Just Graduated. What to do Next? Need Help

[Zee Ree 1]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi guys,

I needed some advice and didn’t know where exactly to look so I thought I’d give SDN a shot. I’m looking to apply to medical school (both MD and DO) next summer, so during the 2012 cycle, and am trying to figure out how to make my increase chances of getting in. Here are my stats.

Just graduated in May with a B.S. in Health Science. Had a sGPA of 3.62 and a cGPA of 3.56. I had a rough start my first 2 years but kept a 4.0 GPA my jr and sr year with the exception of one semester where I went to study abroad and received 2 Bs. As far as ECs and professional experience go, as of right now I have the following:

1.Clubs/Orgs: AMSA, MSA, Smiles in the City, SASA, and Rotaract (I did all of them mostly my jr and sr year) and Biology Honors Society my sr yr

2.Volunteering:
a. Hospital (various departments) – 60 hrs
b. Nursing home – 20 hrs
c. Through my church (as a tutor for younger children) – 30 hrs

3.Shadowing:
a. Family practitioner – 20 hrs
b.Pediatrician - 25 hrs

4. Work/Professional:
a. Phon-a-thon at college campus – one semester
b. Assistant to research coordinators at psychiatric pharmaceutical research company – 1.5 yr
c. Tutor at Kumon Learning Center – present

5.Research – NONE

My major concern is what to do from here. I have a year from now to become a stronger applicant. I still have to take my MCAT and that’s a huge I have started studying for it just a little; I was planning on taking it this September but don’t mind pushing it back if I’m not ready. My two options as of now are:

1. I applied to the MS in Biology – Medical Sciences program at Mississippi College and have a pretty solid chance of getting accepted within the next week or two. The thing is that leaves me about 6 weeks to study for the MCAT if I want to take it before classes begin. Getting solid grades in a graduate level program could really help boost the academic portion of my application.

2. Getting either an EMT or CNA certification this upcoming fall semester and using that to gain more clinical experience during the spring semester and the summer in which I apply. With this option I wouldn’t have to rush the MCAT; I could take it whenever I’m ready. Taking only one class will give me more time to build on my volunteering and shadowing experiences. During the summer, hopefully I can also apply to some SMPs and other Postbac programs along with medical school.

The final question is: Which option is best for me? Any feedback would be HIGHLY appreciated! Thnx

P.S. SORRRRRY for the LONG post, I’m kinda desperate.

 

[Zee Ree 1]

Hi guys,

I needed some advice and didn’t know where exactly to look so I thought I’d give SDN a shot. I’m looking to apply to medical school (both MD and DO) next summer, so during the 2012 cycle, and am trying to figure out how to make my increase chances of getting in. Here are my stats.

Just graduated in May with a B.S. in Health Science. Had a sGPA of 3.62 and a cGPA of 3.56. I had a rough start my first 2 years but kept a 4.0 GPA my jr and sr year with the exception of one semester where I went to study abroad and received 2 Bs. As far as ECs and professional experience go, as of right now I have the following:

1.Clubs/Orgs: AMSA, MSA, Smiles in the City, SASA, and Rotaract (I did all of them mostly my jr and sr year) and Biology Honors Society my sr yr

2.Volunteering:
a. Hospital (various departments) – 60 hrs
b. Nursing home – 20 hrs
c. Through my church (as a tutor for younger children) – 30 hrs

3.Shadowing:
a. Family practitioner – 20 hrs
b.Pediatrician - 25 hrs

4. Work/Professional:
a. Phon-a-thon at college campus – one semester
b. Assistant to research coordinators at psychiatric pharmaceutical research company – 1.5 yr
c. Tutor at Kumon Learning Center – present

5.Research – NONE

My major concern is what to do from here. I have a year from now to become a stronger applicant. I still have to take my MCAT and that’s a huge I have started studying for it just a little; I was planning on taking it this September but don’t mind pushing it back if I’m not ready. My two options as of now are:

1. I applied to the MS in Biology – Medical Sciences program at Mississippi College and have a pretty solid chance of getting accepted within the next week or two. The thing is that leaves me about 6 weeks to study for the MCAT if I want to take it before classes begin. Getting solid grades in a graduate level program could really help boost the academic portion of my application.

2. Getting either an EMT or CNA certification this upcoming fall semester and using that to gain more clinical experience during the spring semester and the summer in which I apply. With this option I wouldn’t have to rush the MCAT; I could take it whenever I’m ready. Taking only one class will give me more time to build on my volunteering and shadowing experiences. During the summer, hopefully I can also apply to some SMPs and other Postbac programs along with medical school.

The final question is: Which option is best for me? Any feedback would be HIGHLY appreciated! Thnx

P.S. SORRRRRY for the LONG post, I’m kinda desperate.

 

[CodeBlu]

Hi guys,

I needed some advice and didn’t know where exactly to look so I thought I’d give SDN a shot. I’m looking to apply to medical school (both MD and DO) next summer, so during the 2012 cycle, and am trying to figure out how to make my increase chances of getting in. Here are my stats.

Just graduated in May with a B.S. in Health Science. Had a sGPA of 3.62 and a cGPA of 3.56. I had a rough start my first 2 years but kept a 4.0 GPA my jr and sr year with the exception of one semester where I went to study abroad and received 2 Bs. As far as ECs and professional experience go, as of right now I have the following:

1.Clubs/Orgs: AMSA, MSA, Smiles in the City, SASA, and Rotaract (I did all of them mostly my jr and sr year) and Biology Honors Society my sr yr

2.Volunteering:
a. Hospital (various departments) – 60 hrs
b. Nursing home – 20 hrs
c. Through my church (as a tutor for younger children) – 30 hrs

3.Shadowing:
a. Family practitioner – 20 hrs
b.Pediatrician - 25 hrs

4. Work/Professional:
a. Phon-a-thon at college campus – one semester
b. Assistant to research coordinators at psychiatric pharmaceutical research company – 1.5 yr
c. Tutor at Kumon Learning Center – present

5.Research – NONE

My major concern is what to do from here. I have a year from now to become a stronger applicant. I still have to take my MCAT and that’s a huge I have started studying for it just a little; I was planning on taking it this September but don’t mind pushing it back if I’m not ready. My two options as of now are:

1. I applied to the MS in Biology – Medical Sciences program at Mississippi College and have a pretty solid chance of getting accepted within the next week or two. The thing is that leaves me about 6 weeks to study for the MCAT if I want to take it before classes begin. Getting solid grades in a graduate level program could really help boost the academic portion of my application.

2. Getting either an EMT or CNA certification this upcoming fall semester and using that to gain more clinical experience during the spring semester and the summer in which I apply. With this option I wouldn’t have to rush the MCAT; I could take it whenever I’m ready. Taking only one class will give me more time to build on my volunteering and shadowing experiences. During the summer, hopefully I can also apply to some SMPs and other Postbac programs along with medical school.

The final question is: Which option is best for me? Any feedback would be HIGHLY appreciated! Thnx

P.S. SORRRRRY for the LONG post, I’m kinda desperate.

Don't apologize for the long post. This is the place to come to for advice.
Maybe others can chime in... be aware that this is only one opinion.

I would vote option number 2 unless you're super interested in research.

My reasoning is that you can obtain valuable EMT or CNA skills... shadow... volunteer etc. This would certainly help your application out. Also, studying for the MCAT is like a full time job. Treat it as such.

However, the only way to be certain is to really weigh the pros and cons of what you want to do with this year. Maybe throw in some travel?

 

[karafox]

I second option 2. Great MCAT score > MS. If you have the money, you could also consider retaking some of your pre-med reqs that you received low grades in.

Alternatively, you can just lay low and study for the MCAT, but if you need a job I completely understand.

 

[Zee Ree 1]

Don't apologize for the long post. This is the place to come to for advice.
Maybe others can chime in... be aware that this is only one opinion.

I would vote option number 2 unless you're super interested in research.

My reasoning is that you can obtain valuable EMT or CNA skills... shadow... volunteer etc. This would certainly help your application out. Also, studying for the MCAT is like a full time job. Treat it as such.

However, the only way to be certain is to really weigh the pros and cons of what you want to do with this year. Maybe throw in some travel?

Thnx CodeBlu for replying so quickly. Really means a lot. When you mentioned research, what exactly did you mean? I went to a small university and getting a research position was pretty hard and I really don't know where to start finding one else where even as a lab tech or assistant. Any tips?

And as far as travelling goes. LOVE to travel. Do you mean like volunteering abroad? I was actually considering that. Do you think after getting the EMT/CNA certification that would be something worthwhile?

 

[FattySlug]

Go to work and save for application. That's what I have been doing.

 

[CodeBlu]

Thnx CodeBlu for replying so quickly. Really means a lot. When you mentioned research, what exactly did you mean? I went to a small university and getting a research position was pretty hard and I really don't know where to start finding one else where even as a lab tech or assistant. Any tips?

And as far as travelling goes. LOVE to travel. Do you mean like volunteering abroad? I was actually considering that. Do you think after getting the EMT/CNA certification that would be something worthwhile?

If you can get some training in EMT stuff, and then go volunteer abroad that might be awesome. But, it's not going to impress anyone all too much. Find something meaningful to do within your community. That might be better for you anyways.

And as far as research goes... who knows, you might really like it. However, I can certainly tell you this. It's not for everyone. If you think it's something you're interested in... drop the EMT/CNA stuff, and try and find a research position. I would suggest calling profs with labs, etc.

 

[Zee Ree 1]

I second option 2. Great MCAT score > MS. If you have the money, you could also consider retaking some of your pre-med reqs that you received low grades in.

Alternatively, you can just lay low and study for the MCAT, but if you need a job I completely understand.

As far as my pre-reqs go, I got a C in both Bio 102 and Orgo 101 and a B in Orgo 102. Gross, I know, but as a health science major I took a LOT of upper level biology classes and actually got straight As in them. Would you still recommend taking them again to boost that GPA?

 

[CodeBlu]

As far as my pre-reqs go, I got a C in both Bio 102 and Orgo 101 and a B in Orgo 102. Gross, I know, but as a health science major I took a LOT of upper level biology classes and actually got straight As in them. Would you still recommend taking them again to boost that GPA?

I'm gonna say MAYBE re-take the C's but otherwise... don't re-take a B....

Re-taking a class isn't serving you all that much, unless you're into DO schools which do grade replacement.

I would recommend that you speak to some medical schools you are interested in. See if you can meet with them. Find out what they are looking for etc. Each school is a bit different.

Your GPA is fine. Score well-ish (28+) on the MCAT and things will work out at one of the 100+ plus schools. 🙂

 

[PostHaste]

If I had a year with no plan/obligations, and was in your position, I think this is what I would do:
- Take a 6-week CNA course ASAP at a community college
- Get a part time job as a CNA to cover expenses (30 hrs/wk). This will also give you a chance to see the not-so-sweet sides of health care, which I think is a good thing to be exposed to.
- Find a vounteer position you are passionate about and put some serious hours into it. It looks like you like tutoring - if so, then keep that up. Also maybe make a weekly committment to healthcare volunteering (free clinic, hospital, etc). (10 hrs/wk)
- Take the MCAT in March/April 2012. If you managed a 4.0 with upper-division science courses over 2 years, you're probably going to be OK with not treating MCAT studying like a full-time job. Only you know yourself well enough to judge your risk tolerance here, though.

A graduate degree won't impact the GPA that schools look at (undergrad). Also, if you have two years of solid 4.0's + 2 B's your GPA's probably OK as long as you're not aiming for Harvard or something fancy like that; the general concensus is that low GPAs (which yours isn't really) are partially offset by a strong upward trend (which yours definitely qualifies as).