Volunteering vs Research

[verrager]

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I'm currently enrolled in a SMP that is quite demanding and I only have minimal free time to improve my application beyond academics. I will be finishing the program in May 2020, and applying in June 2020. As such I was curious as to HOW I should spend what extra time I do have productively.

Graduated in Spring 2017 with BS in Microbiology
cGPA 3.26
sGPA 3.2
MCAT 517
HCE: 1000hr as an EMT
Shadowing: 50 hr ER/15hr primary care/5hr peds/5hr ortho
Volunteer: 0
1 Year undergrad research with two publications
LOR: 2 from DO, 1 from research professor, 1 from A&P I professor

 

[Cornfed101]

Absolutely go for volunteering. Try to find an opportunity with the underserved in something you are interested in. I teach English as a second language to the large refugee community in my city and I love it. You should be able to look online and find opportunities near you.

 

[Tgfu34]

100% volunteering. You’ve already acquired sufficient research experience and accolades to show for it but having zero volunteering hours is a huge red flag. Like @Cornfed101 said already, try to find volunteering opportunities serving the underserved so you can display your altruistic side to adcoms.

 

[TragicalDrFaust]

Agree about volunteering. Also, wanted to note some applications ask for 2 science professors and 1 non-science.