In middle school, I tried hard to "fit in." From the Old Navy anoraks to stuffing my Adidas Superstars with an extra pair of socks, I tried to stay in the loop with the latest fads and trends. Back then, I thought that if I just fit in with everyone else, I would be deemed "cool" and "popular." Once I reached high school, however, I learned that "fitting in" wasn't going to get me anywhere. Furthermore, college admissions committees didn't care if you were "cool" or "popular." Since then, I've noticed myself always trying to find a balance between fitting in and setting yourself apart.
As far as medical school applications go, an applicant must be able to set themselves apart and show admissions committees why their medical school would benefit from the applicant's matriculation. Therefore, I can't help but think that the admissions committees made some sort of mistake in offering me admission to their school. Perhaps they looked at the wrong application, or jumbled some numbers around? Did they not notice the businessman with the MBA? Or the woman in the Peace Corps who served in Africa for 2 years? I've always considered myself pretty normal, and can't help but ask "why me?" What on Earth did they see in my application? This feeling quickly passes, and when I realize that there is no mistake, and that they really do want me to attend their school...I can't help but feel honored. "You like me! You really like me!" is what I feel upon every acceptance.
And just when the relief sets in, you're brought back to reality and find that you're the one evaluating medical schools. I can't help but feel hypocritical and superficial (#firstworldproblems). In the first place, it is an honor to be accepted into any US medical school, and I know many deserving people who would love to be in this position. But, now I find myself asking how medical school X compares to medical school Y? How does one factor in cost of living, location, tuition, US News rankings, specialty rankings, and overall "fit." I hadn't really understood the notion of being a good fit for a school until going on these interviews and experiencing the school/students/admissions staff and the overall school environment.
From my last post, it seems like the University of Pittsburgh is the "obvious" choice for me to attend medical school. Perhaps I didn't give Case Western enough credit in the last post, but besides it being a great school, I really do consider Case in the running because of fit. From the admissions committee to the students, my student host, and even fellow interviewees, I just felt at home during this interview. Perhaps it was the fact that Case "sorts" its students into four different societies (the Harry Potter fan in me is jumping for joy right now) or that the annual Doc Opera hosted by medical students benefitting the Free Clinic of Cleveland wrote and danced to "iApply" (a parody of N*Sync's Bye Bye Bye...btw iApply is the Case admissions website that updates applicants' statuses). It was the one set of interviews where I felt comfortable and at ease. Not that other interviews were nerve-wracking or high-stress, but there was some sort of indescribable feeling that I felt when interviewing at Case that makes it hard for me to leave them out of consideration. I can't help but feel that I would be incredibly happy matriculating here. Call it the X factor if you will, but being a great "fit" at Case Western is really important to me and I can't help but consider Case even without a full tuition scholarship + stipend (which is not possible). Not that I don't think I'll enjoy Pittsburgh (by all means, it's a great school with a lot of great opportunities), it's just one of those gut feelings that I get with Case. I feel extremely lucky to even be in this situation, and hopefully the second look (where you revisit the medical schools to get a better idea of the school) at each school will give me a better idea of where I might be headed next year. Until then, I'll be enjoying sunny San Diego (jinx?) for as long as I can since I will most likely not be spending the next few years here. And with that, I'll leave you with N*Sync's Bye Bye Bye (to California :( )
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year, New Beginnings
Happy New Year! May 2012 bring much happiness, adventure, and prosperity to you all!
As part of my New Years resolution, I wanted to work on my communication with friends, family and significant other. Also, since my mind seems to work in mysterious ways that no one else can follow, I thought that maybe friends and family can get a glimpse into my life, thoughts and perceptions of the world.
I have been incredibly fortunate growing up and living in California from the time I was 5. Spoiled with good weather, great beaches, and awesome ski resorts, why any sane person would want to leave this paradise for 4-8 years is beyond me. But alas, I have recently started to learn that I am not sane.
Ever since the third grade, I loved learning and I loved school, especially the sciences. Going into high school, I loved the human body and I loved learning how a bunch of molecules could form such an amazing machine that is the human body. At doctor's appointments, I would always ask the nurse what she looked for as she took my blood pressure with the sphygmomanometer (try spelling that backwards playing cranium!) and then asked if I could practice on her. But I digress.
Applying to medical school this year has been both rewarding and exhausting (and expensive!). It is a humbling experience, filled with disappointment. Yet the disappointment is trivial compared to the relief of knowing that the past "x" years of my life have paid off as I achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I still get goosebumps knowing that no matter what, I will become a doctor. I feel fortunate having options of where I choose to attend medical school, and know very well that it could have gone the other way. Between four schools that I have been accepted to, I have narrowed it down to two (also keep in mind I'm waiting to hear back from a couple schools)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine: I know you're thinking...?? I have never heard of this school...hold on lemme wiki it. Yup...it's in CLEVELAND...(that's in Ohio, btw...the land of the COLD) the city LeBron took his talents away from. It would be a 4 year (top 20) program, and I would be practicing medicine at THE Cleveland Clinic, which during the tour, they just HAD to mention how they were the #4 hospital in the nation using rows and rows of 50 inch televisions hanging every 5 feet (you would think the #4 hospital in the nation would better allocate money and resources). In all honesty, besides it being in Cleveland, I really enjoyed the school, the program, and the Case Western Community from the admissions staff and faculty, to the students and residents. But because it's in Cleveland, I understand why LeBron decided to take his talents from there. Honestly, other than Case and the Cleveland Clinic, there isn't much going on there, besides a great deal of foreclosures.
