Kimberly

1) Name (fake or real)

Kimberly

2) Age (real age please)

26

3) What's your sign? (curious and contemplating, pre-med, med-student, resident, fellow, god)

med student

4) Briefly describe your career and or academic history. Including your pre-doctor life (if applicable) and bouts of time in between school. What makes you non-trad?

Went to college directly out of high school, was accepted into a joint program between my school and a local medical school. Was on track for the program until the end of my junior year (was required to take the MCAT and score a 24, scored a 20), dropped out of the program. Graduated....studied for the MCAT and took some graduate science classes at a local school. HATED IT. Scored a 20 on the MCAT again. Got frustrated with life, applied to an MPH program and moved to FL. Loved my program, studied for the MCAT AGAIN, went to Ecuador...got scores back... 19. Decided to apply to Caribbean schools...got accepted to Ross University SOM and started January of this year!

5) What propelled you to switch into the medical field?

I've always been interested in medicine...I just took the excruciating route to finally get here.

6) Family status... married? children? how old are they?

Single, no kids!

7) What's your experience with the MCAT? If you are a successful applicant will you share your academic stats and application highlights?

3 times is NOT the charm. Looking back, I did not have the correct study habits for the MCAT...I was used to just knowing things by going over it a few times. It wasn't until I got to med school that I finally understood that I had to put in some serious effort. Wish I had understood that back then.

8) Biggest hurdle getting to med school

SO MANY!!! MCAT scores and finances probably top my list.

9) Are you going MD or DO? Why?

Definately MD. No other reason other than I always practiced writing my name Kimberly, MD, MPH. It looks amazing! :)

10) Best advice to other pre-meds (non-trad or not)?

Don't underestimate yourself. Even if you are not a great test taker, limited on funds...whatever, if you are dedicated and truly want this...there is a way. Also, don't turn your nose down to Carribean schools (like I did at first). The Big 4 (SGU, Ross, AUC, Saba) offer you the opportunity to let your dreams come true.

11) Anything else you'd like to say... or something cool about your story you'd like to share?