Let’s forget his stats for a moment. I think we should highly consider the fact that he’s focused, articulate and built a good support system (his wife and choices). With the way he conducted this session with Dr. Gray, it shows that he’s really able to keep a conversation and explain what he wants. Admission committees would love to talk to a person like him. Congratulations on your success!!
TLDR: 4.0, 519, first gen, former teacher, Wife’s a nurse, shadowed head of Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery, worked hard on his application, speaks well, nice guy.
More than anything, I really like his personality. He's genuine, funny, and seemingly easy to talk to. He doesn't AT ALL come across like he's nervous, putting up a front, or trying to look smart. He just feels like he's talking to a friend. I can see why he was accepted at so many schools.
I can't believe people actually are considering him privileged while he works 85+ hours in his teaching job and attending graduate school while applying to medical school. He worked hard to get where he is to call him privileged is extremely insensitive and degrades his experiences and determination. If someone's hard work and achievement is discouraging then maybe you should reevaluate your life.
Privilege is having the resources to do these things. In some ways, most not all medical students are privileged. I don’t know that this guy is, however.
Yes and no, but I'm a full time teacher who is attending a postbacc with no family in medicine so it's been really hard for me to get any good clinical and volunteering experiences. His wife gave him a starting point. Having privileges does not always mean one doesn't work hard and hasn't earned what they have. It just means having access to connections and resources that others don't. And that's okay.
This video is so motivating! I don't see many people discuss the decision to go back and pursue medical school while also having a family. As a mom of a 7 year old with a husband and just making this decision to go back and try for med school myself it is good to hear how the family side of everything was considered but wasn't a stopping barrier.
Very inspiring video. I'm applying next year ('22) so am "in process", or "still loading", as my kids would say. You and I have a lot in common as nontrads (former teacher, longtime partner and parent of young kids, unremarkable SAT scores from 15 years ago lol, navigating aspects of this during Covid) and your words have really inspired me. I'm not alone! You're someone I'd want to have coffee with to hear about your experiences now that you're underway, especially as a fellow spouse and parent because navigating the balance is something that I know won't be easy. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and many congratulations to you and your family on your success!
I really appreciate hearing Shahaan's story. It's important to showcase success stories like his, because they are absolutely inspiring. He put a ton of work, a ton of time, and a ton of energy into pursuing medicine, despite facing so many roadblocks, and I think viewers should try to glean some of his dedication from this interview and apply it to their own pre-med journey. I certainly hope I can.
As a non-trad myself, this video was actually really inspiring! I love that he took him time with the decision and got enough experience to make sure he was on the right path.
As a teacher, I love this story. I am considering career changing to medicine, so I can definitely relate to part of his story. If you're reading this, figure out what you want, then put blinders on and go get it!! Nobody is going to be a bigger supporter of your dreams than you. Nobody has a story that's identical to yours, so comparing yourself to others isn't going to work. If you're waiting for a sign, this is it. Go make it happen!!
That's me. I have been teaching for 23 years and I'm strongly leaning towards leaving the teaching profession and entering medicine. This is something that I have wanted since I was a child and it has never left me. I am currently investigating post- baccalaureate programs. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I see how he got to where he is because of how captivating he is. Even Dr. Gray put his head in his hand while listening to him. He is going to be a great doctor. He is so cool.
So inspiring!!! 🙏❤️ I’m on a non traditional path, pushed out my application on hold for family medical issues this year... but I’m still on the premed train!!
Sometimes interviews like this are discouraging, because you can’t help but compare yourself. You realize you don’t have a support system with a decent salary (nursing) to support a household, while you sit around and study and seek opportunities. We all have unique stories though, that hopefully we can share one day too! Congrats on his success! It wasn’t an easy journey. Thanks for sharing this!
@@lemonade432 Don't be so ignorant he cold-called and emailed hundreds of doctors. He was persistent and dedicated. Took a chance on himself, choosing to pursue opportunities on top of his 80-90hr work week and his children.
