Back up plans

[Excision]

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Hello SDN,

I'm trying devise my back up plan in the event I don't get accepted on my first attempt. I haven't taken the MCAT yet, I will begin preparing (kaplan) within the next few weeks and take the MCAT in the fall. This will give me enough time to take it again, if needed, in the spring semester before applications are due.

I will graduate next spring with my degree in Cell and Molecular Biology with ~3.5 gpa.

I could go for my masters in CMB. Or I could apply to the Molecular Pathology masters program, which is a one year program (I would be certified by The American Society of Clinical Pathology upon completion). There are plenty of other masters programs I could apply for also.

So my question is, if I don't get in, is it worth it to go for a masters degree.. or should I try to become more "well rounded" and boost my gpa by taking some economics, business, english, etc. classes? Or should I attempt to boost my gpa with other science courses?

 

[Whatyousay]

How are you doing in terms of extracurriculars? Do you have clinical experience / research / non-medical volunteering?

 

[Excision]

How are you doing in terms of extracurriculars? Do you have clinical experience / research / non-medical volunteering?

I have shadowed Radiology technicians and Interventional radiology.

More recently, I have shadowed a few pathologists. I will be shadowing another soon. I have also started volunteering in the ER.

I have also worked in a clinical pharmacy for the past 3 years. A majority of my work consists of preparing IV medications. I also attend trauma's to assist the pharmacist... essentially all I do in these situations is run and grab meds and make drips. I plan on becoming chemo-certified, but until recently I haven't had the opportunity.

I also plan on shadowing a few other doctors within different fields (urology and nephrology).

What else should I consider doing? Some habitat for humanity, soup kitchen, salvation army?

 

[13132]

If it completely doesn't work...like after the third attempt.

LAW SCHOOL!!!!

 

[MSU2009]

The answer to that is highly subjective to what you really want to do. If you can see yourself working in that field if med school doesn't work out, then why not go ahead with the masters? Personally, I would probably follow your other option. Taking a broad base of coursework may allow you to mature a little bit in areas you would otherwise never study.

 

[MSU2009]

If it completely doesn't work...like after the third attempt.

LAW SCHOOL!!!!

And definitely make sure you don't attend a big-name law school. They just overcharge for the same education you could get at your state school. /not srs/

 

[startswithb]

If it completely doesn't work...like after the third attempt.

LAW SCHOOL!!!!

The problem with that is that your science major probably gave you a much lower GPA than the polisci majors. Law schools also count the A+ so there are people with 4.27s to compete with.

 

[MSU2009]

The problem with that is that your science major probably gave you a much lower GPA than the polisci majors. Law schools also count the A+ so there are people with 4.27s to compete with.

That does seem extremely unfair to those whose undergrad offers only the ABCDF system.