Medical How do I get started so I'm ready for applications?

[Mr.Smile12]

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Hey y'all,

My question is more general about my situation:
I am in my first freshman semester, so I don't even have a GPA yet. Also, I have not started taking any prereqs this semester. For the spring semester, I am signed up to take Calculus and Gen Chem 1 and was supposed to take Gen Bio 1 but there were no spots available so, for now, I am on the waitlist for that. I feel like that may mean that I could fall behind in terms of finishing prereqs in time to take the MCAT and to apply. If I take 2 prereqs a semester from the fall of sophomore year, I'll finish all of them right before senior year if I'm not mistaken? Am I behind?

Other than that in terms of extracurriculars, I have December and January off so I was planning on getting to work shadowing at a clinic or doing community service with some volunteer organization. Any suggestions on where to go? And how should I optimize my extra currics? Most pre meds students do them but what makes the difference that gets people into top med schools? Are they shadowing more specialized doctors or perhaps researching at prestigious institutions? Or does quantity also make a big difference? How exactly would I know if my experience is high quality?

Sorry for the many questions, I hope you can give me any and every advice that you think is relevant, I'm all ears about what I should do.

I deeply appreciate it, thank you!!!!

I don't know the circumstances when it comes to your registration of classes. If everything remains virtual when it comes to lectures, you may have to wait, but they may also increase capacity. Just keep in touch with your professors and academic advisors. I don't think the problem is as serious as it feels (and being a freshman means you have the lowest priority to get classes you want).

Secondly, getting solid grades is more important than applying before you graduate. Too many premeds rush into taking classes according to the recommended schedule to apply during senior year that they wind up getting C's or worse, resulting in their plans getting derailed with a GPA repair. Balancing your coursework so that you are optimally taking care of yourself academically and personally, especially under current virtual/hybrid conditions, is much more valuable than having to manage an application in your senior year. Talk to your prehealth advisors and academic advisors on campus, but have an open mind so that you can better pace yourself and craft the optimal application.

As it stands, with this winter and the predictions for flu+COVID-19, it may not be possible to get any clinical experience or shadowing. What's your backup plan?

 

[Goro]

Read this:
Med School Rx: Getting In, Getting Through, and Getting On with Doctoring Original Edition by Walter Hartwig
ISBN-13: 978-1607140627
ISBN-10: 1607140624

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

I think one of the biggest errors premeds make is they have the thought that they absolutely HAVE to apply so they start right after medical school OR they also can't take five years for undergrad. If you don't think you can get all your prereqs completed in time or the ECs in place, you need to adjust your plans/schedule so that your app is still stellar (meaning you do well in your classes). You could be done after 3 years if you slam out all those prereqs but that just means you have an extra year to do nothing when you don't get into medical school.

Take your time. Enjoy the process.