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[evenfeather]

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Answered

 

[Moko]

Job search has not been going well, but I am still actively applying to jobs. I am also actively volunteering 20-30+ hours a week due to the free time, so it's not like I'm just sitting around. However since I graduated years ago (I have had jobs since then, only been unemployed for ~2 months now), I am worried that med schools will think it's a red flag that I am only volunteering right now with no income when it comes time for interviews. Is just volunteering fine as long as I'm showing that I'm doing something with my time, or am I cooked because I'm not on payroll?

You're overthinking this. As long as you are using your time productively, you'll be fine. We recognize that the job market is tight right now especially in certain fields. Just my thoughts.

 

[mmmedical]

Job search has not been going well, but I am still actively applying to jobs. I am also actively volunteering 20-30+ hours a week due to the free time, so it's not like I'm just sitting around. However since I graduated years ago (I have had jobs since then, only been unemployed for ~2 months now), I am worried that med schools will think it's a red flag that I am only volunteering right now with no income when it comes time for interviews. Is just volunteering fine as long as I'm showing that I'm doing something with my time, or am I cooked because I'm not on payroll?

I graduated in May and didn't get a paying job until February. There were several reasons for this (MCAT, surgeries, etc) but as long as you spend your time wisely and don't just sit around (volunteer, hobbies, if you need $$ you could even doordash if you have a car!), you should be fine!

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Job search has not been going well, but I am still actively applying to jobs. I am also actively volunteering 20-30+ hours a week due to the free time, so it's not like I'm just sitting around. However since I graduated years ago (I have had jobs since then, only been unemployed for ~2 months now), I am worried that med schools will think it's a red flag that I am only volunteering right now with no income when it comes time for interviews. Is just volunteering fine as long as I'm showing that I'm doing something with my time, or am I cooked because I'm not on payroll?

Admissions committees want to make sure you are achieving your goals during a gap year. Many applicants elect to travel, visit family, work jobs they would never again have the opportunity to work IE Bartending, etc. Your job right now is to be yourself and enhance the core competencies highlighted by the AAMC. This can be done in a multitude of ways, including spending your time volunteering and looking for a job!