Running in circles

[James401]

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I have asked a few of the same questions before and researched this quite a bit. My undergrad degree choice. Everyone tells me to get a degree in what I am interested in. But at the same time people tell me to not pick something "soft" or too common like biology. I currently am pursuing kinesiology. But afraid I won't stand out. Honest opinions on the best undergrad degrees without saying do what ever you like. I'm getting to the point now In my course outline where I will be stuck and wasting money trying to switch. I am interested in exercise science. But I am trying to get a degree I can use if I don't make it into med school. Thanks for your help.

 

[Bluto385]

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[EvAnBr]

I have asked a few of the same questions before and researched this quite a bit. My undergrad degree choice. Everyone tells me to get a degree in what I am interested in. But at the same time people tell me to not pick something "soft" or too common like biology. I currently am pursuing kinesiology. But afraid I won't stand out. Honest opinions on the best undergrad degrees without saying do what ever you like. I'm getting to the point now In my course outline where I will be stuck and wasting money trying to switch. I am interested in exercise science. But I am trying to get a degree I can use if I don't make it into med school. Thanks for your help.

Kinesiology is a GREAT degree to get if you want to go to med school but still have options if you change your mind. It is applicable to basically every pre-professional degree in health care. What would make you standout is if you threw in a hard science minor like bio, chem, physics, etc. or even something like psych, socio, econ... If you like the human body, kines is a great degree. Not trying to be biased, but that's what I did and it worked out

 

[Barcu]

I am interested in exercise science..

Do exercise science.

 

[James401]

Thats exactly what i was hoping to hear. I just am looking for my back up plan and that major is what i would be happy with if MD doesnt work out. So if my major isnt something i should use to stand out. What is the best way to make myself a better canidate other then grades?

 

[bluestreaks]

Do unique ECs, including things that aren't even related to medicine to show you're in interesting, well-rounded person. So if you like a sport or instrument, spend time with that.

Get involved in a cultural organization if it applies to you. It will help with questions about diversity too.

Maybe you can travel or study abroad to bring perspectives many other applicants won't have.

 

[Barcu]

Thats exactly what i was hoping to hear. I just am looking for my back up plan and that major is what i would be happy with if MD doesnt work out. So if my major isnt something i should use to stand out. What is the best way to make myself a better canidate other then grades?

ECs. Choose activities that you are excited about and not just for med school. They don't even have to be related to medicine (as long as you have some other clinical volunteering too).

These types of activities help you to stand out. Many of the experiences and skills can be tied directly to medicine as well, even if the activity isn't medical. These make the best essays and best interview responses. If you have a unique activity, it will dominate your interview, and that is a good thing because you will be remembered, and you will get to talk about something you enjoy.

 

[DrEnderW]

I never got asked any questions about my major, classes, or general undergraduate coursework.

I talked a lot about unique EC's, leadership experiences, publications, sports, etc and that's what makes you stand out. Whatever major you think of picking, adcoms have probably seen hundreds of kids applying to their school with that major during their time.

To honestly answer your question, if you have the knack for it, get a degree in math/physics because even finance companies/businesses/banks are snatching those people up because of their analytical skills.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Pharmacology or toxicology... or both...

Rationale: Pharm/tox is my major, and I love it. Job outlook is good if you don't go to med school.

 

[James401]

ECs. Choose activities that you are excited about and not just for med school. They don't even have to be related to medicine (as long as you have some other clinical volunteering too).

These types of activities help you to stand out. Many of the experiences and skills can be tied directly to medicine as well, even if the activity isn't medical. These make the best essays and best interview responses. If you have a unique activity, it will dominate your interview, and that is a good thing because you will be remembered, and you will get to talk about something you enjoy.

I am pretty involved in my church, and plan on going on a mission trip. So all my volunteering should not be medical related? But as far as my medical related, is just your basic volunteering gig at a hospital good enough? Cuz i have tried getting a job at a hospital to help with my clinical experience, but keep getting denied due to lack of experience. But i cant get any without starting somewhere.

 

[LizzyM]

I am pretty involved in my church, and plan on going on a mission trip. So all my volunteering should not be medical related? But as far as my medical related, is just your basic volunteering gig at a hospital good enough? Cuz i have tried getting a job at a hospital to help with my clinical experience, but keep getting denied due to lack of experience. But i cant get any without starting somewhere.

Hospital volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door and get some experience. Some non-clinical volunteering is good, too, and I've seen some adcom members make lack of non-clincal volunteering a deal breaker this year. Medicine is a service profession so show that you are willing to be of service to others, particularly those in need in your own community or elsewhere in the US.

Overseas "mission trips" are starting to get a bad reputation for a variety of reasons. Travel abroad if you wish but don't go with the attitude that you can do and see things that you wouldn't be allowed to do and see in the US or with the attitude that you are bringing Jesus to those who don't know him and counting it as "clinical volunteering" or that you are providing services that are not aimed at making the region self-sustaining in the provision of medical care to the people.