Loved this video. I had to take the MCAT three times. Voided the first time, did terrible the second time, crushed the third time. Currently in my first year of med school. DONT GIVE UP.
@@junebug8241 You just have to go in and ATTACK it. It's challenging but try to train your brain to enjoy how challenging this exam is because med school isn't really any easier lol good luck YOU GOT THIS!!!
Thank you for this amazing video. I have struggled with college and grades so much it caused me so much anxiety. Each semester my GPA was falling lower, and as someone who wanted to apply to nursing school, I felt dumb compared to my peers, and also knew that I would be judged heavily based on this number. I wouldn't make friends or join groups because I was fearful that people would learn about my low grades (I had a 2.2 GPA at my lowest). TH-camrs like you really inspire me to stay motivated and work hard! I'm so thankful that you shared this video and showed how your hard work paid off. This is my last week of the semester and for the first time ever I will have a semester GPA of 4.0(fingers crossed, 2 exams to go...)!!!! As im typing this im still in disbelief. Sharing your journey has definitely influenced me to be a better version of myself, I am eternally gratefull. (ps thank you for reading this small novel, but I mean everything from my heart) If anyone reading this is struggling with school, please know that it does not define you. Take care of yourself first, but actively take the steps you are capable of towards your future. Find what you love and when you do nothing is impossible when you are passionate about what you do, Dr. Jaime has definitely thought us that!
Wow thank you so much. ... I've struggled so much for the last two years. I just finished my entrance exam yesterday and it went way better than any exam I've done. I' have faith and know it'll pay off
Similar story here, minus the transferring. I finished my freshman year of college with a 3.0 cGPA and less than a 3.0 sGPA. My chemistry professor then told me I would never get into medical school with the way I performed in his class (a C in both gen. Chem. 1/2). I was worried for a solid month before I decided to take a course over the summer. Because I'm at a religious liberal arts school, I enrolled in Theo. 100. The professor was an amazing person who both listened and encouraged me. I got an A in his class and finally realized that I could do well in school, especially if I could take a class that was condensed over the summer and still do well. Since then, my lowest cGPA has been a 3.6 and I have gotten 4, 4.0 semesters in a row. Now, I have to finish one more course this summer to get my Biology degree. I also studied for the MCAT, took the MCAT, and applied to medical school last summer. Though I did poor on the MCAT by many people's standards, I was able to get a few interviews for medical school. Unfortunately, I didn't get in. It originally discouraged me greatly, but I am approaching the MCAT and the application process the same way I did my grades nearly 4 years ago. Don't let a bad semester, year, or the words of a negative person slow you down... Use those people as extra fuel for your journey. I know I'm not stopping until its M. K., MD.
601geminijets I do have a question though , If you fail a class as a premed student and retake the class for better grades , can that affect you getting into med school ?.
Brenda Nkem No it won’t. They may ask you in the interview, but everyone struggles. If you retake and not give and succeed that shows you have what it takes. Do you think as a med student or even Doctor you won’t go through hard times? Perseverance looks better
That 20 application and 1 acceptance really resonated with me. I am a DPT student, and I applied to 16 schools, got interview at 2, accepted at 1. I start the program next month and I feel like a fraud going in almost. I just feel like everyone else is smarter, works harder, just more. I remember feeling so small during the interview since so many of the students were talking about '"yeah this school is my preferred school" and I'm just there thinking... this is my only choice. But you're right. You only need one medical school. I'm gonna repeat that to myself over and over. haha
@@naruto936bleach Thank you! *cyber hug* i think i'll feel better once someone nerds out on anime with me in my class. So far, I have not found anyone with interests outside of academics and fitness yet. just nerding out cuz of your username hahaha
Thank you for giving us this realistic point of view about going to med school because usually i hear people saying i have 4.0 gpa with all science classes and 3 years of experience shadowing and research awards and it makes the dream of med school even more harder for people like me with a non traditional path willing to apply to med school you gave me HOPE ❤❤❤ thank you !!
You rocked it Jamie!! I'm non-traditional and just graduated with my DO a week ago :) 3.5 in undergrad, worked in R&D x1yr, went to grad school x2yr, worked in clinical lab x5yr, took the old MCAT and got a 28 which I was okay with since I had taken physics & Ochem almost 10yrs earlier at that point! Got one interview + one acceptance, did well in med school & on boards and even enjoyed myself a little! Starting internal medicine residency in a couple weeks. I encourage anybody who thinks they might not be a strong candidate for whatever reason to apply to DO schools too, especially if you want to do primary care. MDs & DOs officially share all of the same residency spots now, so the differences are smaller than ever.
Thank you for this. Over here in Taiwan where med school is undergrad-entry, getting accepted is extremely competitive. I didn’t get in the first time around so I tried eight times over five years to make my dream of becoming a rheumatologist a reality...while going through occupational therapy school. I got in this year. If you’re wondering if you’re good enough and if you’ll get that MD...you are and you will. Just stick with it.
It makes me feel so good knowing you took so many years to prepare yourself for medical school and apply. I think I'll do the same. I appreciate you sharing your numbers and your journey. It really really helps!
This video really resonated with me! I am 23 yrs Old and have been in and out of college trying to figure out what I want to do. Last year I realized that I wanted to be a psychiatrist, initially this was a really frightening thought and all the people around me were not so supportive of the idea. That didn't make much of a difference to me because it's truly my passion and I was blessed with an aptitude for mental health. So Im basically starting from scratch at 23 and this video gave me a good level of confidence even though the path was very different! Thank you!
