Low EC's

[wheresmyjuicebx]

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So here are my stats so far:
Major-Philosophy
4.0 GPA
I haven't taken the MCAT yet, (I'm taking it in July, but for the sake of discussion lets say I manage at least a 33, hopefully higher).
Undergrad research in the engineering school, about 65-75 hours
Non medical community volunteer work- coached a high school speech and debate team (50 hours) and I'm a big sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters (150+) hours
I work about 20 hours a week.
I am currently looking for a doctor to shadow and plan to do that for an extended period of time. (50 hours minimum)

I want to apply this year but I'm worried that my EC's aren't impressive enough for me to be a very competitive applicant. What do you guys think? Should I wait for next year to apply?

 

[wheresmyjuicebx]

Also, Is the fact that I'm taking my MCAT somewhat late in the application process going to be very detrimental to getting in? I know that ideally it should be taken earlier but there's just no way I'll be ready before then.

 

[red doctober]

Also, Is the fact that I'm taking my MCAT somewhat late in the application process going to be very detrimental to getting in? I know that ideally it should be taken earlier but there's just no way I'll be ready before then.

If your app remains as it is right now, you will have an extremely difficult time getting in anywhere no matter what your MCAT score is except for maybe a 45 or something close. You absolutely need clinical experience, and even if you were to start now, you'll be pretty far behind your peers come application time. It would still be quite the toss up with 5 or so months of clinical stuff and a decent MCAT. My advice, get on that right away, repost with your status closer to time you'd apply (June-ish), and ask again for people's opinions.

 

[Catalystik]

So here are my stats so far:
Major-Philosophy
4.0 GPA
I haven't taken the MCAT yet, (I'm taking it in July, but for the sake of discussion lets say I manage at least a 33, hopefully higher).
Undergrad research in the engineering school, about 65-75 hours
Non medical community volunteer work- coached a high school speech and debate team (50 hours) and I'm a big sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters (150+) hours
I work about 20 hours a week.
I am currently looking for a doctor to shadow and plan to do that for an extended period of time. (50 hours minimum)

I want to apply this year but I'm worried that my EC's aren't impressive enough for me to be a very competitive applicant. What do you guys think? Should I wait for next year to apply?

The average applicant lists about 1.5 years with 150 hours of active clinical experience, usually as a volunteer in a hospital, clinic, rehab center, hospice, or skilled-level nursing home. Alternatively, one can get a job that requires patient interaction. Longevity counts. If you haven't already started gaining this type of experience, I suggest that you wait until June 2014 to apply. What type of job do you have?

Your plans for 50 shadowing hours are fine and your non-medical community service looks good. The research is a bit sparse, but better than nothing. With an extra year, you might work on getting in some peer leadership.