Six months to go, how do I improve?

[OneDayDoctor]

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Hello Everyone!

It's been ages since I've even logged onto this site due to its addictive nature, but we're looking at about 5-6 months until application time, so I'd love some feedback on what to do during that time to strengthen my app as much as possible!

THE ESSENTIALS
BA in Biology, Masters in Biology
cGPA: 3.97
sGPA: 4.0
MCAT: Studying (so yes, the #1 answer of what to do is obviously to keep studying!)

RESEARCH
-One year in a biology lab
-Three years in another lab (clinical research, most of my time spent in the room performing tests)
-One publication, one in submission, one in prep

EMPLOYMENT
-5 semesters as an undergraduate TA
-2 semesters as a graduate TA
-9 months as a clinical researcher at a hospital (post-graduation)

VOLUNTEERING
-~200 hours in ER over 2 years (this was also over 2 years ago... is that a problem?)
-will have ~50 hours volunteering at an art museum by app time
-will have ~60 shadow hours by app time

AWARDS
-Dean's list every semester
-Various individual research grants
-2 scholarships

Hobbies include playing music, acting, and sports and have participated in them at various levels over the past few years

 

[Oso]

Do you have any specific concerns? I'd say your activities and GPA look fantastic. As you said, MCAT is what you need to focus on now. Do well and you'll have a great application!

 

[OneDayDoctor]

I guess my only specific concerns would be a "gap" in volunteerism during grad school. If I start up again now is that going to raise a flag? I guess mainly I'm also wondering if anyone has any other ideas of things I can do for 6 months to strengthen up!

 

[Lya]

I guess my only specific concerns would be a "gap" in volunteerism during grad school. If I start up again now is that going to raise a flag? I guess mainly I'm also wondering if anyone has any other ideas of things I can do for 6 months to strengthen up!

I don't think that will be a significant concern. Start again now so long as your time management allows.

I'm also concerned that your application is somewhat cookie-cutter, maybe except for art museum volunteering. Nothing seems to stand out. Of course, the best thing you can do at this stage is to get a high MCAT score, but I just wanted to note that just by looking at your ECs, I cannot tell what you are passionate about besides your research.

 

[OneDayDoctor]

Thank you for the honest feedback. Do you have any suggestions to address this potential concern?

 

[Lya]

Thank you for the honest feedback. Do you have any suggestions to address this potential concern?

At this point, the best thing you can do regarding your ECs is to simply continue and keep up with your existing ECs. You already have one publication, so if you do well on MCAT, you will have a decent shot at top-tier schools. Focus on MCAT as your highest priority.

 

[nemo123]

Do you have any non-clinical volunteering? The volunteering gig in the museum is going to be an interesting part of your app, but it won't really be seen as non-clinical volunteering as you are not helping the poor, the homeless, the indigent, etc. If you don't have some, you should probably start doing it and continue doing it into your app cycle.

 

[OneDayDoctor]

Hmm, interesting. I didn't realize that wouldn't count as non-clinical volunteering! Thanks for the advice. I don't currently have any I guess, so I'll start looking for some opportunities.

 

[Mad Jack]

The best thing you can do for your application at this point is nail the MCAT and don't commit any felonies between now and June.

 

[OneDayDoctor]

MCAT is definitely priority 1 right now. Thanks for the input

 

[Catalystik]

Do you have any non-clinical volunteering? The volunteering gig in the museum is going to be an interesting part of your app, but it won't really be seen as non-clinical volunteering as you are not helping the poor, the homeless, the indigent, etc.

It will "count," and should be listed as nonmedical community service. But some schools will be specifically looking for the focus that nemo123 mentions and will not accept substitutes.

 

[nemo123]

Hmm, interesting. I didn't realize that wouldn't count as non-clinical volunteering! Thanks for the advice. I don't currently have any I guess, so I'll start looking for some opportunities.

Like Catalysik said, you can label it non-clinical volunteering on your app (because it is a non-clinical volunteering endeavor), but some schools will want to see volunteering for people in need.

 

[DokterMom]

Your GPA and ECs are very strong. A 30+ MCAT should give you very good chances with the mid-tier schools.

For the top schools, your GPA and a top MCAT are expected, and your research is absolutely good enough. The only 'weak' spot I see would be, as another poster mentioned, the 'cookie cutter' aspect of most of your ECs. The very highest ranking medical schools like to see something unique -- a 'hook' if you will. The museum volunteering has some 'hook' potential -- Can you do something way interesting with that? Maybe start a program to bring low SES kids to the museum?

Alternatively, what do you do for fun? Anything interesting that you can talk about that shows you are an interesting human being and not a med-robot.

 

[OneDayDoctor]

Interesting, interesting. Thank you all for the feedback! Can you give me the names of a few schools that place heavy emphasis on non-clinical volunteering? I'd like to check out their websites to get some more specific information. Thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

Can you give me the names of a few schools that place heavy emphasis on non-clinical volunteering? I'd like to check out their websites to get some more specific information. Thanks!

Loyola, Georgetown, Creighton, USouthern California, Loma Linda would be examples.