5th year, UCSD, finishing in March 2017. Taking MCAT in July. What to do during intermediary phase?

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SouKu

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Hi, I am a UCSD fifth year finishing with BS and BA degrees in Biochemistry/Cell Biology and Anthropology in March, as well as a Global Health minor. My first two years were abysmal, but my third, fourth, and fifth years have seen a tremendous upward GPA trend, especially with taking 20-22 units a quarter, and acing most, if not all, classes. I have one W unresolved, and two Ws which I retook for an A and A-. I have never failed any classes. I am 21 years old.

If my last quarter goes as well as I intend it to, I will finish with a ~3.42 overall GPA. I'm not sure how to calculate my BCPM GPA, but I know it's not particularly high, probably around a 3.4-3.5. My Anthropology GPA is nearly immaculate, but I understand that is nowhere as important as my science GPA.
  1. In regards to my extracurriculars, I did research in a molecular and cellular physiology lab at Stanford for 2 months, doing well enough to get recommended to a lab at The Scripps Research Institute, at which I did research for 2.5 years, eventually getting a publication, and perhaps another.

  2. I have been an Emergency Department Research Associate at Thornton Hospital, enrolling patients in clinical studies for a year or so, and I am projected to complete approx. 200 hours by the end of my studies at UCSD. Among the topics currently being investigated are chest pain, abdominal pain, and medication adherence.

  3. I will be tutoring middle school kids in science subjects, such as biology and chemistry, as well as maths during my last quarter at UCSD.

  4. I have participated in trips to clinics in Mexico as well.

  5. Finally, if it means anything, I won a 2nd place presentation award at a Global Health Research Symposium last year.
After March, I intend to study for the MCAT and take the exam in July. God-given a good score (515+?), I'll apply in 2018. However, the next 1-2 years will essentially be an intermediary phase during which I need to keep myself occupied, for the sake of medical schools knowing I haven't wasted my time and my parents' worries about earning money somewhat quelled. Any suggestions/alternatives to what I should do, and also what are my chances of getting in given my background? Right now, I intend to take up a job as a technician at a lab/hospital during that time. I'm one of the "model" minorities by the way (Asian/Indian). Is a Master's a good option too? I simply do not want to spend so much money on a Master's if it's not going to help me much either. However, if the Master's program offers a decent stipend and helps, I'm certainly interested.

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