Few concerns with DO application

[RunGently]

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Hey guys,

I'm hoping this is the right place to post this as I want some feedback on some things that I should do to improve my application for the upcoming cycle. I'm worried that I might be planning on applying too late in the cycle and that my application may be deficient in volunteer experience (done a long time ago). Also, if there is any feedback on my application overall that would be extremely helpful.

I graduate this semester with a degree in biomedical engineering: cGPA - 3.3, sGPA - 3.53. I'm planning on taking the MCAT in July as well as retaking OChem II over the summer and submitting my application as soon as the grades are released (hopefully around mid August).

My extracurriculars include:
400 hours in a polymer chemistry research lab (Jan 2013 - current)
500 hours in a stem cell lab at harvard med school (April 2013 - August 2013)
50 hours leading physical fitness sessions for children with disabilities (August 2012 - May 2013)
30 hours tutoring math for elementary students (2011)
300 hours volunteering at hospital (2008-2009)

I was curious if there is a requirement that the hospital volunteer work has to be more recent to count towards the application as it was done 5-6 years ago. Are there any deficiencies with my extracurriculars or things that I should do before applying in August?

I have three strong letters of recommendation, one of which comes from a DO that I've known my entire life but am unable to shadow due to the specifics of his job (psych ER). Is it important to have one of the letters come from a DO that I've shadowed?

Sorry if this is too long or in the wrong section! Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Goro]

OK, you know what you're getting into, but I can't help but think that sitting on one's laurels aren't the best choice. So, just get some sort of clinical experience in. I take it you have done shadowing, right? Your volunteering doesn't have to be hospital-based. Think clinic, hospice, or nursing home. And just do fine on MCAT and you're golden.

Hey guys,

I'm hoping this is the right place to post this as I want some feedback on some things that I should do to improve my application for the upcoming cycle. I'm worried that I might be planning on applying too late in the cycle and that my application may be deficient in volunteer experience (done a long time ago). Also, if there is any feedback on my application overall that would be extremely helpful.

I graduate this semester with a degree in biomedical engineering: cGPA - 3.3, sGPA - 3.53. I'm planning on taking the MCAT in July as well as retaking OChem II over the summer and submitting my application as soon as the grades are released (hopefully around mid August).

My extracurriculars include:
400 hours in a polymer chemistry research lab (Jan 2013 - current)
500 hours in a stem cell lab at harvard med school (April 2013 - August 2013)
50 hours leading physical fitness sessions for children with disabilities (August 2012 - May 2013)
30 hours tutoring math for elementary students (2011)
300 hours volunteering at hospital (2008-2009)

I was curious if there is a requirement that the hospital volunteer work has to be more recent to count towards the application as it was done 5-6 years ago. Are there any deficiencies with my extracurriculars or things that I should do before applying in August?

I have three strong letters of recommendation, one of which comes from a DO that I've known my entire life but am unable to shadow due to the specifics of his job (psych ER). Is it important to have one of the letters come from a DO that I've shadowed?

Sorry if this is too long or in the wrong section! Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[RunGently]

Thanks for your reply Goro! I've read through these forums a lot and it's great to hear the perspective of a faculty member. I have very limited shadowing right now (~10 hours from two doctors) but I've set up a few days shadowing over spring break. Is it important that one of the letters come from a DO that I've shadowed or is my current connection alright? How much shadowing experience should I aim for? I'll make sure to get into a clinical environment for volunteer experience. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Thanks for your reply Goro! I've read through these forums a lot and it's great to hear the perspective of a faculty member. I have very limited shadowing right now (~10 hours from two doctors) but I've set up a few days shadowing over spring break. Is it important that one of the letters come from a DO that I've shadowed or is my current connection alright? How much shadowing experience should I aim for? I'll make sure to get into a clinical environment for volunteer experience. Thanks again for the advice!

SOMA claims 100 hours is average. I'd shoot for that because I doubt it's that far off for other schools.