My Nontraditional journey to Medicine: How I Got into Med School with Low GPA and Low MCAT

#nontraditionalstudent #lowmcat #premed
Hey everyone! In this video, I share my non traditional journey to medicine. Not only do we take a look at parts of my AMCAS application, but I discuss undergrad grades, multiple MCAT attempts, applying to med school twice, the importance of support systems and more!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Lets chat! What challenges have you faced on your med school journey?

[@RisingSuccess24]

Trying to decide if I should a a post bac or a masters

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

@@RisingSuccess24 Well i can share why i chose masters- its a formal established program, where they usually have their own premed advisors, &faculty interested in your career development. These programs also have other opportunities toward your career development (ie my program gave us mentors who were med students, we were able to join in on med school faculty lectures hosted by med student orgs, shared opportunities with us in regards to research and volunteer, MCAT courses, etc). I needed that structured environment

[@faithfolakee]

I want to apply for premed as an international student but I really don’t know how to I’m done with my undergrad tho. Any help?😔🥺

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

@@faithfolakee unfortunately I’m not sure but would recommend reaching out to your undergrad to ask advisors or even looking up eligibility requirements of post bacc/smp programs

[@bentleyweddings1972]

God bless you.

[@rayanibrahim9609]

It's so refreshing to see a success story from someone who actually struggled with the journey to med. It's been rough for me so far but I'm hopeful !!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

There’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel! I’m rooting for ya!

[@tahirtaylor6626]

Thank you so much because I was about to give up honestly. I couldn’t get it together and my parents were like you got this and I believe you. So to physically see someone go through the struggle and still get into medical school and is a women of color is a plus

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

I’m so glad that this video was motivating ! There were definitely multiple times where I felt like giving up, but I let those feelings be temporary! I’m also glad to hear you have supportive parents because support is everything! Wishing you the best of luck in your journey!

[@bosspoisetv3269]

Girl, you are the best for being so open and transparent about your journey, and even better for not giving up! This was definitely motivating. Videos like this help me (as an undergrad Junior) to continue getting things in order and preparing myself early. Thank you!

[@aliceladeia9058]

Thank you for share your pathway! It will helps a lot! 😍

[@arilondon6272]

I am so grateful to hear your journey. I have been searching and searching for any hopeful video with a non traditional route such as this just to tell myself I can still do this. I have been telling myself I’m blind to believe I can still be a doctor with my non perfect grades. I am trying my hardest and my will is strong. But I was starting to believe even having the will was ignorant. Thank you for sharing your story and for anyone else out there that needs to hear it you can do it. Most quit and never keep trying. And stay off of student doctor network and Reddit lol

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Omg so glad you feel hopeful after hearing my story!! Keep persevering 😃 also I def agree people need to stay off of sdn and Reddit. It has only ever stressed me out!

[@JM-pp5ji]

Your Mom... priceless! That support is so critical to success.

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Haha yep she’s so amazing !

[@lakeithapatterson4848]

I know that this post is from 3yrs ago. It was refreshing to hear a story like yours and to see that there is still hope. I am stuck and don't have any idea what to do. My journey seem so much worse...lol! I am in desperate need of help and guidance.

[@jessicarivera4302]

YESSSS! Anthro major here! I freaking loved it and would not change it if I could go back. Thanks for the video!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Omg yay! Anthro is so awesome. Glad you enjoyed the vid, thanks for watching!

[@evangelinagarcia5751]

I throughly enjoyed this video. Lots of great advice. Thank you so much ❤

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

I’m so glad to hear that 💕 thanks for tuning in and for the positive feedback!

[@crystaljspeaks]

Thank you for posting this video. Really helped me🙏🏽💖

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

You’re welcome! I’m happy that it helped!

[@ashleycalderon6550]

Currently in my junior year of my undergrad at uc Berkeley. Currently my gpa is lower compared to my pre med peers but I’m so grateful i found this video because it just makes me even determine to change my narrative and to not give up. Wishing you a fruitful and amazing career. Thank you for your motivation!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Love that the video was motivating!! Thank you for watching ☺️Wishing you the best in your journey.

[@squirtlesquad2477]

Hey Ashley! I’m also at Berkeley and my gpa is meh… I recommend joining the Biology Scholars Program for support and a great community!

[@ashleycalderon6550]

@@squirtlesquad2477 oh wow we should connect! What are the odds we found the same text on KZbin!

[@squirtlesquad2477]

@@ashleycalderon6550 lol, ig we have a lot of the same concerns but it looks like we’re in good company. Do you know of a way to get in contact without putting my info online? It’d be nice to connect!

[@MATTicall]

Well this really is nice to hear for a change. I’m so used to hearing I won’t get in if I don’t stay above a 3.5 and it just makes me stress more. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Glad that this video makes you feel less stressed! Its definitely possibleee!

[@jaimecca6259]

Wow I love how your mom supported you!!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Aww thank you! She really is my rock!

[@dasjahbrown5018]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@patriagatson2244]

Thank you thank you thank you for your transparency

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

So glad it was helpful to you!

