Need advice on application strengthening...

[Angel252]

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So I graduated and currently applying to medical school. I want to become independent and support myself financially without the need of my parents. Now, I could obtain a job that would allow me to do so, but I would have to work full-time without the ability/energy to volunteer. On the other hand (which I don't want to), is go back with my parents, get a part-time job plus volunteering and other activities that will strengthen my application just in the worst case scenario of not getting accepted.

If someone could give me some advice on what would look better, or if working full-time without volunteering would look bad. I have 3 months to decide.

 

[gothicfoxes]

If you got a full-time job what would your shifts be like? Surely there's time in the mornings, evenings, or weekends to volunteer, even if you work 40 hrs/week.

 

[starlite911]

Would it be possible to volunteer a couple hours on a weekend?

 

[gothicfoxes]

Synchronized posts hahah 😉

 

[starlite911]

Synchronized posts hahah 😉

That's how ya know it's a good idea!

 

[Angel252]

If you got a full-time job what would your shifts be like? Surely there's time in the mornings, evenings, or weekends to volunteer, even if you work 40 hrs/week.

I would be working around 50/hrs a week. Sometimes 7:30-6:30. Would not be able to do a lot of hours but I guess it would work.

 

[gothicfoxes]

If you want it, you'll make it work. I work full and attend school full time, and find time in my schedule to volunteer and shadow. 12+ hour days are my normal. It's exhausting but I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. If it matters to you, you'll find a way. x

 

[tea guzzling traveler]

I'd say do what you want to do the most (unless your app has significant holes, in which case, fill them). However, if you have all your bases covered, feel free to do whatever would make you the happiest during your application year. I think both would look fine, but you might want part time work if you are only doing volunteering.

 

[ac62994]

Work in a hospital/clinic.
If that's not possible, try to volunteer somewhere that exposes you to both healthcare and the underserved: clinics/hospice/etc., to maximize efficiency.

 

[MrTaco92]

I think it would mostly depend on how many volunteer hours you have so far and what type of schools you plan on applying to. If you have a sufficient amount of volunteer hours (clinical and non-clinical) and arent aiming for a service oriented school you could probably get away with just working full time.