This story was really great to hear!! My parents are immigrants from Mexico- they also were never pushy academically, although I was always very driven to do well. I ended up going to a community college after high school, then transferred to a small liberal arts college much like Barnard- very academically driven. I instantly felt super intimidated by everyone, I felt like I was not nearly as capable as I thought I was. I took organic chemistry my first semester there, and got a C. Like you, I felt really defeated. It actually made me look for alternative careers outside of medicine, and I ended up majoring in English (which I also love!) just so I had more options for a career outside of science... Now I'm a senior, graduating in a few weeks, I have a solid GPA, which took a lot of effort, but now I really feel like I can pursue my dream of being a physician.. Like you, I am going to be taking some extra science courses at a local university this year, in hopes of proving that I am as solid in the sciences as I am in the humanities when I apply for next year's cycle. You are an inspiration!
love it. im almost 28 and took me so long to be sure of what i really wanted to do with my life. its a little frustrating knowing that trust me but whoever is here reading and is going through the same as i am, know that it is never too late. and that some of us take more time to really think things through because we like so much and want to do so much all at once that we dont know where to start and/or to just start without any certainty or path to in the end have a mess and still have to sit back and try to organize yourself. ive been watching videos of people reviewing their career paths from different academic concentrations of my preference and med school seems the once that drives me although it is one of the hardest rds a student could ever take. however, knowing and watching other people talk about where to start or how they started gives you an insight full of ideas and kind of paves the path for you. i honestly didnt know how or where to start. going to colleges and talking to advisors about my career preferences didnt really help and kind of aggravated my entire process. youtube and people like her have helped me big time. yes i will feel a little left out when i sign for classes again because i will be almost 30 and i will be surrounded by so many young people. but i cannot wait to share my stories, life experiences etc. and to even help other people. im still very young and look even younger since i take good care of myself, i think.
this content realized me that im not the only one who are frustrated or experienced for not being accepted in a medschool that i wanted "all you really need for that MD is one school"
This video was so helpful . Medicine is something that I’ve always wanted to do but lately I’ve been getting discouraged since my GPA is not perfect. But after watching this, it makes me feel so much better.
I’m also a non traditional pre-med who didn’t feel quite ready to apply and take my MCAT until after undergrad. It’s nice to meet doctors who have taken this unconventional path, and it encourages me to keep pursuing my dream of becoming an excellent doctor
I'm a first year medical student in Albania and this first year has really been intense. Your channel is one of my favorites and thank you so much for sharing with us your experience because it really is helpful and I really admire you a lot. Keep up the hard work and THANK YOU! :)
you're one of the most respected medical you tubers so thank you for being completely honest in this video about your journey. This has probably helped so many people who began to doubt their journey!
Even though I no longer have the desire to pursue a career in medicine (I'm studying public health), I really enjoy watching your videos. You share a lot of things that other people in different fields could relate to.
UnresolvedConflicts if you don’t mind me asking what are your plans after completing your undergrad? I’m planning to change my major public health this upcoming fall semester.
I never comment on youtube channels but this story sincerely got me into tears. I admire your work ethic, intelligence and, humility. So, I always just categorize you with the others who have "the perfect stats". This truly shows how Grades does not determine your intelligence and how little it contributes to your competency as a future Dr. Thank you so much for sharing this.
thank you SO MUCH for sharing this. I just finished my freshman year in engineering with a 3.25 GPA. I want to go to med school so it was very discouraging as I know this is way too low. Hearing that you were able to bring yours up really encouraged me 💚
This was just the video i needed right now. I've been severely doubting my capabilities to get into med school. Thank you so much for your honest transparency Jamie!
Thank you for sharing your story! It made me realize how there’s no “right way” to get into medical school and boosted my morale, as I have gotten senioritis and my academic performance is not up to par with my past performances but I won’t give up. I CAN improve. Most people have a cookie cutter resume for medical school but it’s refreshing to see others who aren’t “perfect” students or candidates. I can really see your passion for medicine and that says a lot.
This story is so inspiring to me! I'm in my junior year at Barnard now, but spent my first three semesters struggling through the curriculum. Seeing this video takes some of the pressure off being the "perfect" applicant, because it’s true: you only need one yes to be an MD. Thank you for sharing your story and for being the big doctor sister I didn't know I needed.
Just finished up my sophomore year of college and have been feeling very insecure about my gpa as a pre-med student. This video really put things in perspective and restored hope in my ability to become a physician. Thank you for being transparent about your journey and breaking down your gpa. Also will now look into Rutgers for med school 😁
This video really motivated me to do better and remember that not everyone is perfect, and that its never too late to boost my gpa. When you have that drive, you can do anything ❤️
I just want to say, you’re so inspirational to me. I also, one day, hope to be an ER doctor and my grades during the pandemic have dropped so much. I thought that I couldnt have the chance to be a doctor. But im still in my freshman year of college and your ability to turn your situation around like that really inspired me and made me hopeful again. Thank you.
I have just graduated pharmacy school. What I can tell you, is the job market is terrible in retail. Saturated in the big cities. Residency is extremely competitive with 2000 people applying to 300 positions. Residency is the standard for applying to hospital jobs. If I were you and if you have not already gotten accepted, is go for PA school. There is more demand. But if you like pharmacy go for it and also work in a pharmacy before and throughout school!
I LOVE hearing stories like this. It's a lot more common than people think ! I graduated took a gap year, did a postbacc program at UCI , and was accepted there for next Fall :) in the meantime videos like this are great motivation for the time sacrifice we put in to achieving our dream
Thank you so much for sharing this video! I have been feeling really anxious and insecure about my grades from first-year university and have been worried about how they might affect my applications to medical school and this reminded me that they are just one year and that I can always turn it around. So thank you so much! You're amazing!!!
Thank you for this! I never would have guessed your journey was like this! This gives me so much hope. I had a strong upward trend in my undergrad GPA going from a 3.3 in first year to a 3.9+ in my fourth year. I've always felt that this was my weakness, but considering my extracurriculars, work experience, MSc, and MCAT, I think I will find my place somewhere. THANK YOU.
Can you please make a video on how you financed medical school, afford your apartment in new york, basically how to manage work and school if you have to live on your own while also affording med school, loans etc.
I mean she also probably makes a good chunk of money from TH-cam as well. She has a good amount of subscribes to earn thousands paycheques monthly as well as her resident pay and sponsorships with her TH-cam channel.
i love this! it’s always comforting to hear that there’s more than just one cut and dry path to medical school! mistakes happen, and that’s okay. you are probably so much wiser than some of your colleagues because of the non-traditional journey that you went through!
