How to make yourself more Distinguished?

[Sapientia-Manaque-Apta]

Hello All!

I am a freshmen at a JC, and I plan on joining Phi Theta Kappa completing honors courses, along with music courses and a bunch of science/math courses as well to show I am well rounded. My plans are to transfer to one of the UCs like UCSD, UCI, UCD, and or UCSB and my major would be Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. (At UCSD I think it is Biochemistry and Cell Biology) What do you all think I should do right now to start distinguishing myself? (The reason I picked a JC is because I am really short on money, and this saves me a lot, my parents promised to help pay for my transfer college and some of med school). I am planning on joining outside school organizations.

Recently I had an internship at a Hospital under the supervision of an RN for a whole semester during my Senior Year in HS and that in itself inspired me to take up a job as an MA or CNA for the college years. That internship also furthered my desire to enter into the medical profession.

The Questions:
In General: How else can I distinguish myself?
1. Should I get an Associates degree in the Biological Sciences during my time here? Or is that a waste of time? (Doing so would knock some of my upper division classes as well, and these classes would be in a smaller, more concentrated setting in which I am very comfortable).
2. Is joining Phi Theta Kappa a good idea?
3. I was contemplating this, should I join the Navy and become a Corpsman or some sort of medical career in the armed services to better my experience and to satisfy an old desire to serve?
4. When I transfer out, should I join Phi Kappa Phi and other Honor societies of that sort? (Like a science honor society, or a pre-med {if any}?)

Also, to any Doctors out there/ future Doctors. I would like to say thank you so much for what you do. You all do so much for us, I sit here in awe, and in general, you make me want to be a better person.

Just a little info on me... I live by the quote, "If you want to be happy for a lifetime, help someone." And I love music as a passion. I took up guitar and voice and I've loved them ever since. I'm even in choir. I love music and medicine way too much. And... I am new to this forum and I just wanted to ask this because it's been bothering me ever since I signed up. I am sorry if this is in the wrong forum/ thread. I am also sorry for how noob and fresh I sound.

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[justAstudent]

Hopefully that isn't your real name and a picture of you in your avatar. If it is, I suggest changing it ASAP. Your plan of attending a JC and then transferring into a UC is a good plan that many students have had success with in order to save some money. Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and other Honor societies don't mean for much for medical school applications unless you are involved within them in some meaningful way. The Navy / Army route is something you have to personally weigh the pros and cons of yourself.

 

[gettheleadout]

Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and other Honor societies don't mean for much for medical school applications unless you are involved within them in some meaningful way.

The exception being Phi Beta Kappa once OP transfers to a 4-year. Always accept an invite to PBK.

 

[Sapientia-Manaque-Apta]

Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and other Honor societies don't mean for much for medical school applications unless you are involved within them in some meaningful way..

My goal is to be active in these groups. And I changed my avatar. But thank you for your input.

 

[youmed]

The exception being Phi Beta Kappa once OP transfers to a 4-year. Always accept an invite to PBK.

Is phi beta kappa really beneficial other than its name value? It requires $110 fee to join and I was wondering if it is worth the fee.

 

[BeancheBlanco]

To distinguish yourself, you have to do things that most other pre-meds do not do. Yes, joining the navy would do that, but don't you have any kind of character or morals? It's disrespectful to the navy to treat it solely as a resume item. There are tons of things that are distinguishable and you should pick one that you are passionate about and feel like you can really contribute to. Your passion for something will be reflected in your writing and interview. In general, distinguishable items are experiences that you show long-term commitment to, can articulate your passion/impact, have some sort of awards/accolades, gained valuable skills like communication, displayed intellectual curiosity, displayed confidence and leadership, etc. The more of these factors that the experience has, the more valuable it is, and the more valuable med schools will see it as.

 

[Ismet]

Is phi beta kappa really beneficial other than its name value? It requires $110 fee to join and I was wondering if it is worth the fee.

If you join PBK before applying to med school, its name value is a benefit and worth the $110 drop in the bucket. It's pretty much the only honor society that means anything in admissions. Not that it makes a huge difference or anything, but it is a positive. The rest of them are a waste of money unless you can get scholarships out of them or plan to do meaningful work/leadership with them. I joined NSCS in college...the name means nothing, but I got a $2000 scholarship and did a lot of volunteer work on campus through them, so it was worth it. I know PBK has scholarships/awards and lifetime benefits, so the $110 might just pay for itself in the future.

 

[Goro]

Suggest that you delete your email addy from your ost, lest you start getting lots of sapm.

Do something that you enjoy, is interesting and unique in the service of others.

In General: How else can I distinguish myself?

Why not? The CC -> UG path is fine. But keep in mind that not all MD schools accept CC credits.

1. Should I get an Associates degree in the Biological Sciences during my time here? Or is that a waste of time?

Honor societies mean nothing to us Adcoms

2. Is joining Phi Theta Kappa a good idea?

Only if you're truely dedicated to serving your country. If you're doing this as a resume builder only, you will HATE this decision. Also keep in mind that the Armed Forces tend to put you where they want you. So if the Navy decides you'll be a better missle maintainance specialist on a tin can, that's where they'll send you In Their Wisdom. And hopefully they won't send you to Diego Garcia either (go look it up). Also remember that recruiters LIE.
3. I was contemplating this, should I join the Navy and become a Corpsman or some sort of medical career in the armed services to better my resume?

Only if you want to. Support groups are useful to you, though.
4. When I transfer out, should I join Phi Kappa Phi and other Honor societies of that sort? (Like a science honor society, or a pre-med {if any}?)

Here are some things that impress me: military service, Habitat for Humanity, working a camp for sick children, tutoring poor children, working in hospice or nursing homes, Teach for America, Peace Corps, Americorps, being a Big Brother/Sister.

 

[juliuspepperwood]

When I want to look distinguished I break out the old monocle. Works wonders.

 

[Sapientia-Manaque-Apta]

Sorry about the "resume," piece, I changed it to what I actually meant. I want good experience. I was thinking hospice care as I had a talk with an employer about that. Thank you so much for your input.