Podcasts about next step test prep

Most founders focus all their energy on getting to an exit, but few stop to consider what comes next. In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, John Rood shares what he learned after selling Next Step Test Prep to private equity—and why he decided to write Beyond the Exit. 

Sarah is a current 3rd-year medical student and former CTICU nurse who now wants to be a Cardiothoracic Surgeon! Listen to her journey and how others reacted. Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-233-5-common-med-school-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my book about the medical school interview: https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-152-the-mmi-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-multiple-mini-interview/ (The MMI: Everything You Need to Know About the Med School Interview). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-164-medical-ethics-questions-you-can-expect-in-your-interview/ (Medical Ethics Questions You Can Expect in Your Interview). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

There are many ways to prepare for the medical school interview. Unfortunately, many students don't do any of these. Take a listen and go in ahead of the game! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-230-rejected-from-the-caribbean-now-with-a-us-acceptance/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-051-the-journey-to-a-caribbean-medical-school/ (Journey to a Carribean Medical School). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Chad shares his story about struggling with undergrad as he needed to work, being rejected from Caribbean medical school and his recent application success. Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-229-54-year-old-med-student-overcame-5-mcats-rejection-and-more/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-011-interview-with-a-56-year-old-medical-student/ (Interview with a 56-year-old Medical Student). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-2-old-old-start-medical-school/ (How Old Is Too Old to Start Medical School?) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Mariah has spent years on the Hill helping lobby for those without a voice. Now, she wants to be a physician. Hear her story of self-doubt and how she overcame! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-227-time-management-for-a-nascar-driving-medical-student/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://nextstepmcat.com/ (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep)) http://www.uniteforsight.org/ (Unite for Sight) http://www.autonationdrivepink.com/ (AutoNation Drive Pink Campaign) http://curebowl.com/ (The AutoNation CureBowl) https://www.bcrfcure.org/ (Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

You aren't looking for a Plan B, but should you consider nursing on your way to becoming a physician? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media PremedForums.com Next Step Test Prep

What do you need to know about personality disorders? We're going to talk about disorder clusters and how to tell apart confusing sound-alikes! Links: Check out Next Step Test Prep on , r, and .

Session 167 The AAMC Outline shows you what you are expected to know for the MCAT. But is that all you need to know? Plus, some psychology/sociology material! We're joined by Phil from . If you're looking for some tutoring, contact Next Step Test Prep directly and talk to them. Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points. [02:00] Getting the Most of Your Psych/Soc Section From the AAMC Outline The AAMC has this outline on what's on the MCAT exam. It contains about 128 pages so it's a huge outline. Some of those are not as useful a prep tool as others. The Psychology/Sociology (P/S) section is testing your knowledge of vocabulary. The outline gives you what stuff they're going to be asking you about and what stuff they're going to expect you to know. But it doesn't mean they can't ask you anything outside of that. The AAMC has practice materials that you've never heard of and they expect you not to have seen that. You just have to go to the passage and pull stuff out of it. The questions are not testing your knowledge. They're just testing your ability to read and learn and understand what's going in this experiment. That being said, there's other stuff they expect you to know and they're going to hold you accountable for it. Phil had a student who was strong across the board except for the Psych area. They worked on this outline and he let the student explain in their own words with their own examples. They spent a whole month and took a bunch of practice tests. She got from 124 to 131 on the practice test. And she got a 132 on the actual test, which is the perfect score. Since then, he had done this with ten other students and five of them had gotten perfect scores. [Related episode: ] [06:54] Why the Outline Isn't as Useful for the Bio Section and Other Sciences A student should look at the outline for every section. But Phil doesn't think it's as useful as in the Bio section. For instance, they will mention the bioenergetics concentration. But that doesn't really help that much as you don't know what you should be looking at. Of course, you have to look it up and figure out what's going on. A lot of the things on the Psychology/Sociology are just discrete vocabulary and not topics. Whereas a lot of the stuff in the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics sections are more of topics than vocab stuff. In the Physics section, if it talks about the right-hand rule in magnetism and the equation for the magnetic field. Writing out the magnetic field and the equation isn't merely as useful as doing practice questions. Whereas in the Psych section, they're testing the vocab stuff. If you can go through and write out the vocab definition of all these things, it's going to mesh better with what the MCAT is going to ask when it comes to those. [09:05] Understanding the Importance of Focusing on the P/S Section The P/S section is something you just have to know a ton of. In fact, there are more psychology questions than you do physics and chemistry questions combined. But people are ignoring Psych and spend a month focusing on Physics. This is pervasive across the board. This changes the way it's scored as the MCAT is a curved exam. If everyone is not putting in a lot of effort in Psych, then everyone is doing okay in Psych because it's an even thing. But if there's any section where a little effort will raise a score the most, it's the P/S section. That's because nobody is spending any time on this. [Related episode: ] [13:54] Understanding Some Psych Terms: Sensation vs. Perception Sensation and perception are two different things. A sensation is neurologic-based. If you activate a neuron, that signal gets sent to your brain. It's possible to sense something but not perceive it. There are different thresholds, which would be another vocab term. There's the threshold of sensation and the threshold of perception. So you want to make sure you know the difference between these. There's the size of the stimulus. The absolute threshold is the threshold of sensation. And there's the threshold of perception where a louder and more intense stimulus is able to increase the likelihood of you perceiving and noticing things. This example is just with touch. It's the same with light. If a neighbor in another house lights a candle. That light might hit your eye but you don't notice it. You wouldn't perceive it even if you sensed it. And it's the same with all the other senses where you're able to sense something but not perceive it. An example of a question would be a nerve is damaged and now the signal can't get to the brain. So what process are we messing with? Sensation or perception? Or they could present cases where you could sense something and not perceive it such as a flame in the arm or a candle in the window that you didn't notice. It may also be the opposite and they'd ask you if it's possible to perceive something and not sense it. A perception without a sensation would be noticing something that is there that isn't actually there. An example of this is the phantom limb syndrome or if you're just hallucinating. [17:53] Weber's Law There's another threshold associated with Weber's law where you will notice a percent increase. Here's a classic example. Imagine that you put a paperclip on your hand with your eyes closed. If someone were to add another paperclip on top of that, would you notice the change in weight? There's a good chance you would. But if you're carrying a couch and somebody throws a paperclip on top, you're not going to notice that. Your body actually notices an increase in a certain percentage of the stimuli. In this case, going from one paperclip to two is 100% increase. This is noticeable. Whereas the couch that's going up 0.001% increase in weight. Generally, there are some percentages that your body will notice in terms of sensation. It's not just within the realm of touching. It also applies to sound and light, hearing and seeing things. Beware of the common trap here: Weber's law is about the intensity of a signal source. If you're changing the intensity of a sound or light, you're talking about louder or brighter. You're not talking about changing colors or changing frequencies. Here's an example of the application of Weber's law. Phil experimented on this when he was a child even if he didn't know it was Weber's law at that time. He was sitting on a couch watching TV and his mom yelled at him to turn down the TV. So from 50, he turned it down to 40. And then turned it up to 41, 42, until it got to 58. It was louder than when it started and his mom didn't even notice it. That's because she didn't notice the small incremental change because the percent increase of those was too small. Whereas if he went straight from 40 to 58 and his mom would have yelled at him. Another example would be standing in the woods in the middle of the night and someone lights a candle. You're going to see that candle. Versus if you're on stage and there's a bunch of spotlights shining in your eyes. Then someone at the back of the theater lights a candle and you're not going to notice that. Even though it's the same amount of added light, we're just changing the percent increase. So if it's pitch black and you add a candle, that's an infinite increase in light. [Related episode: ] [23:25] Next Step Test Prep If you're looking for some tutoring, go to . Sign up for a free consultation call. Check it out and tell them you heard about them here on the podcast. Links:

The MCAT Podcast welcomes Phil from Next Step Test Prep! He joins me to talk MCAT strategy and how to prepare without getting overwhelmed. Links:

Phil is a top tutor at Next Step Test Prep and has personally performed well on the old and new MCAT. Today he shares his strategies for studying for Psych/Soc. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Next Step Test Prep (Promo Code: MSHQ to save $50 off the MCAT course) MCATCourseReview.com

In our first set of discrete questions from Next Step Test Prep, we answer questions about bias, stress hormones, organizational effects, and groupthink! Links:

We're rounding out bio/biochem for Next Step Test Prep full-length 10 and we're in for a great passage to help us with our skills. Links:

We're onto our last set of discrete questions for the bio/biochem section of Next Step Test Prep full-length 10. Follow along in our show notes! Links:

In our next set of discrete questions from Next Step Test Prep, we talk about insulin, beta-oxidation, and the IRB and research process. Follow along in the post. Links:  (promo code MCATPOD)

Another week of MCAT full-length breakdown with Clara from Next Step Test Prep. We're covering passage 4 from NSTP full-length 10 bio/biochem section. Links:

Passage 3 from Next Step Test Prep full-length 10 covers an interesting discussion on unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Links:  and use the promo code MCATPOD

We tackle passage 2 from Next Step Test Prep's full-length 10 bio/biochem section. The topic of this passage is all about insulin. Follow along with us. Links:  (promo code MCATPOD) Follow us on Instagram  or our .