@@ishish8816 That's not being ignorant... what I said was a correct statement, only meant to imply that instead of feeling discouraged, it's possible to do exactly what he did. My intention was less about discrediting his achievements and more about saying other people can also "cold call and email hundreds of doctors." Because they can.
Love his story!!! His confidence in himself is so calming to me especially since I feel anxious sometimes about how long this journey would take. I firmly believe in the no plan B as well 💯 I’m excited to see more of his journey
Wow this is very inspirational. He definitely will be an amazing doctor. Life prepared him well and he is very blessed. I love hearing nontrad stories Bc it reminds me that I don’t have to put so much pressure on myself (time wise) and it’s better to not be like everyone else when applying to med school. Would love to see his journey even more. Definitely need a follow up video
A supportive family cannot be underestimated. While believing in yourself is hard, there is almost nothing that you cannot overcome if your family is your bedrock 💪💪 This man here is an excellent example of how far you can go by doing the hardwork and having a supportive family by your side.
Hi Dr.Gray, awesome video! One suggestion I have to improve your videos is to maybe include time stamps next to the topics that you are talking about to make it a little easier to navigate!
We are all inspired by Shahaan's success into medical school. Congratulations, May God bless him and his family. What post bac program did Shahaan complete? I am considering a post bac program. Thank you
If a student is not "woke" before admission to Harvard, a student will be woke by the time that they graduate. That is because without being woke, they won't graduate.
Wow... a 4.0 with a "low" 519 mcat and got a shadowing gig with head of JH neurosurgery.... No surprise he got so many schools that wanted him. Seems like a slam dunk.
I am considering going to med school very non traditional (old) and I had seen so little on this. This guy and this comment section makes me feel not so alone!
Has anyone heard Of schools reviewing your application as is even with Mcat pending? I’ve heard from one admissions counselor at a Florida school that because of Covid they expect to receive a lot of late applications and with that they are going to review your application with your score you sent in
Dr. Gray, I recently subscribed to your channel, and I’ve been glued for hours. You’ve helped so many students. Do you help on a 1 to 1 basis? I’d like to get your input on my situation and med school.
This is very helpful. Do you have any thoughts on doing post bacs through online classes? Even if students receive letter grades, would med schools perceive the grades as "inflated" if they're from online classes?
These interview questions need a lot more work instead of an informal lets have a talk style. No clue what his undergrad gpa is. No mention of which post bacc- no mention of what activities led to those 10 recc letters (something that was asked in every "single one" of his med school interviews but was not asked of in this interview)- this is an hour long incomplete story.
IDK why people are making such a big deal about getting in to medical school honestly just get in to any school , watch boards and beyond, sketchy and pathoma do anki and Uworld and you will be set for USMLE/Comlex. Ya welcome, and thank you for coming to my Ted talk.
The BIG question that was never asked or answered was, did he apply as URM or ORM? I am pretty sure, it was URM. Dr. Gray must disclose this vital information because ORM applicants shouldn’t get wrong ideas. They won’t have this much success WITH THE SAME APPLICATION. May be, one or two acceptances from mid tier schools
Yeah, but you could tell he was wanting to show off his MCAT score/Harvard acceptance. If he really wanted to help he could have showed his application/stories.
As a non-trad myself, this video was actually really inspiring! I love that he took him time with the decision and got enough experience to make sure he was on the right path.
Let’s forget his stats for a moment. I think we should highly consider the fact that he’s focused, articulate and built a good support system (his wife and choices). With the way he conducted this session with Dr. Gray, it shows that he’s really able to keep a conversation and explain what he wants. Admission committees would love to talk to a person like him. Congratulations on your success!!
I agree ☝️. His stats don’t intimidate me, but inspire me because he seems very relatable and personable. Wish him and his family the best of luck.
True. The 'stories over stats' piece hit me like - huh? then i googled him lol, and that was that.
TLDR: 4.0, 519, first gen, former teacher, Wife’s a nurse, shadowed head of Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery, worked hard on his application, speaks well, nice guy.
also ended up doing research with said neurosurgeon, worked 80-90 hours a week while in graduate school, while also raising a child
ORM too. This guy is something special.
