Hey all,
????I am entering my final semester at CU Boulder and am torn whether or not to write and defend an honors thesis. I am seeking opinions regarding if it is worth the time and commitment considering my crazy schedule resume so far (I am aiming for a top 25 MD school)???
-I am not sure if honors theses are helpful for application strength.
-Writing and defending an honors thesis is the only way to graduate with honors at CU Boulder. I don't know how much honors really matters, but my inner perfectionist would be ashamed if I didn't.
-research: I have taken independent studies for credit in the Behavioral Genetics lab for 2 years. I am somewhat ambivalent about research but have learned a bit and found it a valuable experience. Whether or not I end up completing my thesis, I can still discuss my research experience in an interview. I also think my PI will be able to write me a great LOR.
-GPA: 3.98 overall 4.0 science GPA Integrative Physiology major with extra chemistry etc. at CU boulder (I have 1 semester left)
-Work: I work 20+ hours a week as a certified personal trainer and fitness class instructor. I also work the front desk at the same gym. I create nutrition/supplementation/training programs online for clients and friends. The client-trainer relationship I have found to be very similar to Dr.-patient relationships.
-Volunteer and clinical experience: (I have done these nearly every week throughout undergrad):
1. I coach a Special Olympics powerlifting team. This has truly been a life changing experience that I plan to discuss in essays and interviews
2.I volunteer regularly as a Diabetes Educator at DAWN clinic run by CU medical school. As a certified trainer, I can do more than most undergrads as I am legally able to help diabetic and prediabetic patients with lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, medication adherence, glucometer use, etc.).
3.I volunteer at events such as fundraiser 5k races helping participants stretch, tend to injuries, hydrate etc.
4.I have shadowed a variety of doctors, surgeons, and PTs since high school.
-Extracurriculars: My primary hobby is bodybuilding. I compete in bodybuilding competitions, train, and follow a strict diet. Bodybuilding can be a selfish endeavor. However, I have made it a part of my story as it gives me credibility, knowledge, discipline and passion for my work, volunteer work, and clinical experience.
-MCAT: I have not taken it yet- A very stressful and overloaded work, volunteering, classes, research, etc. schedule has not afforded me the time to appropriately study. Once I graduate this spring I plan on studying while keeping up my work, clinical, and volunteer experiences.
So...
1.I would appreciate any input as to whether an honors thesis would be worth cramming in my busy schedule (I am a little worried that my current undertakings will suffer considering the time commitment of a proper thesis)
2.What do you all think my outlook is for admittance into a top 25 MD school?
????I am entering my final semester at CU Boulder and am torn whether or not to write and defend an honors thesis. I am seeking opinions regarding if it is worth the time and commitment considering my crazy schedule resume so far (I am aiming for a top 25 MD school)???
-I am not sure if honors theses are helpful for application strength.
-Writing and defending an honors thesis is the only way to graduate with honors at CU Boulder. I don't know how much honors really matters, but my inner perfectionist would be ashamed if I didn't.
-research: I have taken independent studies for credit in the Behavioral Genetics lab for 2 years. I am somewhat ambivalent about research but have learned a bit and found it a valuable experience. Whether or not I end up completing my thesis, I can still discuss my research experience in an interview. I also think my PI will be able to write me a great LOR.
-GPA: 3.98 overall 4.0 science GPA Integrative Physiology major with extra chemistry etc. at CU boulder (I have 1 semester left)
-Work: I work 20+ hours a week as a certified personal trainer and fitness class instructor. I also work the front desk at the same gym. I create nutrition/supplementation/training programs online for clients and friends. The client-trainer relationship I have found to be very similar to Dr.-patient relationships.
-Volunteer and clinical experience: (I have done these nearly every week throughout undergrad):
1. I coach a Special Olympics powerlifting team. This has truly been a life changing experience that I plan to discuss in essays and interviews
2.I volunteer regularly as a Diabetes Educator at DAWN clinic run by CU medical school. As a certified trainer, I can do more than most undergrads as I am legally able to help diabetic and prediabetic patients with lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, medication adherence, glucometer use, etc.).
3.I volunteer at events such as fundraiser 5k races helping participants stretch, tend to injuries, hydrate etc.
4.I have shadowed a variety of doctors, surgeons, and PTs since high school.
-Extracurriculars: My primary hobby is bodybuilding. I compete in bodybuilding competitions, train, and follow a strict diet. Bodybuilding can be a selfish endeavor. However, I have made it a part of my story as it gives me credibility, knowledge, discipline and passion for my work, volunteer work, and clinical experience.
-MCAT: I have not taken it yet- A very stressful and overloaded work, volunteering, classes, research, etc. schedule has not afforded me the time to appropriately study. Once I graduate this spring I plan on studying while keeping up my work, clinical, and volunteer experiences.
So...
1.I would appreciate any input as to whether an honors thesis would be worth cramming in my busy schedule (I am a little worried that my current undertakings will suffer considering the time commitment of a proper thesis)
2.What do you all think my outlook is for admittance into a top 25 MD school?
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