Trying to plan ahead

[Carlslee]

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I will be a sophomore this fall and so far I've taken gen chem 1&2, organic 1&2, physics 1, and biology 1 and some other elective classes, in the fall I'm planning on taking biochem 1 (cb biochem is my major) and gen psychology among other classes (like medical ethics). I really want to get a jumpstart on medical school so I've just about got my basic classes down for it after I take sociology. I've already started practice tests (not full length) and using review books. I currently have a 3.52 gpa and from what I understand it's okay to not have a stellar gpa as long as you do good on MCAT and have volunteer experience and strong rec letters. How can I get a good head start and more volunteer positions? Any tips for premed will be awesome

 

[Flashfan]

It is NOT okay to have a mediocre GPA. Work on your grades before you worry about practicing for the MCAT. Do both clinical and non-clinical volunteering but not at the expense of your GPA.

 

[Carmiche]

While it is "okay" not to have a great GPA if you have redeeming factors such as stellar MCAT & EC's, you cannot bank on the fact that the latter two will happen - definitely the MCAT. You still have a good amount of time to pull up your GPA which currently is below most med schools' averages for matriculants. I feel that currently, pulling up your GPA will pay off more in the long run for you than taking practice MCAT exams when you will only be entering sophomore year. Focus on creating an upward trend with your GPA so that doesn't bite you in the ass down the road.

As for volunteering, it is as simple as finding a hospital near you that accepts volunteers; most all of them do. Try to find a volunteer position that allows you to be in an area such as the ER, radiology dept, OR, etc. so you actually gain meaningful clinical exposure. Volunteer anywhere you want, though. Just realize you will need to have clinical experience when applying to med school.

If you are interested in doing research, that is something that looks great as well. The main thing in this whole process of gaining extracurriculars is not a 'checklist' as it might seem, but involving yourself in activities that help you grow as a person and display the traits of a future doctor. If you can't articulate what you have gained from these activities in a personal statement/interview then they are close to useless.

 

[deleted393595]

Also, don't use a picture of yourself as your avatar. Stay anonymous.

 

[Carlslee]

I

Also, don't use a picture of yourself as your avatar. Stay anonymous.

just joined and used Facebook, didn't even think about it lol


But thanks to everyone's comments and I'm really trying to bring up my gpa. I am in honors college (does that even hold any weight) and every honors class I get a B but every regulars class I get an A so that's why my gpa is low, because the honors courses I took were required by the honors college

 

[deleted577188]

Change your profile pic NOW and also you're not a medical student yet.

 

[deleted393595]

Idk why the Facebook Sign In feature imports the FB profile picture when SDN policy is that users ought to stay anonymous.