Fulbright yay or nay?

[NoSugarAdded]

I want to make my bio vague for privacy reasons so please be understanding. Thank you.

I am an APIA (Asian Pacific Islander American) Studies major with a 3.84 GPA.
My science GPA is currently at a 3.53. I have not taken the MCAT yet.
College ranking in the top 20 according to US News and World Report.

My interests have always been two fold. Learning about my culture (history, dress, cuisine etc.) as well as science and medicine. Freshman year I made the decision to pursue a career in medicine but pursue my passion to learn about my heritage during my undergraduate career, thus APIA studies.

My concentration/major was solidified when I discovered a new passion that bridged both of my interests together. I began my research career in community based research and for the past 3 years I have been advocating for minority health (specifically Asian American health) and bridging the health disparity gap. I have done community based research (published twice) and disseminated vital and basic health information in culturally appropriate and language sensitive forms to my local community.

I want to take a gap year and do a fulbright to teach English abroad. I believe that this experience will allow me to connect more to my culture/heritage. How would medical schools look upon this experience? My concern is that it has little to do with medicine itself. Although, I plan to gain more cultural competency which I believe is crucial as a physician.

I just wanted to hear from the SDN community. Thanks!

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[BABSstudent]

If this is something you want to do, then do it. Don't worry about ADCOM members. This could make you a more well rounded individual and may even make you change your career goals. Or it could give you insight into another aspect of something you have never thought of before and cause you to love medicine even more.

My advice, do it. Carpe Diem.

 

[RecycleRinsed]

UMich? There is not a decision to make here, girlfriend. You get the Fulbright, you take it. Use that time to drink with some Eurotrashtastic backpackers and decide whether you want to do public health or medicine.

 

[tiedyeddog]

Do it, medical schools love that stuff. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am kind of jealous, tbh. Do it!

 

[kpcrew]

wtf is yay or nay
do a fulbright if you want

 

[yellowfish]

Did you already get the Fulbright ETA or are you just asking whether you should apply for it or not?

 

[dechristine]

I agree with the others. If you won a Fulbright scholarship, then by all means take it! It's an amazing opportunity and it's a very competitive program. I doubt that any adcom would look down upon you taking a year for the Fulbright program. 🙂

 

[dweji16]

Hmm. Is there a reason you want to do the ETA instead of the full grant? I feel that the research grant might be more in line with your background and interests. There is a bit of extra work involved as far as the research scholarship goes (sort of have to write your full grant proposal) but feel that it would be well worth it.

 

[RedSox10]

Fulbrights are great and will only serve to enhance your application (give you real world life experiences, etc). But first, you realize you need to apply and get the Fulbright. It's pretty competitive....

 

[Narmerguy]

wtf is yay or nay
do a fulbright if you want

+1, you don't turn down a Fulbright.

Fulbrights are great and will only serve to enhance your application (give you real world life experiences, etc). But first, you realize you need to apply and get the Fulbright. It's pretty competitive....

This too though. Make sure you can have a convincing story for why you want to do it.