Struggling with CARS? Check out passage 8 from Next Step Test Prep, full-length 10. Listen to the struggles, learn from the mistakes to improve your MCAT score. Links:  (promo code MCATPOD)

We're back for some more Next Step Test Prep full-length 10 with CARS passage 3. Follow along with the handout on the blog post for this episode. Links:  (Promo code: MCATPOD)

Clara joins Ryan as the new MCAT expert from Next Step Test Prep. We tackle the first passage of CARS. Follow along with the handout in the show notes. Links:

Session 105 ATP, blood vessels, fat stores and beta decay are the topics we cover in the next set of discrete questions from Next Step Test Prep Full-length 10. We are once again joined by Bryan Schnedeker from . Also check out all our other podcasts on . [01:33] Question 44: Fat Molecules Fats are stored in adipose tissues primarily as: (A) Fatty acids (B) Chylomicrons (C) Glycerol (D) Triacylglycerols Bryan's Insights: The correct answer here is D. Glycerol is the three-carbon backbone and fatty acids are the little tails that get tagged onto the glycerol. So a glycerol backbone plus three fatty acids make up a full classic E-shaped triacylglycerol or just just fat molecule. Chylomicrons are the little clumpy bits that are used to transport fatty acids throughout the blood. [03:27] Question 45: Aorta vs. Capillaries Within the body, which of the following blood vessels is expected to have the greatest total cross-sectional area and the lowest fluid velocity? (A) Aorta (B) Arterioles (C) Capillaries (D) Vena cava Bryan's Insights: The word total is key here. And the answer here is C. There are tens of thousands of capillaries for every arteriole, much less for the aorta and vena cava in the body. The question also says lowest fluid velocity. The blood in the aorta and the arterioles is just rushing along because of all that pressure from the heart. So it's in the capillaries that the blood flows the slowest that it almost comes to a standstill so that your oxygen and carbon dioxide can get exchanged. If you're not reading this question very carefully, you might pick (A) Aorta. In fact, in the Next Step Full Length analysis, about 65% get this question right while the other 35% all pick the aorta. [05:23] Question 46: Fluorine What does 18F become after a beta+ decay? (A) 18Ne (B) 18O (C) 17F (D) 19F Bryan's Insights: The test would give you a periodic table where you click on the button in the corner of the screen. It doesn't give you much except for the atomic number and then the element itself. First, you need to know the weight of a beta+ particle. It's a position which is a fancy name for a positively charged electron. So beta- is an electron while beta+ is a positively charged electron. Relative to a proton, you can treat beta decay as having a zero mass. So if Fluorine starts with a mass of 18, shooting out a positron is not going to change the 18 at all because it didn't give out any mass. If shot off a positive charge, it means that one of it is positive, so the proton became a neutron. Fluorine which had 9 protons went down to only 8 protons. So you have to go to the periodic table and see what's element number 8 and you would see that it's Oxygen. [08:00] Question 47: ATP/ADP Ratio A cell in which an elevated ATP/ADP ratio exists is most likely to demonstrate which allosteric effect resulting for this elevation? (A) Inhibition of pyruvate kinase (B) Activation of phosphofructokinase 1 (C) Inhibition of ATP citrate lyase (D) Activation of hexokinase Bryan's Insights: The cell is in a really high energy state, which means you don't need to make any more. In response, you slow your Krebs cycle and all that mechanics down. So you don't want to pick the activation choices, leaving us here with A and C. The correct answer here is A. Remember that pyruvate is that last step in glycolysis so the key regulatory point when you wrap up glycolysis before you head over to the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex or Krebs cycle, you regulate glycolysis right at the end there. If you shut that off in the end and if you have tons of ATP floating around, you don't need to make more energy. Hence, you switch off glycolysis by switching off pyruvate kinase, the enzyme in the end. ATP citrate lyase is a key enzyme that links carbohydrate metabolism (the Krebs cycle) to fat anabolism (making fat). The enzyme basically converts the citrate to acetyl CoA, which goes over and the body makes fat molecules out of it for storage. If you have tons of energy and you want to store that energy, you would actually bump up your ATP citrate lyase. You would want to activate that whole chain of connections. [12:08] Quick Tips for Answering Biochemistry Questions First, understand what the question is asking since students get very hung up in metabolism and biochemistry, trying to memorize a million names of enzymes, substrates, etc. Of course you have to recognize names. But when it comes to actually answering questions on test day, just put it in the big picture. Contextualize it. Don't skip this first step because just from the names of the molecules, and recognizing the general situation, you can take a pretty good crack at the question. In terms of the Krebs cycle and all the different energy pathways, you have to know them backwards-forwards, upside-down. You should be able to list every enzyme in the Krebs cycle, every substrate that gets acted on by the enzyme, and all the coenzymes and cofactors, all the inputs and the outputs. "The Krebs cycle is your alpha and omega. You have to know the whole thing." As for any pathway in the body, just generally know the inputs and outputs and the regulatory steps. You don't have to list every single step in glycolysis on the MCAT. That's okay. That said, memorize the Krebs cycle backwards and forwards first and then remember all the key steps in all the other reactions. [14:45] Next Step Test Prep If you're interested in Next Step Test Prep's full length practice exams, use the promo code MCATPOD to save 10% off their offerings. Based on the feedback gathered from students, Next Step Test Prep simulates the real exam. They also found it to be the most accurate full length exam, outside of the AAMC exams. Links: Promo Code: MCATPOD

Psychology is one of the newer subjects on the MCAT. Bryan from Next Step Test Prep and Ryan cover the topic to help you learn how to answer the questions. Links:

Bryan from Next Step Test Prep and Ryan cover biochemistry, a huge pain point for many premed students. Take a listen and learn some biochem with us. Links:

The new MSAR contained a big shock for students, an increase of almost 4 points to the average MCAT score for those starting medical school. What does it mean? Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at !

