Help, I need some advice

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dprs

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Hi

I am about to graduate with biochem and bio with biomed option
my overall gpa is 3.6 and I go to Community for 2 years and Cal state university for 3 years

I have no EC, beside recent volunteering at hospital

I tutor jr high school and high school students in math and science

I think i can get good letter from my science teachers

but i have no research and shadowing yet.

Am I too late for med school?

Please give me advice on how to get research and shadowing and additional clinical experience

I haven't taken yet but i will be taking one in step.

PLEASE HELP.
Thanks for reading
 
Please tell me what you think.

Also forget to mention that I speak 3 languages and I moved to United States and attended high school here.

Also, I am first in the family to attend college and trying for medical school.
 
Well I'm going to tell you what I think. First of all, when are you planning on applying? Not until next cycle I suppose.
Your GPA looks good.. how about that MCAT? did you take it or are you planning on taking it soon?
The fact that you have no EC's will most likely hurt you. I've met people that got rejected just because they didn't have EC's.
Volunteering at a hospital would be considered clinical experience, make sure you have plenty. You will need though, some non-medical related volunteering. You should not apply until you have some research and shadowing... those things are really important.
What are you planning on doing this year after graduating?
 
Applying for med school this season wouldn't be a reasonable plan with an MCAT taken in September. You'll have a better application with more long-range planning, since some longevity of clinical experience is expected. How many months have you been volunteering at the hospital so far? How many years have you tutored? Is it paid or volunteer? Regardless, teaching is a good EC to list on the application.

Ask docs you meet while volunteering if you can shadow them. Ask current and past science professors if they know of any lab positions for pay, for volunteers, or for class credit. If the tutoring isn't volunteer, find a nonmedical community service you care about to participate in weekly.

About 60% of applicants list research. It isn't required, but it definitely helps make an application stronger.
 
Catalystik said:
Applying for med school this season wouldn't be a reasonable plan with an MCAT taken in September. You'll have a better application with more long-range planning, since some longevity of clinical experience is expected. How many months have you been volunteering at the hospital so far? How many years have you tutored? Is it paid or volunteer? Regardless, teaching is a good EC to list on the application.

Ask docs you meet while volunteering if you can shadow them. Ask current and past science professors if they know of any lab positions for pay, for volunteers, or for class credit. If the tutoring isn't volunteer, find a nonmedical community service you care about to participate in weekly.

About 60% of applicants list research. It isn't required, but it definitely helps make an application stronger.
Click to expand...

thanks.

So I am taking mcat on This september, thus I should not apply by june 1?

I started volunteered in hospital this summer.
I will graduate by the end of spring.

I tutor for 6 years + but It was pay. I plan to tutor (volunteer) once the school start and also plan to volunteer at library.

How do I get started for research? Since most teachers in my school are saying they do not have $ to take on new undergrad.

What should I do?

Can you give me some additional idea or plan?

Please advice me.
 
dprs said:
1) So I am taking mcat on This september, thus I should not apply by june 1?

2) I started volunteered in hospital this summer.
I will graduate by the end of spring.

3) How do I get started for research? Since most teachers in my school are saying they do not have $ to take on new undergrad.

What should I do?
Click to expand...
1) Your chances for the current application season (2010) would be severely disadvantaged by such a late MCAT release date and without the usual ECs. I recommend you apply early June 2011.

2) You will need every month until you apply in 2011 to have the usual recommended minimum of clinical experience of a year. About 1.5 years seems average.

3) Offer to help in the research labs for free or for class credit. Few get paid without previous experience.

4) Other advice: getting a decent verbal score on the MCAT may be a challenge for you. I suggest you check the MCAT Discussion Forum and Search for advice on raising the verbal score. If you aren't ready for the test in September, then delay it until Jan-May of next year. You should score in your target zone on multiple practice tests before taking the real thing.
 
Catalystik said:
1) Your chances for the current application season (2010) would be severely disadvantaged by such a late MCAT release date and without the usual ECs. I recommend you apply early June 2011.

2) You will need every month until you apply in 2011 to have the usual recommended minimum of clinical experience of a year. About 1.5 years seems average.

3) Offer to help in the research labs for free or for class credit. Few get paid without previous experience.

4) Other advice: getting a decent verbal score on the MCAT may be a challenge for you. I suggest you check the MCAT Discussion Forum and Search for advice on raising the verbal score. If you aren't ready for the test in September, then delay it until Jan-May of next year. You should score in your target zone on multiple practice tests before taking the real thing.
Click to expand...
Thank you for advice
I have 4 more questions

1. since I will be applying in 2011. When should I ask for the recommendation from the professor?

2. Should I join the premed club at my school which require fee

3. Is my idea to volunteer at school (tutor) and at elderly home and library good idea? or should I focus on one?

4. Am I traditional applicant? since I am the first generation to go to college in my family.

Thanks
Your advices are very helpful
 
Thank Catalystik

Thank you so much.

