How to build a strong application question

[Luckycharms2024]

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Hi All,
I need some wisdom. I’m a junior majoring in biology. Good grades and plan on taking a few years off before doing starting applications. What can I do to get an outstanding application besides good MCAT? I’m volunteering and have complete one summer internship in bench science and I on the leadership team for a health organization at my school and spearheaded some projects. But other than that nothing amazing.
Should I do a post bacc to get research opportunities even though my grades are fine? I’m just looking for some ideas on how to build a really competitive application.
Thanks

 

[AJS59]

Hi All,
I need some wisdom. I’m a junior majoring in biology. Good grades and plan on taking a few years off before doing starting applications. What can I do to get an outstanding application besides good MCAT? I’m volunteering and have complete one summer internship in bench science and I on the leadership team for a health organization at my school and spearheaded some projects. But other than that nothing amazing.
Should I do a post bacc to get research opportunities even though my grades are fine? I’m just looking for some ideas on how to build a really competitive application.
Thanks

Depends on what "fine" means.

To meet bare minimum, you'll need 50 hours of shadowing (ideally some in primary care), 200 hours of clinical work/volunteering and at least 150 hours of non-clinical service-oriented activities. Research is certainly helpful especially if you're trying to aim for the big brand name schools, but not strictly necessary in general,

 

[Luckycharms2024]

Depends on what "fine" means.

To meet bare minimum, you'll need 50 hours of shadowing (ideally some in primary care), 200 hours of clinical work/volunteering and at least 150 hours of non-clinical service-oriented activities. Research is certainly helpful especially if you're trying to aim for the big brand name schools, but not strictly necessary in general,

3.8GPA

 

[The OTC]

Demonstrate long term commitment to volunteering. Bonus points if you work with an underserved population for an extended period of time in various rules

 

[The OTC]

Also if you have a good MCAT and 3.8 GPA, do not do a postbacc. You are donating money for no reason - post baccs are to increase your academic profile for your app. If you want a gap year, pursue clinical or clinical research opportunities that you will get paid for.

Don't be afraid to take on roles that are not clinically related (different internships, roles that care for underserved in non-medical role). Adcoms enjoy people who take on unique roles and talk about how that experience enhanced your view on healthcare/medicine

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Understand why you want to go into debt as medical student, especially in the current political climate.

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[Luckycharms2024]

Thank you these are very helpful.

 

[Luckycharms2024]

Also if you have a good MCAT and 3.8 GPA, do not do a postbacc. You are donating money for no reason - post baccs are to increase your academic profile for your app. If you want a gap year, pursue clinical or clinical research opportunities that you will get paid for.

Don't be afraid to take on roles that are not clinically related (different internships, roles that care for underserved in non-medical role). Adcoms enjoy people who take on unique roles and talk about how that experience enhanced your view on healthcare/medicine

Thank you! Yes, that makes sense.