35N, cGPA 3.9, sGPA 3.92, weak ECs. What should I do?

[tones1337]

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Hi everyone,

I really wasn't too worried about applying until I started reading the forums, but SDN has gotten to me. I've submitted my AMCAS, but still waiting to be verified. It's my EC's that worry me.

Here they are:

Summer Employment: Custodian - 4 months
Pharmacology research - 1 year (1 poster and presentation)
Physician Shadowing - 34+ hours (Outpatient clinic, vascular surgery clinic, ER)
Biopsych research - 1 semester (research paper, unpublished)
Summer Research Fellowship - 2 months (presentation given)
Journalism internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina (1 semester)
National Service in HIV/AIDS work (testing, counseling, presentations etc.) 1 year, full time

In my opinion, the shadowing that I had was sufficient for me to realize what a doctor does on the job and that I want to do the same. But I understand that most people have more hours. I am planning on shadowing more, specifically primary care because that's an interest of mine, from now until my interviews. But what do you all think? I appreciate any suggestions. Even snarky ones 🙂

 

[TipToad]

You're lacking some community service and volunteerism. Also, we're the same person.

 

[tones1337]

dang! i thought AmeriCorps would be considered community service/volunteering

 

[Josh7]

No clinical volunteering at all? That seems like a bit of a red flag

 

[tones1337]

True. I have been volunteering and shadowing in a free clinic for the past week and a half (unfortunately, I started after I had submitted my AMCAS), and I plan to continue because it's been really interesting so far. I'll probably just update schools once I put some substantial time in, anyone have any experience with this process i.e. updating schools with your activities for the upcoming year?

 

[grapepopsicle]

True. I have been volunteering and shadowing in a free clinic for the past week and a half (unfortunately, I started after I had submitted my AMCAS), and I plan to continue because it's been really interesting so far. I'll probably just update schools once I put some substantial time in, anyone have any experience with this process i.e. updating schools with your activities for the upcoming year?

Secondaries usually ask if there's anything else you'd like to tell them.

The important thing is to really emphasize what you've gained from the experience during interviews.

 

[Leonardo Noto]

Hi everyone,

I really wasn't too worried about applying until I started reading the forums, but SDN has gotten to me. I've submitted my AMCAS, but still waiting to be verified. It's my EC's that worry me.

Here they are:

Summer Employment: Custodian - 4 months
Pharmacology research - 1 year (1 poster and presentation)
Physician Shadowing - 34+ hours (Outpatient clinic, vascular surgery clinic, ER)
Biopsych research - 1 semester (research paper, unpublished)
Summer Research Fellowship - 2 months (presentation given)
Journalism internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina (1 semester)
National Service in HIV/AIDS work (testing, counseling, presentations etc.) 1 year, full time

In my opinion, the shadowing that I had was sufficient for me to realize what a doctor does on the job and that I want to do the same. But I understand that most people have more hours. I am planning on shadowing more, specifically primary care because that's an interest of mine, from now until my interviews. But what do you all think? I appreciate any suggestions. Even snarky ones 🙂

More than sufficient. Most people have trouble finding places where they can volunteer in a healthcare setting, at least in a meaningful way, until they get into medical school. Your application is very strong. Just adjust your schools so that they all aren't top-tier b/c I don't, and you probably don't, know how good of a first impression you make on interviews (maybe you'll get nervous, etc.). Sometimes it's kind of a dice roll as to who gets into any given school so apply to a few less-competitive schools as a precaution. Other than that, quit worrying and enjoy what's left of your undergrad b/c your life's going to suck your first year of medical school (2nd year is much better, 4th year is great, 3rd year is somewhere b/t 2nd and 4th).

Leonardo Noto
www.leonardonoto.com or follow me on Twitter @DrLeonardoNoto

 

[tones1337]

More than sufficient. Most people have trouble finding places where they can volunteer in a healthcare setting, at least in a meaningful way, until they get into medical school. Your application is very strong. Just adjust your schools so that they all aren't top-tier b/c I don't, and you probably don't, know how good of a first impression you make on interviews (maybe you'll get nervous, etc.). Sometimes it's kind of a dice roll as to who gets into any given school so apply to a few less-competitive schools as a precaution. Other than that, quit worrying and enjoy what's left of your undergrad b/c your life's going to suck your first year of medical school (2nd year is much better, 4th year is great, 3rd year is somewhere b/t 2nd and 4th).

Leonardo Noto
www.leonardonoto.com or follow me on Twitter @DrLeonardoNoto

Thanks for the advice.