Back to School

Last Friday I had my feedback session with the admissions dean at KU.  I was a little nervous about it, but her feedback was very helpful and it is nice to know that my app is very fixable. There were basically two issues: 1. academic, 2. Service.

1. Academics:
She said that the committee liked me, but because I had a rough patch of bad grades - I have two C's in physics (long story, but I suck at math and had horrible professors) and a D in organic chemistry I - I should take more science classes. Even though I retook organic I and got a B, then got an A in organic II, which she said was impressive, I didn't take many science classes after that; just genetics and biochemistry.  She wants me to take two science classes per semester in order to continue my upward trend and to show that I can indeed handle them. I will also retake the MCAT so hopefully that will cover my bases for my academics.

It is a little frustrating because I have to work full time, so it is harder to keep up the A's - for me anyway. I know there are a lot of people that have to work while in school and do just fine without struggling and I wish I was one of them. I know quite a few people that just "get it" and don't have to try so hard and again, I wish I was one of them. I am a good student, but I have to work hard for my grades, and sometimes after working all day and going to class at night, I really don't have the mental energy to study.  I only have three hours to study at night, and that is on the nights I don't have to volunteer or have class. I am going to try a few things different this semester and I hope it pays off.  I am taking intro to microbiology and human anatomy and physiology.  There is a lot of memorization and a lot of concepts to understand, so it will require more time to study or finding a good way to study smart.  I look at this as a test - if I can get through these classes with A's, then I am ready for med school, and if I can't - then I am done.  I say this because I am nervous about being able to handle the load in med school.  I am afraid that I'm struggling because I'm not grasping the concepts, and I know part of it is because my study time is limited, but I do feel that I could work harder.  I also wonder if I am taking the wrong approach.  I think I might be trying to "remember" things when I should be trying to "understand"  them in order to remember them. I am going to come up with a study schedule and try to stick to it as much as possible and focus more on the concepts (where applicable) this semester. Let's hope it helps.


2. Service:
The dean mentioned that the committee didn't see how my desire to "serve" fit in, but yet my interviewers said that I only volunteer at a hospice because I work full time, so I am not sure how to take this.  It's like they understand that I work while taking classes and volunteer, but it isn't quite good enough.  I told her that I recently started volunteering at the Salvation Army, but then she said it really wasn't about how many hours I put in or how many activities I was involved it, it was more about understanding that being a doctor is about serving the community. ?  Well yeah, duh. So, this made me think that I just need to rework my application/essay about the hospice to reflect this - which I will do, but I still want to work with the SA.  I worked at the toy distribution center last year, and like an idiot forgot to put that down, but I am doing it again this year so will make sure to put it on my next application, plus I will be involved more throughout the year which will help me convey my desire to serve my community. 

This whole process is so frustrating and time consuming and can really mess with you.  It would be so easy just to say "I'm done," but that would be too easy.  Like I said earlier, I feel like this is a test for me - a test of will and desire.  If I am serious about this then I have to keep plugging along and if not then I will be weeded out and will have to decide what I want to do with my life.

Not Strong Enough

Well, it looks like I am still not a strong enough applicant for KU.  :(((((  I received my rejection letter in the mail last night.  I was hoping to at least be put on hold, but apparently I must have some major weaknesses in my application.  I made an appointment for Dec. 2nd to speak with the admissions director to find out what I can do to improve my application.  It's going to be a long 2 weeks.

Flowers

Brad was so sweet and had flowers sent to my work..... a few months ago and I am just now posting them.  I am a bad wife.  They were so gorgeous!!  I am a lucky gal to have such a sweet husband.  Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that last bit out loud..... 

Still Waiting

It has been 15 days since my interview and I am still waiting for the results.  KU typically takes three weeks to make a decision, which would mean I would find out on the 25th, but the problem is the 25th falls on the Thanksgiving holiday.  grrrrr. They said they were hoping to send out notifications before the holiday, but I am guessing I won't hear anything until December 2.  That would be the best birthday present ever!  Sorry honey, I'll still love whatever you get me :o)

Last night Brad and I went to a Lady Shox basketball game.  They played LSU, ranked 21, and we only lost by a less than 10 points.  They played really well, and I really hope they continue to improve throughout the season.  We have only been to two games, but they are a lot of fun and I hope we can go to more this year.   

Post Interview

Yesterday was my KU interview.  I arrived at 10:30 am. and checked-in.  I then listened to the admissions dean speak about the process and what to expect in the next few weeks/months.  Then we went into a classroom for a financial aid session.  The person who was leading the session was in Kansas City, so we did a video conference -  which is what the classes will be like. After that we had lunch and I got to sit with my friend who is a first year student, and I got to pick her brain about KU.  Afterwards we went on a tour of the building and then had the interview. There are two 30 minute interviews, the first one is one-on-one and the second is two-on-one.  The first person gets to see all of your application and the second group only sees a few essays about you.  The interview was very laid back and conversational, and I was only asked a couple hard questions, but I think I did an ok job of answering. I won't hear anything until right before Thanksgiving - hopefully.  It will be a very long wait! 

Interview!

I know it has been awhile since I posted last, but see, I have been holding my breath.  I have been patiently waiting for KU to send me an e-mail.  Today, I can finally breathe again....  I HAVE A KU INTERVIEW INVITE!!!!!  I have been waiting two years for this e-mail and I can't believe that I finally have it.  My interview is on November 1, at 2:30. I am so excited I can hardly concentrate.  I have been hearing all sorts of good news from my friends who have been accepted to other medical school today, and I was shocked when I got my interview invite email!  I really can't believe it.  I am in awe right now.  My hard work has paid off and brought me one step closer to my dream.  Wow!  :D

Workout

I have sort of finished my P90X workout.  I did 10 weeks and there are 13, but the last week is just recovery.  The reason I didn't finish is because I stumbled upon this gem. I have lost some inches and gained a bunch of strength doing the P90X workouts, and I really love them, but I am ready to try something new.  The workouts on the BodyRock site are usually short, not more than 30 min, but very intense and are full body.  I did my first one last night and it about killed me, plus I am a little sore today.  I love how they vary the workouts and even though they reuse some of the exercises, each workout is different so it is hard to get bored.  I also love how you keep track of your reps and time and then can either post them on the site or just keep them to yourself so you can come back and try to beat it the next time.  She uses some equipment, but does show you how to do each exercise without - and trust me, the exercise is just as hard.  I am challenging myself to get in better shape and start eating healthier.  The site even has some healthy eating tips and yummy recipes.  I took some before pictures last night, and after 60 days I will take some semi-after pictures, and I say "semi" because I am not planning on stopping the workouts then.  I just want to see my progress at that point.  :o)  Who knows, maybe you will even see my before and after pics on their site!