Advice: What I should do to maximize my chances of getting into med school in my situation?

[FutureDoc2001]

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I am currently a freshman in CC and just finished my first semester with a 4.0, much easier than my AP classes back in high school. I feel the sciences will be very easy for me, hence I am taking Biology for transfer. Due to my AP credits, ~22, I am able to finish my associates for transfer in three semesters while taking some classes during Spring intersession and summer at my CC. I plan on transferring to SDSU which has a semester system and only accepts applicants in the fall. So that leaves me with an open 4th semester where I have no classes. I was thinking of using that semester to get an MA license and work part-time as an MA when at SDSU. I have calculated that for the four semesters that I will be taking at SDSU, I will only need to take 9 units per semester to finish my Biology major with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I read that med schools like to see that I am a full-time student, so I'll probably take some easy _____ 101 classes, for a unit boost of 3 to get up to 12 units. I have ~413 hours of volunteering that I did at my local hospital during my last two years of high school and did a couple of non-clinical volunteering events where we would pick up trash from the beach or whatnot. I also participated in an internship for three weeks where a small group of high school students would experience each department of the hospital for one day, over a three week period. We did a big presentation to the board of the hospital and then went home. I read that it is best to show your commitment to volunteering throughout your undergrad period, so I will do some hours of both volunteering at the hospital and volunteering at a non-clinic under-served place on the weekends and slowly rack up those hours. I will probably do some research over the summer after Junior year at SDSU to become more well rounded. My question is if I should continue with my plan to obtain the MA license and work part-time as MA during SDSU, or if that will be too much and will potentially hurt my GPA and MCAT score. Student Doctor Network has a whole post on why working at a paid clinical job is a bad idea, but then again I feel I would have much more interesting patient interactions that I would get from working directly with patients, through the MA job, than any other volunteering that I would have. This is from experience, as I mostly helped out in the kitchen and on a floor(answering phone calls) when I volunteered at my local hospital during my last high school years. I did not get much patient interaction and do not have many stories to tell that changed me in my personal statement or for my interviews. If not MA, then what should I do during my 4th semester which would help me out in maximizing my chances of getting into a good Medical School. BTW I am a California resident. Also, I will be taking all necessary classes at my CC to take the MCAT, but I wonder if I should wait till I take some biochem classes at SDSU or go for it, maybe even taking the MCAT during my empty 4th semester and using that time, when I have no classes, to study 100% for that test.
Side note:
I am also a white immigrant who was born in Ukraine and came to the US when I was little. I am bilingual in Russian and English and took 3 years of honors Spanish in Highschool. Will this help me in increasing my chances of getting into Med School?
Sorry for the long post, but I can really use your feedback 🙂

 

[Dr panda]

Hi. If SD stands for South Dakota you should have great chances of getting in.

 

[FutureDoc2001]

Hi. If SD stands for South Dakota you should have great chances of getting in.

SDSU that is in California

 

[Dr panda]

So that leaves me with an open 4th semester where I have no classes.

4th sem at CC?

I was thinking of using that semester to get an MA license and work part-time as an MA when at SDSU. I have calculated that for the four semesters that I will be taking at SDSU, I will only need to take 9 units per semester to finish my Biology major with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I read that med schools like to see that I am a full-time student, so I'll probably take some easy _____ 101 classes, for a unit boost of 3 to get up to 12 units. I have ~413 hours of volunteering that I did at my local hospital during my last two years of high school and did a couple of non-clinical volunteering events where we would pick up trash from the beach or whatnot.

High school stuff stays there, you need something fresh

I also participated in an internship for three weeks where a small group of high school students would experience each department of the hospital for one day, over a three week period. We did a big presentation to the board of the hospital and then went home.

Nothing useful here.

I read that it is best to show your commitment to volunteering throughout your undergrad period, so I will do some hours of both volunteering at the hospital and volunteering at a non-clinic under-served place on the weekends and slowly rack up those hours. I will probably do some research over the summer after Junior year at SDSU to become more well rounded.

Very good plan.

My question is if I should continue with my plan to obtain the MA license and work part-time as MA during SDSU, or if that will be too much and will potentially hurt my GPA and MCAT score.

Better to volunteer, don't bother with license, though employment is always good, volunteering is probably better since you sacrifice your time to help the sick and injured.