Session 69 Dr. Pamela Mehta is a general private practice orthopedic surgeon. She has been out of training now for ten years and has been in private practice for two years. We get into a great discussion about what led her to private practice, post-training, types of patients, and what she likes about orthopedics. We talk about what it's like to a be a woman in a male-dominated specialty and much more. By the way, The Premed Playbook: Guide to the MCAT is going to be available very soon. Written with Next Step Test Prep, we will soon be putting it up on Amazon and other stores as soon as possible. Go to MCATbook.com to sign up and be notified. Also check out our other books The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview and another one coming up in August is The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement. If you have any suggestions for physicians whom you think would make great guests (only attending physicians), shoot me an email at ryan@medicalschoolhq.net. [02:00] An interest in Orthopedics Initially, Pamela didn't expect she wanted to be a surgeon because she expected she was going to find herself in primary care, her primary reason she went to medical school. In fact, she saw herself as either a pediatrician or family medicine doctor. And during her third year rotation, she put trauma surgery first, with the intention of just getting it out of the way since she wanted to practice so when she gets to the family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric rotation, she will be in good position to get good letters. During her first day at the trauma surgery rotation, she just couldn't believe how excited she was. She was amazed by how the ER doctors, surgeons, and nurses were working together to get the patient up into the operating room as efficiently as possible. And when she was asked to scrub in, Pamela says she will never forget that feeling. From that day on, she made a complete switch and decided she was going to do surgery. "I could not believe how excited I was and just the adrenalin that was pumping when trauma came into the trauma bay." It was actually a blessing in disguise when she had the whole year to figure out where she was going to do her fourth year sub-I's in. This gave her time to choose which clinical subspecialty she wanted to do. [06:15] Pushback as a Female Surgeon Pamela admits that when she was still attending USC, she got told many times by other orthopedic surgeons, residents to instead do other specialities like radiology or anesthesia or PM&R. And she she didn't really understand why she can't do it as well. And she was told orthopedics was difficult in terms of lifestyle or having a family. Good thing, she went to a very supportive residency in Columbia University in New York City and out of the six people in her class, two of them were women and the class right before them, four were women out of the six. She felt really protected in that she never felt she was a woman there in terms of feeling discriminated against or not taken seriously. However, it was a different case when she began entering into the workforce. When she started interviewing for jobs, she faced a lot of the discrimination. "If you are a female and you want to go into a male-dominated specialty, you absolutely should but you do have to have a thick skin. That's life." Pamela adds that having a thick skin is important being in a male-dominated specialty. In fact, sometimes you even have to be more perfect than your male counterparts. Because when you slip on something as a female, there are those that will think it's because your'e a girl. [09:00] Patient Types and Her Choice to Do General Orthopedics vs. a Subspecialty Part of the reason she loves orthopedics is she loves taking care of children, young adults, and seniors. She treats fracture work when people break their bones and they have to go to the ER and can't walk. She handles patients with sports injuries as well as arthritis patients, especially older patients that can't walk or are debilitated, for which she does joint replacement surgery as well. Pamela thinks it's rare for a resident to graduate and not do a fellowship especially in the more competitive environments like the bigger cities. But she just likes general orthopedics. She likes the bread and butter orthopedics. She likes taking care of all kinds of issues from sports injuries to fracture work to arthritic patients. So she took the leap and decided not to do the subspecialty. Finding a job wasn't that much of a difficulty for her too. "Once you're in your job, you really learn so much on the job in your first couple of years as an attending and a brand new surgeon that the fellowship stuff doesn't matter as much." From a marketing standpoint, once you're out of practice, Pamela suggests it's in your best interest that if you're in a big city, you have to be able to market yourself as a certain subspecialist. [11:35] Private Practice Pamela recalls being in a large group composed mostly of men. And once she had children, she realized it was very difficult to work in a large group of men. They didn't seem to understand if she needed to drop or pick up her kids. So she was looking for that flexibility to do what she wants and when she wants it on her own terms. "I just really wanted the flexibility to do what I want, when I want on my own terms." Ultimately, she made her decision after her second child to go out into private practice. Not an easy decision to make though considering she already had a job that had a stable paycheck and great benefits. It was definitely a risk she decided to take, considering too she was confident that she had several years of experience and the surgical volume under her belt. And so the rest is history as she's now practicing for about two years. Being her own boss, she calls the shots as to when she wants to see patients and when she wants to do cases. She may be a lot busier than she was before, but it's all on her own terms (and she's making more money now than she did as well). [13:40] Diagnosis in Patients Coming to Her Pamela says mostly anyone that comes to them still needs a diagnosis. She often has patients that have been either to the primary care doctor, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, etc. Oftentimes, they'd come up with some idea but they don't have the answer yet. Pamela says that they mostly have to diagnose the patient from beginning to end. In orthopedics, Pamela explains that there's not a lot of non-operative care that you do before you actually do any kind of surgery. Additionally, Pamela explains that because orthopedics is not a big part of medical school and a lot of primary care doctors don't actually know how to diagnose these problems. So there are patients coming in diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in their hand, for instance, and really, what they have is a trigger finger. In some ways, it's always much more complex because sometimes you're being led in a different direction from what says on the referral than when the patient comes in and you have to start from the beginning and not really trust anyone else's diagnosis. "There are patients coming in diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in their hand and really what they have is a trigger finger." Pamela recommends to primary doctors to carry with them The Handbook for Fractures. Also, it would be better to shadow an orthopedist at some point in your residency training. She has tried as a private practitioner to go out in the community and give out her numbers, telling primary are doctors that they can always reach her if they have any questions. Building a relationship with an orthopedist in town as a primary care doctor is a good idea too to have someone to pick their brain and ask things. And out of the percentage of patients they end up taking to the operating room, Pamela would say 70% when she used to work with that large group. There were a lot of layers of primary care/physical therapy/PM&R that was seeing the patient before they finally got to orthopedics. On the other hand, Pam thinks that if you're in private practice or in academics, the percentage can be at 30% to 40%. This being said, she explains you never say no. You see anyone and everything. So you're less protected when you're out in private practice and not part of the large multi-specialty group. [17:50] Typical Week, Taking Calls, and Work-Life Balance Now that she can do whatever she wants, she has a set schedule. Mondays would be her OR days. Tuesdays to Fridays would be clinic days with a mix of procedure work, doing injections and regenerative medicine like PRP and stem cells. Then closer at the end of the week, she will do a second OR slot where she'll take some fractures that have come through on call or thru the ER. In terms of taking calls, Pamela says that if you decide to affiliate with certain hospitals and usually they'd ask you to take ER calls.  This means you're on call a few nights of the month. Although you can do as little or as much as you want. If you're a part of the group in private practice, you will join up with some other colleagues and take group call for your private patients that come through your office. Pamela is part of a larger call group of eight but she considers this as pretty light and not anything too crazy. Although it becomes a little bit more intensive if you're affiliated with a large trauma hospital where you're in-house and doing a lot of fracture work over night. "Usually when you're brand new, you want to take that ER call because that's how you get some patients into your office." Pamela believes she has enough family time. Her husband is an ortho spine surgeon so he thinks there's balance that comes with that. They work together in terms of fitting their schedules in. They also make sure they block weekends for family time. She takes her partnership with her husband some credit for being able to manage their work-life balance. [21:30] The Path to Being an Orthopedic Surgeon It basically takes four years of undergraduate training and then four years of medical school. Usually in the end of your third year and beginning of fourth year, you have to do an orthopedic rotation usually your home program. Then you can choose to do a couple sub-I's away. Pamela applied to about ten orthopedic programs and went on about six or seven interviews. She matched to Columbia where she did a five-year program. Their first year was a mix of general surgery and orthopedics. Then PGY-2 year is what they call their ortho intern year so you're like the scut monkey and you do all the consults in the ER. Pamela describes this as your most work-intensive year. The rest of your three years are focused on operating and operative skill. You can then choose to do a fellowship. All orthopedic fellowships take one year. Pamela thinks this is good since it shouldn't really be that long. Examples of fellowships available are spine, sports, joint replacement, hand, foot and ankle, and peds. Pamela explains that if you want to be competitive in residency since this field is highly competitive, you have to honor your rotations in your third year as they look at that. Then get good letters of recommendation. Do well on your boards. In fact, when Pamela had pretty average board scores and when she got those board scores back, many people told her to take a year off and do some research or switch gears. But she was pretty determined so she pit three places to do her sub-I's and really hustled her way through to leave a good impression on people. Hence, she was able to get more letters. If you have good board scores, that doesn't make you a shoe-in but it does help you chances quite a bit. But if you don't have good board scores, it's that much more important to just impress people a lot and get really good letters. "If you don't have good board scores, it's that much more important to just impress people a lot and get really good letters." [24:30] Bias Against DOs Pamela says that that one of the best orthopedic surgeon in that big group she used to be a part of was a DO. He operated better and more efficient than any of the rest of them. He was the most revered and the go-to guy for questions and opinions. Currently, she works with an orthopedist in town who's also very well-trained. All this being said, she really doesn't think there's much bias at this time. It really doesn't matter that much anymore once you're out in practice. "Any place that is that unaccepting, whether you're a female or you have children or you're a DO, then that's not really a place you want to be at." She adds that people could be caught in the idea that we have to be in the best place, but it doesn't work like that. It has to be a place that's going to support you in your endeavors. [26:20] Working with Primary Care and Other Specialties Pamela recommends to primary care physicians is to get the x-rays done as it's very hard for them to evaluate patients without them. You can also get someone started on physical therapy unless it's a broken bone. It's nice to get knocked out of the few non operative treatments before sending them to a specialist. It's all about making a little effort to give patients a little bit of treatment before they get to the specialists. Other specialties they work the closest with are pain management, PM&R, and internal and family medicine. Whether there are special opportunities outside of clinical medicine, Pam says there's the whole medical legal world where people ask for you to review charts. So there's a lot of personal injury work you can do. It can run a whole gamut of doing an independent examination. There's a lot of things you can do outside of clinical medicine in terms of just dealing with traditional insurance companies. Another nice things with orthopedics is they have a lot of sports games so you can go to the local high school and junior high schools or community colleges and ask if they need someone to come and be there on the sidelines for the games. [29:20] What She Wished She Knew and Her Advice to the Male Doctors What she knows  now that she wished she knew back then was that Pamela found herself so naive and energetic in medical school. She thought it wasn't a big deal she was a female even if people were hesitant about it. It was okay for the most part but she did wish she had more female colleagues instead of all men colleagues all the time. There's only 5% of them female orthopedic surgeons practicing outside residency. In training it's about 14% and they dropped down to 5%. She sometimes feels this is a little bit of a struggle, not feeling the camaraderie that many female-dominated specialties have. But in terms of the actual work, she is happy about it. In fact, she couldn't imagine doing any other field. That said, she thinks that when you're in medical school and one specialty is not working out for you, keep an open mind to think about two or three other different specialties. "Keep an open mind to think about two or three other different specialties." Pamela says that the deterioration in numbers in female orthopods from residency to practice is more of a system problem. And unfortunately, there's still a lot of discrimination in medicine more so in the surgical field. This said, the way to do it is for men to really accept females into their "circle" and recognize they're a large part of the workforce and they have something to contribute. Pam suspects because this is the age people start their family and if people in the workforce aren't more open to that, this is something people need to accept. And we need to nurture that. People from training to stopping work is just a scary number and odd. [33:20] Things She Likes the Most and Least What Pamela likes most about being an orthopod is the variety of the things she gets to do. She gets to do big open surgeries and fixing things with plates and screws. She also gets to do smaller surgeries like just playing video games. On the flip side, what she likes the least as with any other surgical field is infection and pus. In terms of the major changes coming to the field, Pamela says orthopedics is a very dynamic field that there's new stuff coming all the time. They're improving all the implants they put in. There's a huge wave of regenerative medicine with stem cells and the different ways to garner those stem cells. If she had to do it all over again, Pamela would still have done the same. Lastly, she wishes to tell students that this is a great field with a lot of variety. You get to operate and get to see patients in the office. You get to have fun with your colleagues. You get to treat patients that really want to get back to their active lifestyle. For the most part, they're generally healthy. Just show your passion and dedication for the field and you can achieve anything you want. "If you're a medical student that struggles with low board scores, don't let it get in the way. You can do it. It's very possible to do it and even without taking the time off." Links: Handbook of Fractures The Premed Years Podcast ryan@medicalschoolhq.net MCATbook.com The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

