So much to do. What is most important?

[thisismypath]

Hi, I'm a premed student and I just completed my first two undergraduate years of college. I am now starting my final two years at USF.

As of now I have a 3.7 GPA, I started an amsa chapter at my school, I am an AMSA health equity scholar,AMSA Community Public health participant, and am going to doing an internship at AHEC which includes clinical shadowing.

I was hoping that I could get some advice from current medical students on what I should focus on (besides high grades and EC's) in order to stand out as a medical school applicant.

Everyone always says lots of EC's and keep up your grades, but that goes without saying. How important is research? What else do they look for and what do you think made you stand out.

Thank you to all of you that take the time to help me out. I know you're busy so I really appreciate your responses.

 

[canjosh]

Research is quite important at the research-oriented med schools. I imagine you know which schools those are. Research is something I wish I had done. Looks like you've got some leadership and volunteer activities, keep those up. Quality clinical exposure is extremely important, so that should be one of your top priorities now. This can also lead to good LORs from physicians. Don't take the MCAT lightly, make sure you have a good preparation strategy. All in all, you look to be on the right path.

 

[Catalystik]

Strong nonmedical/noncampus community service, especially if it provides services to the poor, is viewed very postitively, and even more so it you work your way up into a leadership position in the organization.