What to do?

[Barfalamule]

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I'm trying to figure out what to do with this year off and am seeking advice. The short of it is: 27 years old. under grad was 3.1 overall GPA and 2.3 science GPA. Did the postbacc with all As and now have a 3.3 overall GPA and 3.3 science GPA. Undergrad was in Computer Science. I got a 30M on the MCAT, so I had an okay performance there, except with the writing. I'm applying to 20 MD schools with these numbers and I'm hoping for a couple of interviews.
Four options:
1.Work fulltime as an EMT
2.Goto school parttime taking advanced bio classes and working at my school.
3.Goto school fulltime
4.Venture to central or south america for a few months to continue my spanish education and do volunteer work

I've done some 200+ hours volunteering at local hospitals, worked as a software engineer for 3 years, have some pchem research experience, etc. Nothing major, but I have a few things going for me.

Any advice on these options and maybe my odds at getting interviews would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[DrMidlife]

I like #4. I'm in a similar situation, and they tell me I'm already baked, so get out of the oven. Meaning: if your cumulative GPA can't be repaired and you've done well in upper-div science already, do something you like instead of taking more classes to over-prove the point.

Keep in mind that doing secondaries is a time consuming, internet-heavy process. While most of it can be done over the internet with a credit card, you'll need to have somebody watch your mailbox and be reachable by phone.

You won't have trouble finding internet access in any medium-or-bigger town, or in any tourist or gringo area. Look into Guatemala for inexpensive long-term immersion, such as Pop-Wuj in Xela. After you reach a certain level of Spanish proficiency, you can find clinic work there.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Barfalamule]

What if I haven't taken any upper level bio classes yet? Only the prereqs. Do you suggest taking biochem/genetics/cell/micro/etc. before getting to med school?

 

[MSmentor018]

#4..I did something similar. as long as your pre reqs are done, I wouldn't worry about going any further. enjoy your time while you have it. the only other "real time off" is between 1st-2nd yr during summer. after that it's pretty much all work......