For the past couple of days, I’ve been extremely upset about how I couldn’t graduate in exactly 4 years for my biology bachelors and I’ve been worrying about my gpa because it isn’t where I want it to be. I have the option to graduate in one more semester but I really want to bring my grades up so I’m taking two semesters to do so. I started to doubt so much about my future and how everything will go. I have a great fear of the unknown. But now listening to how long it’s taken you and seeing how so far and successful you’ve become, I now have so much hope. I greatly appreciate you sharing your story! I always use your “study with me” videos and I’ve been getting straight A’s in the past two semesters because of them! I know that I can do it. I will go to med school! I will not give up! I can do it! And so can all of you! ❤️❤️❤️
Love you Jamie! I’m also a non-traditional student who went to community college and now at a four year. This helped feel relieved that one day I will be able to make it!! Thank you
I definitely agree that ignorance is bliss. I started as a biomedical science major on a pre-med track right out of college thinking I was so ahead of the game knowing how the next 10 years would go- even factored in a break to backpack or just work- and I scared myself out of it after the first semester. Looking at the entire path I had laid out terrified me; I ran from the hill before I really even tried to run it. The curiosity gets to me sometimes. I'm glad you ended up where you were supposed to be & had the drive to make it work!
Thank you for being so vulnerable and honest. I think this will help a lot of people understand that you don't have to be perfect and that everyone's journey is different. I wish I had these videos when I was in college.
You're a huge inspiration for me! I have been watching you since I was a first year premed student, and now I'm so delighted that I got into my first choice medical school!!
I just stumbled upon your video and I have to say it was very much needed! I am actually currently a student at The New School and I am so happy to find that someone else was in exactly the same position I was! I have been struggling with the decision to transfer to a school like NYU where I would be able to take science classes or whether to finish my degree and take pre-med classes on the side but your video has been very eye-opening! I can't thank you enough
I truly appreciate you keeping it 100% with us. So many people make these videos and state that they had a perfect gpa and what not, which can be very discouraging for people like me who have struggled or had academic set backs. This gives me sooo much hope. I wish you all the best in your residency! You will be an amazing doctor 🥼❤️.
I graduated with a business degree and I also took a gap year to take some supplemental units. Your videos were what really inspired me to pursue what I really want. I am now 2 weeks away from finishing my first year in med school! Thank you, Jamie!
I am preparing for a big exam tomorrow and found your videos out of searching for inspiration to continue studying. The "study with me" are so helpful and I love the rest of the content! Thank you!
I'm actually getting choked up watching this video. It was exactly what I needed right now. I just had a really rough year in undergrad and it's taken a toll on my confidence. I was doubting if I could make it as a physician and wondering if I even deserved to be one, but your story helped me to realize success is not perfection. Thank you so much for sharing your path with us.
This is awesome! Exactly what i needed to hear. I have the same long journey ahead of me as well. My dream was always to become a physician however i just never felt like i was smart enough. I came into university with a guaranteed seat in Doctorate of Physical Therapy school (4+3) track, realized i wouldn't be satisfied, thus switched to pre-Pa studies. After doing that for about 2 years there was always a nagging thought in my head that im selling myself short. (Not to say that going PA is selling yourself short, it is a FANTASTIC career pathway.) but there was just that want to fulfill my dream of becoming a physician. So this semester i actually ended up switching again! I switched finally to Pre-Med studies, my curriculum didn't really change, but now im finally ready to become the best doctor i knew i was destined to become. The journey will be long and hard. Senior year is next semester, just need to finish biochem then MCAT studying starts! Im nervous but excited!
Hi Jamie! This story was really helpful and encouraging because I have been kinda late to the volunteering and shadowing game, so I was feeling discouraged about my resumes not being good enough or my GPA not being strong enough. Thank you!
I found your channel by occassionally studying along with your "study with me" videos on TheStriveStudies. It's extremely relieving to hear from your path and your struggles, as I feel anxious about not being smart enough insanely often. Though I'm not a med student, I'll have a few challenging years ahead of myself until I'm able to work in the field of law. Thanks for your video, it was really insightful and motivating!
Thank you very much for this. Really. Im really close to giving up my med dreams but this video gave me hope. You really trusted the process and im glad that you’re what you are now.
You’re such an inspiration, Jamie! And not just for aspiring med students. I really adore how humble and real you are and how you work hard just to achieve things and not to show off in any way. Take care :)
Thank you so much for this video! I've been struggling with courses and worried about getting into med school. This video has definitely helped me realize that you don't have to be perfect to get into med school and that goals take time to achieve.
I stumbled across this video trying to do some research for a friend going to med school.... you are a QUEEN, I love hearing about peoples success and journeys
Hi I am super happy for you , I am redoing the MCAT test this May. That if this COVD-19 does not mess up my test date. Please keep up the good work. I have not giving up.
It's so cool how different the path to get to med school can be! I'm also a med student here on TH-cam from italy and my path has some similarities as well as many differences. It was a really interesting video!
This really helped me. Thank you so much! It’s so great hearing from someone with a non traditional medical school journey, now working towards their dream life.
Depending on where you went to undergrad, you may be able to petition courses where you earned a letter grade of a C or lower after 3yrs of taking that course. If you retake those courses, you may be able to raise your grades.
Hi Jamie! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I have been following you since 2nd year....lol feels like so long ago. But looks like I will be needing to do a postbaac, and I was relieved to see a successful doctor who non-traditional.
I can relate how it feels to get low gpa and feeling that I am not smart as others. I in my third year in university and I have seen a lot of ups and downs. I started with couple F and a D which made me feel miserable however, I kept striving for end goal(getting into med school) and started working more hard than before. Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s very helpful.
Going to RU to finish my bachelors coming out of a community college so when I heard you went to that medical school and your stats and everything you truely give me hope. My first choice of med school would be RU so I really hope I have a chance. Thanks Jamie!
I got my first C just this last semester (albeit every other class was an A) and it crushed me. My GPA is still around a 3.8, but I felt like it was a brick wall. Im currently taking summer classes (switched majors one semester in so just taking a few in the summer to catch up) and overall it has been a good experience. This video has reminded me to keep on going even if you have a bad semester. Thank you for sharing your story, you are truly an inspiration. One day, when I get my MD, I hope to share my story with others to help encourage and inspire others just as you do. :)
Thank you so much! THIS IS THE MOST EPIC VIDEO IN YOUR CHANNEL AND ALL OVER TH-cam FOR PREMEDS!!!!!!! NO sugar coating thank you for being right to the point and telling us your grades.