Still received 16 invites out of 34. He is perfect but sometimes even being perfect is not enough.
All the stars aligned.
More than anything, I really like his personality. He's genuine, funny, and seemingly easy to talk to. He doesn't AT ALL come across like he's nervous, putting up a front, or trying to look smart. He just feels like he's talking to a friend. I can see why he was accepted at so many schools.
I can't believe people actually are considering him privileged while he works 85+ hours in his teaching job and attending graduate school while applying to medical school. He worked hard to get where he is to call him privileged is extremely insensitive and degrades his experiences and determination. If someone's hard work and achievement is discouraging then maybe you should reevaluate your life.
apparently hard working = privileged for a lot of people. the pre-med community can be harsh sometimes 😭
Privilege is having the resources to do these things. In some ways, most not all medical students are privileged. I don’t know that this guy is, however.
Yes and no, but I'm a full time teacher who is attending a postbacc with no family in medicine so it's been really hard for me to get any good clinical and volunteering experiences. His wife gave him a starting point. Having privileges does not always mean one doesn't work hard and hasn't earned what they have. It just means having access to connections and resources that others don't. And that's okay.
@@breynoso19 that's just life sometimes. I agree with your comment.
I loved the fact that he called his "failures" for setbacks. Changed my perspective on so many things in my own journey.
As a mom and nontrad - how he did this is so inspirational. Def lights a fire in me to stay on the train!
This video is so motivating! I don't see many people discuss the decision to go back and pursue medical school while also having a family. As a mom of a 7 year old with a husband and just making this decision to go back and try for med school myself it is good to hear how the family side of everything was considered but wasn't a stopping barrier.
Very inspiring video. I'm applying next year ('22) so am "in process", or "still loading", as my kids would say. You and I have a lot in common as nontrads (former teacher, longtime partner and parent of young kids, unremarkable SAT scores from 15 years ago lol, navigating aspects of this during Covid) and your words have really inspired me. I'm not alone! You're someone I'd want to have coffee with to hear about your experiences now that you're underway, especially as a fellow spouse and parent because navigating the balance is something that I know won't be easy. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and many congratulations to you and your family on your success!
I really appreciate hearing Shahaan's story. It's important to showcase success stories like his, because they are absolutely inspiring. He put a ton of work, a ton of time, and a ton of energy into pursuing medicine, despite facing so many roadblocks, and I think viewers should try to glean some of his dedication from this interview and apply it to their own pre-med journey. I certainly hope I can.
I really like this guy. Best of luck to him.
You really like him? You don't know him.
As a non-trad myself, this video was actually really inspiring! I love that he took him time with the decision and got enough experience to make sure he was on the right path.
Its gr8 to see a fellow 1st gen do well like this and kill the myth that urms only get in because of that label. kudos to him.
As a teacher, I love this story. I am considering career changing to medicine, so I can definitely relate to part of his story. If you're reading this, figure out what you want, then put blinders on and go get it!! Nobody is going to be a bigger supporter of your dreams than you. Nobody has a story that's identical to yours, so comparing yourself to others isn't going to work. If you're waiting for a sign, this is it. Go make it happen!!
Awesome response! 👍
absolutely! Shout out to Mr. Razak!!!!!! Best teacher ever. We miss you, do it for south BMORE!
th-cam.com/video/AVGRVc3D9XM/w-d-xo.html
That's me. I have been teaching for 23 years and I'm strongly leaning towards leaving the teaching profession and entering medicine. This is something that I have wanted since I was a child and it has never left me. I am currently investigating post- baccalaureate programs. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
@@anthonyd5643 not a teacher but a tutor here...yes, the dream of a becoming a doctor has not ever left me...
@@eightfigs3508 please pursue it. I hope you are. I am now pre-med and can't wait for prerequisites to start.
I see how he got to where he is because of how captivating he is. Even Dr. Gray put his head in his hand while listening to him. He is going to be a great doctor. He is so cool.
