eating out in D.C.: Founding Farmers.
It’s ah-mah-zing! They have a great breakfast (Get the beignets! Haven’t tried their lunch, but I’ve heard it’s equally good). You will want/need to make reservations to go there though, they’re always packed.
I have heard SUCH good things about that place!!
Wow-that is awesome!! I don’t think I’d have the courage or motivation to go back after taking time off…hence the reason why I am going straight to law school this fall after I graduate in May!
I applied to both UVA & Georgetown (law) and I felt sort of the same about Georgetown..something just didn’t click. I am however in love with Cville and it’s looking like it’s veryyy likely I’ll end up there. They also offered me a great scholarship which is a big factor in my decision! Someone I spoke to at the law school went to UVA undergrad & said he loved undergrad at UVA as well
We could be there together!!
Congrats, Clare! So happy to hear that you are following your dreams. Kudos to you for following your dreams and making the changes to make that dream come true. You are very inspiring!
Thank you!!
congrats for going back to school and getting into most of them!
Thanks Kaitlin!
Congrats for going back to school! I know that is a tough decision to go through as I am looking into schools to transfer to (I am currently a junior in college). I look forward to hearing more about where you choose to go!
Good luck with your transfer!
This isn’t meant to be a rude comment, but I’d caution you to think very hard about your decision. I remember back in your retail days, you had a lot of trouble with the schedule and not having the freedom to workout, etc. that you wanted. And you’ve admitted multiple times that you really need 8-9 hours of sleep a night. Medical school/residency makes any sort of balance almost impossible. There will be stretches of weeks where you will get far less than 8 hours of sleep a night, and you will take 30 hour call (which continues when you are done with residency). I was super committed to working out in medical school, but now that i’m a resident, i have FAR less time–i’m lucky if i do a few 30 minute workouts a few times a week. I would just caution you to be careful, because based on what you’ve said in the past, it doesn’t seem to line up with your goals. I have no doubt that you’re intelligent enough to do it, but it DOES become your entire life. Also, dating a military guy while in med school was nearly impossible for me. we broke up after 6 months. With neither one of us having any flexibility, it killed the relationship.
None of this is to say that my experience is the only one, but just as a cautionary tale. I do love what I do, but I’m not 100% sure I’d go back and do it again. Thought you should hear all sides of the coin.
Hey I just want to second this. I would definitely encourage you to talk to upperclass med students (4th yrs, specifically) and residents. I’m a PGY1 (intern) now in gen surg currently on night float (yes I realize at baseline my specialty is more grueling than most). I love what I do, and I can’t imagine having chosen any other path, but honestly it is pretty awful sometimes. Even during med school it was a challenge to see my family, my boyfriend (with whom I lived at the time, we are now long distance and this is an issue unto itself), and do the things I used to like. I remember during interviews I basically didn’t go to the gym for 6mos straight. Work hour restrictions for interns now are at best moderately helpful – this really varies by field. It is true that we don’t take call, but keep in mind that it is 80h/wk restriction averaged over 4 weeks – this means there are absolutely weeks that I work over 100 hours, though my program is trying to avoid hours violations. Given that I am long distance from my fiancee, this makes things extremely challenging. I try to work out, but it is more often than not totally unattainable. Again, I find my field (in particular) to be so very rewarding, and I would never go back and do anything else – but I do try to advise premed students and people considering career switching to think carefully. This is not glamorous, you will make no money and dig yourself into piles of debt (I graduated with ~$290k, but I did take an extra year to get an MPP), your free time during residency in particular will be severely limited, and you will learn rapidly that you have no control over your schedule/life. Even as a first year med student, planning for activities beyond studying was a significant challenge for my friends and I as we adjusted to this new pace (it is NOTHING like premed/undergrad). The USMLE Step 1 is another beast that most people dont know or don’t think about. Also lest we forget how emotionally draining this is – you absolutely become attached to your patients, I bring my work home with me all the time. It is hard to get around the 32 yo with stage 4 lung ca and 2 small children…Again, like the poster above, I don’t mean to sound negative but I think people in our positions have a bit tighter grasp on the reality of this track. I truly wish you the best of luck; you will never be prepared for what is to come, but at least be aware.
