Hi guys,
I needed some advice and didnt know where exactly to look so I thought Id give SDN a shot. Im looking to apply to medical school (both MD and DO) next summer, so during the 2012 cycle, and am trying to figure out how to make my increase chances of getting in. Here are my stats.
Just graduated in May with a B.S. in Health Science. Had a sGPA of 3.62 and a cGPA of 3.56. I had a rough start my first 2 years but kept a 4.0 GPA my jr and sr year with the exception of one semester where I went to study abroad and received 2 Bs. As far as ECs and professional experience go, as of right now I have the following:
1.Clubs/Orgs: AMSA, MSA, Smiles in the City, SASA, and Rotaract (I did all of them mostly my jr and sr year) and Biology Honors Society my sr yr
2.Volunteering:
a. Hospital (various departments) 60 hrs
b. Nursing home 20 hrs
c. Through my church (as a tutor for younger children) 30 hrs
3.Shadowing:
a. Family practitioner 20 hrs
b.Pediatrician - 25 hrs
4. Work/Professional:
a. Phon-a-thon at college campus one semester
b. Assistant to research coordinators at psychiatric pharmaceutical research company 1.5 yr
c. Tutor at Kumon Learning Center present
5.Research NONE
My major concern is what to do from here. I have a year from now to become a stronger applicant. I still have to take my MCAT and thats a huge I have started studying for it just a little; I was planning on taking it this September but dont mind pushing it back if Im not ready. My two options as of now are:
1. I applied to the MS in Biology Medical Sciences program at Mississippi College and have a pretty solid chance of getting accepted within the next week or two. The thing is that leaves me about 6 weeks to study for the MCAT if I want to take it before classes begin. Getting solid grades in a graduate level program could really help boost the academic portion of my application.
2. Getting either an EMT or CNA certification this upcoming fall semester and using that to gain more clinical experience during the spring semester and the summer in which I apply. With this option I wouldnt have to rush the MCAT; I could take it whenever Im ready. Taking only one class will give me more time to build on my volunteering and shadowing experiences. During the summer, hopefully I can also apply to some SMPs and other Postbac programs along with medical school.
The final question is: Which option is best for me? Any feedback would be HIGHLY appreciated! Thnx
P.S. SORRRRRY for the LONG post, Im kinda desperate.
P.P.S. It's great to get different perspectives so before you ask, YES, this is posted in the Pre-Med Allopathic Group as well.
I needed some advice and didnt know where exactly to look so I thought Id give SDN a shot. Im looking to apply to medical school (both MD and DO) next summer, so during the 2012 cycle, and am trying to figure out how to make my increase chances of getting in. Here are my stats.
Just graduated in May with a B.S. in Health Science. Had a sGPA of 3.62 and a cGPA of 3.56. I had a rough start my first 2 years but kept a 4.0 GPA my jr and sr year with the exception of one semester where I went to study abroad and received 2 Bs. As far as ECs and professional experience go, as of right now I have the following:
1.Clubs/Orgs: AMSA, MSA, Smiles in the City, SASA, and Rotaract (I did all of them mostly my jr and sr year) and Biology Honors Society my sr yr
2.Volunteering:
a. Hospital (various departments) 60 hrs
b. Nursing home 20 hrs
c. Through my church (as a tutor for younger children) 30 hrs
3.Shadowing:
a. Family practitioner 20 hrs
b.Pediatrician - 25 hrs
4. Work/Professional:
a. Phon-a-thon at college campus one semester
b. Assistant to research coordinators at psychiatric pharmaceutical research company 1.5 yr
c. Tutor at Kumon Learning Center present
5.Research NONE
My major concern is what to do from here. I have a year from now to become a stronger applicant. I still have to take my MCAT and thats a huge I have started studying for it just a little; I was planning on taking it this September but dont mind pushing it back if Im not ready. My two options as of now are:
1. I applied to the MS in Biology Medical Sciences program at Mississippi College and have a pretty solid chance of getting accepted within the next week or two. The thing is that leaves me about 6 weeks to study for the MCAT if I want to take it before classes begin. Getting solid grades in a graduate level program could really help boost the academic portion of my application.
2. Getting either an EMT or CNA certification this upcoming fall semester and using that to gain more clinical experience during the spring semester and the summer in which I apply. With this option I wouldnt have to rush the MCAT; I could take it whenever Im ready. Taking only one class will give me more time to build on my volunteering and shadowing experiences. During the summer, hopefully I can also apply to some SMPs and other Postbac programs along with medical school.
The final question is: Which option is best for me? Any feedback would be HIGHLY appreciated! Thnx
P.S. SORRRRRY for the LONG post, Im kinda desperate.
P.P.S. It's great to get different perspectives so before you ask, YES, this is posted in the Pre-Med Allopathic Group as well.
