EC start time???

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I am currently a freshman and just completed my first semester. I have been volunteering in the hospital once a week and working as an ER tech overnights twice a week. When is too late to begin research and really "beefing" up my application with other EC's? I am still a freshman and want to take this year to get hone in my study skills to maintain a competitive gpa.

 

[Engrailed]

I am currently a freshman and just completed my first semester. I have been volunteering in the hospital once a week and working as an ER tech overnights twice a week. When is too late to begin research and really "beefing" up my application with other EC's? I am still a freshman and want to take this year to get hone in my study skills to maintain a competitive gpa.

Take the time you need to develop good study habits and establish a solid gpa!
gpa and mcat are critical before anything else.

once you feel comfortable with your courses etc, you can add things like research and volunteering (something like a 1-2x a month can be easy to do in parallel). even better if it’s something you imagine doing long term to show sustained commitment by the time you apply.

So the question for “when”..? That will depend on when you want to start med school. Taking 1-2 gap years is quite common now (maybe even becoming the default route?). You can start research in the sophomore year (for example), apply at the end of your senior year (have a solid 2+ years of research at that point-which is also a good basis for a substantial LOR from your PI) and potentially begin med school the fall of the following year.

Also, quality over quantity so don’t overload your schedule which seems to be a common setback that often knocks out GPAs in the orgo/hard science years. (Also note: unlike HS, once the GPA starts its descent, it’s not easily recoverable bc the course credits get distributed over time. Another thing! GPA trends are also important so it’s even better if you can demonstrate sustained excellence on top of ECs vs a sad decline thru senior year). Best of luck OP!