4th year med student here! Just wanted to say a quick congratulations. I do agree with many of the above comments. You’re not really given much control over your schedule (example: I have a 28 hr call tomorrow), and I don’t think I know people who regularly sleep 8 hrs or work out on a daily basis. It’s a mentally and physically exhausting experience, but I’m sure everyone you have talked to has already prepared you for that. That being said, I would never choose to do anything else, and I hope you are as happy with your decision as I have been. Best of luck!
so good to hear!!:)
Hey – totally know what you mean! I have been fully prepped by many for what medical school and residency entails. it’ll be rough, but hopefully my passion and desire will get me through!
congrats girl! so proud of you for following your dreams!
Thanks Lindsay!!
AHHHH! As a nursing student- i LOVE this. You are exactly the kind person we need to be Drs! I’m so so happy for you and think this will be a wonderful decision. You’d be amazing to work with! Cannot wait to follow this journey with you!
That means so much alexa! Thank you!
Congrats! I’m sure you’ll succeed wherever you decide to go.
Thanks Miranda!
Congrats! I’m a young professional living in the Baltimore neighborhood of Canton which is near Hopkins. I absolutely love living in Baltimore! There is a huge population of younger people in the Canton, Federal Hill & Fells Point areas. There are lots of great gyms, sports leagues and awesome restaurants! I actually did my masters in engineering through JHU part time but it was at a campus in Laurel. Good luck with your decision making and feel free to email me if you have any questions about the city
That’s so good to hear!! I’ve heard Baltimore can be pretty great.
Congrats on all of your acceptances! I’m sorry that you didn’t get in to Bryn Mawr. If they weren’t able to recognize your potential, then they’re not the type of place that you want to be, anyway. Their loss! One small piece of advice that I have for you is to go to the program that is the best fit for you. It is easy to get caught up in the prestige and elite reputation of some schools, but that prestige won’t help you get into medical school if you don’t do well in the program because you aren’t happy. I’m sure you’ve been browsing the SDN PBPM forums- there is a lot of great advice there, too. Hopefully you will get a chance to visit the programs again for a second look and sit in on some classes. Based on everything you’ve written here, if I were in your shoes, I’d be leaning towards UVA
Great advice. I think I need to go where I can succeed and be happiest…. And yes doing my best to get info from the SDN forums!
Congratulations! It’s so inspiring that you’ve decided to take this huge step in your life. I can’t wait to see which school you choose!
Thanks Carly!!
Wow, this is amazing! I’ve been wondering what field/schools you were exploring, and this sounds perfect. Best of luck!
Thanks Britt!
Congratulations on the big career change, Clare! I think that’s so awesome. It’s a big commitment, but when you’re young it’s great to recognize what feels right to you and go for it! I’ve always loved Charlottesville. I used to live in Baltimore and it has some cool things like the Inner Harbor and the aquarium, but overall I did not love the city. I can’t wait to hear what you decide! May I ask what your plan is for financing your education? It might help others who are considering the same change but aren’t sure they can afford it.
Good to hear your perspective on both cities! Financing – LOANS, just like the rest of medical school. Not ideal, but generally the way med school works!
Big big BIG congrats!! I’ve lived in Canada for most of my life so I have zero advice on any of these schools haha. Can’t wait to follow your career change! I’m thinking of doing one myself in the next year (what’s with all of us BBAs wanting to change haha) and reading your experience has been inspiring.
haha i know right, tons of us deciding to change!
I have my Hons. BSc and am currently doing the three month long Princeton review for the MCAT. I am applying to med school this fall. I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into lol. It’s madness!
Good luck!! I know next year is going to be INSANE!
Congratulations, Clare! Happy for you
. If you want to talk to someone from JHU, just let me know – my college roommate did her Post-Bacc Pre-Med at Harvard and then went to JHU for Med School, so she can probably help with the atmosphere/ culture/ etc.
That’s so nice of you, Megan!! I’ve been talking to a current student in the post-bacc program that has been helpful.
Congratulations!!! I had no clue so you’re good at secrets with me! I’m in Baltimore (just up the road from Hopkins) and would LOVE to have you here!!!
Ahh that’d be so fun!
I am finishing up my undergrad in Baltimore right now (right up the road from JHU) and LOVE Baltimore!
good to hear!!!