[@sheeliekittie9298]

So happy to find your channel!!! I'm 39 and a background in education. No experience with science and math :( I hope it's not too late to still apply and be a doctor!

[@emilyromo4830]

Hey girl! How’s the journey for you going? I’m about to be 32 and I’m thinking about applying next year. I’ve been on the journey, but it’s tough. I have a family and it’s tough to keep it going.

[@fatimahalashoor4797]

Omg I came here to see if there’s older people applying to med school 😢 I need motivation

[@NFed97]

Loved your video and hearing about your story! I just finished the MSP3 program literally yesterday, and I agree it was life-changing! I was curious about whether you talked about the program/how you overcame the lower GPA in your primary or secondary apps, or did you let your grades speak for themselves? Thank you for sharing your journey :)

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad you enjoyed it! It was addressed as one or two sentences in my personal statement and when fitting, I would talk about it in secondary apps. Hope that helps!

[@godisgood7334]

Great video, thank you.

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

No problem ! ☺️

[@taylamckenzie4221]

Thank you for the non-traditional perspective! As someone looking for a stronger support system for the journey, I was wondering how did you find your pre-health advisor and medical school mentors? Were you introduced to them throughout your undergraduate studies?

[@annoyingvegan98]

wow a 4.0 in an SMP is impressive! this is inspiring

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Lol thank you I definitely studied really hard. Glad it was inspiring 😊 and thanks for watching!

[@ac0506]

aww you mom is awesome

[@onebraincellleft2563]

thank you for the video!! it was helpful to hear how you did it :)

[@conordawson2649]

I live in Maine and there is only one Medical School here. Do I have a chance of getting in to one from a different state? I resonate with your story so much

[@osirusj275]

first time i see a non traditional route, good job btw^^. However i am a bit confused, it would be nice to have like age timeline of when you apply which of each, so you get accepted is due to which factor? i dint catch it in the video...

[@bvy21]

thank you for this video! currently a struggling sophomore at the university of southern california and my science gpa really worries me, but this gives me so much encouragement 💗 i was thinking of doing a postbac, but was also wondering what the specific name of the master’s program at USF was?

[@MrYendor28]

I hope this comment isn't too late. I've been doing some research and it looks like Biomedical Science is the program. A lot of grad schools have the program and from what I've read, the programs mimic the first two years of med school. The curriculum seems to be tailor made for people who didn't get into med school after undergrad.

[@iluhyuhswag]

Thank you for this video!! I am trying to apply this upcoming cycle but do not want to do a masters degree because of the cost. It sounds like a great program though I am going to check it out. Do you remember what stood out about your application to interviewers? During your gap years besides the masters program what else did you do to improve your application?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Shadowing, global mission trip, continued leadership & scribing, and this time I had letter of recs from doctors

[@ItsBreiania]

Hey thanks for sharing your journey do you think I should change from nursing to pre med i need some advice im in my junior year

[@hathorhathor1220]

Hey! Thanks for all the really great advice. I have a few questions: What did you type of program did you Master in?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Masters of science in medical sciences aka msp3 program

[@JulieKatherineCho]

Thank-you so much for posting this video! Just wondering, do you mind posting the name of your accelerated 1 year master's program? Also do you mind posting the list of med schools you applied to that took a holistic approach and weren't as heavily focused on undergrad GPA and MCAT? Really appreciate your journey and gives me the determination to keep going!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Usf masters of science . I think the list of programs using a holistic approach has drastically increased since I applied to Med school so maybe just starting with looking at programs in your state & then nearby states. Good luck on your journey!! ☺️

[@KevinSeidel-fu2sp]

So where did you go to Med School? I don't see that on your videos. Are you currently practicing? Are you Board Certified?

[@atiaanw30]

Hi! Do you mind sharing how you paid for the masters program?

[@JonYodice]

u should do a video on cornstarch and pica

[@nadineahmed1249]

How didyou manage your finances? I heard the science masters programs are insanely expensive

[@queen4396]

Thank you for sharing your story, I am currently in the process of trying to find an SMP. What did you get your masters in?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Masters of science in medical sciences at usf

[@marismalandro]

Hi! I’m going back to undergrad to get my Bachelors & then plan to pursue med school. I was really interested in your experience as a med student with an anthropology degree. I haven’t found any other med students who chose to go that route. Would you recommend anyone who is interested in med school to get their bachelors in anthropology? What field of anthropology did you major in? Biological (that’s the one I was considering), cultural, linguistics, or archeology? (I’m assuming not the last one)

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Hi! It was Biological Anthropology. Ive met quite a few doctors who were anthro majors. For me, it was the best decision because that major made me interested in becoming a doctor. Additionally, its such a fun major- the topics we learn are so cool! If you're thinking about it, I'd def recommend it.