I don’t usually comment on TH-cam videos but I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story :) I’m now starting my 4th year but I also had a similar journey in getting into med school and felt insecure during my first two years with the non-traditional path I took. Seeing a lot of my peers come straight through from undergrad made it seem a bit taboo to share my “not so perfect” story, but I’ve come to realize everyone has their own unique journey and there isn’t one right way. Congrats on finishing intern year and good luck with the rest of residency! I look forward to your next video :)
Thank you so much for this video! I too decided I wanted to go to med school my sophomore year of undergrad. At first I felt discouraged, because I was not sure if I had the capabilities to raise my semester GPA. With this video, I feel that I can do whatever I set my mind to! Thank you! You were the inspiration I needed to continue on the path I chose ❤️
Thanks for posting. I'm in my mid 30s and am planning on going back for prerequisite classes in the Fall so I can apply for my MS in Genetic Counseling. But I haven't taken a science class since 2005. I need Chem, Biochem, and Genetics.
I am currently a pre-med student, going into my junior year at university, and I feel like my GPA isn’t good enough. Seeing your journey is inspiring to know that I can do this, I can take my time, and I can succeed.
Krys Kestrel never lose hope! You never know what lies in your future. Keep going and moving forward! Do the best you can do and that’s all that matters! You can still be successful and content even if you don’t go to med school! But you got this! Don’t let others define your worth by cookie cutter standards. Nobody is perfect even if they strive to be! That’s what makes us human
Thank you for this video! I love the transparency and how vulnerable you are with us. I am very happy that everything worked out for you. So inspiring!
Just transferred to another school to get my bacholors in biology. Medical school was the goa but I don’t really know why but I just feel like I’m not as smart and everyone. Starting soon.
I was previously a Graphic Design Major and what I truly wanted to do was to Dental Hygiene. So now I’m working on my prerequisites for Dental Hygiene. This is encourage and I’m so glad I made the switch when I did!
Thank you for sharing your story. I really needed to hear this today. I'm also pursuing medicine. It hasn't been easy but I know God will open the doors that need to be open as long as I work hard and push myself. I find you and your journey so inspiring! You're awesome! ☺🙏❤
Thank you, thank you for doing this video! I feel inspired by you when I lose my motivation. Sometimes I wonder: “why am I studying?” “Why working hard when maybe I will never reach my goals?” Again, thank you so much for sharing your journey.
I love this, thank you! I'm currently in the competitive pre med year in New Zealand where if I don't get in, I have to do a degree to try and enter through the graduate category which will make it a bit of a longer process, but doable because I really do want to be a doctor. This video inspires me to keep going even if I don't get into medicine first go, so thanks again Jamie!
I am not in the medical field at all, but fou really motivate me to work harder. The fact that when you transfered you had to add on 3 semesters is something I am stuck n right now, but it gives me hope that it is indeed worth it to work extra for my goals.😊
I love this video... It is so inspiring. Thanks for showing us that it is still possible to pursue your dreams even if it is the "non-traditional" way.
This video is really inspiring. I started my freshmen year of university well, but did terrible my second year in classes like General Chemistry and Biology. I retook those classes 4 times. I feel like such an idiot. My third year of college I did great and passed both classes I struggled with. I hope my next two years to stay on a straight path and do great on all my classes. Thanks for the video!!
I've decided to take a gap year after I finish my A levels (in UK) this year and then apply to med school. But many people i know have already applied and even got their places in medicine and I am kind of nervous of taking a year out and wondering how it's gonna look in my application but watching your journey was really inspiring for me to stay resilient and work hard. I have my A level exams in less than a month and I really needed this motivation now, that all hope is not lost yet.
thanks for this video! I'm applying this upcoming cycle and was worried about the process but it shows that motivation and grit can really take you far! I'm going to try and not compare myself to others about my stats and be more of myself so that I can showcase that to medical schools!
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When doctors share their not so perfect stories it really goes to show how everyone has their own unique path to medical school! Thank you.
Aaron Trillo I wish more international students did theirs, a lot of people go out of country and then transfer.
It’s a struggle and a lot of studying. There’s a lot of crying and sleepless nights.
Loved this video.
I had to take the MCAT three times. Voided the first time, did terrible the second time, crushed the third time. Currently in my first year of med school. DONT GIVE UP.
I voided the first time and about to take it my 2nd time :( Do you have any advice ?
@@junebug8241 You just have to go in and ATTACK it. It's challenging but try to train your brain to enjoy how challenging this exam is because med school isn't really any easier lol good luck YOU GOT THIS!!!
People like you and such youtubers is why inspiration itself exists 💪🏼💪🏼
Hello, I was wondering if you could share how you crushed the MCAT the third time?
Congrats! People keep telling me I should just cancel my test and reschedule because "taking it more than once looks terrible." Taking the MCAT Friday
Thank you for this amazing video. I have struggled with college and grades so much it caused me so much anxiety. Each semester my GPA was falling lower, and as someone who wanted to apply to nursing school, I felt dumb compared to my peers, and also knew that I would be judged heavily based on this number. I wouldn't make friends or join groups because I was fearful that people would learn about my low grades (I had a 2.2 GPA at my lowest). TH-camrs like you really inspire me to stay motivated and work hard! I'm so thankful that you shared this video and showed how your hard work paid off. This is my last week of the semester and for the first time ever I will have a semester GPA of 4.0(fingers crossed, 2 exams to go...)!!!! As im typing this im still in disbelief. Sharing your journey has definitely influenced me to be a better version of myself, I am eternally gratefull. (ps thank you for reading this small novel, but I mean everything from my heart)
If anyone reading this is struggling with school, please know that it does not define you. Take care of yourself first, but actively take the steps you are capable of towards your future. Find what you love and when you do nothing is impossible when you are passionate about what you do, Dr. Jaime has definitely thought us that!
Wow thank you so much. ...
I've struggled so much for the last two years. I just finished my entrance exam yesterday and it went way better than any exam I've done. I' have faith and know it'll pay off
Thanks a lot for sharing your story.