I feel I would have much more interesting patient interactions that I would get from working directly with patients, through the MA job, than any other volunteering that I would have. This is from experience, as I mostly helped out in the kitchen and on a floor(answering phone calls) when I volunteered at my local hospital during my last high school years. I did not get much patient interaction and do not have many stories to tell that changed me in my personal statement or for my interviews.

You had bad experience, get something better.

If not MA, then what should I do during my 4th semester which would help me out in maximizing my chances of getting into a good Medical School. Also, I will be taking all necessary classes at my CC to take the MCAT, but I wonder if I should wait till I take some biochem classes at SDSU or go for it, maybe even taking the MCAT during my empty 4th semester and using that time, when I have no classes, to study 100% for that test.

Take classes, explore various fields while you have the chance.
Do never ever take the MCAT without biochem. So, you want to say that in 3 semester you will be done with bio, gen chem, org chem and physics with labs?
Better postpone the MCAT till end of your 3rd year, take biochem, cell bio, genetics and better prepare for the test. You need to ace it given you live in the worst state to be a premed.

 

[FutureDoc2001]

4th sem at CC?

High school stuff stays there, you need something fresh

Nothing useful here.

Very good plan.

Better to volunteer, don't bother with license, though employment is always good, volunteering is probably better since you sacrifice your time to help the sick and injured.

You had bad experience, get something better.

Take classes, explore various fields while you have the chance.
Do never ever take the MCAT without biochem. So, you want to say that in 3 semester you will be done with bio, gen chem, org chem and physics with labs?
Better postpone the MCAT till end of your 3rd year, take biochem, cell bio, genetics and better prepare for the test. You need to ace it given you live in the worst state to be a premed.

Thank you for your thorough response!
Yes, usually CC is 4 semesters, aka 2 years to get associates for transfer. And to answer if I will be taking all those classes during the three semesters plus prerequisites, then yes! Here is my plan:
Fall 2019: Child development, English 1, Behavioral Stats, Modern History
Spring intersession 2020: Communications 1, theater
Spring 2020- General Chem 1, Ecology/Evol/Organismal Bio, Communications- Argumentation, Russian 4
Summer 2020- Gen Chem 2, Physics 1
Fall 2021- Cellular/Molecular/Evolu Bio, Russian 5, Organic Chem, Physics 2
Sping 2020- empty
This fulfills all of my prerequisites for minor and major prep for transfer to SDSU
Also, why is CA so bad for premed students?

 

[Dr panda]

Thank you for your thorough response!
Yes, usually CC is 4 semesters, aka 2 years to get associates for transfer. And to answer if I will be taking all those classes during the three semesters plus prerequisites, then yes! Here is my plan:
Fall 2019: Child development, English 1, Behavioral Stats, Modern History
Spring intersession 2020: Communications 1, theater
Spring 2020- General Chem 1, Ecology/Evol/Organismal Bio, Communications- Argumentation, Russian 4
Summer 2020- Gen Chem 2, Physics 1
Fall 2021- Cellular/Molecular/Evolu Bio, Russian 5, Organic Chem, Physics 2
Sping 2020- empty
This fulfills all of my prerequisites for minor and major prep for transfer to SDSU

Don't take phy and chem 2 over the summer! These are pretty hard and high yield MCAT classes. Take em during that spring term.
I am not an adcom but it is clear that you are taking Russian classes to boost your gpa because it is your 1st language. Though we are in the game of protecting GPA, it is probably way overkill that makes you look like скользкий тип (great Russian word to describe that type of people).

Also, why is CA so bad for premed students?

Supply and demand. When you will be applying you will wish SD was South Dakota...

 

[FutureDoc2001]

Don't take phy and chem 2 over the summer! These are pretty hard and high yield MCAT classes. Take em during that spring term.
I am not an adcom but it is clear that you are taking Russian classes to boost your gpa because it is your 1st language. Though we are in the game of protecting GPA, it is probably way overkill that makes you look like скользкий тип (great Russian word to describe that type of people).

Supply and demand. When you will be applying you will wish SD was South Dakota...

What do you mean by high yield MCAT classes? The reason why I want to do them during the summer is to have my 4th semester open for whatever, like the MA cert. I am taking the Russian classes because I need to take 2 semesters of a foreign language for prereq and albeit Russian was my first language, my parents never taught me to write and my grammar is horrendous, lol. I took a placement test and ranked at Russian 4. Yes, the class will be easier than my hard science classes, but it is also very much needed if I want to communicate with my Russian patients properly and not come off as a non-native speaker.

