I don't know what I'm doing

[lumpyduster]

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Howdy,

So I'm graduating in May 2015. Haven't taken the MCAT. Don't know when I'm taking the MCAT. I am afraid of the MCAT.

I have decided not to apply this cycle.

My PI thinks I am applying for graduate school. I don't know how to break his heart.

I am taking a gap year (or two). I don't know what I should do. On the one hand, I really like research, and want to work as an RA at a university or through NIH IRTA (are there other programs out there like this?). Another option is a lab in Spain where my father went to medical school and has connections (I am not fluent in Spanish so....). Not sure if adcoms would ask why I did research vs volunteering for gap year.

My volunteering portion of my app is weak compared to other applicants; I am a mentor for a young girl at the Boy's and Girl's Club and spend about 3hr/wk there for over 1 year. I was a hospital volunteer and have about 100 hours total. I do random volunteering through like chem/bio clubs focused on science outreach but that is not regular. Should I instead do a volunteering program?

Sometimes I want to go to graduate school. I practically live in the lab. Except this week because one of the grad students is mad for personal reasons at me so I'm laying low.

GPA is 3.9. If anyone is at all interested in helping me sort out my jumbled thoughts maybe you'll find that helpful or something.

-Lumps

 

[justAstudent]

Once school is over you can start studying for the MCAT. It's a challenging test, but I think you'll be fine. You are more than capable of doing well on the test with adequate preparation. Your GPA backs it up. As far as volunteering and all that other stuff, you can do that after the MCAT. Take it one step at a time. The MCAT is your main priority right now though. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me as I went through something quite similar as you.

 

[Reckoner]

Are you applying MD/PhD? If not, there's no need to live in the lab. Try to do more volunteering before you graduate. Same with shadowing if you don't have a lot of clinical experience. Take the MCAT when you have a few months free to devote to studying. This will probably be the summer after you graduate. I'm a current IRTA, feel free to PM me questions about the program if you're interested. Honestly, it sounds like you're doing fine so far.