Volunteering for Goucher, Bryn Mawr, Scripps, etc.?

[Titus Pullo]

I'm 2.5 years out of undergrad, have been working in business, and I'm considering a 1-year pre-med post-bacc for the 2010/2011 year (6/10 - 5/11) to complete the standard 8 science courses (chem, ochem, physics, bio).

Based on what I've read on these forums, it sounds like going to a local state college or a cheap school like HES makes the most sense financially, unless one can get into a top formal post-bacc. In that case, the $15k-$20k extra seems worth it due to the piece of mind of near 100% acceptance and the linkage opportunities.

I'm wondering what level of volunteering it takes to be a competitive applicant. I have a 3.7+ undergrad GPA from a state school (although it's in business, is this an issue?) and a 33 ACT. My weak points are volunteering and LORs. One of my LORs will come either from a former supervisor or a college professor from 4 years ago, neither of which I have much faith in.

On volunteering, I have nothing related to medicine at the moment. I've done a few one-off volunteer days for work (e.g. Habitat for Humanity) and that's about it, so I realize I have work to do. If I start volunteering as a greeter/transporter 4-5 hours/week from now until I apply in October/November, and also complete a few shadowing days (hopefully), will I be a competitive applicant? I also hope to get my second LOR out of this volunteering.

I know quite a few out there attended one of the top programs, so any advice you have regarding volunteering is appreciated.

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[NewmansOwn]

I'm 2.5 years out of undergrad, have been working in business, and I'm considering a 1-year pre-med post-bacc for the 2010/2011 year (6/10 - 5/11) to complete the standard 8 science courses (chem, ochem, physics, bio).

Based on what I've read on these forums, it sounds like going to a local state college or a cheap school like HES makes the most sense financially, unless one can get into a top formal post-bacc. In that case, the $15k-$20k extra seems worth it due to the piece of mind of near 100% acceptance and the linkage opportunities.

I'm wondering what level of volunteering it takes to be a competitive applicant. I have a 3.7+ undergrad GPA from a state school (although it's in business, is this an issue?) and a 33 ACT. My weak points are volunteering and LORs. One of my LORs will come either from a former supervisor or a college professor from 4 years ago, neither of which I have much faith in.

On volunteering, I have nothing related to medicine at the moment. I've done a few one-off volunteer days for work (e.g. Habitat for Humanity) and that's about it, so I realize I have work to do. If I start volunteering as a greeter/transporter 4-5 hours/week from now until I apply in October/November, and also complete a few shadowing days (hopefully), will I be a competitive applicant? I also hope to get my second LOR out of this volunteering.

I know quite a few out there attended one of the top programs, so any advice you have regarding volunteering is appreciated.

Your thought process is excellent. Indeed, as I've stated before, I believe only the top formal programs are worth the money -- otherwise, just get it done on the cheap at your local state school. A little bit of patience and self-motivation and you'll be golden.

If you do want to be competitive at the top postbac programs, though, clinical experience is your main weakness. Your grades and scores look fine to me, so focus your energy on getting some interesting experiences. Working as a greeter/transporter is all well and good but, to be frank, it's pretty boring. If you live in a large metropolitan area, consider volunteering at a free clinic. The smaller and more run-down, the better, because you'll get to see and (more importantly) do more.

LORs are extraordinarily important. Not only will they get you into the formal postbac, but they will eventually be used if you choose to utilize a linkage option for medical school. As such, I would consider choosing a volunteer post where you can get noticed relatively quickly. Again, this would suggest a smaller organization where you can feasibly become an all-star and secure and excellent LOR.

A little bit of hands on experience (few hours a week from now until app time, if you're working full time) and an outstanding LOR from your volunteer supervisor makes you a competitive applicant.

Oh and no, business major is not a problem.

 

[Titus Pullo]

Thanks for the quick response. If I don't get into a competitive program I would probably move back to my hometown and take the pre-reqs at the local state university (if I don't do HES). Luckily, it's one of the smallest states in the country with a med school, so that might increase my odds a bit since I could then include that school. However, in addition to the linkages, I also feel like it might be easier to finish the 8 science classes in 12 months at a formal program rather than informally.

As far as volunteering, I currently live in a top 20 metro area, so there are numerous opportunities at large teaching hospitals, but all seem to be greeter/transporter, book cart pusher, linen changer, etc. I realize volunteers aren't going to be treating patients, but I haven't found any that have the level of patient contact often discussed on here. My hope was that starting as a transporter/greeter in February might allow me to move into a position with more patient contact and responsibility within a few months, as well as open up shadowing opportunities with specialists at these teaching hospitals.

I will look into local clinics. That's a bit tougher to find online, but with 3 million plus my the metro area, there must be dozens out there. Other than volunteering and hopefully getting a good LOR, is there anything I'm missing in my application? I realize it's almost a year down the road, but I like to plan ahead, especially since I missed this past application cycle and have to wait another year.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Thanks for the quick response. If I don't get into a competitive program I would probably move back to my hometown and take the pre-reqs at the local state university (if I don't do HES). Luckily, it's one of the smallest states in the country with a med school, so that might increase my odds a bit since I could then include that school. However, in addition to the linkages, I also feel like it might be easier to finish the 8 science classes in 12 months at a formal program rather than informally.

As far as volunteering, I currently live in a top 20 metro area, so there are numerous opportunities at large teaching hospitals, but all seem to be greeter/transporter, book cart pusher, linen changer, etc. I realize volunteers aren't going to be treating patients, but I haven't found any that have the level of patient contact often discussed on here. My hope was that starting as a transporter/greeter in February might allow me to move into a position with more patient contact and responsibility within a few months, as well as open up shadowing opportunities with specialists at these teaching hospitals.

I will look into local clinics. That's a bit tougher to find online, but with 3 million plus my the metro area, there must be dozens out there. Other than volunteering and hopefully getting a good LOR, is there anything I'm missing in my application? I realize it's almost a year down the road, but I like to plan ahead, especially since I missed this past application cycle and have to wait another year.

What city do you live in?

Double check that ACTs are OK to submit. I imagine they are -- at least, they should be. But I sent my SATs and the few people I know who didn't sent GREs, so just make sure.

You are unlikely to find a highly rewarding volunteer experience online. I am certain there are exceptions, but it's going to take some serious investigation and assiduous follow-up to find something decent. The places where you'll get the highest quality of patient contact are small, underfunded and overworked. As such, they almost certainly don't have a website and going in person to visit and asking to speak with someone in charge might be your best bet. These places tend not to be the best at returning calls; they're busy doing more important things.

For a headstart on where to look, I would recommend the Family Medicine department of your local medical school and/or teaching hospital. Most medical schools have a student-run free clinic and most Family Medicine departments have urban outreach. They'll be able to put you in touch with some places very few others will have heard of.

 

[nyinjuly]

I am starting Goucher this June, and I have a similar background to yours, Titus. Business major w/almost 3 years full time experience, good grades, little clinical experience. I volunteered at an ER for a few months, but that was it. I think they understood because I have been working full time. Just make sure that you are able to show them that your decision to go into medicine is well thought out. If they think you can cut it, and they can see your dedication (explain your reasoning and commitment in your personal statement), you will be competitive.