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

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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!
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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