How am I looking so far..?

[RockChalk123]

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Hello everybody,

I am currently a sophomore 2nd semester pre-medical student.
-cGPA 3.73
-sGPA 3.5
-In pursuit of a B.S. in Microbiology... I started my freshman year off with with three B's in the first two intro bio classes, and a B in the first chemistry class (all B+ but not plus/minus 😡) ... A's in both Organic chem, histology, genetics...

I start studying for the MCAT next year...

My EC Experience
-I have held multiple positions through my fraternity..
-My positions led me to hold a position (Director of CS and Philanthropy) in the Interfraternal Council for our Greek community- leadership position
-I am the Vice President of a club at our university: raised money for building a home in Africa: started the club w/ a friend
-Medical mission to Africa- patient interaction... HIV testing, GREAT experience: solidified my choice of going this direction.
-Shadowed ENT many times, eye surgeon, family docs, neurologist.
-50+ community service
-50+ hours volunteering at a nonprofit health clinic
-Marketing rep for an upcoming clothing company

Summer before junior plans:
- volunteering at a medical center 8+ hours a week (it will be around 64 hours for the summer)
- Research job at KU Med for 8-12 weeks

This will be my first research experience. It turned out that this is going to be a great way to get valuable learning experience at the Medical center I am trying to get into and earning some money in for my school year.

I am trying to get into KU Med primarily, and I have been thinking about the Early decision program. The only downside is if I didn't get accepted, it sets me back in the cycle for applying to other schools.

Personal: I am a sociable person, which I hope will benefit me if granted an interview!

I understand how important the MCAT will be for me, but overall how am I looking as an applicant? Thoughts? Advice? Anything is much appreciated and I am looking for some positive feedback!

 

[Catalystik]

Hello everybody,

I am currently a sophomore 2nd semester pre-medical student.
-cGPA 3.73
-sGPA 3.5
-In pursuit of a B.S. in Microbiology... I started my freshman year off with with three B's in the first two intro bio classes, and a B in the first chemistry class (all B+ but not plus/minus 😡) ... A's in both Organic chem, histology, genetics...

I start studying for the MCAT next year...

My EC Experience
-I have held multiple positions through my fraternity..
-My positions led me to hold a position (Director of CS and Philanthropy) in the Interfraternal Council for our Greek community- leadership position
-I am the Vice President of a club at our university: raised money for building a home in Africa: started the club w/ a friend
-Medical mission to Africa- patient interaction... HIV testing, GREAT experience: solidified my choice of going this direction.
-Shadowed ENT many times, eye surgeon, family docs, neurologist.
-50+ community service
-50+ hours volunteering at a nonprofit health clinic
-Marketing rep for an upcoming clothing company

Summer before junior plans:
- volunteering at a medical center 8+ hours a week (it will be around 64 hours for the summer)
- Research job at KU Med for 8-12 weeks

This will be my first research experience. It turned out that this is going to be a great way to get valuable learning experience at the Medical center I am trying to get into and earning some money in for my school year.

I am trying to get into KU Med primarily, and I have been thinking about the Early decision program. The only downside is if I didn't get accepted, it sets me back in the cycle for applying to other schools.

Personal: I am a sociable person, which I hope will benefit me if granted an interview!

I understand how important the MCAT will be for me, but overall how am I looking as an applicant? Thoughts? Advice? Anything is much appreciated and I am looking for some positive feedback!

You've made a nice start. Keep up the momentum. If you have a chance at a teaching opportunity (coach, TA, tutor, mentor), take it.

 

[Braves123]

get that gpa up a bit, but overall good

 

[RockChalk123]

Thanks for the feedback... I just applied to become a TA for a biology course for next fall. Should hear back soon.

 

[Catalystik]

Thanks for the feedback... I just applied to become a TA for a biology course for next fall. Should hear back soon.

Good luck getting it.

 

[RockChalk123]

I got the TA position, thanks for the advice. MCAT prep starts this next year... whoop whoop!

 

[Catalystik]

And the research and clinical volunteering are still a "go" for the summer?

 

[RockChalk123]

I am currently working at the research job... 10 weeks; M-F 9-5. I don't know how much clinical volunteering I will be able to do... I haven't done any thus far into the summer. I could volunteer the weekends and such. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to have some clinical experience within the research program. I just don't have very much free time to volunteer for I like to run in my free time. (I am training for a half-marathon). What do you suggest for some clinical experience? Get as many hours as I can on the weekend mornings?

 

[Catalystik]

I am currently working at the research job... 10 weeks; M-F 9-5. I don't know how much clinical volunteering I will be able to do... I haven't done any thus far into the summer. I could volunteer the weekends and such. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to have some clinical experience within the research program. I just don't have very much free time to volunteer for I like to run in my free time. (I am training for a half-marathon). What do you suggest for some clinical experience? Get as many hours as I can on the weekend mornings?

Maybe you don't need to push it this summer. Let's be sure: So far you have 50ish hours plus the African clinic, right?

What patient contact do you have through the research (hours per week)? How many more hours will you accumulate during the academic year before you apply, in a clinical environment?

 

[RockChalk123]

Correct, I have around 50 hours in a clinic and the clinic overseas for a couple weeks. As of now (as in this is the second week on the job), I have not yet had any patient interaction. I am working on manuscripts for research projects, however I will have interaction within focus groups soon (out in the field gathering data). The great aspect of this internship is that I will switching up projects in the next few weeks, so I am not sure exactly what I will be doing. I will keep you updated, but I am learning a lot on the MPH side of medicine!

As for accumulating hours during the academic school year, it is hard to estimate. I am going to try get some hours during the weekends or whenever I can really. I am not sure how that will play out.

 

[Catalystik]

Correct, I have around 50 hours in a clinic and the clinic overseas for a couple weeks. As of now (as in this is the second week on the job), I have not yet had any patient interaction. I am working on manuscripts for research projects, however I will have interaction within focus groups soon (out in the field gathering data). The great aspect of this internship is that I will switching up projects in the next few weeks, so I am not sure exactly what I will be doing. I will keep you updated, but I am learning a lot on the MPH side of medicine!

As for accumulating hours during the academic school year, it is hard to estimate. I am going to try get some hours during the weekends or whenever I can really. I am not sure how that will play out.

If you could manage, say, 100ish hours more before you apply in a year counting this summer's and an academic year of patient interaction, you'd be more than fine, considering you also have the international patient contact. That comes out to about 2 hours per week average as a goal. Can you make that work?

 

[RockChalk123]

I think I can manage that! Thank you for your advice.