How to Improve Application Post-Graduation

[aa134673]

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Hello,

I was hoping to receive some advise on how to make my application more competitive post-graduation. I received a 3.7 GPA at UCSD in neuroscience and physiology. By the time I apply, I will have ~4,000 hrs of experiencing scribing for physicians in 3 different specialties (occupational, hepatology and OBGyn). I volunteered for hospice for 6 months and will likely start volunteering with them again soon. The area of my application in which I'm lacking is research/extracurriculars. I came from a low-income family (1st gen college student) and needed to work all 4 years of college to support myself financially. Due to taking a full course load and working 25-30 hrs a week, I didn't have time for extracurriculars and could't afford to do non-paid lab work. I worked at a drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics lab for 2 years as a lab assistant but I don't think that will mean anything since it was industry based and not academic.

Based on what I have so far, what activities should I pursue to make my application stronger/more well rounded. I know the most important thing I could do is research, but there are almost no research opportunities for post-grads. Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[gyngyn]

Protecting your online anonymity is always a good idea.

 

[Catalystik]

I was hoping to receive some advise on how to make my application more competitive post-graduation. I received a 3.7 GPA at UCSD in neuroscience and physiology. By the time I apply, I will have ~4,000 hrs of experiencing scribing for physicians in 3 different specialties (occupational, hepatology and OBGyn). I volunteered for hospice for 6 months and will likely start volunteering with them again soon. The area of my application in which I'm lacking is research/extracurriculars. I came from a low-income family (1st gen college student) and needed to work all 4 years of college to support myself financially. Due to taking a full course load and working 25-30 hrs a week, I didn't have time for extracurriculars and could't afford to do non-paid lab work. I worked at a drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics lab for 2 years as a lab assistant but I don't think that will mean anything since it was industry based and not academic.

Based on what I have so far, what activities should I pursue to make my application stronger/more well rounded. I know the most important thing I could do is research, but there are almost no research opportunities for post-grads. Any advise would be appreciated.

Your clinical experience is already strong, whether the hospice work was directly with patients or in a support role (like laundry, shopping, cleaning, & cooking). Consider some volunteer service to those in need, with a cause you care about. If it has a teaching role, that's of value to your application. If it leads to a leadership position with the organization, take it.

 

[aa134673]

Your clinical experience is already strong, whether the hospice work was directly with patients or in a support role (like laundry, shopping, cleaning, & cooking). Consider some volunteer service to those in need, with a cause you care about. If it has a teaching role, that's of value to your application. If it leads to a leadership position with the organization, take it.

Yah, the hospice position did involve working with patients. But I think you’re right. Volunteering in an area that would allow me to teach would probably be better than going back to hospice since I have so many clinical hours. Thanks!

 

[Goro]

Hello,

I was hoping to receive some advise on how to make my application more competitive post-graduation. I received a 3.7 GPA at UCSD in neuroscience and physiology. By the time I apply, I will have ~4,000 hrs of experiencing scribing for physicians in 3 different specialties (occupational, hepatology and OBGyn). I volunteered for hospice for 6 months and will likely start volunteering with them again soon. The area of my application in which I'm lacking is research/extracurriculars. I came from a low-income family (1st gen college student) and needed to work all 4 years of college to support myself financially. Due to taking a full course load and working 25-30 hrs a week, I didn't have time for extracurriculars and could't afford to do non-paid lab work. I worked at a drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics lab for 2 years as a lab assistant but I don't think that will mean anything since it was industry based and not academic.

Based on what I have so far, what activities should I pursue to make my application stronger/more well rounded. I know the most important thing I could do is research, but there are almost no research opportunities for post-grads. Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

Do well on the MCAT and start engaging in service to others less fortunate than yourself OR Get a job in a research lab

Your app looks great so far.