Posted by AAhopeful2014 on December 27, 2011, 1:06 pm
Hello all. I just came across this message board a couple days ago and it truly has been a great resource over the last few days. A little about myself: I am currently taking my pre reqs in order for application to an AA school sometime in 2013 for an admittance sometime in 2014. I originally was going to do the Accelerated BSN route to ICU to CRNA route for anesthesia but became aware of AAs late this summer. I had the pleasure of attending an open house for UMKC's program and was instantly hooked- full steam ahead with AA application and acceptance. So I am wondering... For someone who is early in the process, ie I am just now taking Physics 1 and Chem 1 for Spring 2012, what advice would you offer? I have received A's in all my classes thus far (Cell Bio, Microbio and A&P) and know that a strong GPA is of utmost importance. FYI: undergrad GPA was a 2.7 but with these current pre reqs complete is now up to a 2.9. Additionally, I am working as a CNA/CMA in a local nursing home and have even setup a shadowing opportunity later in 2012 with an anesthesiologist that I was introduced to through my mentor. I believe I am on the right track but being that this is my second career and I am essentially placing all my eggs in this basket, I want to get any advice I can to hopefully avoid the multiple re-applies that have plagued some on this board.
Ideas on prepping for a successful semester being that I have never taken physics and haven't taken a chemistry class since high school some 15 yrs ago (undergrad I was a business major so got by with biology and a botany class)...
Ideas on financially planning for the huge expense (investment) that is AA school...
Additional ideas on MCAT and/or GRE test prep although I am a solid year or more off of sitting for either of those tests...
In conclusion, I guess I am simply looking for some support from students who have gone through or are going through this process too. I tell students in my class about what I am pursuing and they look absolutely puzzled as they have not heard about AA's before. Kansas City is my hometown and where I reside so UMKC would be, at least at this phase in my life, my top choice. So any AA students or hopefuls in the Kansas City area... I would love to meet up and just have someone to talk to, and we could support each other as this becomes less of a dream and more of a reality. Hopefully this didn't come across too cheesy. Thanks everyone for the time and the responses, I appreciate the advice.
You are going to definitely need to pull that GPA up. I don't know and can't comment myself but I would say if you have been out of school for a long period of time (?) admissions will prob weigh heavily on your recent classes that you are taking so try and make A's. Sounds like you have a good deal of health care experience which should play in your favor but try to get some time in shadowing AAs or Anesthesiologists (which it seems like you are going to do).
If you want a successful semester then put in the time and effort needed to make good grades in your physics and chemistry class. Don't slack off or get complacent because the first test or whatever might not be too hard or you made an A on it. So just work hard at it and seek help if you are struggling with a concept.
As far as paying for school I'm under the impression that most people take out loans. I am planning on looking into a potential military route because I know they will pay for PA and CRNA school but I'm doubting they will cover AA school as of now even though the profession is recognized by the federal government and the fact that you can work in VA hospitals. But more then likely I will be taking out loans to cover my expenses.
I took both the GRE and MCAT and I would say do both if you can afford it but if not I would just take the MCAT. The MCAT is a tougher test and I imagine it looks better if you only had one of them. Besides schools like CASE and UMKC (?) only take the MCAT while I think other programs allow the MCAT to substitute in place of the GRE. And obviously I would apply to all the programs to increase your chances of getting in some where and not being set on UMKC.
Thanks a bunch for the advice. I know this will be my toughest semester thus far so I am preparing for a LOT of studying! I figured as much on the student loan portion so that is simply confirmation of what I assumed. Additionally, I agree my GPA is low so I am shooting for as close to a 4.0 in my pre reqs as possible to not only help my undergraduate GPA but also to show the admissions committees my level of focus and dedication. Thanks again for the well wishes and I wish you too success in your endeavors.
they will prob look at ur newer grades bc u have been out of school for a while.
the mcat is based on the classes you are taking. so u really shouldnt have to study a lot. if u do well in them u should be able to do well on the MCAT.
id try to become a CNA in the PACU or on a med floor at a hospital and maybe after u do that for a bit ull be able to get a job as a anesthesia tech. u learn a lot working closer to the anesthesists.
all u really need to do is go to class and study to do well in the pre reqs. also if u ever dont understand or bomb a test go back and get help and learn that stuff it will come up again in another class or on the mcat or in AA school.
try setting up a quick meeting with someone at the UMKC program if they are willing. have a game plan plotted out. have the classes u plan on taking have ur old transcripts or at least ur grades some of your course work. show u know what is on the application i.e. job shadowing and letters of rec. just ask if they have any pointers for your plan, they will not want to make a plan for u, just steer u in the right direction if ur off course.
take classes with the idea u want a letter of recomendation out of it and even schedule a meeting with ur proff at the start of a semester and ask them what u need to do to get it (say what other than getting an a do i need to do get a LOR from you? that way they know u plan on doing well and even if they will expect u to do well bc of it they will also try to help u bc u care)
shadow a AA every six months. As you do it more and more and look up things that u c or learn there u can tie it into your studies and it will make u more intrested and driven to learn/understand.
read old posts on this website even going back years. there is junk and arguments but u can pick out the good info. it will help u make ur PLAN.
$wise take out all the $ u can and survive until u get a job
