so this is all a pretty long prelude...

my posts are sporadic I know, I know. but I don't want to turn this blog into a grip wall about stress and the like so I only update when there is progress or good news. today, I bring both :). All of my applications are completed and turned in. the list of schools are as follows:

-Johns Hopkins
-Georgetown University
-University of Pennsylvania
-The Ohio State University
-Case Western Reserve
-Wright State University
-University of Cincinnati
-Indiana University
-University of Michigan
-University of Chicago

I think it's a pretty solid ten. and since completing all of my secondaries about three weeks ago, I have received three invitations for interviews (big ups to Pritzker School of Medicine, OSU, and Case). So now I prepare myself mentally and logistically for getting to these locations and balancing it with my coursework. but this year is looking bright. I'm ready to face these last three quarters with gusto and move on to the next stage (and that's when the blogging will get interesting haha).

stress declining, applications approaching

so, yeah. haven't updated in awhile. this last quarter was running me like a dog. but I'm back to update you all on my journey as of now. here we go:

-I wrote my personal statement (2.5 hrs, let's see what my sister does to it in the proofing haha)
-I've been trying to work the AMCAS website, which I think they need to make a little more clear. I only have a couple more sections to finish up
-I got my letters of recommendation (now they just need to be sent to AAMC)
-I requested my transcripts. that even took a trip back to the ol' fort (the official wackness, by the way)

Target application date: June 19th, 2009

And through all of this, I can honestly say my stress levels have been decreasing greatly. I feel comfortable, that this is all going to work out for me :) [hit 'em with the smiley face]

As for the mean time in between time, I'm going to be conducting research in the hematology/oncology department at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and getting some good reading, eating, lifting, and a new hobby in as well. I'll update more frequently. Promise.

scores back, new stage

just looking at my old posts and it's been a while since my last. a lot has happened between then and now. I took my mcat (found out what a burden that was on my life after it was gone), got my score back (a solid 30, baby :) ), finished my winter quarter (4.0 quarter gpa, 3.73 cumulative), applied to a senior class honorary, and finally feel virtually stress-free (for the first time in my life). but the journey is nowhere near over. technically, I've just left the starting block haha.

now I begin the fun process of applying to medical schools. it's spring break so you know what that means: writing my personal statement (exciting, I know). but I've got a solid list of schools I want to apply to as well:

-Johns Hopkins
-University of Pennsylvania
-University of Michigan
-THE Ohio State University
-Harvard Medical School
-Case Western
-Wright State
-University of Cincinnati
-Indiana University
-University of Chicago
[with a few more to come]

this is when stuff gets interesting. hope you're paying attention.

progress

I took another mcat diagnostic today and I have to say, it gives me some serious hope. I got my second wind :) [smiley face].

MCAT is a contact sport

So I'm pretty sure I gave myself the first flashcard-induced back injury in history :(. It's quite ironic that I want to be an spine surgeon haha.

But here's a real MCAT tip:
-If you are taking a prep course or just have prep materials (books, practice tests, etc.), make flashcards as you go along, chapter by chapter. It will help you in the long run.

Back to the study grind.