Where to volunteer for the next application cycle?

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

Hi SDN.

I just finished my first round of rejections. I had 3 interviews, but no acceptance letters. I got 38Q on the MCAT and 3.8 GPA. I have a second author paper published and total of 4 years of research (currently working on publishing a first author paper).

I know the weakest point of my application is lack of clinical experience. I shadowed an attending physician in a clinic for total of 40 hours.

I am currently working at UCSF, but I also commute about 2 hours a day. My question is what kind of volunteer position should I strive for?

It would be easier for me to get a position in a hospital around my house because I can go there during the weekends. However, I feel I should utilize my resources at UCSF. Would a volunteering position at an UCSF clinic carry more weight than a volunteering position at non-university hospital? I'm just trying to figure out if getting a position at UCSF will be worth some of the logistics trouble that it will cause me.

Any input helps. Thanks.

no volunteering at UCSF won't carry more weight. Because you are lacking in clinical, volunteer in a clinical setting. Doesn't matter where but get started ASAP if you plan on applying this year. Also, make sure your interview skills are up to par by doing mock interviews. You had 3 interviews which is pretty good. Performing well on those should have gotten you an acceptance.

Originally Posted by RedArmyof1

I got 38Q on the MCAT and 3.8 GPA. I have a second author paper published and total of 4 years of research (currently working on publishing a first author paper). I know the weakest point of my application is lack of clinical experience. I shadowed an attending physician in a clinic for total of 40 hours.

Originally Posted by FrkyBgStok

Also, make sure your interview skills are up to par by doing mock interviews. You had 3 interviews which is pretty good. Performing well on those should have gotten you an acceptance.

With a 38Q MCAT and 3.8 GPA, your lack of clinical experience is not the only red flag preventing your acceptance. I agree with FrkyBgStok - it sounds like you need practice interviewing. The last variable is which schools you applied to. How broadly did you apply? Even with your stats, apply broadly within the top tier to avoid the "prestige hunter" stigma.