Questions from a weird applicant

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StethoscopeGeek

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I would like to apologize in advance for how long-winded and scattered this post will probably be. If you continue to read, thank you. I appreciate it.

Here's the story. I'm currently a senior at state school in the New England area. I have one semester left (yet to take Orgo II and Physics II, but rest of pre-requisites are complete) and have a GPA of 3.7. I'm a psychology major. I originally intended to become a clinical psychologist, but quickly realized that I was more interested in the biological aspect of psychology and the role of medicine. So, I picked up minors in biology and chemistry and from that point on it became a gradual transition into wanting to go to medical school.

So, while I am not non-traditional, this is still a relatively new decision. I did not know I wanted to go to medical school until the middle of my college career. As a result, I do not have the rich background of ECs that many pre-meds have by their senior year. I am currently in EMT school and volunteer as a cuddler in a NICU. I was also a general chemistry TA for one semester. Other than that, I have an honors thesis in psychology. I have also waitressed throughout my college career. I know this is non-medical, but I feel like it should be taken into consideration.

Because I am graduating a semester late and therefore have an odd timeline, I have decided to take the spring semester next year off and work as an EMT, take the MCAT, and continue to volunteer.

I guess the heart of my question is: Will one "gap" semester suffice? For example, if going to medical school was late decision for me, will I still be expected to have 4 years of research/volunteering/ECs under my belt?

I know it's hard to really say what my "chances" would be without an MCAT score, but for the sake of the argument let's say I get an average MCAT score, have 1 year experience as an EMT, and nearly 2 years as a NICU volunteer. Would I stand a chance applying to schools such as UMass Medical, UVM, BU, Tufts, and Quinnipiac? This is by no means a complete school list or anything, just schools that I think would be attainable.

I would appreciate any advice in terms of what I can do to improve my application. Thanks!
 
Yes, you would have a good chance with your GPA and assuming a MCAT of at least 508. It would be a good idea to accumulate at least 100 hours of shadowing physicians in various specialties. Let us know what your MCAT score is next spring.
 
Yes, you would have a good chance with your GPA and assuming a MCAT of at least 508. It would be a good idea to accumulate at least 100 hours of shadowing physicians in various specialties. Let us know what your MCAT score is next spring.

Thanks! I appreciate it!
 
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