Moving Forward

[Icantplayspades]

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So, I'm starting a post-bacc soon and I wonder, what classes should I focus on? I know I need to take science courses but what should I focus on? I'm interested in neurosciences, anatomy, physiology, etc. In addition, I'll be on a campus with a HUGE associated hospital/medical school- should I do more shadowing and volunteering? My program involves research so that should be fun. I'm going to retake the MCAT and shoot for a score in the teens (I only studied for one month to get a 500).

I'm basically doing another 1-1.5 years of beefing up my application. What other things should I do in this time?

 

[WIMNFamilyMed]

So, I'm starting a post-bacc soon and I wonder, what classes should I focus on? I know I need to take science courses but what should I focus on? I'm interested in neurosciences, anatomy, physiology, etc. In addition, I'll be on a campus with a HUGE associated hospital/medical school- should I do more shadowing and volunteering? My program involves research so that should be fun. I'm going to retake the MCAT and shoot for a score in the teens (I only studied for one month to get a 500).

I'm basically doing another 1-1.5 years of beefing up my application. What other things should I do in this time?

It really depends what you already have done, but you definitely need to have and continue clinical experiences or shadowing, and make/maintain connections to people who can write you LOR's.

 

[Icantplayspades]

It really depends what you already have done, but you definitely need to have and continue clinical experiences or shadowing, and make/maintain connections to people who can write you LOR's.

Thank you. I'm aware that I need to continue to show commitment to medicine and build support for myself but what other things should I endeavor to do?

 

[curbsideconsult]

Thank you. I'm aware that I need to continue to show commitment to medicine and build support for myself but what other things should I endeavor to do?

Are you talking about classes? If so, follow the post-bacc program. Any halfway decent program will ensure you get all of the prereqs for med school. Outside of the basic prereqs though, I would definitely take anatomy, biochem, and cell bio. I took cell bio and I wish I had taken anatomy and biochem during my post-bacc days.

In terms of experiences, you should do what you like to do. Obviously, shadowing is more or less a must, but other than that you should go for experiences that are true to you. Are you a research person? Then do a lot of research. If you're more of a bench person, then do that, if you're more of a clinical research person, then do that. Are you more community-oriented? Then do volunteer activities that show your commitment to the community. It could be just about anything as long as you show commitment and dedication. There are a lot variations on these themes, the point is to do things that reflect who you are and then apply to schools accordingly.

 

[Icantplayspades]

Are you talking about classes? If so, follow the post-bacc program. Any halfway decent program will ensure you get all of the prereqs for med school. Outside of the basic prereqs though, I would definitely take anatomy, biochem, and cell bio. I took cell bio and I wish I had taken anatomy and biochem during my post-bacc days.

In terms of experiences, you should do what you like to do. Obviously, shadowing is more or less a must, but other than that you should go for experiences that are true to you. Are you a research person? Then do a lot of research. If you're more of a bench person, then do that, if you're more of a clinical research person, then do that. Are you more community-oriented? Then do volunteer activities that show your commitment to the community. It could be just about anything as long as you show commitment and dedication. There are a lot variations on these themes, the point is to do things that reflect who you are and then apply to schools accordingly.

Thank you. This program is for people with science backgrounds, so I wouldn't really be dealing with prereqs anymore. In addition, I will essentially function as a research associate (i.e. bench research will be covered). I planned on shadowing and volunteering in the hospital but I guess I'll have to explore to find other things I'd enjoy.