Can I just apply outside CA where it is less competitive? I would like to stay close to home, but do not want to take an unnecessary gap year as I feel I am set on everything I need to do, in terms of ECs.

Also, will my 400 hours during HS count toward the total of clinical volunteering that I have? If so, I can volunteer like 2 hours per week, to show that am committed to serving people, and then work as a MA one shift, showing that I can handle the stress of a job, which is also a clinical one, where I will have stories galore of all the wonderful interactions I have had. Also, will start volunteering at the local salvation army, played the piano and clarinet there for 6 years, and would be a joy to help the homeless there.

What do you think 😀

 

[Dr panda]

It seems that you need to learn a lot about the process:
start with Med School Rx: Getting In, Getting Through, and Getting On with Doctoring.

What do you mean by high yield MCAT classes? The reason why I want to do them during the summer is to have my 4th semester open for whatever, like the MA cert.

It would be way smarter to get MA cert during the summer and classes during your regular semester. High-yield classes mean they encompass a lot of important material that you need to learn before taking the test.

Can I just apply outside CA where it is less competitive? I would like to stay close to home, but do not want to take an unnecessary gap year as I feel I am set on everything I need to do, in terms of ECs.

The game is way more complicated than you think. Most people stay in their home state for med school and for the majority of people state schools are the only schools that send them interview invites since state schools highly favor home teams. When it comes to California everything is super different because of tremendous amount of super qualified applicants, huge amount of URMs that reside in Cali and limited number of schools. There are 40+ million people in Cali yet it has just 11 schools which include Loma Linda (very special private school that doesn't care about your state residency), Stanford (you know what it is), Drew (which is HBCU), Riverside (highly favors inland empire residents) and CNU which is another story, which leaves you with just 6 schools where you have a realistic chance. Ohio, as an example has just 11 million people and 5 state schools (2 of them are extremely OOS unfriendly and ready to accept an Ohio resident as long as one has 500+ MCAT), so you get the idea. Only 17% of all Cali applicants matriculate in-state, so you already have more than 83% chance that you will not stay in Cali for med school (if ever get in one).
The problem with applying outside Cali is again State schools that favor home team. Applying out of state private schools? Good idea, but they receive tons of applications from all over the country, why should they pick you? West really sucks when it comes to be a pre med student not only the golden state – AZ, CO, OR, WA - not the states you want to be an applicant but you have to play the game.

Also, will my 400 hours during HS count toward the total of clinical volunteering that I have? If so, I can volunteer like 2 hours per week, to show that am committed to serving people, and then work as a MA one shift, showing that I can handle the stress of a job, which is also a clinical one, where I will have stories galore of all the wonderful interactions I have had. Also, will start volunteering at the local salvation army, played the piano and clarinet there for 6 years, and would be a joy to help the homeless there.

2 hours per week is fine. I still don't get your obsession with MA but if you want it, do it, having work experience is always great. MA/CNA/EMT-B or P – all good.
If you want to help the homeless I would actually do something more than playing piano. Ask your local shelters what types of service do they need in the first place.

 

[FutureDoc2001]

It seems that you need to learn a lot about the process:
start with Med School Rx: Getting In, Getting Through, and Getting On with Doctoring.

It would be way smarter to get MA cert during the summer and classes during your regular semester. High-yield classes mean they encompass a lot of important material that you need to learn before taking the test.


The game is way more complicated than you think. Most people stay in their home state for med school and for the majority of people state schools are the only schools that send them interview invites since state schools highly favor home teams. When it comes to California everything is super different because of tremendous amount of super qualified applicants, huge amount of URMs that reside in Cali and limited number of schools. There are 40+ million people in Cali yet it has just 11 schools which include Loma Linda (very special private school that doesn't care about your state residency), Stanford (you know what it is), Drew (which is HBCU), Riverside (highly favors inland empire residents) and CNU which is another story, which leaves you with just 6 schools where you have a realistic chance. Ohio, as an example has just 11 million people and 5 state schools (2 of them are extremely OOS unfriendly and ready to accept an Ohio resident as long as one has 500+ MCAT), so you get the idea. Only 17% of all Cali applicants matriculate in-state, so you already have more than 83% chance that you will not stay in Cali for med school (if ever get in one).
The problem with applying outside Cali is again State schools that favor home team. Applying out of state private schools? Good idea, but they receive tons of applications from all over the country, why should they pick you? West really sucks when it comes to be a pre med student not only the golden state – AZ, CO, OR, WA - not the states you want to be an applicant but you have to play the game.


