Is this a good plan?

[tonguetalker]

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So I have a tentative plan for the next couple semesters. I'm a self-supporting student so that has affected the things that I do and will do in the future. Right now I'm a freshman starting my second semester at Rice and things have been going pretty good thus far. I had A-s in Chem, Bio and Calc with an A in psych.

Right now I have a job as a student telefund ambassador and I conduct research in a lab on campus. In addition I mentor younger inner city children once a week as well as volunteer at a homeless shelter. I plan to continue these activities into the next semester and maybe add some volunteering at a free clinic or a hospice. One thing that I do think I might be lacking is being involved in clubs but next year I will be a supervisor at work.

This summer I plan to stay working at the lab I'm in and work for pay and then use that money so that the next summer so that I can have enough money to afford to take an MCAT prep class and buy some prep books. I also plan to participate in an SMDEP program and there's one in my home town and I would probably meet some doctors there who would let me shadow them throughout the remaining of the summer. The money that I make throughout the school year I am saving in hopes to go on a medical mission to some where in South America during my winter break of junior year.

The summer between junior and senior year I want to work in a summer research program (not at my school) in hopes to make enough money to afford to fly out to interviews as well as enjoy the experience.

Do you guys think that these steps will help me to get into a good medical school somewhere? I think it also helps by me being a black male and having experienced life more than most people.

 

[bannie22]

the best plan is to follow your heart 🙂

 

[J ROD]

the best plan is to follow your heart 🙂

👍

 

[tonguetalker]

No I cannot simply "follow my heart" because applying to medical school costs a lot of money. Money which I do not have. If I dont have a plan of coming up with that money then there is no way that I will be able to get in.

 

[Catalystik]

Your grades are great so far. Keep up the excellent work you're doing, and don't be overly distracted by ECs to the point that your grades drop.

Clubs won't help you unless you become an officer with an active leadership role. You can find other leadership roles like that of becoming a work supervisor to list on your application.

You have research and teaching planned. You are strong in community service which is very important for your application.

Clinical experience is important too. Volunteering in a clinic or hospice is perfect, and it would be great if this was a long term activity, not just a semester or two. I've heard the SMDEP is great and agree it should help provide shadowing opportunities. Topping off everything with an international medical mission experience if fine, but if too expensive, there are plenty of people at home who need your help too.

You appear to have a good idea of the necessities for your application and have strategized well. But again, never let grades suffer due to other involvement. Protecting your GPA is your first priority.

 

[tonguetalker]

Do you have bad credit?

If not, do what everyone else would do then...

Get another credit card for 3-4k limit with 0% apr for 12 mo.

Apply away.

At some point I'd have to pay them off or could I use loans from med school to pay them off. I dont have a credit card now but I do think that it would be useful to build credit and I'm typically a very financially wise person.

 

[tonguetalker]

Also, I forgot, I organize the blood drive at my residential college. Would that also count as leadership?

 

[CapnCrunch]

^^^

Most definitely. Projects like those require lots of organization, time, and commitment.

 

[tonguetalker]

Also, is it a bad idea to do another summer research program after junior year while in the midst of completing secondaries and applying to schools?

 

[Catalystik]

Also, is it a bad idea to do another summer research program after junior year while in the midst of completing secondaries and applying to schools?

You said you planned to participate in that summer research program to earn money for interview expenses.

If you are paid, it's not a bad idea. You'll have time in the evenings to work on your Secondaries. You can scedule interviews to start in the fall term if leaving the lab would be difficult.

If not for pay, well, you won't be able to list a research experience that you haven't started on your med school application, and you'll already have plenty of research experience anyway. Another job would be a better idea, since you need the money.

 

[tonguetalker]

Thank you so much for the rapid response. I just know there are some pretty nice programs that pay at least $4000 that might be a little easier to get than a job which would possibly bore me to death. But also, if I found something making a lot more, it might be a different story as it is primarily to have money for interviews.

 

[bravofleet4]

you don't necessarily have to take MCAT prep courses it just depends on the kind of person you are. If you're used to taking them from high school for the SAT and found they were helpful, then by all means do so. Otherwise, you might be able to get in review through other ways like by being a TA or by tutoring.

 

[TheFamilyDoc]

I think it also helps by me being a black male and having experienced life more than most people.

I not sure what you mean by this.^😕

In terms of going to med school anything is possible. If you now that you should be a doctor, then there is a way. You will have to work to get there in terms of finances. If you want it you can have it.
Good Luck🙂