next steps

[LeGOAT James]

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Hello guys! I just graduated college and was wondering where I currently stand and advice on next steps.

I graduated from a top 10 public university with a degree in Neuroscience. My final cGPA is a 3.889. I don't plan on applying until next cycle, so I'll be studying for the MCAT this summer and possibly through the year until I feel ready and comfortable to take it. I know some people dedicate 8 hours a day during the summer and take it at the end of the break but I don't really want to do this. Any advice on MCAT (materials, how to study for it, etc?).

I have about 100 hours of shadowing. I shadowed a cardiologist and an endocrine surgeon at my university hospital. I have about 400 hours of volunteering and helped open a non-profit which I currently hold a leadership position for.

Besides that, I definitely want to do more shadowing (I really enjoy it), and volunteering. Any other advice in terms of what to do during this gap year so I am ready and a very strong candidate by the time the next cycle comes around?

 

[seren1051]

If that 400 isnt clinical volunteering, definitely start some clinical experience. Other than you look great, just get a great MCAT score. I used Kaplan for everything, but you might find its P/S lacking - there're some more resources over in MCAT reddit. Also purchase AMCAS official full-length practice tests and section banks and question packs, they were very helpful.

I don't think you need to do any more shadowing, but if you really enjoy it and want to spend more time in it, then nothing's stopping ya

 

[LeGOAT James]

What about Altius ? Do people recommend that as an option? Also, outside of shadowing, what other ways are there of getting clinical volunteering experience?

 

[seren1051]

Options such as volunteering in hospital ER or housing wards, volunteering at the free clinic, etc etc etc. Works you do might be meager at first, like stocking supplies for ten straight shifts.

Haven't tried Altius so can't say much on that