If you're GPA is low, you may have heard that the MCAT might save you if you get a good enough score. We tackle that question today on the MCAT Podcast. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

The AAMC is the organization behind the MCAT. When they do something, it's news. They recently released the third scored full-length practice exam for the MCAT. Links and Other Resources: Check out my book written in collaboration with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

One of the most perplexing problems that faces premeds is if they should stack the MCAT up in the Spring, or wait until the Summer to take it. We talk about it! Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: Related episode: Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at !

The MCAT registration opens up this year on October 18th. You need to be ready to sign up for a seat to make sure you cant take the test when you want to! Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

A common question we get is if the MCAT is getting harder with the new iterations. We'll discuss what you as a premed need to understand to do well. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

A lot of students plan on going into the MCAT ready to void it, some think about voiding it during the test. We discuss when you should actually void the MCAT. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at !

If you are familiar with the SAT, then you know that your best score is a combination of multiple tests. Do medical schools do the same for MCAT retakes? Links: Check out my book, co-written with Next Step Test Prep, . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Flashcards are a great tool to have for all your studying needs. Bryan and Ryan discuss how to use flashcards for the MCAT to maximize your study time! Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: .  /  Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

Amino Acids should be like the air you breath for the MCAT - you just don't think about it. We'll cover some questions today to help you with that. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

If you're like many MCAT takers, your section scores are unbalanced. Learn how that might affect your medical school application. Listen now. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related podcast:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Bryan and Ryan take a look at several Next Step Test Prep physics questions to help you understand how to answer physics questions on the new MCAT. Links:  (Use the promo code MCATPOD to save some money on your test prep)

This week Bryan from Next Step Test Prep is going to help us break down organic chemistry discrete questions. Listen to hear how we do it! Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Breaking from MCAT questions this week, Bryan and Ryan talk about how to determine if you are ready to take the MCAT. Listen and find out! Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at !

This week Bryan and Ryan look at Next Step MCAT chemistry discrete questions and break them down to help you on your MCAT journey! Links and Other Resources: Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Bryan and I took a look at some Next Step MCAT biochemistry discrete questions and broke them down to help you figure out how to get the right answer. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Session 66 This week, a student asked about retaking old prerequisite classes that they previously did well in, hoping to better prepare for the MCAT. The classes that the poster has been considering to take, however, are online. What are the options? If you have any questions, register for an account at OldPreMeds.org and join the collaborative community there. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: "I am 'stuffling' (I wasn’t really sure what the poster meant by this word) in deciding whether or not to retake my science courses online. I took most classes, bio and general chem, about ten years ago and recently took some courses to prep for the MCAT. I took the MCAT two years ago and scored a 500. I want to retake all science classes to help me prepare better for the MCAT. Unfortunately, I can't do daytime classes because I work and I have a family to support and the schools where I live do not offer these classes in the evening. Will it be okay if I took these classes online? Will medical schools accept them or am I better off not retaking these courses. My science GPA is 3.7 and my overall is 3.9.  I really want to apply to medical school as soon as possible as I'm 31. But I really need a bit more review on physics because that is my weakest point. Any advice would be helpful." Here are my thoughts: [03:00] Prerequisite Classes Retaking the MCAT is obviously a huge endeavor. 500 is not a great score but it's a score and a 3.7/3.9 is a great GPA. Interestingly, you only mentioned Bio and General chemistry so I'm wondering if you really understand all the prereqs for medical school. Now with the new MCAT, it's not just Biology but also, Psychology, Sociology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry. Some of the medical schools are adding some of those Psychology and Sociology classes to their prereqs so that's something to look into. [04:00] Taking Online Prereqs If you go back to OPM Session 18, it talks about online degrees. But the person here is just taking online courses to supplement her previous courses in order to give her a better foundation for the MCAT. My biggest piece of advice is to look into the MSAR (for MD schools) and look at the requirements for each of the schools since they will tell you whether or not they accept online courses. In this situation, you did well in your courses to begin with (assuming you did all of the prereqs) so let's say you're taking these online courses not to boost your GPA but as a refresher. This is something you have to ask the medical about. Reach out to the school and present your situation telling them you did well in your previous classes. Since they're older, are they going to take these older classes? And would it be okay if you took these online courses now not for boosting your GPA but really just to prepare for the MCAT. [05:52] MCAT Prep Course Another option is just to apply and see what happens. 500 is not a great score but it's the average MCAT score so it will limit what schools will look at you. The last options is spend the money on a MCAT prep course instead of online courses and use the MCAT prep course materials to relearn the information you need to learn. Personally, this would be the route I would take. I would self-teach myself, use Khan Academy videos online, and take a look at the Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) from Stanford University for example and see if they have any Physics courses online for free. I'd take a look at whatever online resources are out there and self-teach myself through those online resources and through the study material from these courses. Check out Next Step Test Prep, specifically their new MCAT class where they teach you the material online and at your own pace. They also have online office hours five days a week to have your questions answered. Compared to other big-named companies, they have more materials and they're much cheaper. Save some money by using the code MSHQ. Links: Next Step Test Prep OPM Session 18 MSAR Khan Academy Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) MedEd Media Network OldPreMeds.org The Premed Years Podcast The MCAT Podcast Specialty Stories Podcast The Short Coat Podcast

General chemistry is the foundation for a lot of the sciences on the MCAT. Listen to how Bryan breaks down this general chemistry passage for the new MCAT. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Session 64 We take questions directly from the OldPreMeds.org forum and deliver the answers right here to you. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: "I'm about to graduate from college this upcoming May and would like to apply to medical schools. I wanted to apply to linkage programs so I can get into medical school without having to take the MCAT. I still have not taken the MCAT. However, I cannot apply to postbac programs because I've taken all the premed courses and have done very well in them. So that eliminates any postbac linkage programs. I know there are tons of linkage programs for undergrad sophomores and juniors but since I'm no longer a sophomore or junior, what other options do I have besides applying to medical school the regular way?" Here are my insights: [02:45] Thinking Outside the Box The MCAT is a beast of its own and that's why you have resources like The MCAT Podcast to help make taking the MCAT easier for you. If you haven't yet, go check it out. It's a podcast I do with Next Step Test Prep, a test prep company that offers one-on-one tutoring as well as 10 full-length practice tests for the new MCAT. They also have a brand new course which they've set out. (Use the code MSHQ to save some money on their products and services). [03:35] Ways to Get Into Medical School There are a couple of ways to get into medical school. First is the traditional route which involves applying at the end of your junior year or beginning of your senior year for entrance the following year. So there's no break between undergrad and medical school except for a summer off. Within that normal route, you will have take the MCAT. [04:03] Early Acceptance Programs Perhaps the more appropriate term to use rather than a linkage program is "early acceptance." For most of these programs you apply during your sophomore or junior year. For some schools, you don't have to take the MCAT. While for others, you still have to take the MCAT provided that you have a minimum score to still be accepted into medical school. My undergrad institution, University of Florida has the Junior Honors Medical Program where you apply as a sophomore and they look at your SAT score and the first couple years of your undergrad classes. I think you have to take the MCAT on that one. [4:53] Programs without MCAT Requirement There are programs out there where you don't have to take the MCAT.  I recently helped a student get into A.T. Still University where they have an early acceptance program and she no longer has to take the MCAT and got her early acceptance. [5:05] What Are the Options for Nontraditional Students? If you're listening to this as a nontraditional student, those options are probably not going to be available for you. Instead, you can look into postbac programs, which are there to help increase your grades if you started off poorly and then you've decided to come back and work harder. These are grade-enhancing programs that allow you to go back and take these prerequisite courses over again. Some of those programs will have linkages to medical schools. There are also Special Master’s Programs that have linkages to medical schools. These are master degree programs to help you improve your grades so you can prove to medical schools that you can handle the curriculum. I really wouldn’t recommend taking it as these programs can be very expensive. Also, in a lot of these programs, you will have to take some classes with the first year medical students. [6:45] Take the MCAT. Take a Prep Course. If you've done well in your classes, there is no reason to avoid taking the MCAT. Bite the bullet. MCAT is a necessary evil. If you've done well in your undergrad classes, that is the number one way to prepare for the MCAT. So go back and relearn that material. Take a prep course such as Next Step Test Prep and use the code MSHQ. Just take the MCAT and you will be fine. Links and Other Resources: OldPreMed.org MedEd Media Network The Premed Years The MCAT Podcast Specialty Stories Podcast Next Step Test Prep (Use the code MSHQ to save money off their offerings.) University of Florida - Junior Honors Medical Program If you're on any social media platform, use #tripod and let people know all about The OldPreMeds Podcast.