As someone who is currently struggling with a 2.2 GPA, thank you for this post
I needed this
@@blue3374 Hang in there, and put in the work. Everything will work out for you in time
@@dirtkongor YES! Congratulations, I wish you all the best on your application process. Go get 'em!!!!
Similar story here, minus the transferring. I finished my freshman year of college with a 3.0 cGPA and less than a 3.0 sGPA. My chemistry professor then told me I would never get into medical school with the way I performed in his class (a C in both gen. Chem. 1/2). I was worried for a solid month before I decided to take a course over the summer. Because I'm at a religious liberal arts school, I enrolled in Theo. 100. The professor was an amazing person who both listened and encouraged me. I got an A in his class and finally realized that I could do well in school, especially if I could take a class that was condensed over the summer and still do well. Since then, my lowest cGPA has been a 3.6 and I have gotten 4, 4.0 semesters in a row. Now, I have to finish one more course this summer to get my Biology degree. I also studied for the MCAT, took the MCAT, and applied to medical school last summer. Though I did poor on the MCAT by many people's standards, I was able to get a few interviews for medical school. Unfortunately, I didn't get in. It originally discouraged me greatly, but I am approaching the MCAT and the application process the same way I did my grades nearly 4 years ago. Don't let a bad semester, year, or the words of a negative person slow you down... Use those people as extra fuel for your journey. I know I'm not stopping until its M. K., MD.
601geminijets I do have a question though , If you fail a class as a premed student and retake the class for better grades , can that affect you getting into med school ?.
Brenda Nkem No it won’t. They may ask you in the interview, but everyone struggles. If you retake and not give and succeed that shows you have what it takes. Do you think as a med student or even Doctor you won’t go through hard times? Perseverance looks better
Wow, just amazing! I’d love an update on how you’re doing! 🙏💕
That 20 application and 1 acceptance really resonated with me. I am a DPT student, and I applied to 16 schools, got interview at 2, accepted at 1. I start the program next month and I feel like a fraud going in almost. I just feel like everyone else is smarter, works harder, just more. I remember feeling so small during the interview since so many of the students were talking about '"yeah this school is my preferred school" and I'm just there thinking... this is my only choice. But you're right. You only need one medical school. I'm gonna repeat that to myself over and over. haha
imposter syndrome. we all experience it. you're there because you worked hard, even if it is one. don't let it get to you :)
@@naruto936bleach Thank you! *cyber hug* i think i'll feel better once someone nerds out on anime with me in my class. So far, I have not found anyone with interests outside of academics and fitness yet. just nerding out cuz of your username hahaha
@@lunarpenguin644 :) :)
haha I created this account in middle school, when I was a huge anime fan, don't have much time for it anymore :(
Thank you for giving us this realistic point of view about going to med school because usually i hear people saying i have 4.0 gpa with all science classes and 3 years of experience shadowing and research awards and it makes the dream of med school even more harder for people like me with a non traditional path willing to apply to med school
you gave me HOPE ❤❤❤ thank you !!
You rocked it Jamie!! I'm non-traditional and just graduated with my DO a week ago :) 3.5 in undergrad, worked in R&D x1yr, went to grad school x2yr, worked in clinical lab x5yr, took the old MCAT and got a 28 which I was okay with since I had taken physics & Ochem almost 10yrs earlier at that point! Got one interview + one acceptance, did well in med school & on boards and even enjoyed myself a little! Starting internal medicine residency in a couple weeks. I encourage anybody who thinks they might not be a strong candidate for whatever reason to apply to DO schools too, especially if you want to do primary care. MDs & DOs officially share all of the same residency spots now, so the differences are smaller than ever.
I love how you point out the gpa part. Because that’s MY STRUGGLE
Thank you for this. Over here in Taiwan where med school is undergrad-entry, getting accepted is extremely competitive. I didn’t get in the first time around so I tried eight times over five years to make my dream of becoming a rheumatologist a reality...while going through occupational therapy school. I got in this year.
If you’re wondering if you’re good enough and if you’ll get that MD...you are and you will. Just stick with it.
It makes me feel so good knowing you took so many years to prepare yourself for medical school and apply. I think I'll do the same. I appreciate you sharing your numbers and your journey. It really really helps!
sarah khan same...
This video really resonated with me! I am 23 yrs Old and have been in and out of college trying to figure out what I want to do. Last year I realized that I wanted to be a psychiatrist, initially this was a really frightening thought and all the people around me were not so supportive of the idea. That didn't make much of a difference to me because it's truly my passion and I was blessed with an aptitude for mental health. So Im basically starting from scratch at 23 and this video gave me a good level of confidence even though the path was very different! Thank you!
This video has given me HOPE, thank so much. We all share different journeys, we must continue to persist and persevere.
You motivate me! Your work ethic and dedication is AMAZING. THANK YOU :)
This story was really great to hear!! My parents are immigrants from Mexico- they also were never pushy academically, although I was always very driven to do well. I ended up going to a community college after high school, then transferred to a small liberal arts college much like Barnard- very academically driven. I instantly felt super intimidated by everyone, I felt like I was not nearly as capable as I thought I was. I took organic chemistry my first semester there, and got a C. Like you, I felt really defeated. It actually made me look for alternative careers outside of medicine, and I ended up majoring in English (which I also love!) just so I had more options for a career outside of science... Now I'm a senior, graduating in a few weeks, I have a solid GPA, which took a lot of effort, but now I really feel like I can pursue my dream of being a physician.. Like you, I am going to be taking some extra science courses at a local university this year, in hopes of proving that I am as solid in the sciences as I am in the humanities when I apply for next year's cycle. You are an inspiration!
Hey Nancy! Just checking in , did you finally get in?😅
finally someone who post actual scores/gpa instead of giving vague ranges. thanks
love it. im almost 28 and took me so long to be sure of what i really wanted to do with my life. its a little frustrating knowing that trust me but whoever is here reading and is going through the same as i am, know that it is never too late. and that some of us take more time to really think things through because we like so much and want to do so much all at once that we dont know where to start and/or to just start without any certainty or path to in the end have a mess and still have to sit back and try to organize yourself. ive been watching videos of people reviewing their career paths from different academic concentrations of my preference and med school seems the once that drives me although it is one of the hardest rds a student could ever take. however, knowing and watching other people talk about where to start or how they started gives you an insight full of ideas and kind of paves the path for you. i honestly didnt know how or where to start.
going to colleges and talking to advisors about my career preferences didnt really help and kind of aggravated my entire process. youtube and people like her have helped me big time. yes i will feel a little left out when i sign for classes again because i will be almost 30 and i will be surrounded by so many young people. but i cannot wait to share my stories, life experiences etc. and to even help other people. im still very young and look even younger since i take good care of myself, i think.
