How valuable would you say this is?

[Schemp]

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I did very poorly in school when I was younger, but ended up leaving school, working for 3 years, and figuring out what I wanted in life. Obviously becoming a doctor was what I decided. During those 3 years I worked at UPS as an hourly worker in their warehouse for about 8 months and then as a supervisor for about 16-18 months longer. I also worked as a cable technician at a tv/internet/phone company full time for another 18 months or so.

I'm fully aware that this experience will be looked upon as positive by the adcoms, but I'm curious to what degree. It's definitely something that most applicants don't have (although many do), but do you think some schools will strongly favor me because of it? If so, I'd be very interested to know which.

My other stats are average, although my ECs are subpar (mostly due to a need to work during most of my education). Around a 3.6 GPA, haven't taken the MCAT yet but expect around a 33, and a publication in Science along with a small amount of volunteering.

Edit: Since I'm not really asking what my chances are I didn't put this in that forum, but if any admins think it would be better suited there, feel free to move it. 🙂

 

[JJMrK]

I did very poorly in school when I was younger, but ended up leaving school, working for 3 years, and figuring out what I wanted in life. Obviously becoming a doctor was what I decided. During those 3 years I worked at UPS as an hourly worker in their warehouse for about 8 months and then as a supervisor for about 16-18 months longer. I also worked as a cable technician at a tv/internet/phone company full time for another 18 months or so.

I'm fully aware that this experience will be looked upon as positive by the adcoms, but I'm curious to what degree. It's definitely something that most applicants don't have (although many do), but do you think some schools will strongly favor me because of it? If so, I'd be very interested to know which.

My other stats are average, although my ECs are subpar (mostly due to a need to work during most of my education). Around a 3.6 GPA, haven't taken the MCAT yet but expect around a 33, and a publication in Science along with a small amount of volunteering.

Edit: Since I'm not really asking what my chances are I didn't put this in that forum, but if any admins think it would be better suited there, feel free to move it. 🙂

I don't think it will really help you or hurt you. It certainly won't make up for clinical experience, which it sounds like you might be lacking.

 

[JokerMD]

and you think working as a mailboy and an electrician will help you be a good doctor how???😕


agree with the above poster; won't help or hurt. talk about relevant stuff in your essays/interviews (i.e. experience with patients, research projects you've had, etc.)

 

[mic2377]

I come from a similar background. I worked as a CDL driver/furniture mover for awhile, also as a QA auditor 3rd shift in a factory, during my strange college career.

I don't think it will really be beneficial per se, however, I believe it would be a little unusual compared to the average applicant. I haven't heard of any schools that favor people with such experiences.

Don't expect schools to give you any break for not getting proper EC's because you had to work. Of all people, adcoms are definitely not the most understanding. I know it is unfair for those who have had to work, but that is the way it is.

 

[movax]

and you think working as a mailboy and an electrician will help you be a good doctor how???😕

Because its time working in "real-world", away from the cuddling-grasp of college, where he functioned as a normal adult, interacting with society, and generally gaining "life experience".

At the least, I think you will unconsciously perform better interviewing, as you've already had too for work, you're used to interacting in a corporate environment, etc.

That being said though, it won't make up for no clinical, but coupled with it, should look pretty good.

 

[Food]

Because its time working in "real-world", away from the cuddling-grasp of college, where he functioned as a normal adult, interacting with society, and generally gaining "life experience".

At the least, I think you will unconsciously perform better interviewing, as you've already had too for work, you're used to interacting in a corporate environment, etc.

That being said though, it won't make up for no clinical, but coupled with it, should look pretty good.

It won't make him a good doctor by any means - it will show the Adcoms that he is probably more mature than most incoming MS-1s. He comes from a different background, has spent a reasonable amount of time working blue-collar jobs, and therefore is in a better position to sympathize with a larger patient demographic. Clinical experience will be absolutely necessary to demonstrate that he has some knowledge of what medicine involves.