My post on the NonTrad forum wasn't getting any replies so I am bringing my peasant butt here

[Eskibot]

I just would like to see if there is anything else that I should be doing.

Here's some of my information

• Year in school: 1st semester done, will finish up pre-reqs spring semester of 2018
• Goal: MD School
• Previous Degree: Virginia Military Institute, B.S. Civil Engineering
• Previous GPA: 3.37
• Current GPA: 4.0 (Bio 1, Chem 1. Physics 1 finished)
• Volunteering (clinical) – 70+ Hours, Medical/Surgical. Progressive Care Unit, Emergency Department (current)
• Physician shadowing : Transplant Specialist: 4 hrs (Will have opportunity for more during winter break when operations are assigned to the doctor). Neurosurgeon: 11 hrs
• Extracurricular activities: 2 different "Pre-Health clubs". I am a secretary for one of them
• Employment history: Quality Control Assistant (Summer 2014), United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate (Summer 2015), Structural Engineer Intern (Summer 2016), Current: Amazon Flex Delivery and Postmates Driver (Not sure if they should go on my resume or not)
• Please include time span and weekly commitment for volunteering/research/shadowing/extracurricular: ED volunteer 4 hours a week.
• Skills: Engineer In Training (EIT) designation, Chinese native speaker.

Here is what the rest of my schedule look like as far as classes.
Spring 2017 - Bio 2, Chem 2, Physics 2
Summer 2017 1st Session - Organic 1
Summer 2017 2nd Session - EMT Basic depending on if they offer it so I can volunteer as an EMT starting the Fall or Anatomy so I can work as a scribe.
Fall 2017 - Organic 2, Psychology
Spring 2018 - Biochem, Sociology
Summer 2018 - MCAT, then medical school/HPSP application

I know that I am already behind of the curve due to my relatively ass GPA from my previous degree, but if I get A's from here on out I might have a good shot at getting into a medical school. What do you guys suggest I should do to boost my chances? Obviously the MCAT is a huge part of the application process, and I know I am weak at the Critical Analysis and Reading Skills section, so I got a MCAT review set for like $60 and have been reading through the material.

Thanks for your time in advance.

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[Goro]

Ace everything from now on
Ace the MCAT
Are you currently in the service? If so, in what capacity.
Triple your clinical volunteer hours, and engage in service to others less fortunate than yourself. You need to show off your altruism. Unless you're in the service. That would suffice for me.

I just would like to see if there is anything else that I should be doing.

Here's some of my information

• Year in school: 1st semester done, will finish up pre-reqs spring semester of 2018
• Goal: MD School
• Previous Degree: Virginia Military Institute, B.S. Civil Engineering
• Previous GPA: 3.37
• Current GPA: 4.0 (Bio 1, Chem 1. Physics 1 finished)
• Volunteering (clinical) – 70+ Hours, Medical/Surgical. Progressive Care Unit, Emergency Department (current)
• Physician shadowing : Transplant Specialist: 4 hrs (Will have opportunity for more during winter break when operations are assigned to the doctor). Neurosurgeon: 11 hrs
• Extracurricular activities: 2 different "Pre-Health clubs". I am a secretary for one of them
• Employment history: Quality Control Assistant (Summer 2014), United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate (Summer 2015), Structural Engineer Intern (Summer 2016), Current: Amazon Flex Delivery and Postmates Driver (Not sure if they should go on my resume or not)
• Please include time span and weekly commitment for volunteering/research/shadowing/extracurricular: ED volunteer 4 hours a week.
• Skills: Engineer In Training (EIT) designation, Chinese native speaker.

Here is what the rest of my schedule look like as far as classes.
Spring 2017 - Bio 2, Chem 2, Physics 2
Summer 2017 1st Session - Organic 1
Summer 2017 2nd Session - EMT Basic depending on if they offer it so I can volunteer as an EMT starting the Fall or Anatomy so I can work as a scribe.
Fall 2017 - Organic 2, Psychology
Spring 2018 - Biochem, Sociology
Summer 2018 - MCAT, then medical school/HPSP application

I know that I am already behind of the curve due to my relatively ass GPA from my previous degree, but if I get A's from here on out I might have a good shot at getting into a medical school. What do you guys suggest I should do to boost my chances? Obviously the MCAT is a huge part of the application process, and I know I am weak at the Critical Analysis and Reading Skills section, so I got a MCAT review set for like $60 and have been reading through the material.

Thanks for your time in advance.