Session 63 Our poster today is a former student interested in optometry but is now trying to pursue medicine. A poor MCAT score is holding him back though plus his premed advisor told him he had zero percent chance of getting into medical school due to lack of research experience. Is research really necessary? How else can you improve your application given these circumstances? The OldPreMeds community has been around for a long time helping nontraditional students like yourself on their journey to and through medical school. If you haven’t yet, sign up for an account today and if you have any questions, ask away. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: Today’s post is one from Louis Gonzalez. "I am 27 years old. I have put off going to medical school for the last five years due to personal and family reasons. I’ve been taking care of my sister who developed a form of psychosis back in the spring of 2013 and I was my grandmother’s caretaker during her fatal bout with liver cancer in 2014. I was trying for optometry school but after shadowing several optometrists, I just don’t think that it was the correct field for me. I graduated in 2011 with a 3.4 science GPA and a 3.7 accumulative GPA. I, at this time, only have 450 hours of volunteering and three years worth of science tutoring biology, microbiology, chemistry and organic chemistry. Tutoring at the local community college near my home, I can’t travel that far due to my sister’s health. I did have shadowing experience but the doctor I shadowed back in 2011 doesn’t have an office in this state anymore. I know I’ll have to start shadowing and taking my MCAT. I got 23 on the 2012 MCAT, but what else should I do to prepare my application? I’m taking my MCAT in mid-August. So is it a good idea to get letters of recommendation right now and apply late? Or wait until next year and ask those professors in early 2018 to write letters of recommendation? Also, is research necessary? I went back to talk to an advisor at my university about applying to medical school in December, but she told me that I had a 0% chance of getting into medical school at this point due to my lack of research. Overall,any advice would be most helpful." Here are my insights: [03:15] Zero Percent Chance and Research Experience First of all, as much as I love premed advisors, I just have to disagree with "0% chance" of getting into medical school because zero percent chance is never the answer. Anyway, do you have to have research? No. It’s a tricky thing because when you’re applying to medical schools and you’re looking at the MSAR and the College Information Book, you'd see various breakdowns of students that were accepted including what percentage of them had research. And it’s a large majority. But the bottom line is that you do not have to have research. If you’re interested in research, great and go seek it out. I highly recommend you go and get research because it’s interesting and just to see if you might like it or not. It's very easy just like any other experience of shadowing or getting clinical experience.You could either do laboratory research or clinical research wherein you’re helping a physician do some data analysis on their patients. Again, you don’t have to have research but I would recommend you get it or at least "dip your toes" in it for a little bit to see if you like it. [04:45] Older Prereqs and Preparing for the MCAT Your GPA scores, volunteering experience, and science tutoring are great. Your prerequisites are a little bit older (take a listen to OPM 62) but it's probably still okay. I recommend you check in with each of the schools you're interested in applying to just to make sure they're okay with having some older prereqs. Just as I talked about last week, you got a 23 on the MCAT so it may help you on the new MCAT to take some more courses to help solidify your knowledge of the sciences that are going to be tested on the MCAT. But it comes down to you just not understanding what the MCAT is all about. For this reason, I would highly recommend looking into a Next Step Test Prep or another one-on-one tutoring company. If you decide to go with Next Step Test Prep, use the code MSHQ to save some money on their tutoring programs. You really need to understand how to take the MCAT to do well on it. [06:02] Application Timeline & Letters of Recommendation If you plan to apply this year (2017) and take the test in August, I would recommend that you don't apply this year. August is too late to apply this year. It’s not a 0% chance but I would never recommend to anybody that’s applying in 2017 to take the MCAT in August of 2017 because your application is not going to be complete until a month after that. By that time, you’re several months behind and most medical schools are going to have the people they want to interview already lined up and ready to go. They're just waiting for those last few really top notch applications to come through before the deadline, which is usually at the end of October. So if you have to take the MCAT in August or mid-August, I would delay applying until 2018. Regarding letters of recommendation, start asking for them around February and have your letter writers submit their letters for 2018, applying in June of 2018. [07:22] Shadowing and Clinical Experience Look into some more shadowing and more clinical experience since admissions committees want to see sustained engagement in the medical field. While you had a volunteering a while ago, you didn't mention what type of volunteering it is so I'm going to assume it's not medically related. Get some clinical experience being around patients just to make sure this is really what you want to do. Lastly, I'm glad that you pointed out that you decided not to apply for optometry after shadowing optometrists. This is the very reason medical schools want to see some shadowing experience from students in order to get that same feel and that gut feeling whether to go for it or not. Links: The Short Coat Podcast MedEd Media Network MSAR College Information Book OPM 62: What Should I Focus on With Old Prereqs and ECs? Next Step Test Prep (Use the code MSHQ to save some money on their tutoring programs.)

This week Bryan picked from common MCAT biology questions on the Next Step tests where students fall into traps when reviewing answers. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at  Get the Handout

Session 61 Our question this week comes directly from OldPreMeds forums. Our poster wants to know how adcoms will view his or her application as a 50-year-old. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: "I am 50+ years old and I have a deep desire to apply to medical school. Although I majored in biology and acquired a Master's in biology over 20 years ago, I have done so to pursue clinical research and biotechnology. However, I recently completed a Master's in Health Technology and the new medical initiatives in reform of Medical Care through the ACA has really sparked my interest to serve as a physician, making healthcare accessible to all. Is it practical for one over 50 to apply to medical school? How favorable does the admissions committee look at older medical applicants?" Here are my insights: [01:45] Health Care Access to All Making healthcare accessible to all is a great desire but a physician has a small part in that. It's good for a policy maker like getting involved through an MPH in making policy and figuring out how to better help the community access healthcare. A physician, however, has a very small role in making healthcare accessible to all. You can actually make it accessible to a small percentage of patients you see. While you may be serving those underserved, it is still a small portion of the total population. Think about your desires and what it is that you truly want to do.Figure out if it really is being a physician that will make that difference. Being a physician, you only get to take care of one patient at a time so making health care "accessible to all" doesn't really fit into that. If you truly want to be a physician then great but I would question your motives to be a physician if your desire is to make healthcare accessible to all. Think through that. [03:22] Health Care Reform This post was posted on December 2016 after Donald Trump had won the election before he had taken the oath and became President and had signed the Executive Orders to start dismantling the Affordable Care Act. If you're interested in medicine because of what the ACA has done, realize that it's going to look totally different by the time you become a doctor. I have to warn you based on your current ideas and thoughts because if you're applying because you love the ACA and you want to make healthcare accessible to all, medicine is going to look completely different by the time you apply to medical school as well as by the time you get out and start practicing and go through residency and so on. You really have to do this for the right reason, which is usually to take care of patients one at a time regardless of how the healthcare system looks. [04:50] Question on Age Your age is going to raise some yellow flags, which means people are going to question your desires because they want to make sure you're doing this for the right reasons. Some medical schools will be biased and would not want to accept you due to your age. Why give a spot to a 50 years old when they can give it to a 20+ years old that's going to have 30 years more work than you may have? So there will be this kind of thoughts out there. But every year, we hear stories of 50-year-old's or even 60-year-old's starting medical school. So it is possible. Go back and listen to The Premed Years Podcast Session 11, where I interviewed Kate, a 56-year-old third year medical student so she started medical school at 53. [06:15] My Final Thoughts I encourage you to continue on exploring why you want to go through this and if this is what you really want then push full steam ahead. Some school might frown upon it, other schools are going to look highly upon it. But it only takes one school to say yes. So keep digging and keep pushing forward if that is what you're really interested in. [07:07] MCAT Prep Help If you need help with MCAT prep, I highly recommend Next Step Test Prep. They are known for their one-on-one tutoring, which is what I would have gone through for MCAT prep if I had to do it all over again. With basically the same price as an in-person Kaplan or Princeton review, Next Step can give you a one-on-one tutor to help you figure out how to take the MCAT. Use the code MSHQ to save some money on their tutoring, full-length practice tests, and their new online course. Plus you get live office hours with the people that wrote that test. Links: OldPreMeds Next Step Test Prep (Use the code MSHQ to save money) The Premed Years Podcast Session 11: Interview with a 56-Year-Old Medical Student Affordable Care Act The Premed Years Podcast The MCAT Podcast Specialty Stories Podcast MedEd Media Network ryan@medicalschoolhq.net