All the best
this content realized me that im not the only one who are frustrated or experienced for not being accepted in a medschool that i wanted "all you really need for that MD is one school"
This video was so helpful . Medicine is something that I’ve always wanted to do but lately I’ve been getting discouraged since my GPA is not perfect. But after watching this, it makes me feel so much better.
I’m also a non traditional pre-med who didn’t feel quite ready to apply and take my MCAT until after undergrad. It’s nice to meet doctors who have taken this unconventional path, and it encourages me to keep pursuing my dream of becoming an excellent doctor
I'm a first year medical student in Albania and this first year has really been intense. Your channel is one of my favorites and thank you so much for sharing with us your experience because it really is helpful and I really admire you a lot. Keep up the hard work and THANK YOU! :)
you're one of the most respected medical you tubers so thank you for being completely honest in this video about your journey. This has probably helped so many people who began to doubt their journey!
Even though I no longer have the desire to pursue a career in medicine (I'm studying public health), I really enjoy watching your videos. You share a lot of things that other people in different fields could relate to.
UnresolvedConflicts if you don’t mind me asking what are your plans after completing your undergrad? I’m planning to change my major public health this upcoming fall semester.
Feliciana Cortez I already did undergrad (BS, Biology). I’m doing a MPH currently.
I never comment on youtube channels but this story sincerely got me into tears. I admire your work ethic, intelligence and, humility. So, I always just categorize you with the others who have "the perfect stats". This truly shows how Grades does not determine your intelligence and how little it contributes to your competency as a future Dr. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Wow talk about perfect timing, I’m at crossroads right now, and I really needed this. Thank you for inspiring us!
thank you SO MUCH for sharing this. I just finished my freshman year in engineering with a 3.25 GPA. I want to go to med school so it was very discouraging as I know this is way too low. Hearing that you were able to bring yours up really encouraged me 💚
This was just the video i needed right now. I've been severely doubting my capabilities to get into med school. Thank you so much for your honest transparency Jamie!
Thank you for sharing your story! It made me realize how there’s no “right way” to get into medical school and boosted my morale, as I have gotten senioritis and my academic performance is not up to par with my past performances but I won’t give up. I CAN improve. Most people have a cookie cutter resume for medical school but it’s refreshing to see others who aren’t “perfect” students or candidates. I can really see your passion for medicine and that says a lot.
I’m graduating this Saturday after 5 years. I am taking time to work, better my GPA, shadow and volunteer.
This story is so inspiring to me! I'm in my junior year at Barnard now, but spent my first three semesters struggling through the curriculum. Seeing this video takes some of the pressure off being the "perfect" applicant, because it’s true: you only need one yes to be an MD. Thank you for sharing your story and for being the big doctor sister I didn't know I needed.
Just finished up my sophomore year of college and have been feeling very insecure about my gpa as a pre-med student. This video really put things in perspective and restored hope in my ability to become a physician. Thank you for being transparent about your journey and breaking down your gpa. Also will now look into Rutgers for med school 😁
This video really motivated me to do better and remember that not everyone is perfect, and that its never too late to boost my gpa. When you have that drive, you can do anything ❤️
I just want to say, you’re so inspirational to me. I also, one day, hope to be an ER doctor and my grades during the pandemic have dropped so much. I thought that I couldnt have the chance to be a doctor. But im still in my freshman year of college and your ability to turn your situation around like that really inspired me and made me hopeful again. Thank you.
I’m trying to get into pharmacy school and have also gone through a non traditional path. This video really inspired me to keep going. Thank you!
ThePBandJen I am going to pharmacy school in August. I am a non traditional student myself. Good luck to you.
I have just graduated pharmacy school. What I can tell you, is the job market is terrible in retail. Saturated in the big cities. Residency is extremely competitive with 2000 people applying to 300 positions. Residency is the standard for applying to hospital jobs. If I were you and if you have not already gotten accepted, is go for PA school. There is more demand. But if you like pharmacy go for it and also work in a pharmacy before and throughout school!
lovefunkrockmusic I work in pharmacy now and absolutely love it. Thank you for your comment!
ThePBandJen Absolutely!
ThePBandJen Absolutely!
I LOVE hearing stories like this. It's a lot more common than people think ! I graduated took a gap year, did a postbacc program at UCI , and was accepted there for next Fall :) in the meantime videos like this are great motivation for the time sacrifice we put in to achieving our dream
Thank you so much for sharing this video! I have been feeling really anxious and insecure about my grades from first-year university and have been worried about how they might affect my applications to medical school and this reminded me that they are just one year and that I can always turn it around. So thank you so much! You're amazing!!!
Thank you for this! I never would have guessed your journey was like this! This gives me so much hope. I had a strong upward trend in my undergrad GPA going from a 3.3 in first year to a 3.9+ in my fourth year. I've always felt that this was my weakness, but considering my extracurriculars, work experience, MSc, and MCAT, I think I will find my place somewhere. THANK YOU.
Can you please make a video on how you financed medical school, afford your apartment in new york, basically how to manage work and school if you have to live on your own while also affording med school, loans etc.
ElizabethXO either rich parents with deep pockets or deep loans. Or who knows maybe she got a ton of scholarship or grants
I mean she also probably makes a good chunk of money from TH-cam as well. She has a good amount of subscribes to earn thousands paycheques monthly as well as her resident pay and sponsorships with her TH-cam channel.
i love this! it’s always comforting to hear that there’s more than just one cut and dry path to medical school! mistakes happen, and that’s okay. you are probably so much wiser than some of your colleagues because of the non-traditional journey that you went through!
