.

Med School Insiders
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
You've made one of the bigger mistakes a freshman can make which is to take Organic Chemistry as a freshman but that weed-out is behind you now so your gpa should take off like a rocket. Major doesn't matter so major in whatever you want that you think you can do well in. Extra points if there is some marketable skills that you can use if you end up needing a gap year or deciding not to pursue a career in medicine.

Could you push research to summer 2022? That's when I see many applicants show their first research activity (summer after sophomore year). At that point you'll have some lab skills acquired in your courses. You need clinical exposure more than you need research although most applicants have both. However, there is debate as to whether EMT is sufficient clinical exposure to suffice. You could get your feet wet with some EMT work and then transition to patient care technician work in an emergency department or inpatient unit (not likely to pay better than tutoring but it gets you clinical exposure in spades). The other alternative would be to do the research during the school year and take a PCT job the following summer.
 
Hey! Strong work finishing orgo your first year, agree with LizzyM that it is probably the most brutal choice you could make to start college. That behemoth is passed, now rock biochem to be in great shape for your MCAT!

I wish I started clinical experience earlier than I did: it reinforces your desire to practice medicine and in many cases is a gateway to talking to people different from yourself. On the other hand, it could also turn out that you don't like patient interaction which is valuable to learn ASAP.

I don't know how your school's upper courses are, but taking one quantitative pset class out of your schedule could give you 10+ hours a week to pursue more 'premed' stuff. Not a requirement by any means, just something to think about. I've missed out on classes I wanted to take as a math major because of time (feel free to pm if you want to talk). Also, please remember to take care of yourself! Best of luck.
 
I agree with LizzyM. Put off the research until summer, when you can devote full time to it. With your most challenging semester coming up, it's better to give yourself enough downtime that you won't end up in the dreaded "sophomore slump".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top