Advice on my plan

[Kool Dad]

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Hey guys,

To start off, I'm not here to read about people saying I won't make it. I'm here to ask for advice on what I need to do to succeed. I'd appreciate it if anyone actually responds that they'll keep the discussion relevant to this post. So far this is what I've done and planned...

I just started school at a cc 2 semesters ago after taking a break from school for 3 years. I do not have a college degree. I'm currently 24 years old. I started at 50 earned credits with a very low gpa. In 2 semesters I managed to bring up my GPA to a 3.4. Since I've started, I managed to keep a 4.0, averaging 12 credits a semester. I'm currently at 87 earned credits and after this fall semester I'm transfering to a 4 year to pursue my BA.

My resume is as follows. I worked part-time as a waiter (9months) and as an administrative assistant (10 months). I worked full-time an airport (11 months), and as a counselor with the developmentally disabled (my current job for 9 months). I have a lot of volunteer experience from high school, but that was a long time ago. This summer I'm volunteering as a advocate for abused and neglected children in my county. Basically I work with the court of my county to determine the best course of action for the child. It's a 1 year commitment. I'm part of the table tennis team at my school as well. I'm also training to compete in a basketball league.

I'd like to go for some clinical experience, but the job market is a bit tough right now. I'm certified as phlebotomist, in FA, CPR, medication, and a bunch of other certifications required to work with the developmentally disabled. I don't need to work; I'm working because my resume lacks consistancy and I'm currently working a light school load. I can't avoid this because of prereq classes.

If all goes according to plan, I'll graduate fall 2012. It will be a VERY light load during my last 3 semesters. As in 1 to 3 classes a semester. I've tried every possible scenario for a better schedule, and even worked with the advisor, but I can't avoid it.

The reason is because I lack the requirements for Physical Chem 1 at the school I'm planning on attending. I need Physics 1 and Calc 2 as prereqs, Calc 3 as a coreq. I'm taking Calc 2 and Physics 1 (prereq Calc 1) this fall. Physical Chem is only offered in the fall and theres also Pchem 2 and 3. I'm not sure if I should just take a light load and work on ec's or just double major. No matter what major I choose to double, I'll graduate a semester later, in 2013.. but If i just stick with Chemistry and a minor, I'll be done in fall 2012, and I figure could use the next few months studying for the Mcats. Good idea?

If you've read this far, thank you for your time. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[EdLongshanks]

If you've read this far, thank you for your time. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

You're plan is fine. Your ~3.5 ending GPA isn't a killer, combined with a good MCAT it will get you into interviews. Since your volunteer activities are of long standing, you will stand out there.

You're young enough to not be in a hurry (don't let impatience hurt you) you could get some research experience, which would make you competitive anywhere. You're fine. Don't rush it, starting in 2013 would both give you time to do research and also plenty of time to study for the MCAT. If you try to push it and apply next year, you might not get a chance to apply early, or you might do what I did, and try to take the MCAT before all the pre-reqs are complete. That mistake cost me probably 3 points on the MCAT.

 

[Kool Dad]

I guess I'm a bit hasty.. but I'm afraid my break from school and horrendous starting GPA would set off red flags. I suppose you're right though. I've already had a few people tell me I'm trying to cram in too many things. Thanks for the response.