Declared pre-med as a rising Junior in undergrad. Am I too late?

[terpnation]

Ever since high school I knew I wanted to do something in science, I just didn't know what. I gave research a shot, but I ended up resigning within a semester because it didn't fit for me. I did some research on professional schools, and medicine seemed like a pretty awesome field. With my passion for service to the community, medical school seems right for me!

But from reading posts here and listening to my friends, it seems like they have been preparing for medical school since Day 1 of college. I have no experience or any resume-worthy stuff. I only have a part-time job taking care of autistic kids.

My GPA is a 3.6 (I have 2 W's - withdrawls from 2 classes), and my MCAT diagnostics (started studying since winter) come out to be around 31-33.

I know I need to volunteer and get some clinical experience, but does it seem like I am on the right track? By right track, I mean, is it still possible for me to apply and attend medical school right after graduation?

Also, if anyone has any tips on finding places to volunteer and to get clinical experience, please share! It will be greatly appreciated

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[Goro]

Without the EC, you WILL get rejected!

You need to show us you know what you're getting into, that you know what a doctor's day is like, that you're an altruistic, humanistic person, and that you actually like being around sick and injured people. Would you buy a new car without test driving it?

AdComs don't merely want people who will make good medicial students; we want people who will make good doctors.

So take gap year if needed and work on your bona fides. If you going into senior year, then you have plenty of time to fill in the gaping holes.

Ever since high school I knew I wanted to do something in science, I just didn't know what. I gave research a shot, but I ended up resigning within a semester because it didn't fit for me. I did some research on professional schools, and medicine seemed like a pretty awesome field. With my passion for service to the community, medical school seems right for me!

But from reading posts here and listening to my friends, it seems like they have been preparing for medical school since Day 1 of college. I have no experience or any resume-worthy stuff. I only have a part-time job taking care of autistic kids.

My GPA is a 3.6 (I have 2 W's - withdrawls from 2 classes), and my MCAT diagnostics (started studying since winter) come out to be around 31-33.

I know I need to volunteer and get some clinical experience, but does it seem like I am on the right track? By right track, I mean, is it still possible for me to apply and attend medical school right after graduation?

Also, if anyone has any tips on finding places to volunteer and to get clinical experience, please share! It will be greatly appreciated

 

[terpnation]

Yeah!!! I totally understand. I know for sure I need to get ECs, but I have never really done them in my life! Got any tips on where to start?

Without the EC, you WILL get rejected!

You need to show us you know what you're getting into, that you know what a doctor's day is like, that you're an altruistic, humanistic person, and that you actually like being around sick and injured people. Would you buy a new car without test driving it?

AdComs don't merely want people who will make good medicial students; we want people who will make good doctors.

So take gap year if needed and work on your bona fides. If you going into senior year, then you have plenty of time to fill in the gaping holes.

 

[Goro]

Do you have a family doctor, or a doctor in the family? If so, ask them if you can shadow them, or know of someone who will let you.

Does your school have a pre-med club? Contact them for, well, contacts.

Contact all local hospitals and clinics to see if they volunteer offices.

And think outside the box..volunteer in nursing homes, or hospice. Be a vol EMT or fire fighter. Try summer camp for sick disable children. Also contact your local houses or worship to see what kind of programs they have. Try being a Big Brother/Sister, or try Habitat for Humanity.

If you're really daring, join the armed forces reserves, or the Peace Corps or Teach for America.

Yeah!!! I totally understand. I know for sure I need to get ECs, but I have never really done them in my life! Got any tips on where to start?

 

[dfogt]

I'm currently applying and I also declared before my Junior year. You're not too late, especially if you have all your pre-reqs. What you will need to do is start shadowing a wide range of doctors and getting your MCAT materials around. If possible take a small course load next spring and study for the MCAT simultaneously. It sucks, but its completely possible. Regardless of what you read, medical volunteering isn't essential. It would be nice, but if you can't get a position (as I couldn't) don't worry to much. What is important is that you get involved in an EC that is meaningful to you, that you will be able to make an impact on, and be able to speak about how it was important to you as a person. Don't do anything just so it looks good on an app; do something you are passionate about. I was lucky that I was already heavily involved in my fraternity and other organizations on campus before I decided on premed.

In short:
Maintain/Improve GPA
Kill MCAT
Shadow so that you understand the life of a doctor (also try to get close with a dr for a rec)
Get seriously involved in an EC to show dedication and passion

If you can do this, you will have a solid app. No need to cure cancer, or save underserved kittens from a burning orphanage.

Sorry for being long and kind of thrown together. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[terpnation]

Sorry for the late reply, but that was really helpful information, thanks!

 

[Radon XP]

Standard checklist:

volunteer at a hospital/clinic (preferably two different ones) and get 200+ hours
shadow (various fields) 50+ hours
if you can, do some research

your job sounds pretty interesting

Hopefully you have other EC's (non medical)