 

[Eskibot]

Ace everything from now on
Ace the MCAT
Are you currently in the service? If so, in what capacity.
Triple your clinical volunteer hours, and engage in service to others less fortunate than yourself. You need to show off your altruism. Unless you're in the service. That would suffice for me.

I am not in the service.

I only started volunteering I think starting this past April so I am a bit behind on that as well. As far as "engage in service to others less fourtunate than yourself" how would I go about that? Would EMT work?

 

[Wiggly Tuff Da Ruff]

I am not in the service.

I only started volunteering I think starting this past April so I am a bit behind on that as well. As far as "engage in service to others less fourtunate than yourself" how would I go about that? Would EMT work?

As in, who in your community needs help? Who, out of the goodness of your heart, would you want to donate your time to? Do you feel bad for underserved kids in a poor neighborhood? Volunteer at the YMCA. Do you feel sorry for the homeless? Volunteer at the local homeless shelter. You want to make seniors' lives brighter? Get a job at a senior center.
Think about who you want to help then go spend your most precious thing, your time, with them. Be sincere. Make a difference. Have passion and compassion and in the primary, secondaries, and interviews those experiences will make you shine.

 

[Goro]

EMT is a glorified cab driver. And no, it's not service.

Service need not be "unique". If you can alleviate suffering in your community through service to the poor, homeless, illiterate, fatherless, etc, you are meeting an otherwise unmet need and learning more about the lives of the people (or types of people) who will someday be your patients.

Check out your local houses of worship for volunteer opportunities.

Examples include: Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Humane Society, crisis hotlines, soup kitchen, food pantry, homeless or women’s shelter, after-school tutoring for students or coaching a sport in a poor school district, teaching ESL to adults at a community center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or Meals on Wheels.

I am not in the service.

I only started volunteering I think starting this past April so I am a bit behind on that as well. As far as "engage in service to others less fourtunate than yourself" how would I go about that? Would EMT work?

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Meals on Wheels.

LOVE this org. I coordinated an adopt a route between my command and MoW. It's awesome. The clients are so cool.

 

[esob]

Did you fail out of OCS or ?? I mean you don't have a less-than-honorable discharging lurking in there somewhere and/or some unspecified medical issues that caused you to be dismissed from OCS?

 

[mistafab]

I think you are doing great in school. I'd suggest you look towards improving your EC prereqs.

Get another 130 volunteer hours and at least another 40-60 hours of shadowing.

Pretend I'm an ad com - convince me that you know you want to be a doctor after only 15 hours of shadowing - that isn't even a week's worth of work.

 

[Eskibot]

Did you fail out of OCS or ?? I mean you don't have a less-than-honorable discharging lurking in there somewhere and/or some unspecified medical issues that caused you to be dismissed from OCS?

I graduated OCS. I was not on a scholarship so I had the option to accept a commission or not afterwards, i chose the latter

 

[Eskibot]

As in, who in your community needs help? Who, out of the goodness of your heart, would you want to donate your time to? Do you feel bad for underserved kids in a poor neighborhood? Volunteer at the YMCA. Do you feel sorry for the homeless? Volunteer at the local homeless shelter. You want to make seniors' lives brighter? Get a job at a senior center.
Think about who you want to help then go spend your most precious thing, your time, with them. Be sincere. Make a difference. Have passion and compassion and in the primary, secondaries, and interviews those experiences will make you shine.

Do you guys recommend picking 1 and sticking with it? Or try to volunteer with as many organizations as I can

 

[DiscusKeeper]

Do you guys recommend picking 1 and sticking with it? Or try to volunteer with as many organizations as I can

Consistency shows dedication and commitment, which med schools like. For something like volunteering, I'd suggest sticking to 1 or 2 things and do all your volunteer hours there. It would like better than spreading yourself thin across of a bunch of different organizations.

Remember, you don't have to fill in all 15 spots in the work/activities section when you apply. Quality > quantity.

 

[Eskibot]

Consistency shows dedication and commitment, which med schools like. For something like volunteering, I'd suggest sticking to 1 or 2 things and do all your volunteer hours there. It would like better than spreading yourself thin across of a bunch of different organizations.

Remember, you don't have to fill in all 15 spots in the work/activities section when you apply. Quality > quantity.

That makes sense. Thanks for the input!

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I graduated OCS. I was not on a scholarship so I had the option to accept a commission or not afterwards, i chose the latter

Are you planning on listing that? I feel like that might be confusing unless you make it super clear in the description. I definitely wasn't sure if you failed out or not. Someone might mistakenly think you are trying to get some veterans points.