[@michellenivar3873]

Hey! I was wondering, how did you fund your SMP program? I just got into 2 and am not sure how to work it out financially

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

I took out loans 🙁

[@eatyourfriedrice]

omg I went to Brooklyn tech too!!!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

oh thats awesome! Its a great school and has huge alumni network =)

[@Arianalashae]

I’m in my second year of undergrad pre med and I was wondering how is the MCAT scored and tips to study it?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Below are a few resources where you can learn about the MCAT including scoring system. Everyone studies for it differently. I used Kaplan and Princeton rvw (I saw no difference between the two) I like having guided structure when studying which they provided. My biggest tip is giving yourself ample study time in which you have no distractions and using practice tests to work on your weak areas. Links: students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/taking-mcat-exam www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/articles/what-is-the-mcat-test-like-and-how-do-you-prepare-for-it www.princetonreview.com/medical/mcat-information

[@qmccall0328]

What Master's Program at SF?

[@teet3888]

Do you have any tips on paying for the living expenses that come with relocating for a masters (like what types of loans)?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

I really on did loans from the government.

[@richellebedford]

Hey! Needed this story. I am currently going through something similar. May I ask what was the name of the program at the University of South Florida? or what did you get your masters in?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Masters of science in medical sciences

[@amariahrobertson1734]

what college did you go to ?

[@caitlynjohnson2885]

What's the name of the master's program? Loved this video!

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Masters of science in medical sciences aka msp3 program

[@kristinarudio7533]

do you by chances remember which schools looked at applicants holistically?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

I do not and since I applied so many years ago, many programs have changed the way they reviewed applicants with more stating they review holistically. I would suggest getting an MSAR subscription via AAMC website which gives an in depth review of different med schools, including class breakdown, etc!

[@maheshshah7570]

@@TheRealSkinImInMD thanks

[@mrs.martinez3676]

What was your masters program at USF called??

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Masters in medical sciences aka MSP3 program

[@jessicavillalobos9914]

what was the name of the master - you/ she took ?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

The name of the program was masters of science in medical sciences and its also know as the msp3 program.

[@pearlpoint2352]

How long was ur shadowing experience? Like how long did u shadow the OB/GYN? and neurologist?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Several months at a time, about 3-4 months each

[@ChelseaClarkson_]

What was the name of the masters program you attended?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Hey! The name of the program was masters of science in medical sciences and its also know as the msp3 program.

[@ChelseaClarkson_]

@@TheRealSkinImInMD Thank you! What was the name of the school if I may ask?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

@@ChelseaClarkson_ i don’t Mind but Around 7:50 I discussed the name of the program, location, and what my experience was like 😊

[@jewellglanton5438]

Go Bulls

[@javariamanzoorahmad6582]

Can you also guide international students to get admission in MD

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Hi! I only share tips on topics I’m knowledgeable about. At this moment in time, I am unable to provide specific tips on international students getting into Med school. I will try to obtain a guest speaker (s) who can shed more light on the topic.

[@nataliesalazar4108]

What was the name of the masters?

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Masters of science in medical sciences

[@glencampbell7702]

"Health disparities" What health disparities?? Context...please!

[@izzyoconnell6115]

Health disparities means the difference (disparity) between treatment people get and health outcomes. For example black woman have higher rates of health crisis in pregnancy than white women

[@glencampbell7702]

Like being assaulted by dey baby daddy n sheeeiitt

[@maheshshah7570]

Please do guide me, I am from India, I am 50 ,I am also very much interested in medicine, thanks

[@mrmissextraordinairefeb2016]

Unfortunately, she will pay the price with her debt. I hope she was able to reduce her debt in some way. If so, when she graduates I would focus on the debt or join PHS. Hope this info helps.

[@jason.orbita]

If that’s all you worry about. Then being a physician isn’t for you.

[@JonYodice]

shiiiet what is I supposed to be doin’ wit all dem sciences and shiiiieeett

[@SBchicadebaile]

All these videos are the same “ how I got in with a low GPA!” * I really didn’t , I Redeemed myself with a special masters program and got a 4.0* … that’s false advertisement . I only ran across a few people who said yea my GPA was low but this is what the rest of my application looked like. I know friends who have gotten into med school with a 3.0 GPA. Videos like these try to be extra when really it’s the same ish

[@TheRealSkinImInMD]

Thanks for watching! ☺️

[@SBchicadebaile]

@@TheRealSkinImInMD I didn’t watch it I fast forwarded it . Stop clit baiting

[@tahirtaylor6626]

At the end of the day she did it regardless. Her struggle is her own struggle. She buckled down and got it done. People like her I’ll be glad to be my doctor because at least I know she wouldn’t give up on me like she didn’t give up on herself.

[@SBchicadebaile]

@@tahirtaylor6626 I’m not knocking her for doing what she needed to do. I’m just saying folk need to stop with the click baiting

[@tasianarjes2909]

@@SBchicadebaile It isn't really click bait though. Many people think when there is a low GPA anywhere on their application then this will cause them to not get in. This person did have a low GPA and to fix this and overcome this she got an SMP. Not clickbait just showing that there is still a chance to get in. You have to put in the work.