Late Decision

[imyahuckleberry]

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Okay, so I decided late in the game that I wanted to go to medical school. I am a graduating senior and decided earlier this year. I am planning on taking two years off, applying during the second. For the first year, I'm doing full-time Americorps NCCC, and probably going to work as a CNA or something similar for the second. Problem is, since I decided late, pretty much all my EC's and whatnot (research, volunteering) are in my senior year, especially in the last half. So is this going to hurt me at all or look bad, not having done much of anything the first 3 years, but doing a ****-ton of extra stuff in my senior year and in the time off? Or am I just over-thinking things?

 

[mtnman12]

Not at all, so long as you get in some good experiences before you apply. If you do have research, volunteering, etc then you'll be fine. It will prob be obvious to those looking at your transcript that you weren't always premed - and just be ready to explain this in your interview (or bring it up if they don't directly ask you), and tell your story! Sounds like you're on the right track though. Make sure to do plenty of formal job shadowing!! Being a CNA doesn't count for that part 🙂

 

[searun]

You are over thinking things. I did exactly what you did and it worked out great, with multiple acceptances and lots of great options. I took a two year break after I graduated from college, spent the first year filling in the holes in my application with clinical experience and volunteer work, and then applied the second year. Stick to your plan. You can succeed.

 

[Mattabet]

Agree with the above. You might lose track of it looking at these forums on some days, but medical schools aren't looking for cookie-cutter applicants. I think there's a great section in Med School Confidential for those that made the decision late in the game. It's definitely doable.

PS: Is it just me, or would "NC3" be a great way to verbally deliver the acronym "NCCC"? I never heard it when I was applying, but I always thought that they should have said it that way.