Biology is important for the body and for the MCAT. This week Bryan breaks down a biology MCAT passage and shows you how to beat the MCAT. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at ! Get the Handout

This week Bryan and I are breaking down discrete questions from the MCAT. These questions are taken directly from Next Step MCAT Full-length Exams Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at  Get the Handout

Session 58 If you are not a traditional student entering the medical field on your terms, you may have had some hiccups along the way but now you’re ready to change course and serve others as a physician. This podcast is here to help answer your questions and help educate you on your non-traditional journey to becoming a physician. In this episode, Ryan takes a question directly from the OldPreMeds.org forums and delivers the answer right here to you. Today’s question comes from a  student looking to figure out if he needs to do some extracurricular activities while studying for the MCAT as well. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: “I’m currently studying for the MCAT. I graduated two years ago in 2015 and after working in the emergency room as a medical scribe this past year, I realized becoming a physician was my calling. I stopped working as a scribe in August 2016 and returned back to school in September 2016, taking a few courses that I thought would help me with the MCAT. I also took the MCAT prep course which began in October and I had hopes of taking the MCAT in January. But unfortunately my scores are not where they need to be. As a result, I pushed my MCAT back to the end of March. With that being said, I was planning on taking it in January and have other things lined up between now and March, such as a part-time job and volunteer work. I am concerned about putting more things on my plate while approaching the MCAT and I am wondering what would be the best course of action. I could either continue studying for the MCAT for another two months with little else to show on my resume besides that (i.e. any extracurricular activities for six months and just studying for the MCAT). Or I could take on those extracurricular activities , such as volunteering and the part time job and try to balance it all out while studying for the MCAT. I feel like focusing on the MCAT is the best course of action and not getting bogged down with other activities but I am worried that med schools will look at this six-month time period and wonder -- ‘what else were you doing during this time period’?-- as if studying for the MCAT was not enough and I should have been doing extracurricular activities as well. Any advice would be great. Thank you!” --- Jacob Here are my insights: (4:10) You shouldn’t worry about what medical schools are going to think. If you are new to this podcast, I encourage you to go back and look at the forums at OldPreMeds.org. The first person who commented on the forum basically said the same thing; you shouldn’t worry about what medical schools are going to think. However, there is one caveat: med schools will see this break and wonder why there was this break, if you really wanted to become a physician. I would say, though, that six months is okay only if as soon as you take the MCAT, you pick it right back up so that while there is this break, you are continuing to do it. Don’t drop it completely and then apply and then have this break that ended a year from when you actually submit your applications. (5:12) Doing some extracurricular activities MAY help your MCAT score. If you can step away from the books a bit and clear your mind, you give yourself a “brain break”. It will also help during those times when you are bogged down studying for an eight hour practice test, frustrated that you didn’t achieve the score you wanted and you are ready to give up; doing those extracurriculars and being around physicians is going to shine some light on why you are going through the journey in the first place! Having some variety will be good for you and allow to break the monotony of just studying for the MCAT. You will come back refreshed, ready to learn and perform better. (6:15) If your practice test grades are not increasing, go check out Next Step Test Prep. Their job is to figure out why you’re not doing well on the test. Their tutors are not there to help you learn the content; rather, their job is to help you with the test. Kaplan, Princeton Review , etc are great for teaching you content but Next Step Test Prep tutors are there to help you overcome your brain block on doing well when it’s time to take the test. Links and Other Resources: http://www.oldpremeds.org Next Step Test Prep ** Use the promo code: MSHQ for savings on tutoring

This week we look at discrete MCAT biology questions and Bryan helps us break down the questions to get to the right answers! Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

Biology is a huge part of the MCAT. This week we break down a practice biology passage and go through the questions to show you how it's done. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at !

Session 55 In this episode, Ryan talks about whether or not your chances of getting into medical school will get slimmer if you’re retaking the MCAT for the third time and whether taking a Master’s in a tech science-related course affect your application. Your questions, answered here on the OldPreMeds Podcast. Ryan again dives into the forums over at OldPreMeds.org where he pulls a question and delivers the answers right on to you. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: Poster is 25 years old and working in the industry for the last 2.5 years. He/she is currently studying for a Master's in software engineering and graduating in Spring '18. Despite that, he/she is considering applying for medical school after listening the OldPreMeds podcast. While taking undergrad in electrical engineering, he/she did premed simultaneously for Texas Medical Schools with a 3.6 GPA. Poster applied in 2015 but screened away; taken MCAT twice (1st-27 and 2nd-29). Poster is looking to apply in 2018 and planning to take Kaplan to prep for the MCAT in 2017. Poster is also looking at volunteering and shadowing experiences next year. Poster is close at finishing Master's in software engineering where the company pays for it. Since this is the third time of taking the MCAT, are the chances of getting in slimmer? Is everything riding on the next MCAT score? Here are the insights from Ryan: Your chances of getting to medical school (in terms of the admissions side) have nothing to do with your MCAT score or how many times you take your MCAT score. However, there are some restrictions in how many times you can take the MCAT. 3x in a single testing year 4x during two consecutive periods 7x in a lifetime. For somebody taking it 4-7 times, there's a reason there's a need to take it so many times. How did you prepare for the MCAT the first two times? And why are you doing Kaplan this time? About test prep courses Things being third time taking the test, consider taking Next Step Test Prep because they offer one-on-one tutoring although they also have an online course now. Is everything riding on your next MCAT score? Everything is not riding on your next MCAT score but you should do well on it. Find out why you're not doing well. There should be a reason why and hopefully, Next Step can figure that out for you. Should you be taking any courses or a postbac? No, you have a good GPA. You took the required classes in school. The only question is - do you think you're prepared enough for the MCAT with having your premed classes a number of years ago? Or can you self-study and re-learn the foundational content for the MCAT so you can use that information. The MCAT is not a content-heavy test but it focuses more on critical thinking and analysis. Does completing a Master's in software engineering help or hurt your chances? Software engineering is tech science-related so it doesn't help you or it doesn't necessarily hurt you. It can only hurt you if it takes you concentration away as well as your time for doing other things like shadowing and getting in extracurricular activities and studying for the MCAT. Can you still submit your application in 2017? You have 6 months to apply at the very start of June 2017. Theoretically, you could take the MCAT in June but it's still doable to submit your applications early, get you secondaries back and by the time you submitted those, your MCAT score is back. This will not delay your application but the problem is that you won't know your score when you submit your application. Look at taking the MCAT in June, working with a test prep company up until then and take the practice tests. If you're not doing well in the practice test, then don't apply until next year so you can figure out how to improve. Another key point: Make sure your shadowing and clinical experiences are up-to-date. Medical school want to see that you continue to be involved in medicine throughout this whole time. Major takeaway from this episode: Yes, you have a good shot at getting in but you just need to work on your MCAT score and figure out why you're not doing well on it. Links and Other Resources: Next Step Test Prep - Use the code MSHQ and save some money www.mededmedia.com OldPreMeds.org Leave us a rating and review at www.oldpremeds.org/itunes www.teepublic.com and search for “premed”

You should know what expect when you get to the test center so that you're not stressed out over something silly. Listen and find out what you need to know. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Session 51 In this episode, Ryan talks about the best ways to learn about MCAT strategies. The MCAT is a test that focuses less on content and more on critical thinking as you break down the passages, the questions and the answers. You can spend all the time reading books to learn the MCAT but if you don't learn the strategies, then you've failed in your MCAT prep. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: The poster is preparing for the MCAT with Khan Academy videos and the Kaplan 7-book set and has learned concepts as well as when you pay for a $2500-prep course but not the exam strategy as much. Is there any other way to learn exam strategy (i.e. YouTube, website, or practice) or is the only real way to enroll in a prep course? Here are the insights from Ryan: The number one way to learn MCAT strategy is to learn from an instructor. The best way to practice taking the MCAT is to take practice tests. But the best way to learn strategies is by watching and learning from an MCAT tutor and instructor. Other ways of learning MCAT strategies for free: Listen to the MCAT Podcast There are also YouTube videos but be careful though because most of the stuff you will find may not be of the best quality. Buy a set of practice tests. Start with AAMC practice tests (2 scored and 1 is not) Ryan recommends Next Step Test Prep and use the code MSHQ to save some money on that. About Next Step Test Prep: They are known for their one-on-one tutoring but they now also offer an MCAT Prep Course at $1,250 with a discount using the MSHQ code. Next Step Test Prep gives you access to live office hours with their course. Links and Other Resources: www.oldpremeds.org The Premed Years Podcast The MCAT Podcast Next Step Test Prep (Use the code MSHQ to get a discount off their materials and services) AAMC practice tests Khan Academy - MCAT

We've discussed prereqs before back in Session 9 and Session 16. This week we're going to talk about any other courses that you should take for the MCAT. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related video: . Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

Sociology may seem like a common sense subject that you don't need to take before you take the MCAT, but you should listen to this and maybe think about it. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

It seems like every company has MCAT books to sell. The question is, which ones should you get? We'll cover some of the basics here. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

If you've been thinking about getting a private tutor to help prepare for the MCAT, then you should listen to this show. We talk about the pros and cons. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

This week we talk about whether or not premed students need to take an MCAT prep course to do well on the MCAT. You'll be surprised by the answer. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

We discuss the volume of information on the MCAT and how you should start preparing for all of it. Remember, there is a lot, but you don't dive deep on it. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

This week's episode tackles a common question among premed students—what is the best way to work through an MCAT passage? Learn how to master it here. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

Ryan and Bryan talk about what you need to start doing if you aren't finishing sections of the MCAT. We also tackle speed reading classes. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode: . Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at 

Bryan and Ryan talk about the three big mistakes that premed students make when preparing to take the MCAT exam. Listen now to learn how to avoid these. Links and Other Resources: Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at !

