Do I apply late to get more clinical hours?

[willywonka45]

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Howdy!

Nontrad. 10 years experience in a different field. 2 kids under 18 months. Finishing prereqs this spring and wanting to apply this upcoming cycle. Which route would you chose? Or, how am I thinking wrongly about this?

OPTION 1
Grind as hard as possible to finish prereqs + study for the MCAT and take the MCAT as soon as possible (likely June) and not focus on clinical hours until the beast is slain.

OPTION 2
Incorporate clinical hours into my last semester and Summer MCAT studying and apply late (late August MCAT).

Thanks for the advice!

 

[RockClimberMed]

OPTION 3?
Dont rush and take another year to study for MCAT and accumulate clinical hours to apply in May 2026?

 

[Faha]

What are your current clinical and non clinical volunteering hours and activities?

 

[willywonka45]

I have 100 hours (required for undergrad) from 2015. Besides that, its 0. I sure don't like option 3, but it might be forced upon me 🙁

 

[Faha]

I have 100 hours (required for undergrad) from 2015. Besides that, its 0. I sure don't like option 3, but it might be forced upon me 🙁

Option 3 is the best choice. Do well on the MCAT first and also begin accumulating 150+ hours of clinical volunteering/employment with patient contact, 50 hours of in person physician shadowing (including primary care), and 150+ hours of non clinical volunteering (food bank, homeless shelter, etc.).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Who is writing your letters?

100 hours from 10 years ago is too long. Build your application properly and get the hours of shadowing and consistent community service before you start looking for prereq and upper level courses you may need to refresh your memory for the MCAT. If you are finishing prereqs now, gather your prep materials or strategies to take your MCAT this summer or fall (515+).

Also, ask your closest med school admissions representatives.

 

[willywonka45]

Great advice! Thanks y'all!