Hi all,
Im currently in my second semester of freshman year in college. Im trying to organize what commitments are worthwhile long term and if there is anything else I need to add on to my plate so I can plan ahead for it in advance.
Current stats/commitments:
3.9 first semester GPA at a USNWR top 30 UG as a chemistry major (definitely expecting this to go down as I had a workload this past fall)
Started doing chemistry research in one of my professor's research labs this semester. There's no PIs and only 1 grad student so the group is mostly other undergraduates. The professor herself is really involved in training us and assigning tasks for us to do, as opposed to having to ask middle men. She's has emphasized a strong desire to get publications and if I can potentially work with her for the next 3.5 years that doesn't seem completely out of reach.
Currently working in a group on campus that cooks, delivers, and serves food to local organizations that are in need (homeless shelters, centers that prevent domestic violence/child abuse, places that try to help mothers with unexpected pregnancies, etc.) I really like the work I'm doing for this group since everything is entirely student ran and its super easy for me to get involved and volunteer. I did about 15 hours last semester and am trying to work 50 hours a semester into my schedule from now on. This organization has the potential for leadership opportunities.
Trying to be a volunteer EMT. I passed a class to get certified for it this past fall and am trying to schedule and take my national registry exam at some point this semester. There's a student ran EMS group on campus that I'd join once I pass my registry.
Plans for the summers:
rising sophomore: knock out some classes a reputable 4-year college near home while also doing some shadowing and maybe volunteering/working as an EMT
rising junior: hopefully get into an REU or get a research grant to do work over the summer
rising senior: full time mcat studying?
With what I have now, am I on the right track? If I'm not, what are some other things I can be doing to make sure I have a strong application by the end of senior year.
Thank you!
Im currently in my second semester of freshman year in college. Im trying to organize what commitments are worthwhile long term and if there is anything else I need to add on to my plate so I can plan ahead for it in advance.
Current stats/commitments:
3.9 first semester GPA at a USNWR top 30 UG as a chemistry major (definitely expecting this to go down as I had a workload this past fall)
Started doing chemistry research in one of my professor's research labs this semester. There's no PIs and only 1 grad student so the group is mostly other undergraduates. The professor herself is really involved in training us and assigning tasks for us to do, as opposed to having to ask middle men. She's has emphasized a strong desire to get publications and if I can potentially work with her for the next 3.5 years that doesn't seem completely out of reach.
Currently working in a group on campus that cooks, delivers, and serves food to local organizations that are in need (homeless shelters, centers that prevent domestic violence/child abuse, places that try to help mothers with unexpected pregnancies, etc.) I really like the work I'm doing for this group since everything is entirely student ran and its super easy for me to get involved and volunteer. I did about 15 hours last semester and am trying to work 50 hours a semester into my schedule from now on. This organization has the potential for leadership opportunities.
Trying to be a volunteer EMT. I passed a class to get certified for it this past fall and am trying to schedule and take my national registry exam at some point this semester. There's a student ran EMS group on campus that I'd join once I pass my registry.
Plans for the summers:
rising sophomore: knock out some classes a reputable 4-year college near home while also doing some shadowing and maybe volunteering/working as an EMT
rising junior: hopefully get into an REU or get a research grant to do work over the summer
rising senior: full time mcat studying?
With what I have now, am I on the right track? If I'm not, what are some other things I can be doing to make sure I have a strong application by the end of senior year.
Thank you!