2 hours per week is fine. I still don't get your obsession with MA but if you want it, do it, having work experience is always great. MA/CNA/EMT-B or P – all good.
If you want to help the homeless I would actually do something more than playing piano. Ask your local shelters what types of service do they need in the first place.

So my best bet is to apply to eastern state schools and hope for the best? 17% is incredibly low, I can't understand why people still apply knowing well that there is practically no chance of getting in. Is going to international school a better idea or too much of a hassle at this point?
I wonder..
Could I go to, for example, Ohio, and live there for the four years of my undergrad, and then go to their med schools as a resident who has lived on his own income and will? Or are there restrictions in place to stop people like me from doing that?
The reason for the MA, is that I just would have a free semester, be it summer or spring, and I feel like it is a time for me to do something that would set me apart from other applicants who do not have the time for the cert. and similarly, the time to work while keeping up with volunteering in a clinic, and non-clinc. What would you recommend that I do with the time? I am very open-minded 🙂
Oh, and BTW, I meant that I played piano and clarinet when I was younger. They taught me how to play. But I was trying to say that they would recognize me and allow me to volunteer in helping with the homeless through means not tied to music 😛

 

[Dr panda]

So my best bet is to apply to eastern state schools and hope for the best? 17% is incredibly low, I can't understand why people still apply knowing well that there is practically no chance of getting in. Is going to international school a better idea or too much of a hassle at this point?
I wonder..
Could I go to, for example, Ohio, and live there for the four years of my undergrad, and then go to their med schools as a resident who has lived on his own income and will? Or are there restrictions in place to stop people like me from doing that?
The reason for the MA, is that I just would have a free semester, be it summer or spring, and I feel like it is a time for me to do something that would set me apart from other applicants who do not have the time for the cert. and similarly, the time to work while keeping up with volunteering in a clinic, and non-clinc. What would you recommend that I do with the time? I am very open-minded 🙂
Oh, and BTW, I meant that I played piano and clarinet when I was younger. They taught me how to play. But I was trying to say that they would recognize me and allow me to volunteer in helping with the homeless through means not tied to music 😛

You best hope is Cali schools with 17% chance of getting in. Overall, you have less than 40% chance of getting in anywhere not just Cali. You can move to another state, some people do it, WV as an example has 50%+ in state matriculation rate, but best states are southern states when it comes to applying. Anyway, it is just your 1st semester, keep working and enjoy undergrad, you have a long way to go.

 

[Lasofloxabuterol]

Is Virginia a "lucky" state?

 

[Dr panda]

Is Virginia a "lucky" state?

no

 

[Dr panda]

Is Virginia a "lucky" state?

true "lucky" states are:
Kentucky, West Virginia, Arkansas, Nebraska, South Carolina

 

[Goro]

true "lucky" states are:
Kentucky, West Virginia, Arkansas, Nebraska, South Carolina

and a few more are:
OR, NM, MI, GA, KS, TN, SD, ND, MN, IA, OK, LA

 

[Dr panda]

and a few more are:
OR, NM, MI, GA, KS, TN, SD, ND, MN, IA, OK, LA

Why is OR a lucky state? It has 20% IS matriculation rate and less than 36% overall.

 

[Goro]

Why is OR a lucky state? It has 20% IS matriculation rate and less than 36% overall.

Look at the OOS rate.

Being lucky doesn't necessarily mean that you have an advantage and the school will take any living body. To me it just means that they favor IS over OOS.

And a 20% matriculation rate for IS still means that 1/5 Beavers who apply attend OR H&S. And over half of whom apply get IIs.

 

[Cornfed101]

If you’re going to move anywhere Texas is probably the best. They have to accept 90% IS at all of their public schools

 

[NXSRICHA]

If you’re going to move anywhere Texas is probably the best. They have to accept 90% IS at all of their public schools

Texas in state means they have to be from Texas undergrad program? My son is Texas resident as I work and own a home in Texas but he goes to out of state university. Does he count as in state applicant? Thanks

 

[Cornfed101]

Texas in state means they have to be from Texas undergrad program? My son is Texas resident as I work and own a home in Texas but he goes to out of state university. Does he count as in state applicant? Thanks

Nope, just don’t let him establish residency in the state he’s going to school!

edit: it looks like even if he does establish residency elsewhere if you live there it counts

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