SUCH AN AWESOME, INSPIRING STORY! GREAT WORK AND THANK YOU FOR HELPING FUTURE MD'S
Wow, he is so well spoken and really knows what he wants to do! I can see how this may have translated to the interviews!
So inspiring!!! 🙏❤️ I’m on a non traditional path, pushed out my application on hold for family medical issues this year... but I’m still on the premed train!!
Sometimes interviews like this are discouraging, because you can’t help but compare yourself. You realize you don’t have a support system with a decent salary (nursing) to support a household, while you sit around and study and seek opportunities. We all have unique stories though, that hopefully we can share one day too! Congrats on his success! It wasn’t an easy journey. Thanks for sharing this!
@Aristotle 384 BC did you even hear how he got that experience?
@Aristotle 384 BC He didn't know him personally. He just googled him and sent out an email. Anyone could have done that.
@@lemonade432 Don't be so ignorant he cold-called and emailed hundreds of doctors. He was persistent and dedicated. Took a chance on himself, choosing to pursue opportunities on top of his 80-90hr work week and his children.
@@ishish8816 That's not being ignorant... what I said was a correct statement, only meant to imply that instead of feeling discouraged, it's possible to do exactly what he did. My intention was less about discrediting his achievements and more about saying other people can also "cold call and email hundreds of doctors." Because they can.
Very wise, focused, and humble future MD. I’m inspired as another non trad!
Love his story!!! His confidence in himself is so calming to me especially since I feel anxious sometimes about how long this journey would take. I firmly believe in the no plan B as well 💯 I’m excited to see more of his journey
Being a non-traditional student seeking to go to medical school as well, I am currently restarting my schooling career and this is inspiring.
Good luck 👍🏻
Met this chap in 2005, good kid, congratulations!
Wow this is very inspirational. He definitely will be an amazing doctor. Life prepared him well and he is very blessed. I love hearing nontrad stories Bc it reminds me that I don’t have to put so much pressure on myself (time wise) and it’s better to not be like everyone else when applying to med school. Would love to see his journey even more. Definitely need a follow up video
Wow what a great and inspiring cycle for him! Congrats!
A supportive family cannot be underestimated. While believing in yourself is hard, there is almost nothing that you cannot overcome if your family is your bedrock 💪💪 This man here is an excellent example of how far you can go by doing the hardwork and having a supportive family by your side.
Holy shit that's an insane number of acceptances. Going to 21 interviews and paying for 40 apps must have cost a ton! Props to him though!
Especially since he was talking about financial difficulties, I'm rather awed with how "all in" he went on those.
I need Shahaan to drop everything and make a TH-cam channel rn PLEASE!!!
Hi Dr.Gray, awesome video! One suggestion I have to improve your videos is to maybe include time stamps next to the topics that you are talking about to make it a little easier to navigate!
He’s solid! I didn’t need to see his stats to know he was med school bound.
Inspirational Story. Kudos to your life partner for understanding and supporting you. Good luck on your medical journey.
We are all inspired by Shahaan's success into medical school. Congratulations, May God bless him and his family. What post bac program did Shahaan complete? I am considering a post bac program. Thank you
Can you include him on a mission accepted/application review video? That would be so much more helpful
I feel so so related to this dude in every way, until he mentioned hes goin to Harvard.
@Kevin Prima okurrrr
If a student is not "woke" before admission to Harvard, a student will be woke by the time that they graduate. That is because without being woke, they won't graduate.
Same I kinda rolled my eyes when he said Harvard because everyone that comes out of there is pretentious and snobby.
@@george5120 cringe
Lmao
did he say 3 kids??? how is he doing this!
superwife
Lol
dude...legend
edit: HARVARD!!!! why am I crying???
SAME
Very articulate young man. Good luck to you!
He's an incredible guy. Congratulations to you and wish you all the best of luck.
Wow... a 4.0 with a "low" 519 mcat and got a shadowing gig with head of JH neurosurgery.... No surprise he got so many schools that wanted him. Seems like a slam dunk.
I am considering going to med school very non traditional (old) and I had seen so little on this. This guy and this comment section makes me feel not so alone!