For the past couple of days, I’ve been extremely upset about how I couldn’t graduate in exactly 4 years for my biology bachelors and I’ve been worrying about my gpa because it isn’t where I want it to be. I have the option to graduate in one more semester but I really want to bring my grades up so I’m taking two semesters to do so. I started to doubt so much about my future and how everything will go. I have a great fear of the unknown. But now listening to how long it’s taken you and seeing how so far and successful you’ve become, I now have so much hope. I greatly appreciate you sharing your story! I always use your “study with me” videos and I’ve been getting straight A’s in the past two semesters because of them! I know that I can do it. I will go to med school! I will not give up! I can do it! And so can all of you! ❤️❤️❤️
Love you Jamie! I’m also a non-traditional student who went to community college and now at a four year. This helped feel relieved that one day I will be able to make it!! Thank you
I definitely agree that ignorance is bliss. I started as a biomedical science major on a pre-med track right out of college thinking I was so ahead of the game knowing how the next 10 years would go- even factored in a break to backpack or just work- and I scared myself out of it after the first semester. Looking at the entire path I had laid out terrified me; I ran from the hill before I really even tried to run it. The curiosity gets to me sometimes. I'm glad you ended up where you were supposed to be & had the drive to make it work!
Thank you for being so vulnerable and honest. I think this will help a lot of people understand that you don't have to be perfect and that everyone's journey is different. I wish I had these videos when I was in college.
You're a huge inspiration for me! I have been watching you since I was a first year premed student, and now I'm so delighted that I got into my first choice medical school!!
*From which country?*
I just stumbled upon your video and I have to say it was very much needed! I am actually currently a student at The New School and I am so happy to find that someone else was in exactly the same position I was! I have been struggling with the decision to transfer to a school like NYU where I would be able to take science classes or whether to finish my degree and take pre-med classes on the side but your video has been very eye-opening! I can't thank you enough
I truly appreciate you keeping it 100% with us. So many people make these videos and state that they had a perfect gpa and what not, which can be very discouraging for people like me who have struggled or had academic set backs. This gives me sooo much hope.
I wish you all the best in your residency! You will be an amazing doctor 🥼❤️.
Such an honest video. Shows us how far you've come. I'm 18, in India, and you motivate me. You're my role model, Jamie, thank you!
I graduated with a business degree and I also took a gap year to take some supplemental units. Your videos were what really inspired me to pursue what I really want. I am now 2 weeks away from finishing my first year in med school! Thank you, Jamie!
Can you please guide me , how to start medical degree , because I graduated with my business degree
I am preparing for a big exam tomorrow and found your videos out of searching for inspiration to continue studying. The "study with me" are so helpful and I love the rest of the content! Thank you!
I'm actually getting choked up watching this video. It was exactly what I needed right now. I just had a really rough year in undergrad and it's taken a toll on my confidence. I was doubting if I could make it as a physician and wondering if I even deserved to be one, but your story helped me to realize success is not perfection. Thank you so much for sharing your path with us.
This is awesome! Exactly what i needed to hear. I have the same long journey ahead of me as well. My dream was always to become a physician however i just never felt like i was smart enough. I came into university with a guaranteed seat in Doctorate of Physical Therapy school (4+3) track, realized i wouldn't be satisfied, thus switched to pre-Pa studies. After doing that for about 2 years there was always a nagging thought in my head that im selling myself short. (Not to say that going PA is selling yourself short, it is a FANTASTIC career pathway.) but there was just that want to fulfill my dream of becoming a physician. So this semester i actually ended up switching again! I switched finally to Pre-Med studies, my curriculum didn't really change, but now im finally ready to become the best doctor i knew i was destined to become. The journey will be long and hard. Senior year is next semester, just need to finish biochem then MCAT studying starts! Im nervous but excited!
Learning medicine is a beautiful journey both before and throughout it❤️
Hi Jamie! This story was really helpful and encouraging because I have been kinda late to the volunteering and shadowing game, so I was feeling discouraged about my resumes not being good enough or my GPA not being strong enough. Thank you!
I found your channel by occassionally studying along with your "study with me" videos on TheStriveStudies. It's extremely relieving to hear from your path and your struggles, as I feel anxious about not being smart enough insanely often. Though I'm not a med student, I'll have a few challenging years ahead of myself until I'm able to work in the field of law.
Thanks for your video, it was really insightful and motivating!
Thank you very much for this. Really. Im really close to giving up my med dreams but this video gave me hope. You really trusted the process and im glad that you’re what you are now.
You’re such an inspiration, Jamie! And not just for aspiring med students. I really adore how humble and real you are and how you work hard just to achieve things and not to show off in any way. Take care :)
Thank you so much for this video! I've been struggling with courses and worried about getting into med school. This video has definitely helped me realize that you don't have to be perfect to get into med school and that goals take time to achieve.
I stumbled across this video trying to do some research for a friend going to med school.... you are a QUEEN, I love hearing about peoples success and journeys
Hi I am super happy for you , I am redoing the MCAT test this May. That if this COVD-19 does not mess up my test date. Please keep up the good work. I have not giving up.
It's so cool how different the path to get to med school can be! I'm also a med student here on TH-cam from italy and my path has some similarities as well as many differences. It was a really interesting video!
This really helped me. Thank you so much! It’s so great hearing from someone with a non traditional medical school journey, now working towards their dream life.
a picture of you is glued at the admiration board in our unicorn tribe.
congratz
Rainbow Unicorn OvO lol
Wtf
Yes.✨
Please explain more about how to change from 2.8 GPA to 3.59? Thank you 🙏
Depending on where you went to undergrad, you may be able to petition courses where you earned a letter grade of a C or lower after 3yrs of taking that course. If you retake those courses, you may be able to raise your grades.
Take more credits and get As
you’re literally the reason i looked i to Barnard! I committed last week, i can’t wait to start my journey now!
Hi Jamie! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I have been following you since 2nd year....lol feels like so long ago. But looks like I will be needing to do a postbaac, and I was relieved to see a successful doctor who non-traditional.
I can relate how it feels to get low gpa and feeling that I am not smart as others.
I in my third year in university and I have seen a lot of ups and downs. I started with couple F and a D which made me feel miserable however, I kept striving for end goal(getting into med school) and started working more hard than before. Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s very helpful.
Thank you for this video. I’ve struggled with my courses and your video is an inspirational booster to finish out this semester strong!
