Strong applicant without volunteer experience?

[meander]

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Hi all, I'm wondering to what extent volunteer/healthcare experience will make or break a post-bac application.

I think otherwise I have a very strong application: 3.6 GPA from a top UG in a tough major, 1550/1600 SAT, top of my class in high school, a lot of UG research experience, but haven't taken any core courses previously. I also have a compelling personal statement/reason for career change -- I'm confident that if I get an interview I can easily demonstrate my interest and commitment. However, I have no volunteer or healthcare experience. I have shadowed on a couple of occasions, that's it. Do I have a chance at the more selective programs? Has anyone been accepted with a similar background?

 

[johnnyscans]

Hi all, I'm wondering to what extent volunteer/healthcare experience will make or break a post-bac application.

I think otherwise I have a very strong application: 3.6 GPA from a top UG in a tough major, 1550/1600 SAT, top of my class in high school, a lot of UG research experience, but haven't taken any core courses previously. I also have a compelling personal statement/reason for career change -- I'm confident that if I get an interview I can easily demonstrate my interest and commitment. However, I have no volunteer or healthcare experience. I have shadowed on a couple of occasions, that's it. Do I have a chance at the more selective programs? Has anyone been accepted with a similar background?

You've got shadowing. You should be OK for getting into a post-bacc. You're going to need to start accruing clinical experience soon for your med school app though.

 

[darklabel]

You've got shadowing. You should be OK for getting into a post-bacc. You're going to need to start accruing clinical experience soon for your med school app though.

I agree.

Also, any 4 year institution will do the trick. You don't need to move away or anything if you have a university nearby receptive to career changers and post-baccs.

 

[meander]

I agree.

Also, any 4 year institution will do the trick. You don't need to move away or anything if you have a university nearby receptive to career changers and post-baccs.

You mean "any 4 year institution" for taking the pre-med courses? I'm hoping to do one of the one year programs with linkage.