One more question, Can I take part time job in lab after I graduate with biochem and bio with biomedical BS (double major).
 
dprs said:
Thank you for advice
I have 4 more questions

1. since I will be applying in 2011. When should I ask for the recommendation from the professor?

2. Should I join the premed club at my school which require fee

3. Is my idea to volunteer at school (tutor) and at elderly home and library good idea? or should I focus on one?

4. Am I traditional applicant? since I am the first generation to go to college in my family.

Thanks
Your advices are very helpful
Click to expand...
My answers for you

Formally ask your profs after Christmas ( LORs requests quieted down), but make sure they NOW know ur heart is set on going to medical school in the near future.

r u that poor? if u can get a leadership, do it, if not , don't

Tutor and taking care of elderlies are great options

I think u r traditional applicant and not disadvantaged, my life experiences are very close to yours.

Why part time, try full time.
 
dprs said:
3. Is my idea to volunteer at school (tutor) and at elderly home and library good idea? or should I focus on one?
Click to expand...
It is better to have some nonmedical, noncampus community service to demonstrate your involvement in the wider community. You already have strength in teaching. Focus on having more depth of experience at the library and nursing home.
 
Catalystik said:
It is better to have some nonmedical, noncampus community service to demonstrate your involvement in the wider community. You already have strength in teaching. Focus on having more depth of experience at the library and nursing home.
Click to expand...

Hi

thanks again for more advices

I am poor in the sense that I make just enough money to go to school with loan and I do not want to spend money on club if I don't have to.

Also it is reasonable to apply at june 2011? I was thinking of 2012 so i have more chance of get to known professors and get better LORs and also more volunteering and possibly some research.

Again, thank you so much for the advice
 
You would really have to rush things to be ready in just ten more months (and your clinical experience would still be below average at that time). An extra year of careful EC building would result in a much stronger application and give you more time to build all the proper elements without potentially sacrificing your good grades due to over-involvement in activities. I think waiting until 2012 is a good idea.
 
Catalystik said:
You would really have to rush things to be ready in just ten more months (and your clinical experience would still be below average at that time). An extra year of careful EC building would result in a much stronger application and give you more time to build all the proper elements without potentially sacrificing your good grades due to over-involvement in activities. I think waiting until 2012 is a good idea.
Click to expand...

Thanks again for answering me. So if I going to apply on june, 2012, and I graduate on June 2011.

1. when I ask my professor for LORs?
2. did med school ask for LORs from premed club? as I mention above, I do not wish to join due to fee involve and also i am not going to be much active in the club so it will be bad to join.
3. Taking up lab job during june 2011 to june 2012 is ok right? of course i will continue to volunteer during the time.


Thank you so much, you give me so much advices
🙂
 
dprs said:
Thanks again for answering me. So if I going to apply on june, 2012, and I graduate on June 2011.

1. when I ask my professor for LORs?
2. did med school ask for LORs from premed club? as I mention above, I do not wish to join due to fee involve and also i am not going to be much active in the club so it will be bad to join.
3. Taking up lab job during june 2011 to june 2012 is ok right? of course i will continue to volunteer during the time.
Click to expand...
1) From the beginning of the spring 2011 term until you graduate and leave campus. Be sure to find a letter service they can be sent to. Your prehealth advisor can give a suggestion.
2) No, never.
3) Working in a lab, or any other job, during the glide year is fine, along with continued volunteering.
 
Catalystik said:
1) From the beginning of the spring 2011 term until you graduate and leave campus. Be sure to find a letter service they can be sent to. Your prehealth advisor can give a suggestion.
2) No, never.
3) Working in a lab, or any other job, during the glide year is fine, along with continued volunteering.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much
You helped more than any other person did, except my parents
Thank you very much

do you have any other general advice for me?
😍 reading your reply make my day
 
HI
I am California Resident. I came to US in Dec 2001. I am able to communicate in Burmese, Mandarin. I know abit Spanish.

School
I went to community college for 2 years and right now attending California State University East Bay. This is my third years in CSU and I am going to graduate in Spring 11 with Biochemisty and Biology with Biomedical option.
My uGPA 3.569 as of currenty. I get mostly A and B in science class aside from Animal Physiology which I get C. And three C in english class. 😱


Volunteer
I currently volunteer at hospital, I started in summer 2010 and so far have 180 hours. And volunteer at tricity health outreach, help them out when they go out to school for dental screening.

Job
I tutor in math and science. I work last year during tax return ~data entry.

Research
None

:help:

MCAT
going to take in April

Should I apply June 2011?
What Med school would be better chance for me assuming I get above 30 on MCAT?
Should I wait until June 2012? Apply to SMP? And can you recommend me what SMP have linked to Med school?

Also advice me with what EC to pursuit. Please share me some link if you know any.

Thank you very much

Thanks for answering

🙂
 
Last edited:
dprs said:
HI
I am California Resident. I came to US in Dec 2001. I am able to communicate in Burmese, Mandarin. I know abit Spanish.