Going to RU to finish my bachelors coming out of a community college so when I heard you went to that medical school and your stats and everything you truely give me hope. My first choice of med school would be RU so I really hope I have a chance. Thanks Jamie!
Hey! I was a music therapist for a few years before I went to med school - where I am now! Cool to hear it was a career you considered.
I got my first C just this last semester (albeit every other class was an A) and it crushed me. My GPA is still around a 3.8, but I felt like it was a brick wall. Im currently taking summer classes (switched majors one semester in so just taking a few in the summer to catch up) and overall it has been a good experience. This video has reminded me to keep on going even if you have a bad semester. Thank you for sharing your story, you are truly an inspiration. One day, when I get my MD, I hope to share my story with others to help encourage and inspire others just as you do. :)
Thank you so much! THIS IS THE MOST EPIC VIDEO IN YOUR CHANNEL AND ALL OVER TH-cam FOR PREMEDS!!!!!!! NO sugar coating thank you for being right to the point and telling us your grades.
I don’t usually comment on TH-cam videos but I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story :) I’m now starting my 4th year but I also had a similar journey in getting into med school and felt insecure during my first two years with the non-traditional path I took. Seeing a lot of my peers come straight through from undergrad made it seem a bit taboo to share my “not so perfect” story, but I’ve come to realize everyone has their own unique journey and there isn’t one right way.
Congrats on finishing intern year and good luck with the rest of residency! I look forward to your next video :)
This is exactly what I needed right now as I am currently stressing over getting into medical school. Thank you
Cassidy Same. Best of luck to you
Thank you so much for this video! I too decided I wanted to go to med school my sophomore year of undergrad. At first I felt discouraged, because I was not sure if I had the capabilities to raise my semester GPA. With this video, I feel that I can do whatever I set my mind to! Thank you! You were the inspiration I needed to continue on the path I chose ❤️
Thanks for posting. I'm in my mid 30s and am planning on going back for prerequisite classes in the Fall so I can apply for my MS in Genetic Counseling. But I haven't taken a science class since 2005. I need Chem, Biochem, and Genetics.
I am currently a pre-med student, going into my junior year at university, and I feel like my GPA isn’t good enough. Seeing your journey is inspiring to know that I can do this, I can take my time, and I can succeed.
Krys Kestrel never lose hope! You never know what lies in your future. Keep going and moving forward! Do the best you can do and that’s all that matters! You can still be successful and content even if you don’t go to med school! But you got this! Don’t let others define your worth by cookie cutter standards. Nobody is perfect even if they strive to be! That’s what makes us human
This was so helpful! Makes me feel a lot better about getting a few C's at the beginning as well!
I am on a non-traditional path to law school and this gave me some much needed inspiration. Thanks so much ❤️
Thank you for this video! I love the transparency and how vulnerable you are with us. I am very happy that everything worked out for you. So inspiring!
Just transferred to another school to get my bacholors in biology. Medical school was the goa but I don’t really know why but I just feel like I’m not as smart and everyone. Starting soon.
I loved this video. I liked how real you were with your experience, thank you
I was previously a Graphic Design Major and what I truly wanted to do was to Dental Hygiene. So now I’m working on my prerequisites for Dental Hygiene.
This is encourage and I’m so glad I made the switch when I did!
I am 34 med student and must say, every one has its own difficulties on the way to be a doctor 🙃
Thank you for this video
thank you so much for sharing your story, it really helped elevate some of my anxiety as I go into the 2019-2020 application cycle! 💕💕
Thank you for sharing your story. I really needed to hear this today. I'm also pursuing medicine. It hasn't been easy but I know God will open the doors that need to be open as long as I work hard and push myself. I find you and your journey so inspiring! You're awesome! ☺🙏❤
Thank you, thank you for doing this video! I feel inspired by you when I lose my motivation. Sometimes I wonder: “why am I studying?” “Why working hard when maybe I will never reach my goals?” Again, thank you so much for sharing your journey.
I would say working as a paramedic or emergency medical technician in the fire department for a year would definitely boost ur chances as well.
You inspire me , I am working hard for my exams and listening to you is very nice ! 😁
I love this, thank you! I'm currently in the competitive pre med year in New Zealand where if I don't get in, I have to do a degree to try and enter through the graduate category which will make it a bit of a longer process, but doable because I really do want to be a doctor. This video inspires me to keep going even if I don't get into medicine first go, so thanks again Jamie!
I am not in the medical field at all, but fou really motivate me to work harder. The fact that when you transfered you had to add on 3 semesters is something I am stuck n right now, but it gives me hope that it is indeed worth it to work extra for my goals.😊
it'd be really great if you can do a video like this about your 4 years in medical school! enjoy this vid 💕
I've been watching your videos for years now and currently on my own very long journey into getting medical school.
I love this video... It is so inspiring. Thanks for showing us that it is still possible to pursue your dreams even if it is the "non-traditional" way.
This video is really inspiring. I started my freshmen year of university well, but did terrible my second year in classes like General Chemistry and Biology. I retook those classes 4 times. I feel like such an idiot. My third year of college I did great and passed both classes I struggled with. I hope my next two years to stay on a straight path and do great on all my classes. Thanks for the video!!
I've decided to take a gap year after I finish my A levels (in UK) this year and then apply to med school. But many people i know have already applied and even got their places in medicine and I am kind of nervous of taking a year out and wondering how it's gonna look in my application but watching your journey was really inspiring for me to stay resilient and work hard. I have my A level exams in less than a month and I really needed this motivation now, that all hope is not lost yet.
thanks for this video! I'm applying this upcoming cycle and was worried about the process but it shows that motivation and grit can really take you far! I'm going to try and not compare myself to others about my stats and be more of myself so that I can showcase that to medical schools!
I respect you for this. Thanks for giving us hope!
Great video- I just subscribed! I loved listening to you talk about your path. So encouraging and an excellent reminder to KEEP GOING!
This makes me so happy and gives me some hope in times when I just want to give up. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. 💝🙂
Thanks for sharing your journey to medical school, Jamie!! You're inspiring ❤️
this video gave me hope thank you!!❤️ love your videos so much! Your uploads truly make my day :)