What to do this year?

[wrong_answer]

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What are you other non-traditionals doing this year? I have no more (required) classes and no job (yet). Taking classes would screw up my attempt to establish in-state residency, and finding a "medical/science related" job for less than a year without a related degree is difficult. Suggestions?

 

[thoffen]

I'd say volunteer or find a passion. Med schools want people who are passionate about something that they're not doing just to advance in their career. They want people with heart and people who are willing to take a plunge and be diverse at the expense of other things.

 

[Dave_D]

Me? Looking for a job in research or something. Actually I might start looking for software engineering since that's what I used to do.(But I've got to remind my self to lie my ass off about how long I intend to stay with them. Not sure why they care, I mean my impression of us SE's are that we don't stay around under any circumstance anyway, why bother asking when they know it's a lie?)

Actually right now I'm helping take care of my dad.(Only been out of the hospital for a month. He's coming along ok given everything he's been through.)

 

[RichardParkr]

Long-time reader, first-time poster

I'm in the same spot as you, Wrong Answer. I've tried online postings, networking, etc. and couldn't get a health care or research job. I can't afford to spend the next year mountain biking around the world or caring for orphans in Calcutta.

I am working and volunteering once a week. Whatever you end up doing, be prepared to explain how you're spending your time these days!

That said, I too would appreciate any tips on how to use this lag year when you're not in school.

 

[Quix]

I'm teaching at two colleges as an adjunct and conducting research (which may translate into a job next month).

 

[wrong_answer]

I'd say volunteer or find a passion. Med schools want people who are passionate about something that they're not doing just to advance in their career. They want people with heart and people who are willing to take a plunge and be diverse at the expense of other things.

I wish I could "follow my passion", but I still have to eat and make rent each month 🙁 I'm going to try and look for a research position, though... hope it works out.

 

[wrong_answer]

I'm teaching at two colleges as an adjunct and conducting research (which may translate into a job next month).

Eeek... another non-traditional in da burgh... BTW, which schools are you teaching at? Do you have PhD or other grad. degree?

 

[Quix]

Eeek... another non-traditional in da burgh... BTW, which schools are you teaching at? Do you have PhD or other grad. degree?

Point Park and CCAC - I teach Introduction to Philosophy, Logic, Ethics, and Technical Writing. I have undergraduate degrees from Georgetown (German, Philosophy) and the University of Pittsburgh (Psychology/Pre-Med), and graduate degrees from Duquesne (MA in Philosophy, Ph.D. in Health Care Ethics).

 

[shaggybill]

Taking classes would screw up my attempt to establish in-state residency

How would taking classes screw up getting in-state tuition?

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

How would taking classes screw up getting in-state tuition?

Depends upon the state, but to establish residency in some states, you must live there for 1 year for a NON-ACADEMIC (i.e. not taking classes) reason. This prevents people from claiming residency after 1 year of classes (in undergrad, etc.)

 

[shaggybill]

Thanks, I didnt know that.

 

[medstudent786]

Hello, this is my first post, i am a junior doing undergrad in the premed field. I needed some help to decide how much volunteering is needed and what kind of volunteering is needed. So far, i have done:

LSU NCI Cancer research for one summer at LSU med school, got paid
Volunteered in the Pharmacy Department, about 20 hrs.
Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity building houses.
Volunteered with church youth group and local church groups

My gpa is 3.8 and science gpa is 3.6. I am taking the MCAT in January. I plan on volunteering in the hospital in the Emergency Room this fall, should i work in the emergency room or some other department, i was thinking about doing 50 hrs or so and then do research for my next goal. Is there somewhere else in a hospital i could volunteer. Does it have to be medical...give me some advice.