Masters in Physiology

[jimjoneskufi]

I'm planning to begin a Masters in Physiology in January and it should take two years to complete. From what I've gathered, there is a thesis component and, possibly, some undergraduate teaching. During my graduate study, what types of volunteering should I seek out (keeping in mind, I have a good deal of non-clinical volunteering)? Additionally, I'm taking the MCAT again and wonder, what is a good goal score (received 500 first sitting)?

I'm basically asking- what should I do in the next two years to have a "superstar" application when I reapply in 2020?

Thanks for your help!

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[DoctorDragon22]

I'm planning to begin a Masters in Physiology in January and it should take two years to complete. From what I've gathered, there is a thesis component and, possibly, some undergraduate teaching. During my graduate study, what types of volunteering should I seek out (keeping in mind, I have a good deal of non-clinical volunteering)? Additionally, I'm taking the MCAT again and wonder, what is a good goal score (received 500 first sitting)?

I'm basically asking- what should I do in the next two years to have a "superstar" application when I reapply in 2020?

Thanks for your help!

Which one?

 

[jimjoneskufi]

Which one?

It's not associated with a med school and, for anonymity sake, I'd rather not disclose.

 

[Blanky]

I'm planning to begin a Masters in Physiology in January and it should take two years to complete. From what I've gathered, there is a thesis component and, possibly, some undergraduate teaching. During my graduate study, what types of volunteering should I seek out (keeping in mind, I have a good deal of non-clinical volunteering)? Additionally, I'm taking the MCAT again and wonder, what is a good goal score (received 500 first sitting)?

I'm basically asking- what should I do in the next two years to have a "superstar" application when I reapply in 2020?

Thanks for your help!

To strenghten your app you should obtain a strong undergrad GPA both cum/sci and score 510 MCAT for MD and 505 for DO. You should also build a solid EC foundation of climical experience, volunteer work and shadowing.
That masters sounds like a lot of debt and a waste of two years. You will finish thst masters and still have the same undergrad gpa and 500 Mcat.

 

[jimjoneskufi]

To strenghten your app you should obtain a strong undergrad GPA both cum/sci and score 510 MCAT for MD and 505 for DO. You should also build a solid EC foundation of climical experience, volunteer work and shadowing.
That masters sounds like a lot of debt and a waste of two years. You will finish thst masters and still have the same undergrad gpa and 500 Mcat.

I know this is the conventional wisdom of SDN but an Adcom member recommended this program therefore it's not a waste. I guess I'll just go elsewhere for advice.

 

[DoctorDragon22]

It's not associated with a med school and, for anonymity sake, I'd rather not disclose.

1. Do Non-Clinical Volunteering if that is your weak point. Do a soup kitchen, teach some underprivileged children, etc.
2. You ideally want a minimum of 510 on the MCAT because that is the average for MD matriculants. If your goal is DO school then you can probably get away with a 507.
3. Clinical volunteering would best come from something like general volunteeering at a hospital. Pretty much any hospital should let you come in and help in some capacity.

 

[DoctorDragon22]

To strenghten your app you should obtain a strong undergrad GPA both cum/sci and score 510 MCAT for MD and 505 for DO. You should also build a solid EC foundation of climical experience, volunteer work and shadowing.
That masters sounds like a lot of debt and a waste of two years. You will finish thst masters and still have the same undergrad gpa and 500 Mcat.

I Did an SMP, got 8 interviews and 3 acceptances so...

 

[Blanky]

I Did an SMP, got 8 interviews and 3 acceptances so...

Was your SMP linked? Its also difficult to compare your stats with others.
You are off on the MCAT. Medium DO MCAT is 503 so a 507 is not gunna slide by for DO its a strong MCAT for DO.
Congrats on the acceptance.

 

[DoctorDragon22]

Was your SMP linked? Its also difficult to compare your stats with others.
You are off on the MCAT. Medium DO MCAT is 503 so a 507 is not gunna slide by for DO its a strong MCAT for DO.
Congrats on the acceptance.

Was my SMP linked to a school? Yeah it was. I got interviewed there but not accepted. I also probably had higher stats than most for an SMP tbh. Regardless, I would recommend an SMP to anyone who want a way into med school but feels completely screwed because of their undergrad track record. Also, thanks!

 

[jimjoneskufi]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone have any other advice for new grad students(i e. studying, teaching, MCAT prep, volunteering, etc)?