Got a Job your first 4 years?

[ctaborda]

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Got a Job your first 4 years?, Part time? Full Time? Night or day?

I currently have a full time job, from 7.30 to 4.30, I dont think it will give me time to study to get a high GPA and to do good in school.

What jobs did you have, or currently have during your college years?

Carlos.

 

[ctaborda]

whoa! well I hope I can study in the day..

 

[ctaborda]

Anymore?

 

[leia623]

Carlos,
Working full time and doing premed is definately possible, it's just a huge challenge. I've been working at a mortgage company 7-3pm M-F for the past year, while taking Gen Chem 1 and 2, Gen Bio 1, Physics 1 and 2 plus all the labs. I still managed to get A's and B's. You have to be very dedicated and realize that a lot of your free time is going to be taken up by studying. One issue I had was that I didn't have enough time to volunteer while working and going to school.
If you're just starting your undergrad, I say go for it. Just be aware that you may have to cut down hours as you get to the upper division classes since some of them are only offered during the day. Also, try to fit volunteering/clinical experience in as long as it won't submarine your grades. Good luck!
Gina

 

[Code Brown]

Carlos,
I started going to school while working full time (45+ hours per week), so was busy as heck, but still had super grades. However, once I hit the upperdivision classes, I had to cut back on the work (just like the previous poster stated), as I could only get classes during the day. It is difficult, but very possible. Just make sure that your spouse or significant other is on the same page, as you will have very little time for them during the semester. You are just going to have to park the social life and all of your hobbies. You can still do some volunteer work, just keep it down to 3-4 hours per week. Good luck!

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

It's doable, and if you manage to obtain a high GPA, you will be very prepared for medical school.
I would suggest, however, that you work less and obtain more loans (if possible) to pay for your education. A 3.0 gpa just doesnt cut it, regardless of how many hours you worked.

 

[smc927]

Definitely can do it. I am. Yes - work less and borrow more if possible. If you want med school, it'll pay off in the long run. I've had to work anyway - 40+ hours per week, still taking full-time course load (between 12 and 16 credits, depending on the semester). I've maintained a 3.77 GPA with a wife and kid (plus one more on the way). Yes, it is hard. It really is just a matter of hard word, sacrifice, and desire. Only two semesters to go - I'm applying to med schools as we speak!

 

[smc927]

A 3.0 gpa just doesnt cut it, regardless of how many hours you worked.

Good thought, but not entirely true. If want you want is to be a doctor to serve people and not for the title you can become a D.O. instead of M.D. Both do essentially the same thing in the same fields for the same pay. D.O. school is less competitive and 3.0 GPA doesn't exclude you as it would in an M.D. school. But the point remains - you want to do much better than a 3.0.

 

[sistahnik]

you know what, I'm so tired of ppl saying that you can't get here or there with a 3.0!! everyday I see an average that made it over that just blows this belief away. don't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do, trust yourself and work hard to obtain what you are going after!! remember, timing is everything.

 

[mdsadler]

I haven't worked full time during school but I have worked quite a lot. First year I didn't do much but was a swim coach for a triathlon team. Second year I was hired by the Students' Union and Department of Athletics at my school and worked 25-30 hours/week and this past year I have worked at Starbucks for 15-20hrs/week. When I worked for the SU I had both my best and worst semesters so working is definitely possible but you REALLY have to forget blind a lot of the rest of your life out. I agree with everyone above who has said that the higher level classes require you to focus more. This is why I have cut back my hours and didn't stay with the SU for a second term. Just remember, you are not the only one working and trying to get to med school. It is possible, but requires a little more focus, drive, and planning. But I think in the long run it makes you more capable to handle what will be thrown at you later. Good luck.