This guy is a king and every pre med should aspire to be somewhat like him
needed to hear this today - a struggling postbacc
I wish they would’ve talked more about his application, extra curriculars, etc
Can I go to medical school in my early 60s?
This was really inspiring :) thanks for sharing
Fantastic interview!!
This was definitely inspiring. Congratulations, Shahaan.
Great story! You're making your dreams come true.
I don’t know if it’s possible but is there a way to get an episode on MD/JD
23 and have decided to become a doctor cant wait to come back to this comment in 10 years or so.
Good luck on your future endeavors
Hows it coming along?
You got this !
@@JD-mp6dp school, volunteering in the ambulance corps, and volunteering in the emergency department of a local hospital
And how’s it going now? 😊
Has anyone heard Of schools reviewing your application as is even with Mcat pending?
I’ve heard from one admissions counselor at a Florida school that because of Covid they expect to receive a lot of late applications and with that they are going to review your application with your score you sent in
ive heard of this. i also heard some schools not looking at mcat scores (if u dnt have one) and interviews being virtual this cycle.
Difference between people accepted and not feel like whether or not they are an adult and confident or a child still (even if 20) and not confident
Where did you do your PostBac?
Bryn Mawr College
What a great story thx so much for sharing
Dr. Gray, I recently subscribed to your channel, and I’ve been glued for hours. You’ve helped so many students. Do you help on a 1 to 1 basis? I’d like to get your input on my situation and med school.
So awesome! I cannot wait to attend med school!
This is very helpful. Do you have any thoughts on doing post bacs through online classes? Even if students receive letter grades, would med schools perceive the grades as "inflated" if they're from online classes?
These interview questions need a lot more work instead of an informal lets have a talk style. No clue what his undergrad gpa is. No mention of which post bacc- no mention of what activities led to those 10 recc letters (something that was asked in every "single one" of his med school interviews but was not asked of in this interview)- this is an hour long incomplete story.
How late did he submit his mcat score?
he's awesome
Shahaan, are you Trinidadian or Guyanese?
He is probably Bangladeshi.
he's guyanese (just followed him on IG)
@@rosegold.sunset4749 whats his IG username
Couldn’t find his IG
what did he major in at college??
are you guyanese? out here givin me hope. ur fam must be legit in shock
Truth. My mom would probably pass out lol
Congrats! :)
IDK why people are making such a big deal about getting in to medical school honestly just get in to any school , watch boards and beyond, sketchy and pathoma do anki and Uworld and you will be set for USMLE/Comlex. Ya welcome, and thank you for coming to my Ted talk.
Dr, Gray, what's your email? I would like some advice on my personal situation. Thank you!
Gator alumni? Im a hurricane! Love that
This is going to be me another caribe in medicine
A model applicant for sure. Wow.
Wow Harvard medical school.
22:59 are we going to ignore the obvious here? C'mon...
lol - he did say other than numbers
Question is why he’s not accepted at every school he applied to 😂
💚🧡💚🧡
The BIG question that was never asked or answered was, did he apply as URM or ORM? I am pretty sure, it was URM. Dr. Gray must disclose this vital information because ORM applicants shouldn’t get wrong ideas. They won’t have this much success WITH THE SAME APPLICATION. May be, one or two acceptances from mid tier schools
99% of us can’t relate lol
Best financial decision for school but Harvard? Someone explain 😅
Probably got free ride!
i don't know . there are so many good qualified application getting rejected because of their race and religion
firsttt
This guy comes off a bit cocky.
I don't blame him lol. Most people would be cocky if they had this application.
Yeah, but you could tell he was wanting to show off his MCAT score/Harvard acceptance. If he really wanted to help he could have showed his application/stories.
@@nickwood2578 Yeah that's true. This isn't really helpful for others. It's more about showing off his accomplishments lol.
@@nickwood2578 they don't normally show the actual application in these series.
He seemed very humble and genuine to me...
As a non-trad myself, this video was actually really inspiring! I love that he took him time with the decision and got enough experience to make sure he was on the right path.