waited a year to apply... wait longer or go for it?

[mandabear]

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So I have been racking my brain about my current situation for awhile now and I decided to see if anyone had any perspective on it. I am senior right now and will be graduating in May. I have a 3.57 GPA and have yet to take my MCATs. I have spent almost a hundred hours volunteering in a hospital and several hours a free clinic. I also have done a good amount of shadowing. I have a decent list of extracurricular activities and hobbies as well. I don't have any research experience which worries me quite a bit, and that is leading me to think about taking more time off after graduating to pursue a masters degree where I could get some research exposure. Some examples of schools I am looking at applying to are The Commonwealth Medical College, Penn State Hershey, and Jefferson. So my question is... do I have a chance at these schools as I stand now or should I take more time and pursue a masters degree. Are there other options besides a masters?

Any insight is really appreciated! 🙂

 

[Catalystik]

78, 86, and 80% of those accepted to those three schools have a research experience, so you do stand a chance without research. Typically a successful applicant without research will be stronger in another area, like leadership, teaching, or nonmedical community service.

Research experience can be obtained through a class or by volunteering with one of your school's professors, in science, psychology, linguistics, anthropology, econ, etc. You might also contact a local hospital to see if any current clinical research projects could use a volunteer.

 

[milkycow]

Hard to say without an MCAT score. Return and post when you have already taken the test.

 

[Neon Cough]

Personally I would take the MCAT as soon as you feel comfortable and then apply to as many medical schools in your area as possible. Most US medical schools are pretty good and uniform in education (so I've heard).

As far as getting a masters first and all that, I always thought the most direct route is the best route, especially if you already know where you want to go.

Besides, worst case scenario would be that you didn't get in, in which case you would just start on your Master's like your considering doing anyways and apply again.