Congratulations! I’m just a simple schoolteacher so I can’t weigh in on medical programs but I live in Baltimore and I LOVE it. Don’t be fooled by The Wire, Baltimore is amazing. Sure it’s a little bad ass but that just gives you street cred.
so ive heard!! good to hear!
This is so cool–congrats on making the leap! I’m back in school this semester as well, but just finishing a few prereqs for PT school. Hooray for health careers!
A couple of my close friends went to Wash U–one for undergrad, one currently there in OT school–and they’ve got nothin’ but love for the place. All of your options are awesome, really. Best of luck!
Wash U is a great school!! Wish the program was a little different.
I don’t have any feedback for the decisions you have to make but jsut wanted to say how happy I am for you to go after this dream.
Thank you Tina!
Congrats!!! Making a career change can be seriously scary, so so brave of you to take it head on! I’m sure where ever you end up will be the best choice for YOU
Thank you Emily!
Both my dad and sister went to Bryn Mawr for their post-bacc programs, my sister graduated in the summer of 2011. My dad did go through the program as a career change, so I was around for both of their stays. My biggest suggestion as an outsider is to find a place that does have support if that is something you know you will need. My sister is Type A to a T and the support system (especially when she had a med crisis while in school) was essential for her. I think it’s about knowing what you need.
I am thinking that’ll be important to me too!! It will be really tough, so support is key.
Hi Clare!!! I am so excited for you
This is such an exciting time and I can’t wait to hear where you decide. When I was in undergrad, I completed an Internship with the Smithsonian in DC and lived in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood just a block away from the Metro Station. That is VERY close to Georgetown, so we were in that area a lot. The school is gorgeous and I love that area!! I would move back in a heart beat!! Clearly, you can’t base your decision on where you want to live…but that location definitely has it’s perks!! I absolutely love DC in general because I felt like everyone was young, intelligent, and active. Good luck with the decision making process!!!
I do love DC!! I hope I get to spend more time there no matter what.
Hi Clare! I’m a long time reader but hardly ever comment, but I wanted to say congrats! It’s too bad you didn’t get to do an in-person interview at Scripps! Claremont is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been! I am actually moving there in June for an MPH/RD program and my boyfriend will be going to one of the Claremont colleges for his MBA! I don’t know too much about the post-bacc premed program at Scripps, but I can tell you California is amazing. I moved here from Iowa in May after getting my BS, and I absolutely love it. Claremont is like a little utopia and so close to the oceans, LA, and the mountains!! Definitely something to think about
I second that! I grew up in (and still live) in this area and love it here. There is a great little downtown area with restaurants, bars, shops, and a good farmers market every weekend. Like Emily said ^, it’s centrally located so you can get to LA, the beach, or the mountains in under an hour. It’s really a great place to live!
That whole area is BEAUTIFUL!!! I wish the advising was a little better there. It’s mostly for people that want to stay in UC schools and I don’t think that’s me, for sure.
wow, that’s incredible! congrats on all your acceptances–looking forward to reading what’s next for you!
Thank you mal!
Congrats on your new endeavor! I am curious what you are interested in doing after you finish!?
Thanks Jillian!! Answering that soon – really it’s no clue!
GET IT GURL
What a wonderful and exciting time for you! I don’t know if you have ever read Gena’s blog (www.choosingraw.com), but she is going to Georgetown for her post-bacc, and I’m sure she can share her experiences. From some of her blog posts, it seemed as though it was harder than she first realised it would be. I think the most important thing is knowing that this is what you truly want and you’re willing to make it your number one priority. Congrats again
I was going to mention Choosing Raw also! I bet she would have some great advice and insight. Best of luck!
Yes, I have been talking to Gena! Thanks!
How great! Funny story, I am in the Nurse Practitioner program at Georgetown University (finishing in 2 weeks) and I live in Charlottesville, VA! Both places are wonderful… the Georgetown community is wonderful and I have a great experience with their FNP program. Georgetown is a wonderfully challenging school and of course, its reputation is excellent. We do a lot of our simulated patient encounters in the med school and the facilites are great. I’ve lived in Charlottesville for 2 years and my husband and I love it! So much to do… hikes, wineries, downtown. A young vibe with a lot of young singles and young families. You can’t go wrong with either place!
Charlottesville seems SO amazing!
