What to improve before applying 2026 cycle

[OrcaLover]

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I posted this same thing to Reddit but didn't receive much feedback. So, I figured it couldn't hurt to ask here.

Hi all. I’m a current sophomore hoping to apply the cycle starting in 2026. I was just wondering what I should improve/get on before I apply. I’ve put the hours and stuff I expect to have (conservative estimates) by the time I apply given I just keep doing what I’m doing below.

TX ORM

GPA is 3.9X at Ivy, obviously no idea about what my MCAT will look like yet (probably need to start studying soon lol)

Research:
-~2000+ hrs translational research (2 posters and 1 grant so far but hoping for more + maybe 1 conference and 1 pub before I apply…might be first or mid author idk yet)
-~750 hrs dry lab research started in high school but completed in college (1 first author pub)

Clinical:
~450 hrs hospital volunteer (clinical)
~300 hrs hospice volunteer (clinical - was inspired to do this after a meaningful experience at my hospital volunteer position)

Non-clinical:
~300-400 hrs non-clinical, mentorship type work with FGLI (possible leadership position soon hopefully)

Shadowing
~100 hrs with primary care + 2-3 other specialties

Other:
~100-200 hrs of a business club where I essentially intern for some companies (don’t want to get too specific because signed NDA...possible leadership position soon hopefully)

Hobbies:
Nothing special but I really like art and am probably getting a minor/double major in fine arts. I also work out consistently.

LORs: Not sure 100% but am definitely getting one from my PI (physician)

I realize I'm still very early in my journey and that I'm missing information about some critical components of my app (i.e. MCAT, LORs), but anything helps!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Is there anything you want specific feedback about? You have said all hours sure projected and no MCAT.

What advice have you gotten from for prehealth advisors at your school? What are you most worried about?

For starters, your nonclinical volunteering with other FGLI peers is great but won't show service orientation. You must have 150 hours with food distribution, shelter volunteer, job and tax preparation, transportation services, or housing rehabilitation before applying. If you are shooting for brand schools you should have at least 250 but that may be low compared to other applicants.

Furthermore you need to bossier your home state. Texas favors their own, and i suspect you have done little homework on the process. You are at the right place (better than reddit) to get your answers.

 

[OrcaLover]

Is there anything you want specific feedback about? You have said all hours sure projected and no MCAT.

What advice have you gotten from for prehealth advisors at your school? What are you most worried about?

For starters, your nonclinical volunteering with other FGLI peers is great but won't show service orientation. You must have 150 hours with food distribution, shelter volunteer, job and tax preparation, transportation services, or housing rehabilitation before applying. If you are shooting for brand schools you should have at least 250 but that may be low compared to other applicants.

Furthermore you need to bossier your home state. Texas favors their own, and i suspect you have done little homework on the process. You are at the right place (better than reddit) to get your answers.

I'm mostly looking for feedback about ECs here. The hours aren't all projected (I've been doing most of these activities for ~2 years now, which is what I'm basing the estimates off of). I just figured that given that I'll be applying in 1.5 years, if there's any ECs I should get on/improve, now would be the time given how long the onboarding processes are for some of these activities.

My prehealth advisors haven't really given me much actionable advice, which is why I figured I would ask here. I've asked them for constructive criticisms by essentially presenting them with the information I've shown here, and they've essentially just said "you should be fine" (which is what prompted me to post here). I'm not sure if they're trying to protect my feelings or if they're just unsure what to improve.

In terms of what I'm most worried about, I'd say right now I'm most worried about ECs. I really enjoy and am quite passionate about all of my ECs, and they've definitely convinced me I want to pursue medicine, but I'm afraid they'll make me come off as a "cookie cutter Asian" or otherwise be nonunique, or low in hours, or suffering from some other defect.

I'm also worried about the MCAT but not necessarily worried I won't do well on it. I'm moreso just anxious because it's such a huge part of the application that right now for me is a big question mark. I'm going to start studying soon, which should give me ~1 year to study.

For service orientation, would you be willing to clarify a little bit about what this means. I also just want to clarify that I am not FGLI myself and that the mentorship isn't with my "peers," per se. It's more of a big brother big sister-type mentorship with FGLI high school students younger than me. I apologize for my poor wording.

Also, I'm a little unsure what you mean by "bossier your home state." Would you be willing to clarify what this means?

Thank you so so much for your response!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Also, I'm a little unsure what you mean by "bossier your home state." Would you be willing to clarify what this means?

I love phone autocorrect...

