advice

[emmielou]

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I am currently a junior at a four year university. I am a double major in biochemistry and spanish. Last year I studied abroad in Spain and from then on have been very much into my spanish major. However, I will be totally honest, I feel that the Lord has put it on my heart to be a doctor, medical missions to be specific. I have only a 3.0 gpa. I do have about another year and a half of undergrad. Due to both majors, I won't graduate on time. I know that there is some time to bring it up. I haven't taken or began studying for the MCAT yet though. I have been trained to volunteer at hospice and hope to get that up and going soon. I currently work two jobs, so finding time to do a lot of volunteering is difficult. I know that I need to have some work experience in the hospital to get used to the enviornment. Any suggestions on how to get into doing this? I am planning on doing research this summer at my university, which I am really looking forward to. Well, please ask any questions if you have them, and thank you so much for your time.

 

[starfishprime]

I feel that the Lord has put it on my heart to be a doctor, medical missions to be specific.

Can you be more specific? I'll restrain myself, but suffice it to say I don't think you're on a firm footing so far.

 

[ckenne6]

I have only a 3.0 gpa. I do have about another year and a half of undergrad. Due to both majors, I won't graduate on time. I know that there is some time to bring it up.

Don't worry about graduating in 4 years, as it makes no effect on the admissions process. At the point you need to work on raising your GPA. For some advice, I'd recommend waiting to apply after you graduate. This way, you can focus on raising your GPA for the next 4 semesters or so and have that full effect reflected on your application. Also, the application process is very expensive, and with working two jobs, I'd wait till your application is at its strongest to apply.

I haven't taken or began studying for the MCAT yet though. I have been trained to volunteer at hospice and hope to get that up and going soon. I currently work two jobs, so finding time to do a lot of volunteering is difficult. I know that I need to have some work experience in the hospital to get used to the environment. Any suggestions on how to get into doing this?

With your GPA a bit on the lower side you need to focus on getting a higher MCAT. I noticed you said you are doing research this summer. I elected to take a prep course during the summer, which I took at night while performing research by day. I also studied each night after attending the MCAT prep class, so it was a busy summer.

As for jobs, you could look into being an ER Tech at a local hospital or an EMT.

I am planning on doing research this summer at my university, which I am really looking forward to. Well, please ask any questions if you have them, and thank you so much for your time.

If you really focus, you still have time to get into medial school, but remember to apply broadly to allopathic and osteopathic. However, you should have a pretty good idea after this semester and once you take the MCAT about how competitive you can be. I don't particularly believe that people can feel a calling towards a specific profession. Just remember that there are several other ways that you can help on non-medical missions. Best of look over the next couple of years!

 

[Mobius1985]

I know that I need to have some work experience in the hospital to get used to the enviornment.

It isn't required that your clinical experience be in a hospital. Working with hospice patients is great. Other venues to gain exposure to sick people would be nursing homes, local clinics, residential homes for mentally or physically disabled people, or even acting as a personal care assistant for another student on campus who needs help with daily living activities. If you are volunteering, then 2-4 hours/week is sufficient. Getting a job in one of these places instead of whatever you're doing now would serve double duty by producing income, as well as exposure to patients.

Your first priority is to get your GPA up higher. Consider applying to DO medical schools as well to increase your chances of an acceptance.