Advice needed Job vs AmeriCops

[EvilElmo]

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Hello everyone!
I wanted some advice for my gap year. I'll be applying next cycle and was wondering if I should accept a job in research or accept a position in AmeriCorps.
The biggest gap in my application is my volunteering hours. I have a 3.96 gpa, 515 mcat, ~1000 hours paid clinical experience, ~1000 hours wet lab research.
~25 hours hospice volunteering and ~10 hours reading to disadvantaged children.
I was planning on gaining a chunk of volunteering from March - June, but that obviously fell through.
I'm seriously considering the AmeriCorps program, it's would be an amazing experience but I'm just worried about my financial state.
For my application, since I'm lacking a good chunk of volunteering, it is more worthwhile to take the position with AmeriCorps instead of accepting the job and volunteering when I'm not working?
Just for reference, the job would be OOS for me, and since I'll be applying next year, I think I would lose my FL residency.

I appreciate ANY and ALL advice.
Thanks!

 

[EvilElmo]

bump

 

[bd37]

In my experience, Americorps definitely wasn't worth the money. Only do it if you're passionate about the Americorps position or you'll burn out really fast because the stipend is low for the amount of work you do. I also agree you need more volunteering hours. I think doing a few a hours a week with the research job for the next year will be sufficient given that the rest of your stats and ECs look great

 

[yoong95]

In my experience, Americorps definitely wasn't worth the money. Only do it if you're passionate about the Americorps position or you'll burn out really fast because the stipend is low for the amount of work you do. I also agree you need more volunteering hours. I think doing a few a hours a week with the research job for the next year will be sufficient given that the rest of your stats and ECs look great

Sorry for hijacking this thread but do you think americorps made you stand out as an applicant? Or was it just like any other volunteering activities?

 

[Blueprint Med School]

If you're worried about money during a pandemic, go out and get that bread. There are infinite amount of volunteer thing you could do around your community on your off time. Get involved with a church or a food bank or something helpful whatever it may beand do a couple hours once or twice a week, it quickly adds up.

David D MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors