Just started clinical volunteering/shadowing… will it be enough to apply 2026-2027?

[sandiajelly]

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Hi all,

I am not quite a full non-trad, as I just graduated from undergrad this month and decided I want to pursue medicine instead of my MS recently. I currently have no clinical or shadowing experience, and I wanted to get a gauge of whether or not I would have a good shot if I were to apply next year.

For reference, here are my current stats: 4.0 GPA, 900+ research hours, 300+ non-clinical volunteering at a health department and humane society, leadership, TA for biochem, mental health ambassador for the university, etc.

I am lined up to start volunteering at a hospice center next week, and I am certain I can get at least 300 clinical and 50 shadowing hours by May 2026. Obviously I would have to take the MCAT, which I would take around January of next year.

My question is, is such an abrupt jump into medicine a red flag for admissions? I have public-health related experience, but no overarching story that shows a commitment to medicine that is years long. I was pre-med when I entered university 4 years ago, but I psyched myself out with all the requirements and gave it up before I started truly trying. I am planning for my personal statement to be focused on how I realized my passion for medicine when I couldn’t place myself in any other career after I graduated, even when I committed to a Masters program. Would this story look iffy to admissions, and would only one year of clinical experience hurt my chances?

Thank you!

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Around a year is just fine especially considering your other attributes being pretty solid. People are concerned when you started volunteering in March and apply in May.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Better now than never or late. Look for service orientation activities like food distribution, shelter volunteer, job/tax preparation, legal support, transportation services, or housing rehabilitation. 150 hours is 3 hours every week for a year; get this at minimum by next year when you submit your application.