 

[Gastrapathy]

Don't put OCS in your app. You didn't serve.

 

[Eskibot]

Don't put OCS in your app. You didn't serve.

Correct I didnt serve, but I did graduate from OCS yes? I feel like leaving that out is pretty much taking away from who I am

 

[Eskibot]

Are you planning on listing that? I feel like that might be confusing unless you make it super clear in the description. I definitely wasn't sure if you failed out or not. Someone might mistakenly think you are trying to get some veterans points.

Yeah I plan on listing it, but i currently have it on my resume as OCS graduate but did not accept the commission after.

Edit: I just didnt make it clear here, sorry

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Correct I didnt serve, but I did graduate from OCS yes? I feel like leaving that out is pretty much taking away from who I am

Being an OCS graduate is a big part of who you are? Why didn't you take the commission? Personally, I wouldn't list it. People who try to bank vet points without actually serving the time don't usually look good. I just imagine getting asked about it in an interview and having to explain that.

 

[Eskibot]

Being an OCS graduate is a big part of who you are? Why didn't you take the commission? Personally, I wouldn't list it. People who try to bank vet points without actually serving the time don't usually look good. I just imagine getting asked about it in an interview and having to explain that.

I mean sort of. Always wanted to be a Marine Officer (Combat Engineer hence the Engineering degree) since middle school and finally graduating it was a big accomplishment for me, but I realized there that being a Marine isnt something I wanted to do. The 1stSgt there said it would look on your resume even if one ultimately decide not to commission so I thought id just do it. I do see where youre coming from though.

But then again, if i dont put OCS in my app. At the interview they are ganna see that I graduated with an engineering degree only to work for 3 months as an intern and deciding to change my career choice completely. Would that be better?

 

[T800'sThumb]

I mean sort of. Always wanted to be a Marine Officer (Combat Engineer hence the Engineering degree) since middle school and finally graduating it was a big accomplishment for me, but I realized there that being a Marine isnt something I wanted to do. The 1stSgt there said it would look on your resume even if one ultimately decide not to commission so I thought id just do it. I do see where youre coming from though.

But then again, if i dont put OCS in my app. At the interview they are ganna see that I graduated with an engineering degree only to work for 3 months as an intern and deciding to change my career choice completely. Would that be better?

In my opinion, listing it gives a better picture of who you are and where you've been. But you must make it very, very clear that this was a conscious decision you made and how you arrived at it. It's your reasoning here that counts-- maybe you thought that this wasn't the way that you wanted to give back. I think it should be part of your vignette as an applicant if it involved you making choices rooted in your personal growth and passion.

I'm just a student, though-- the adcoms here probably know better.

 

[Gastrapathy]

You will run into people who did serve and none of them will be impressed that you did that. You took a spot that could have gone to someone who actually served and did so during wartime. The 1stSgt told you that because almost no one quits once they get through. You cost the country something so you could scratch the wannabe itch. Trying and failing out is honorable. Trying, succeeding and quitting...well, I'm not sure why you think that's impressive. Particularly having been at VMI, you had pretty good exposure to the life and you still wasted that spot.

Everyone who served will be interested in that part of your application (here was my thought process and you can bet I'm not alone)...so wait.. he went to OCS recently...but he's not AD...is he a reservist or something...no?...weird...I wonder if he was kicked out for drugs or something...nope he just passed on a commision...huh..weird. If that's what you want, then leave it in.

 

[T800'sThumb]

You will run into people who did serve and none of them will be impressed that you did that. You took a spot that could have gone to someone who actually served and did so during wartime. The 1stSgt told you that because almost no one quits once they get through. You cost the country something so you could scratch the wannabe itch. Trying and failing out is honorable. Trying, succeeding and quitting...well, I'm not sure why you think that's impressive. Particularly having been at VMI, you had pretty good exposure to the life and you still wasted that spot.

Everyone who served will be interested in that part of your application (here was my thought process and you can bet I'm not alone)...so wait.. he went to OCS recently...but he's not AD...is he a reservist or something...no?...weird...I wonder if he was kicked out for drugs or something...nope he just passed on a commision...huh..weird. If that's what you want, then leave it in.