School
I went to community college for 2 years and right now attending California State University East Bay. This is my third years in CSU and I am going to graduate in Spring 11 with Biochemisty and Biology with Biomedical option.
My uGPA 3.569 as of currenty. I get mostly A and B in science class aside from Animal Physiology which I get C. And three C in english class. 😱


Volunteer
I currently volunteer at hospital, I started in summer 2010 and so far have 180 hours. And volunteer at tricity health outreach, help them out when they go out to school for dental screening.

Job
I tutor in math and science. I work last year during tax return ~data entry.

Research
None

:help:

MCAT
going to take in April

Should I apply June 2011?
What Med school would be better chance for me assuming I get above 30 on MCAT?
Should I wait until June 2012? Apply to SMP? And can you recommend me what SMP have linked to Med school?

Also advice me with what EC to pursuit. Please share me some link if you know any.

Thank you very much

Thanks for answering

🙂
Click to expand...

I'll try to answer things one-by-one. Your GPA is pretty low for US MD. I would maybe apply to both MD and DO schools unless you're against that. You can apply one year and see what happens, then broaden your application the next. Apply to a lot of schools and see what happens. If your science GPA is higher that will help you.

Volunteering is good. Just keep doing what you're doing.

Research would help, but it might be a bit late to start. Can you get into any labs or anything on campus, so you could at least put it on your application? Med schools love research.

Study hard for the MCAT and take practice tests. Take it seriously because it could greatly affect your chances. No pressure though. 😉

I would apply June '11 because it can't hurt. Try to apply widely and out of CA as I've heard it's really hard to get into CA schools even as a resident. Maybe look at SMPs. I can't recommend any as I don't have experience with them.
 
thank you very much for the reply

I am wondering about which school would be possible range for my gpa and lack of research.

Any suggestion would be nice

Thank again
 
someone please look at it.😀
Please give me some advice.
 
Cal State students have a harder time getting into California schools in comparison to UC/Private graduates. That's simply a fact. To be able to overcome this, you need to be a very strong applicant in more than academics. From reading your statement, it sounds as if you are lacking in extra curricular activities. You have no leadership experience. You have no research experience. You have no shadowing experience. You have no hobbies. Your major is generic, thus don't bring anything out of the ordinary to the table. Your hospital volunteering may be good depending if you have patient interaction and not just a front desk worker.

My suggestion: SMP is no good for you. Have you considered an MPH? If you do and strengthen all the areas of EC, you'll probably have a good shot. If not, consider working in industry for a couple of years while strengthening the EC.
 
thanks you for suggestion what is MPH?

My hobbies are playing badminton, singing, cooking, and art (digital imaging)
 
I see Thanks you.

so even if I play with friend and stuff. Can I list them as hobby??

I mean I do a lot of other ec but not with formal community stuff.
 
dprs said:
I see Thanks you.

so even if I play with friend and stuff. Can I list them as hobby??

I mean I do a lot of other ec but not with formal community stuff.
Click to expand...
Sure. You can list it, although it won't be immensely helpful. It only serves to let admissions committees know you have more interests than academics.
 
TriagePreMed said:
Sure. You can list it, although it won't be immensely helpful. It only serves to let admissions committees know you have more interests than academics.
Click to expand...

can you suggest how to make them helpful?

are familiar with big sister/ brother program and how you mentor kids? cause i want to try it but not sure what to do.

Thanks for advice
 
dprs said:
can you suggest how to make them helpful?

are familiar with big sister/ brother program and how you mentor kids? cause i want to try it but not sure what to do.

Thanks for advice
Click to expand...
Anyone can claim having a hobby of almost anything. Having participated in some official capacity (even in a class) for the given hobby gives more credibility to it. Don't focus too much on it. Hobbies won't be what gets you into medical school.

No, I'm not familiar besides the fact that I know the program exists. Contact them and find out what you can.
 
dprs said:
the SMP and MPH is new thing I just heard about and I am wondering if any of them are helpful than just taking year off and working.
Click to expand...
An SMP is for those with a low GPA and an MCAT > 30. Since your cGPA is decent, you don't need one.

An MPH in itself does not help you to get into med school, but any traditional masters degree is generally a way to get research experience that does strengthen an application. You could also get a job in a research lab to get research experience. Or you can volunteer in one.
 
Catalystik...where can I find the stats that I always see you posting on here? Like the ones where you say "you will have an X% chance at this school if you have Y sGPA and Z cGPA."
 
Catalystik said:
An SMP is for those with a low GPA and an MCAT > 30. Since your cGPA is decent, you don't need one.

An MPH in itself does not help you to get into med school, but any traditional masters degree is generally a way to get research experience that does strengthen an application. You could also get a job in a research lab to get research experience. Or you can volunteer in one.
Click to expand...

Thank you

I am going to consider taking Master degree like MPH or get a job in research.

Thanks again

and sorry for hijacking other people page 🙂
 
Hey man. With there being so many MD and DO schools, I recommend using the MSAR to find out what school stats fit yours. I don't know if the DO schools have the same kind of book or not. It's really helpful though and totally worth the money.
 
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