Nothing here yet!
I was just curious how much they focus on volunteer work?
As someone who feels a little weak in volunteering, I wonder that too. Thank you for taking the time, HSU, to help us out a bit!
There's an option to apply for Honors in Research. You have to complete a certain length of time doing research, write a paper or be published on one, present at the student research day, and probably some other things that I'm blanking on at the moment. For Honors in Research, you have the opportunity to apply for a small stipend that they pay you during the first summer which is when you would be doing most of your research. I actually am in the program and have done some molecular microbiology bench research for my project. There's also always opportunities to make connections with faculty and simply get involved in whatever it is they are doing. We also get emails about programs out of state to apply to, and I believe I had a few classmates go that route.
Focus on your grades. GPA is something that really indicates a good work ethic. A poor GPA can weed you out just like a poor MCAT can. UAMS really does look at the complete application, but you won't do yourself any favors by slacking off. Another thing is to be patient. The wait is sometimes unbearable. You submit your application and don't hear anything for months. Then you will have your interview and again hear nothing for months (potentially). Then you have an entire semester and summer to complete before you get going. So for now focus on what you can control. Focus on getting "A's" and the occasional "B". Decide what type of preparation you want to do for the MCAT. I took it once and only studied for about 2 weeks. Many people study much longer, and I am sure some study even less. Volunteer work is good. Research is good. I had essentially no volunteer experience, but I had strong research experience. The sooner you realize the things that medical schools look for, the better off you will be in preparing yourself. That being said, pick things that you have an interest in and stick with it. Shadow a physician, not because it looks good on the application, but to really understand what you are setting out to become. Medical school is a VERY expensive endeavor and loans are almost unavoidable. That means you need to have a passion for medicine. Basically, focus on what you can control right now, and enjoy those four years while doing things that will strengthen your application. I repeat, don't think that these four years are just about getting into medical school, you really should enjoy them. I got married, and had a child during the finals week of my senior year.
I should have also added to my earlier messages that I'm on my surgery rotation. So I'm super slow at getting around to reading stuff.
Yup! I called today to schedule too! Really looking forward to it.
I don't exactly have ties to Arkansas, but I think what might help me stand out is my interest in primary care, especially since the school is well-regarded in that area. I think I just might give it a shot.
thank you very much for the stats!
You will get a confirmation email that your supplementary app and fee have been received. They do not review OOS applicants until December, and the interview is in January (the info is listed in the supplementary application btw).