All very good points here. No one likes a quitter, which is why if you (OP) include it, you better have a good story. If you don't include it, though, I'm not sure if the void will look better. I'm also of the opinion that you saying "OCS made me who I am today" may be grating for many, especially those who have served. OCS is preparation professional Commitment and Duty-- attributes absolutely central in all branches of the military. It's kind of like saying as a 30 y/o that driver's ed made you the motorist you are today. No it didn't.

 

[Eskibot]

You will run into people who did serve and none of them will be impressed that you did that. You took a spot that could have gone to someone who actually served and did so during wartime. The 1stSgt told you that because almost no one quits once they get through. You cost the country something so you could scratch the wannabe itch. Trying and failing out is honorable. Trying, succeeding and quitting...well, I'm not sure why you think that's impressive. Particularly having been at VMI, you had pretty good exposure to the life and you still wasted that spot.

Everyone who served will be interested in that part of your application (here was my thought process and you can bet I'm not alone)...so wait.. he went to OCS recently...but he's not AD...is he a reservist or something...no?...weird...I wonder if he was kicked out for drugs or something...nope he just passed on a commision...huh..weird. If that's what you want, then leave it in.

Makes sense. I understand

 

[Eskibot]

All very good points here. No one likes a quitter, which is why if you (OP) include it, you better have a good story. If you don't include it, though, I'm not sure if the void will look better. I'm also of the opinion that you saying "OCS made me who I am today" may be grating for many, especially those who have served. OCS is preparation professional Commitment and Duty-- attributes absolutely central in all branches of the military. It's kind of like saying as a 30 y/o that driver's ed made you the motorist you are today. No it didn't.

Well yeah of course I have my reasons on why I wanted to be a Marine, why I decided not to be a Marine, and why I want to be a doctor instead. But this thread was created with the intention of seeing what I can do to improve my chances of getting accepted into medical school. So i just listed the stuff I did and not my life stories about why I did the things I did.

 

[T800'sThumb]

this thread was created with the intentional of seeing what I can do to improve my chances of getting accepted into medical school. So i just listed the stuff I did and not my life stort about the decisions I have made.

I know, but aside from "do real good on MCAT", and "keep getting A's", what's left is your profile they'll use to decide whether you're a good fit. That fit will include whether they think you make good decisions; whether you've shown you will be committed to a huge life-style change. You show these with the experiences you'll list and the associated insights and lessons you learned from them. I guess I just want you to keep in mind that when you put your application together that there's a way to craft your application in a way that tells a cohesive narrative. You don't want to put something in that just hangs all by itself making no sense especially if it's a potential negative. But if you have really good reasons or derived personal growth, those potential negatives can be beneficial.

 

[Eskibot]

I know, but aside from "do real good on MCAT", and "keep getting A's", what's left is your profile they'll use to decide whether you're a good fit. That fit will include whether they think you make good decisions; whether you've shown you will be committed to a huge life-style change. You show these with the experiences you'll list and the associated insights and lessons you learned from them. I guess I just want you to keep in mind that when you put your application together that there's a way to craft your application in a way that tells a cohesive narrative. You don't want to put something in that just hangs all by itself making no sense especially if it's a potential negative. But if you have really good reasons or derived personal growth, those potential negatives can be beneficial.

Gotcha, and I really do appreciate all the feedback from everyone.

I havent really looked into the application itself, but I am assuming on AMCAS (I think this is the application?), they have open ended spaces to kind of tell your story on how you got to the point of applying and wanting to go to medical school?

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I mean sort of. Always wanted to be a Marine Officer (Combat Engineer hence the Engineering degree) since middle school and finally graduating it was a big accomplishment for me, but I realized there that being a Marine isnt something I wanted to do. The 1stSgt there said it would look on your resume even if one ultimately decide not to commission so I thought id just do it. I do see where youre coming from though.

This comes across like you think graduating from college and "always wanting to be a Marine Officer" is the same as actually serving. That is not an impression you want to give. I get that you wanted to serve, but you didn't. You went to OCS. That's not even as hard as boot camp. Anyone who has any experience with the military is going to laugh at this at best, or be offended at worst.

But then again, if i dont put OCS in my app. At the interview they are ganna see that I graduated with an engineering degree only to work for 3 months as an intern and deciding to change my career choice completely. Would that be better?

I get your concern. If you list OCS, you need to make it extremely clear that you did not accept a commission and that you decided the military wasn't for you. Any sort of inkling that you are trying to milk the V card when you aren't a vet will look bad. I just wouldn't go there.

And by the way, you could have been a doctor in the Marines if the call to serve was that strong.