University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon MSTP program: This is a 7-8 year combined MD/PhD program. Yes 7-8 years, which I realize is a significant portion of my life. Yes, I also realize that by the time I receive my medical degree, I will be thirty-something. But, for someone who LOVES school and doesn't mind memorization and pipetting, it seems like a pretty sweet deal, especially in this economy. PittMed is also a great program (top 15) and especially for MD/PhD applicants, I would have an easier time getting into residency programs in California. Also...they PAY you to go to school...Whereas most medical students have an average debt of $100,000 (public) and $200,000 (private)...if I decide to go to Pittsburgh, I will not be in any medical school debt...which is a very comforting thought. Also Pittsburgh is a MUCH better city than Cleveland...even Wiz Khalifa thinks so...(This may sound weird, but before my interviews, I would get pumped by listening to "Black and Yellow" on repeat during the plane ride...there's something about that song that's just so catchy and makes me excited about Pittsburgh!)
At this point, I'm leaning towards Pittsburgh, but you never know what hail mary can come along and offer me money and an acceptance. But I think it's safe to say that I will not be enjoying 80 degree weather in January for the next few years.
And on this note, I'll leave with Hard to Say Goodbye - Boyz II Men
As part of my New Years resolution, I wanted to work on my communication with friends, family and significant other. Also, since my mind seems to work in mysterious ways that no one else can follow, I thought that maybe friends and family can get a glimpse into my life, thoughts and perceptions of the world.
I have been incredibly fortunate growing up and living in California from the time I was 5. Spoiled with good weather, great beaches, and awesome ski resorts, why any sane person would want to leave this paradise for 4-8 years is beyond me. But alas, I have recently started to learn that I am not sane.
Ever since the third grade, I loved learning and I loved school, especially the sciences. Going into high school, I loved the human body and I loved learning how a bunch of molecules could form such an amazing machine that is the human body. At doctor's appointments, I would always ask the nurse what she looked for as she took my blood pressure with the sphygmomanometer (try spelling that backwards playing cranium!) and then asked if I could practice on her. But I digress.
Applying to medical school this year has been both rewarding and exhausting (and expensive!). It is a humbling experience, filled with disappointment. Yet the disappointment is trivial compared to the relief of knowing that the past "x" years of my life have paid off as I achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I still get goosebumps knowing that no matter what, I will become a doctor. I feel fortunate having options of where I choose to attend medical school, and know very well that it could have gone the other way. Between four schools that I have been accepted to, I have narrowed it down to two (also keep in mind I'm waiting to hear back from a couple schools)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine: I know you're thinking...?? I have never heard of this school...hold on lemme wiki it. Yup...it's in CLEVELAND...(that's in Ohio, btw...the land of the COLD) the city LeBron took his talents away from. It would be a 4 year (top 20) program, and I would be practicing medicine at THE Cleveland Clinic, which during the tour, they just HAD to mention how they were the #4 hospital in the nation using rows and rows of 50 inch televisions hanging every 5 feet (you would think the #4 hospital in the nation would better allocate money and resources). In all honesty, besides it being in Cleveland, I really enjoyed the school, the program, and the Case Western Community from the admissions staff and faculty, to the students and residents. But because it's in Cleveland, I understand why LeBron decided to take his talents from there. Honestly, other than Case and the Cleveland Clinic, there isn't much going on there, besides a great deal of foreclosures.
University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon MSTP program: This is a 7-8 year combined MD/PhD program. Yes 7-8 years, which I realize is a significant portion of my life. Yes, I also realize that by the time I receive my medical degree, I will be thirty-something. But, for someone who LOVES school and doesn't mind memorization and pipetting, it seems like a pretty sweet deal, especially in this economy. PittMed is also a great program (top 15) and especially for MD/PhD applicants, I would have an easier time getting into residency programs in California. Also...they PAY you to go to school...Whereas most medical students have an average debt of $100,000 (public) and $200,000 (private)...if I decide to go to Pittsburgh, I will not be in any medical school debt...which is a very comforting thought. Also Pittsburgh is a MUCH better city than Cleveland...even Wiz Khalifa thinks so...(This may sound weird, but before my interviews, I would get pumped by listening to "Black and Yellow" on repeat during the plane ride...there's something about that song that's just so catchy and makes me excited about Pittsburgh!)
At this point, I'm leaning towards Pittsburgh, but you never know what hail mary can come along and offer me money and an acceptance. But I think it's safe to say that I will not be enjoying 80 degree weather in January for the next few years.
And on this note, I'll leave with Hard to Say Goodbye - Boyz II Men
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