So. I'm currently 25 years old. I have a BS in environmental science with a GPA of 3.2 from a private university in New York. I did not know what I wanted to do in undergrad and I really didn't try, I didn't network well, and I barely went to class, and still did decent. I have no real work experience. After some time off from school and traveling, I've decided I wanted to go to medical school, but after I go to graduate school first to be more competitive.
My current plan of action:
1. Take my health-prerequisites: I'm currently at my local community college for one year (all I can afford). I'm signed up for Anatomy, Physiology, Organic Chemistry I & II, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and plan to get mostly A's. Perhaps 1 or 2 B's, but I'm really trying hard, so I hope for all A's
2. Retake classes I didn't do well in/don't feel I'm prepped well enough for: Retaking Gen Chem II and Physics I & II.
3. Trying to self-teach myself: Sociology & Biochemistry during breaks using text books and study guides. I won't get a chance to take a Biochemistry class before I take the MCAT. I might be able to take one while I'm working full-time next year.
4. I Plan on taking the MCAT at the end of summer 2015.
5. My ECs:
-I currently volunteer a couple times a month with a research group that does HIV outreach to the LGBT community.
-I'm a CrossFit coach (fitness trainer/coach/strength & conditioning)
-I participate in many fundraisers that promote health through fitness/crossfit.
6. I plan to work at a hospital for ~1-3 years after this year of classes.
7. Use tuition benefits at hospital to obtain a MPH/Masters in epidemiology from a good university. I've also considered applying to graduate programs in Biomedical Sciences or post-bac graduate certificates/masters, but I'd prefer to not go further in debt before medical school.
7. That should give me ~1-3 years of work experience, a graduate degree with a high GPA, hopefully bumping my undergraduate GPA up to a 3.5, and I'll continue to volunteer.
Any pointers and/or tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping that I'll enter medical school by the age of 28/29.
My current plan of action:
1. Take my health-prerequisites: I'm currently at my local community college for one year (all I can afford). I'm signed up for Anatomy, Physiology, Organic Chemistry I & II, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and plan to get mostly A's. Perhaps 1 or 2 B's, but I'm really trying hard, so I hope for all A's
2. Retake classes I didn't do well in/don't feel I'm prepped well enough for: Retaking Gen Chem II and Physics I & II.
3. Trying to self-teach myself: Sociology & Biochemistry during breaks using text books and study guides. I won't get a chance to take a Biochemistry class before I take the MCAT. I might be able to take one while I'm working full-time next year.
4. I Plan on taking the MCAT at the end of summer 2015.
5. My ECs:
-I currently volunteer a couple times a month with a research group that does HIV outreach to the LGBT community.
-I'm a CrossFit coach (fitness trainer/coach/strength & conditioning)
-I participate in many fundraisers that promote health through fitness/crossfit.
6. I plan to work at a hospital for ~1-3 years after this year of classes.
7. Use tuition benefits at hospital to obtain a MPH/Masters in epidemiology from a good university. I've also considered applying to graduate programs in Biomedical Sciences or post-bac graduate certificates/masters, but I'd prefer to not go further in debt before medical school.
7. That should give me ~1-3 years of work experience, a graduate degree with a high GPA, hopefully bumping my undergraduate GPA up to a 3.5, and I'll continue to volunteer.
Any pointers and/or tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping that I'll enter medical school by the age of 28/29.
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