 

[T800'sThumb]

Gotcha, and I really do appreciate all the feedback from everyone.

I havent really looked into the application itself, but I am assuming on AMCAS (I think this is the application?), they have open ended spaces to kind of tell your story on how you got to the point of applying and wanting to go to medical school?

There are. I think what I wanted to make sure you understand is that when you are getting your volunteering and shadowing experience, you aren't just being there seeing what is done. What I wish I had figured out sooner is that you're mostly there to see essentially how humans are working together and why they do their respective things, if that makes sense. What seems like people doing stupid things to get hurt, or people being stupid not listening to doc's advice, may be something more. Find that something more. Find the something more to why doctors are doing the things they do; i.e, getting frustrated, burning out, helping to patients make the best decisions, just to watch them decide they want to do something else.

 

[Eskibot]

This comes across like you think graduating from college and "always wanting to be a Marine Officer" is the same as actually serving. That is not an impression you want to give. I get that you wanted to serve, but you didn't. You went to OCS. That's not even as hard as boot camp. Anyone who has any experience with the military is going to laugh at this at best, or be offended at worst.



I get your concern. If you list OCS, you need to make it extremely clear that you did not accept a commission and that you decided the military wasn't for you. Any sort of inkling that you are trying to milk the V card when you aren't a vet will look bad. I just wouldn't go there.

And by the way, you could have been a doctor in the Marines if the call to serve was that strong.

I get what youre saying with the V Card, I have had on my resume "graduated by did NOT accept a commission..."

Im applying to for Navy HPSP when I apply for Medical School. 99.9% sure Marines uses Navy Docs

 

[Eskibot]

There are. I think what I wanted to make sure you understand is that when you are getting your volunteering and shadowing experience, you aren't just being there seeing what is done. What I wish I had figured out sooner is that you're mostly there to see essentially how humans are working together and why they do their respective things, if that makes sense. What seems like people doing stupid things to get hurt, or people being stupid not listening to doc's advice, may be something more. Find that something more. Find the something more to why doctors are doing the things they do; i.e, getting frustrated, burning out, helping to patients make the best decisions, just to watch them decide they want to do something else.

Gotcha. I think i get what youre saying. Thanks again!

 

[Gastrapathy]

I get what youre saying with the V Card, I have had on my resume "graduated by did NOT accept a commission..."

Im applying to for Navy HPSP when I apply for Medical School. 99.9% sure Marines uses Navy Docs

Sure do. HPSP won't be bothered by your USMC summer camp. You need to improve your GPA, shadow, volunteer and do well on the MCAT. The MCAT is your opportunity to really improve your application. Take a prep class. A big score (like 35+ on the old system) opens doors. Skip the EMT and take a couple classes that can raise your GPA.

 

[Eskibot]

Sure do. HPSP won't be bothered by your USMC summer camp. You need to improve your GPA, shadow, volunteer and do well on the MCAT. The MCAT is your opportunity to really improve your application. Take a prep class. A big score (like 35+ on the old system) opens doors. Skip the EMT and take a couple classes that can raise your GPA.

Just easy GPA Booster classes or actual classes that pertains to the medical field

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I get what youre saying with the V Card, I have had on my resume "graduated by did NOT accept a commission..."

Im applying to for Navy HPSP when I apply for Medical School. 99.9% sure Marines uses Navy Docs

I don't know if the Marine Corps is going to start using their own docs too. The EMDP2 program I'm applying for accepts 5 Marines into the program. Not sure if they will be transferred to the Navy Medical Corps or what.

 

[Gastrapathy]

They will be Navy MC officers.

Easy GPA booster science classes.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

They will be Navy MC officers.

Easy GPA booster science classes.

Kind of figured as much, but I didn't read the other services' instructions.

 

[esob]

My two cents is that I wouldn't list it unless you have a really strong story to go with it (you became a conscientious objector or some similar life changing event). Fair or not, it presents a picture that you either couldn't commit or couldn't hack it and neither is flattering on an application. It makes it seem like you're trying to play the veteran card without having actually earned it and I would wager it might leave a sour taste in some people's mouths.

 

[BombsAway]

Possible interview question: You wanted to be a marine officer, were selected to OCS, graduated, then quit. Now you want to be a physician. Explain to me why I should accept you, given your history of quitting after notable challenges.

Or: You always wanted to be a marine, then you quit. Now you want to be a doctor. Why shouldn't we expect you to quit this as well?

Don't put it on your app. It will, at best, do nothing for you.