How to make myself stand out as an engineer applying to med school?

[engr2md]

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Looking for a way to distinguish myself on my med school apps.



A little background:



Been working as a Civil Engineer for the past 3 years since graduating in 2016.

Have:

BS Civil Engineering, GPA = 3.80

MS Civil Engineering, GPA = 3.78

Both from USC.



Been doing a DIY postbacc @ UCLA Extension for the past year to get my bio, ochem, and biochem prerequisites out of the way. Have managed A’s in all classes so far.



I plan on taking the MCAT next March and applying the following June.



In addition to just grades and trying to get a high MCAT score. What can I do, as an engineering working full time and taking prerequisite classes, to be more appealing to med school admissions? Try to get into research or volunteer on the weekend? Try to get a 2nd job as an EMT?



Appreciate any feedback

 

[gyngyn]

A validated commitment to service should work.

 

[engr2md]

A validated commitment to service should work.

Would something like habitat for humanity work? Or would it have to be medical related?

 

[gyngyn]

Would something like habitat for humanity work? Or would it have to be medical related?

Any commitment to service is better than none.

 

[PrincessPunchy]

I'm also an engineer switching careers to medicine. I didn't get accepted last year because I did not have enough clinical experience at the time of application (50 hrs hospice volunteering, 50 hrs shadowing). Make sure you get that clinical experience/time with patients and doctors, whether its through volunteer or paid, doesn't matter.