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading and following your journey through med school. Good luck with your decision.
Thanks Kathryn!
Clare – just want to leave you with a few words of encouragement and support. I am 2-ish years out of an internal medicine residency which was rather grueling – but all in all, really not *that* bad. Please don’t let the horror stories of no sleep/no exercise/no family time frighten you. I managed to work out nearly daily during all of med school and residency, slept very VERY well especially during med school, and most programs are phasing out 30+ hours of call due to duty hour restrictions. IN addition, there are multiple residencies that don’t require in-house overnight call (Psych, Path, genetics, on and on) AND multiple programs for other residencies that have more reasonable, family and lifestyle-friendly schedules. It is completely do-able, even if you are a 9 hour a night sleeper like I am
. If you have the drive and the motivation, you will be JUST FINE.
THANK YOu!! Always nice to here more positives!
How exciting! I can’t wait to see where this new path takes you. I am a bit of a career-changer myself, as I did my undergraduate work in English and psychology but now I’m pursuing a career as a dietitian.
Have you ever read the blog Choosing Raw? Gena (the author) is currently enrolled in a post-bacc pre-medical program. You might check out some of her posts to see what life will be like!
Hey! Thank you! Yes I’ve been talking to Gena – super helpful!
Congratulations! How exciting! My vote is UVA
That just may be the winner!:)
That’s exciting!!! Congrats!
Thanks Katie!
How exciting!! I am getting close to finishing third year of med school and even though it has definitely been the most challenging experience of my life, I am so proud and glad to be in the position I am in. You have probably already been told some horror stories about long call and other horrible experiences so I won’t belabor that point! My two cents are the following:
1) Getting through the challenges of preparing, MCAT, applying, and actual medical school is not something one can do without internal motivation. Nobody would be able to do this just because someone else (e.g. their parents) wanted them to! It takes a lot of digging deep and if someone doesn’t really want to be doing it, I think it would be almost impossible to find the effort. So, it sounds like you are really passionate about this choice and doing it for the right reasons – great!!
2) To actually understand how difficult times can be, one has to experience them first-hand. I was dating my now-fiance starting when he was a second year med student and I was still an undergrad. Even being THAT close to someone going through all this, I still didn’t know what I was getting myself into! So don’t let people scare you saying you don’t know what it will be like or how hard it will be – I’m pretty sure nobody can really understand until they get there. And once you’re there, you just put your nose to the grindstone and do the dang thing! The rewards are much sweeter and well worth all the effort. I hope you find the same!
Best of luck, sorry for the extremely long comment! Feel free to contact me if you have any med school questions!
So good to hear perspective from someone doing it now! Thank you!
as someone who spent 5 years at jhu (4 years undergrad 1 year mhs), I would not recommend you go to jhu. going to baltimore for a few days is a lot different than living there, especially the undergrad campus. not only that but everyone is extremely competitive at jhu and it is one of the most cutthroat schools. also just from what you portray on the blog, i don’t think you’d be a good fit. just my own opinion.
Ang – good to know. I’ve heard undergrad is more cutthroat than post-bacc, but always gotta be aware of that environment.
Good for you!! Medicine as I’m preparing to be a nurse is so intriguing every single day. It’s something that’ll never become boring.
I’d say go with what makes you the happiest not just what sounds the best. You’ll succeed where you are the happiest!
THank you!!
congratulations and good luck! Here is my two sense… work in clinical research during your time there. Find a well known PI and learn all you can from his or her research team. Yes, you will probably not be paid and you will have to do grunt work like data and statistics, but you will learn a ton. Most likely you will work for free, but a letter of recommendation from a well known investigator is invaluable. Even if you should decide not to go to med school after you finish your post bacc, there are tons of great jobs in clinical research in both industry and academia that you can use if you have a BS in a biological science or a post bac that pay very well. (especially at pharma companies or contract clinical research organizations).
Most programs require internships during the year, so I’d be all set!
Congrats Clare!! This news is SO awesome and I’m really proud of you! I can tell how smart you are just by reading the blog and KNOW you’re going to excel. Of course it will be difficult, but you will make it work for you. You’re clearly good at making the best of your situations and have already been through a lot, so I am personally so excited for you and pumped to hear all about it.
