What Should I do?

[guitarman08]

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Right now I have a 3.7 overall and a 3.6 science gpa...im taking my mcat this spring...im 18 years old and a junior in college...im applying for Fall 2010...My EC's aren't so great though throughout the school year (tied down a lot)

Im in 2 clubs...no research...i spent 1 summer in India volunteering...2 weeks last summer in India volunteering...and i plan on volunteering the whole summer this coming summer in India at the hospital

Someone give me some advice as to where to apply...what to do as of now...does my age affect my chances positively or negatively?

 

[Mobius1985]

No one can advise you on where you should apply until you share your (future) MCAT score. Even if you get a high score, no one will accept you if you don't have the expected extracurricular activities. Volunteerism and clinical exposure are viewed more positively if they occur over a period of time, ie, 200 hours of volunteering in 5 weeks would be less desireable than 200 hours over a year at 4 hours a week. The reason is because admissions committees want to see dedication to the idea of becoming a doctor that you've maintained for a period of time. They might think you could change your mind half way through med school, if you haven''t given sufficient thought to the rigors and responsibilities of becoming a physician. Volunteerism shows that you have an alturistic attitude toward your fellow man. Clinical experience shows you have an appreciation of what medicine is about and know how to interact with sick people. Your are expected to show leadership, so run for office in those two clubs you belong to, and do something that shows you know how to lead. One to two years of research is a common thing to see on applications, so get involved in that. Maintain other interests, and maybe do a sport, or music, or art, etc, as you are expected to be well-rounded.

Many here on SDN would consider a younger age as a negative. I was twenty years old when I was accepted to med school. I did not feel I was discriminated against in the application process because I was younger than is traditional. I feel it is important that your essays illustrate your maturity, so admissions committees will feel you are ready to accept the challenges of med school. International travel helps this process. So does taking responsibility and being a leader.

Keep up the good work maintaining a high GPA.

 

[katarina90]

I agree with mobius, the overseas volunteering is awesome and sets you apart from a lot of other applicants.. but if you can get some regular (perhaps a few hours a week?) clinical volunteering in before apps time, that might strengthen your application. You have an awesome GPA.

I can sympathize, I'm either going to be around your age when I apply for medical school, and I'm trying to get a lot of ECs in (three places: a hospital, a blind center where I teach piano, and a desert conservation center where I have a desk position talking to people about sustainability) before I get to application time. Leadership exp. is great, but if you can't get an officer position, try to get as involved as you can (doing more than the minimum membership reqs., maybe running info booth, etc.).

As for where to apply, that's a difficult question. I would definitely apply to your state school(s?) if there are any, and then whatever schools you could see yourself attending, but apply broadly of course. What you get on your MCAT will also determine where you're going to be competitive.

I've heard from both sides; some people say being younger applicant is a bad thing, others even say its a positive. I think it can be either, try to frame it as a positive in essays/interviews/etc. by showing how you were able to achieve a lot at a younger age. Best of luck! = )