You do need to do your homework about TMDSAS. Texas schools really like applicants from their home state, and financially going to Texas medical schools are much cheaper than schools elsewhere. They have lots of YouTube webinars about TMDSAS (and we have our own expert here who knows that process). Start connecting with schools in Texas where you feel you have a good fit. The ones who like high metrics I think are UTSW, Baylor, and Dell UTAustin, but I can be corrected. Outside of those schools, many Texas programs favor those who grew up in their regional area (UTRGV, UTTyler).

You should be able to articulate why those activities you are involved in have contributed to your pursuit of a medical career. Take note of the paraprofessional competencies and how your activities have helped point you towards better understanding and application of those areas. See the rubric:

How to Assess Your Pre-Professional Competencies | SDN

In 2023, AAMC revised the AAMC Premed Competencies to align with the PREview situational judgment test, incorporate changes in medical education after the

www.studentdoctor.net

You will also benefit from reflection writing. Keeping a journal is long-standing advice from many of us.

Practicing the Art of Reflection with a Prehealth Journal (or Podcast, or Online Blog) | SDN

This article focuses on reflective practices for health professional education and training. This advice can apply to developing a prehealth journal,

www.studentdoctor.net

If you are Asian, look up APAMSA chapter officers at schools you wish to attend. Have them address some of your concerns about activities or not standing out. Again, it's okay to do things you like, but how do you balance them among the expectations of becoming a physician?

 

[OrcaLover]

I love phone autocorrect...

You do need to do your homework about TMDSAS. Texas schools really like applicants from their home state, and financially going to Texas medical schools are much cheaper than schools elsewhere. They have lots of YouTube webinars about TMDSAS (and we have our own expert here who knows that process). Start connecting with schools in Texas where you feel you have a good fit. The ones who like high metrics I think are UTSW, Baylor, and Dell UTAustin, but I can be corrected. Outside of those schools, many Texas programs favor those who grew up in their regional area (UTRGV, UTTyler).

You should be able to articulate why those activities you are involved in have contributed to your pursuit of a medical career. Take note of the paraprofessional competencies and how your activities have helped point you towards better understanding and application of those areas. See the rubric:

How to Assess Your Pre-Professional Competencies | SDN

In 2023, AAMC revised the AAMC Premed Competencies to align with the PREview situational judgment test, incorporate changes in medical education after the

www.studentdoctor.net

You will also benefit from reflection writing. Keeping a journal is long-standing advice from many of us.

Practicing the Art of Reflection with a Prehealth Journal (or Podcast, or Online Blog) | SDN

This article focuses on reflective practices for health professional education and training. This advice can apply to developing a prehealth journal,

www.studentdoctor.net

If you are Asian, look up APAMSA chapter officers at schools you wish to attend. Have them address some of your concerns about activities or not standing out. Again, it's okay to do things you like, but how do you balance them among the expectations of becoming a physician?

I see. Thank you for the insights!

As far as "connecting" with schools goes, how would one approach that? Do you mean like reach out to them in some way?

I'll also start keeping a journal and review the pre-professional competencies! That sounds like a great idea.

Do you have any thoughts/comments about my other questions/comments at this time? If not, I totally understand, and I don't mean to be a bother!

Thank you so much for you wisdom once again!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I see. Thank you for the insights!

As far as "connecting" with schools goes, how would one approach that? Do you mean like reach out to them in some way?

I'll also start keeping a journal and review the pre-professional competencies! That sounds like a great idea.

Do you have any thoughts/comments about my other questions/comments at this time? If not, I totally understand, and I don't mean to be a bother!

Thank you so much for you wisdom once again!

As a sophomore, you have a little time depending on how you craft a strong desirable application profile. Nothing wrong with watching some of the TMDSAS YouTube videos or podcasts. Subscribe so you know when they'll have webinars for prospective applicants. You need to know the process (which is currently ongoing) since "pre-matches" are unique to their system. You are allowed to contact the admissions teams to see if they have some opportunities during the summer.

 

[OrcaLover]

As a sophomore, you have a little time depending on how you craft a strong desirable application profile. Nothing wrong with watching some of the TMDSAS YouTube videos or podcasts. Subscribe so you know when they'll have webinars for prospective applicants. You need to know the process (which is currently ongoing) since "pre-matches" are unique to their system. You are allowed to contact the admissions teams to see if they have some opportunities during the summer.

Thank you once again for your response.

I'm a little confused by your last sentence. What opportunities would I contact the admissions team about? Would this be like webinars for prospective applicants or something of the like? Sorry if the answer to this is obvious.

For service orientation, would you be willing to clarify a little bit about what this means. I also just want to clarify that I am not FGLI myself and that the mentorship isn't with my "peers," per se. It's more of a big brother big sister-type mentorship with FGLI high school students younger than me. I apologize for my poor wording.

I was also wondering if you would be willing to clarify on this. Thank you!