Thank you Jamie!!!
congratulations!! That’s sooo exciting and amazing you got accepted into so many schools!!
Thank you!!
hi!! first off congratulations!!! i’m very excited for you!!!
i used to go to school in baltimore and I know several people that went to John Hopkins. It is very competitive and a lot of people drop out of their programs due to the stress. my boyfriend actually works at a substance abuse rehab and they get sooooo many people from Hopkins its crazy! most likely due to the stress of attending such a competitive school. OBVIOUSLY you wouldn’t be in that situation, but it may hurt you in other ways. I would suggest UVA! first of all I really like baltimore (i’m going there in 2 weeks and i’m super excited!!) BUT virginia is just as nice! i know i don’t know you but just reading your blog i think that you would enjoy UVA much better. just my opinion. best of luck to you!!
I have heard that undergrad at hopkins is reallly competitive, but not as much in post-bacc. Definitely have to consider that though!!
Hi,
I am finishing up my post-bacc and can sympathize with your uncertainty. Just wanted to pass on a word of advice from my experience in a post-bacc program. I selected my program because it boasts a 90-100% medical school admission rate. In looking at programs, I believed that was the most important quality in my search. What I did not realize was that statistic does not portray an accurate picture of the school because it does not account for the number of students that drop out along the way. I watched the number of students in my cohort cut in half since I started here six months ago. Said differently, over half the students I started with dropped out because they found it too academically demanding and could not keep up with the pace of multiple rigorous science courses.
Just keep that in mind. Good luck.
Very helpful. I did ask that question (drop out rate) at all the interviews. But yes, I don’t want to go somewhere so miserable that I’m failing. Ahhh!
I am in my 2nd year of med school and absolutely love it! It’s been really hard at times but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If you are really passionate about this (which you definitely seem to be), you will be great! It makes all the difference learning about something that matters to you! Congrats and welcome to the world of future dr’s!
Good to hear!!
Hi there,
I just want to say I’ve been reading a long time, and well done on taking the brave step and I truly wish you all the luck possible! I am a 20 year old med student in the UK and I am just finishing up my 3rd year of medical school. It is true, it’s a lot of work but for me I really could not imagine doing anything else. There are days where I get home, barely able to keep my eyes open, but I am so passionate about it and love everything I am learning and experiencing! I have a bit over two years until I (hopefully) graduate and start working – exciting and terrifying at the same time! Enjoy it, I’m finding each year goes quicker than the last (:
xx
Thank you!!!!
I moved to Charlottesville in August 2011 to do my dietetic internship at UVA and it was the best decision I EVER made. I absolutely love Charlottesville! Plus it’s such and active, health conscious, locavore, foodie town and so much to do!
Working privately with two doctors practicing plant based nutrition has been incredible- good luck with any decision you choose!
What type of doctor do you think you want to be?
Hi Clare, I’ve been a reader for a little while, and know i am behind on commenting..but i just wanted to say congrats! I actually just graduated from hopkins undergrad last may and its a great place. Baltimore is an interesting city and its definitely a competitive atmosphere (even on the undergrad campus) but I am so thankful for my time there. I learned so much, had incredible professors and of course made great friends. I also think that if it is only for 12 months that Baltimore is a great place to be with amazing opportunities to volunteer in the community, and the med campus is obviously a great place for research, internships etc. Best of luck with everything!
Thanks!! The more I learn about the schools the better:)
congratulations!! the time you spend taking the classes you need will fly–and the next thing you know you’ll be in the midst of the application process and then the big decision about where to go to med school–continue to do what you’ve done in making this decision get lots of information and filter it–it’s a great choice!!
Congratualtions! I was scrolling through google for postbaccalaureate websites and stumbled upon your blog. I recently have been going through the admissions process and just found out I got an interview with Johns Hopkins for their Post-Baccalaureate Health Science Intensive Program for academic enhancers. I am in utter belief. Its a skype interview since I live in California. I wanted to ask you if you could help me prepare by maybe explaining a bit about how the skype interviews go and some questions that are often asked. I would be so appreciative! I look forward to reading more of your blog too.
Yes – just send me an email and I’d be happy to share my experience!
Great Blog!
I’ve been accepted into the Columbia program and am so nervous but reading that I’m not the only person out there making such a life changing decision really motivates me.