Ryan and Bryan return to discuss when the ideal time to take the MCAT is. When you take the MCAT can have a huge impact on your applications. Don't mess it up! Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode: . Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at !

Bryan and Ryan discuss the diagnostic MCAT exam, if you need to take one, and when you should take one if you are going to. Links and Other Resources Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: . Related episode:  Related episode:  Need MCAT Prep? Get tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests at !

The MCAT Podcast is a collaboration between Next Step Test Prep and the Medical School Headquarters. This is a must listen to for those prepping for the MCAT. Links and Other Resources: Full Episode Blog Post Go to www.medicalschoolhq.net/mcatclass and use the coupon code: MCATPOD to save money off their tutoring and 10% off their products www.mcatpodcast.com/subscribe

Session 33 The OldPreMeds Podcast started as a collaboration between the Medical School Headquarters and the OldPreMeds.org, the site for nontraditional premed and medical students. Currently, Dr. Ryan Gray is the Director of the National Society of Nontraditional Premed and Medical Students and now runs, operates, and publishes OldPreMeds.org which is now part of the Medical School Headquarters. The Medical School Headquarters is also starting a new collaboration with Next Step Test Prep to produce The MCAT Podcast, which has been in the works for several months now. Today, they are sharing with you their very first episode on today's session. The MCAT Podcast is a weekly episode dedicated to the MCAT. Ryan will be mainly talking to Bryan Schnedeker, Next Step Test Prep's MCAT Guru where they discuss the different aspects of the MCAT to help you get a better grip of the MCAT especially being nontraditional students. Go to www.themcatpodcast.com and sign up to be notified when it's going to be on iTunes. What The MCAT Podcast offers: Weekly information all about the MCAT Tips, tricks, and common pitfalls Content to help you break down some of the passages Ways to things about passages How to rule out questions Shorter format (around 10 minutes) Easier to consume John Rood is the Founder and President of Next Step Test Prep which he started in 2009. John has a background in test prep and they started out doing one-on-one tutoring for the professional graduate schools in Chicago until eventually spreading to other cities and going online. In 2013, Bryan Schnedeker joined the company and currently serves as the Vice-President for Next Step's MCAT and Tutoring. Bryan is Next Step's resident MCAT Guru having taught and tutored MCAT students over the past 15 years. About Next Step Test Prep: One-on-one tutoring programs 35,000 students have signed up for different MCAT practice tests and materials Customization is at its core seeking to meet the individual needs of students They have a team of five people working full-time on MCAT content and 15-20 people working part-time on specialized parts of their content. About Ryan Gray: A physician by training (an Air Force flight surgeon for five years) Stumbled into the premed advising world after talking to young airmen in the Air Force about what it's like to go to medical school and coming across a particular website offering very negative and cutthroat information Wanting to create a safe place for people to go and get collaborative information that is not cutthroat and competitive Started the Medical School Headquarters in 2012 Today, Ryan runs the following podcasts: The Premed Years Podcast  - 3 1/2 years old; nominated 2x as a Top Podcast in the Science and Medicine Category; with almost a million downloads The OldPreMeds Podcast Next Step pivoting into providing courses: Going into the course market to put together a course with all the essential resources that any of the other major label courses would have: 12 full-length exams 11 books containing thousands of pages Course priced at $1,300 ($700-$900 less than students would have paid for courses under the legacy pricing system) A Next Step exclusive: Customized study plan tool Diagnostic test followed by a short questionnaire that will allow a generation of a custom unique to you study plan so you're following the best possible prep for your needs Our goals for The MCAT Podcast: Regularly repeating podcast of 5-15 min. mini-lessons on MCAT itself, building study plans, quick reviews, pitfalls and how to avoid them You get a little nugget of MCAT wisdom offering high value to students Links and Other Resources: Go to www.oldpremeds.org/mcatclass and use the coupon code: MCATPOD to save money off their tutoring and 10% off their products www.mcatpodcast.com/subscribe

The MCAT Podcast is a collaboration between Next Step Test Prep and the Medical School Headquarters. This is a must listen to for those prepping for the MCAT. Links and Other Resources:

Bryan from Next Step Test Prep joins us to talk about his experiences taking the new MCAT 2015. He received a 44 on the old one, and did just as well this time! Links and Other Resources: Full Episode Blog Post Check out our partner magazine, www.premedlife.com to learn more about awesome premed information. Free MCAT Gift: Free 30+ page guide with tips to help you maximize your MCAT score and which includes discount codes for MCAT prep as well. Next Step Test Prep: Get one-on-one tutoring for the MCAT and maximize your score. Get $50 off their tutoring program when you mention that you heard about this on the podcast or through the MSHQ website. Hang out with us over at medicalschoolhq.net/group. Click join and we’ll add you up to our private Facebook group. Share your successes and miseries with the rest of us. Listen to our podcast for free at iTunes: medicalschoolhq.net/itunes and leave us a review there! Email me at ryan@medicalschoolhq.net or connect with me on Twitter @medicalschoolhq

Ryan and Allison talk about the NRMP - National Resident Matching Program, the system that determines where you will be doing your residency training. Links and Other Resources Full Episode Blog Post Free MCAT Gift: Free 30+ page guide with tips to help you maximize your MCAT score. Next Step Test Prep: Get one-on-one tutoring for the MCAT and maximize your score. Ryan is going to be part of the panel of physicians for Next Step Test Prep. Get us free on your device. Subscribe and listen to new episodes each week. Visit www.medicalschoolhq.net/listen Hang out with us over at medicalschoolhq.net/group. Click join and we’ll add you up to our private Facebook group. Share your successes and miseries with the rest of us. Listen to our podcast for free at iTunes: medicalschoolhq.net/itunes and leave us a review there! Email me at ryan@medicalschoolhq.net or connect with me on Twitter @medicalschoolhq

