The Right Time?

[misterxji]

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As a pre-med student, I feel like i have a crapload of work ahead of me. I have to take these many classes this quarter, do a course over the summer, study for MCATS, etc.etc.

With this in mind, when is the right time to start looking for community service opportunities, internship, and research?

Thanks in advice!

 

[JJMrK]

Well, what year are you?

 

[misterxji]

oh yeah , i forgot to mention. im a first year XD

 

[dingyibvs]

oh yeah , i forgot to mention. im a first year XD

Good time to start, then.

 

[Snowman334]

When you are scheduling classes or making a work schedule keep stuff like volunteering in mind. It may be difficult to get any research done first year, especially if your schedule is sporadic, but it is never too late to start looking! Do you work by the way?

Oh, and don't worry about studying for the MCAT just yet, focus on really learning the material presented in your basic level sciences!

 

[schrizto]

I'm a first year too, and I have found volunteer opportunities, internships and such. The problem is fitting them into your schedule.

 

[Poliscidoc]

Im sure your busy, but you probably have time on the weekends or during the week. Also most places where you will "volunteer" will work with you in terms of scheduling.. I mean you are doing it for free!

 

[misterxji]

well i talked to my counselar and he said during ur first quarter just worry about getting a solid GPA. im taking 13 units right now: chem, math, and a GE.

next quarter im planning to take life science, chem, math, and possibly another GE if i feel like i can manage that many courses.

the thing is, i feel like if i started volunteering at a hospital right now and stuck with it for 4 years, it would look really great on my app and i would learn a lot about what goes on in a hospital.

but i also feel like if i do this for 4 years, when am i gonna find the time to get close enough to a professor to ask him to do research with him and when am i gonna start shadowing doctors.

im new to this forum so i feel like im blabbing on but i heard a good application has:

1) Great GPA
2) High MCAT Score
3) Consistent Community Service related to medical field
4) Research with Professor
5) Internship/Shadowing Physicians.

With that in mind, I dont know when or when is the right time to start research or interning.

my counselar said start looking for research and interning in my 2nd year but i feel liek SDN would give better advice

 

[misterxji]

bump

 

[lstone13]

If you want any type of leadership positions to put on your application come the end of your junior year, now is the time to start volunteering in organizations. Here is my advice. I would research what organizations there are presently at your school or in your community, and attend a few meetings that interest you. Then, if you decide you like the group, volunteer for activities, continue attending meetings, and generally become active within the group. By the end of the year, you will be able to apply for a lower level leadership position, and then by the end of the following year, you can apply for an upper level leadership position.

Otherwise, now is the time to start seeking community service opportunities. Longevity and commitment will show through on your application if you can start your involvement now and continue throughout the time you apply to medical school.