An actual normal person sankey lol (Lots of yapping btw)
I'm a lot less happy than I figured I'd be but oh well.
More info:
CA URM
2 gap years, 2 cycles (2 IIs, 1 WL,->R first cycle)
At the time of applying the second time:
3.6 cgpa/sgpa
509 mcat (127/126/129/127)
100 hours in clinical volunteering
1000 hours in paid clinical work
1000 hours in research (across 2 labs, 3 years - added as a contributor to a publication midway into 2nd cycle)
700 hours in leadership/ social justice activism
100 hours in non clinical volunteering
My application discussed a lot of my personal and familial life struggles and how they all tie back to healthcare disparities and stigmas alongside some social justice issues.
Some advice and things I've learned:
- For those of us who have been through some truly traumatic or painful things in life (like near death experiences or difficult family situations) don't try to sanitize your story. I wasn't sure how my life was going to be received the first time around so I tried to paint a rosier, more "normal" picture and it ended up hurting me. Don't do that but don't tell a sob story either - just be honest about what've you been through and what you've taken away from it. Doubly so with secondaries.
- Look at the camera not your screen when interviewing... though maybe I suck at using zoom as the only place that gave me a proper acceptance was my only irl interview lol...
- Good writing is probably the most important thing for a successful application. Refer to good personal statement examples online frequently when drafting one.
- FOR THE LOVE OF GOD - ASK FOR HELP WHEN MAKING SCHOOL LISTS - I really regret not thinking to ask for advice making my own. Ended up making a lot of silly assumptions as a result.
- Knowing how and when to stand up for yourself and know when something isn't worth your time and energy is a must. Having boundaries with friends and family as well. I wasted a lot of time on people who didn't add much to at all to my life (both professionally and personally).
- Loneliness is a much bigger issue than many of us realize. I'd say the biggest reason why I didn't do better in undergrad (aside from not having an ADHD diagnosis and glasses) was because of how lonely I felt (commuter school, changed majors, covid during freshman year). It really just destroyed my motivation and drive for so long. I didn't want to spend much time with other premeds as I didn't want to feel anymore insecure than I already was. Looking back, I think that might've been a mistake but regardless I know moving forward I'm really going to try to make an effort to have more friends
- So much about applying to medical school in the U.S. is ridiculous. So much of this involves timing, connections, money, and lots of luck in one way or another.
- This sub has done absolutely awful things to my mental health and self worth. Yes, I'm in therapy.
All in all, I'm just happy its over. I'm not feeling particularly proud though (comparison is the thief of joy). Just trying to look forward to a very different and hopefully more positive next four years.