Ryan is flying solo to talk about 7 top reasons premed students fail to gain acceptance to medical school. The third reason is the most inexcusable! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-121-7-reasons-premeds-dont-get-into-medical-school/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on http://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), http://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-242-secondary-essay-common-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/ (6 Secondary Essay Mistakes and How to Avoid Them). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-161-5-biggest-medical-school-personal-statement-mistakes/ (5 Biggest Medical School Personal Statement Mistakes). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code "MSHQ" at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Listen to Ben share his story not doing well in undergrad, changing to premed, and finding out how to succeed, overcoming a low MCAT score to get an acceptance! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-120-how-this-non-trad-beat-a-bad-mcat-score-and-a-low-gpa/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/adg-17-what-mcat-score-do-i-need-to-overcome-my-low-gpa/ (What MCAT Score Do I Need to Overcome My Low GPA?) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-297-what-if-youve-applied-and-your-mcat-score-is-not-good/ (What If You’ve Applied and Your MCAT Score Is Bad?) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Kevin Pho is most known for his blog, KevinMD, is still a practicing physician. We talk about healthcare today and what you should know about it as a premed. Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-118-dr-pho-of-kevinmd-talks-about-his-path-and-medicine-today/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out Kevin's book: http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/reputation (Establishing, Managing, and Protecting Your Online Reputation) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/105?utm_source=podcastlist&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=podcastlist&utm_campaign=podcastlist (The Intersection of Medicine, Social Media and Technology) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-235-interview-prep-what-is-happening-in-our-healthcare-system/ (Interview Prep: What Is Happening in Our Healthcare System?) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Tom Peteet in an internal medicine resident who take a roundabout way to get to medical school. He shares his premed path with us and his plans for the future. Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-117-dr-tom-peteet-shares-his-non-traditional-premed-path/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-074-1st-year-of-medical-school-for-a-non-traditional-premed/ (First Year of Med School for a Nontraditional Premed). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-113-how-do-i-choose-a-major-as-a-nontraditional-premed-student/ (How Do I Choose a Major as a Nontraditional Premed?) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Thomas Frank is the publisher of College Info Geek and host of the podcast by the same name - helping undergrads be awesome at college. He can help premeds too! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-116-how-to-earn-awesome-grades-with-thomas-frank/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Get Thomas's book on http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Earning-Awesome-Grades-Studying/dp/1517004446/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1445200846&sr=8-1&keywords=10+steps+to+earning+grades&linkCode=sl1&tag=colinfgee-20&linkId=5a04e12d3bbd926962deec38a51f7175 (Amazon) or download the ebook: http://www.collegeinfogeek.com/book (10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades). Twitter https://twitter.com/tomfrankly (@TomFrankly) / https://www.youtube.com/user/electrickeye91 (YouTube channel). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-265-learn-how-to-better-retain-information-with-a-memory-master/ (Learn How to Better Retain Information with a Memory Master). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-51-what-is-the-best-way-to-learn-mcat-testing-strategy/ (What Is the Best Way to Learn MCAT-Taking Strategy?) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Rich Levy from OldPreMeds.org joins us for the second time to talk non-traditional premed news and his upcoming conference. If you're a non-trad, check it out! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-115-oldpremeds-executive-director-and-non-traditional-premed-expert/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-1-introduction-oldpremeds-podcast/ (Introduction to the OldPreMeds Podcast). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-6-how-to-get-the-best-letters-of-recommendation-as-a-nontrad/ (How to Get Letters of Recommendation as a Nontrad). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Ricky from GapMedics.com stops by to discuss what shadowing abroad can do for the premed and what experiences are available. We discuss travel, safety and more. Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-113-shadowing-abroad-as-a-premed-with-gap-medics/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out http://www.gapmedics.com/ (Gap Medics.) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-318-the-pros-and-cons-of-global-healthcare-experiences/ (The Pros and Cons of Global Healthcare Experiences) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-012-shadowing-secrets-for-every-premed-and-beyond/ (Shadowing Secrets for Every Premed) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Improving patient communication, whether as a premed or medical student or beyond is the number one skill that you can start working on now with real benefits! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-111-6-tips-for-improving-patient-communication-the-6th-is-key/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on http://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), http://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-050-16-golden-rules-of-medicine/ (16 Golden Rules of Medicine for Premeds and Beyond). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-121-how-much-clinical-experience-do-i-need-for-med-school-apps/ (How Much Clinical Experience Do I Need for Med School Apps?) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code "MSHQ" at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Ryan now has an acceptance to medical school, but as a premed, that wasn't always a sure thing. With several alcohol related incidents, he needed to change! Links and Other Resources:https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-108-overcoming-a-dui-and-more-on-his-way-to-med-school/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out Dr. Gray’s https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook series), with books on the medical school personal statement, the medical school interview, and the MCAT! Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-319-disclosing-a-dui-didnt-hold-him-back-from-med-school/ (Disclosing a DUI Didn’t Hold Him Back from Med School) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-296-what-are-med-school-red-flags-how-do-you-talk-about-them/ (What Are Med School Red Flags and How Do You Talk About Them?) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-019-interview-with-a-medical-school-interview-and-admissions-expert?utm_source=podcastlist&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=podcastlist&utm_campaign=podcastlist (Interview with a Medical School Interview and Admissions Expert) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Shay is the author of the book Getting Into Medical School: The Ultimate Guide for the Anxious Premed. Listen to her journey and how she overcame mistakes. Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-103-she-made-every-mistake-possible-yet-is-still-a-medical-student/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on http://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), http://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-143-overcoming-obstacles-on-her-way-to-medical-school/ (Overcoming Obstacles on Her Way to Medical School). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-229-54-year-old-med-student-overcame-5-mcats-rejection-and-more/ (54-year-old Med Student Overcame 5 MCATs, Rejection, and More). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code "MSHQ" at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

The Academic Medicine journal had a great article about the habits and attitudes of physicians, things you can start doing now as a premed! We talk about them. Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-101-the-top-habits-and-attitudes-of-humanistic-physicians/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-076-5-traits-patients-want-their-doctors-to-have/ (5 Traits Patients Want Their Doctors to Have). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-007-10-traits-you-need-to-succeed-in-medical-school?utm_source=podcastlist&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=podcastlist&utm_campaign=podcastlist (10 Traits You Need to Succeed in Medical School). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Session 100!! Your premed stories are shared this week! 6 different listeners called/wrote in to share their premed journey to medical school. You must listen! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-100-your-amazing-premed-stories/ (Full Episode Blog Post) For more episodes full of premeds calling in and sharing their stories, check out the https://meddiaries.com/premed-diaries/ (Premed Diaries) podcast! Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/74?utm_source=podcastlist&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=podcastlist&utm_campaign=podcastlist (1st Year of Medical School for a Nontraditional Premed). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/53?utm_source=podcastlist&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=podcastlist&utm_campaign=podcastlist (Zig or Zag: There Are Multiple Premed Paths to Medical School). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code "MSHQ" at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Thomas, a listener of the podcast, emailed in a great question about balancing family life and being a physician. We give our thoughts on the subject and more! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-099-balancing-family-life-with-premed-and-medical-school/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on http://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), http://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/61?utm_source=podcastlist&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=podcastlist&utm_campaign=podcastlist (Medical School Mom: Prioritizing Family, School, and More). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-164-how-to-provide-for-your-family-as-a-premed/ (How to Provide for Your Family as a Premed). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code "MSHQ" at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Dr. Danielle Ofri has a great piece in the New York Times titled "The Physical Exam as Refuge." Allison and I discuss this and give our thoughts for the premed. Links and Other Resources:https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-098-time-to-get-touch-feely-lets-talk-physical-exam/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), https://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-037-welcome-to-your-3rd-year-of-medical-school/ (Welcome to Your 3rd Year of Medical School). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/prescription-writing-101/ (Prescription Writing 101 (with Example Prescriptions)). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

Dr. Rivera, Director of Admissions at NYU, talks about their innovative 3 year MD program and what it means for the future of medicine. Hint - It sounds great! Links and Other Resourceshttps://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-096-nyus-3-year-md-program-a-discussion-with-their-dean/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Check out my https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Premed Playbook) series of books (available on https://medicalschoolhq.net/books (Amazon)), with installments on http://amzn.to/2EhxhRf (the personal statement), http://amzn.to/2lHXoux (the medical school interview), and https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5 (the MCAT). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-063-pa-to-do-what-route-should-you-take-and-questions-to-ask/ (3-year PA-to-DO Accelerated Medical School at LECOM). Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-007-10-traits-you-need-to-succeed-in-medical-school/ (10 Traits You Need to Succeed in Medical School). Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code "MSHQ" at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

In this episode we talk to Deandre, a 1st year BU Medical Student who was lost as a premed. He spent several years at community college before finding his way! Links and Other Resources:https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-095-going-from-community-college-to-premed-to-med-student/ (Full Episode Blog Post) Connect with Deandre on Twitter https://twitter.com/doctorORbust (@doctororbust) Deandre’s blog: http://doctororbust.wordpress.com/ (doctororbust.wordpress.com) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-011-interview-with-a-56-year-old-medical-student/ (Interview with a 56-Year-Old Medical Student) Related episode: https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-60-deciding-if-medicine-is-right-for-me-at-30-years-old/ (Deciding if Medicine is Right for Me at 30 Years Old) Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep (Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep))!

In today’s episode, I talk with Bryan from Next Step Test Prep about the changes made to the MCAT for 2015. Links and Other Resources Full Episode Blog Post Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Next Step Test Prep: The Premed Playbook: Guide to the MCAT. Free MCAT Gift: Free 30+ page guide to help you maximize your MCAT score! Related podcast: The MCAT Podcast, co-hosted with Next Step Test Prep. Related podcast: The MCAT CARS Podcast, co-hosted with Jack Westin. Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% Off Exams and “MSHQTOC” for $50 Off Tutoring or Course at Next Step Test Prep!

You've taken the requisite LSAT prep course and now you don't know what else you can do to improve your score. Here's where I bring in LSAT tutor John Rood, president of Next Step Test Prep. We are going to talk about how to improve your LSAT score after you're done with your LSAT prep class: 1. What to do when you've already taken tons of practice tests? 2. Where should you spend your time in order to get the biggest increase in your score? 3. How to know whether a tutor can help you and what to expect from an LSAT tutor? 4. How likely is it that you can raise your score 5+ points when your LSAT prep course is over. Join us and chat questions live!  

You've taken the requisite LSAT prep course and now you don't know what else you can do to improve your score. Here's where I bring in LSAT tutor John Rood, president of Next Step Test Prep. We are going to talk about how to improve your LSAT score after you're done with your LSAT prep class: 1. What to do when you've already taken tons of practice tests? 2. Where should you spend your time in order to get the biggest increase in your score? 3. How to know whether a tutor can help you and what to expect from an LSAT tutor? 4. How likely is it that you can raise your score 5+ points when your LSAT prep course is over. Join us and chat questions live!