Where to start?

[Pierson5]

I'm currently taking courses at a community college before transfering to a UC. I've been reading a few forums, taking a look at various MDapplicant profiles, and I realize I need to get started with extra-curriculars asap.

I recently joined the pre-med club here at CC (first meeting tomorrow) and I have already started filling out applications for volunteer work at various hospitals in my area. I currently work a full time job, but plan on quitting to pursue something more related to what I'm interested in.

What would be an optimal part-time job to look for? The casino I currently work for offers EMT positions, but they do more guest safety work than anything. I'm looking for something that would look good on my med-school app as well as being practical.

I'm also looking in to summer programs such as SMDEP. One of the reqs is LORs. The website states it accepts students from CCs. As for as applying to med school goes, are LORs weighed differently depending on if they are from a Biology course at CC vs. a UC?

Thank you all for your time, this website has already answered many questions I have had. If anyone has any advice on top of what I have asked, I'm all ears

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[WeAreNotRobots]

here's where you should really start: be sure to get out of the CC as soon as possible so you can take as many science/prereqs as possible at a 4 yr school.

the type of job doesn't REALLY matter because the opportunities available aren't always ideal. you can try to get a relevant one, (yes science/research/EMT jobs are fairly common for premeds), or better yet just something you are really passionate about, but don't hold off 6 months-year just searching. additionally, if your job ends up being non-medical/science you can always take care of that with volunteering.

i think a LOR is a LOR as long as it's really good.

 

[Forthegood]

Try to get a job as an orderly or a transporter. If that doesn't work, phlebotomy, or CNA is pretty common. You could do palliative care... if you feel up to a challenge.

Those are just examples that I like because they put you with patients. What you want isa job that gives you some true experience, some stories to talk about. The money will suck no matter what you do. Just don't do something only to put it on your resume, and you'll be fine.

Community college has a stigma on SDN because we see people take classes at community colleges because they are easier there. If you were there because of money or location or whatever, you have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, people dealing with premeds like to see the perfect, stereotypical applicant who pads their resume and jumps meaningless hoops while mom and dad front the bill. Fortunately, medical school takes a deeper look at character and background when making their choices.

 

[quiltlady]

You could volunteer with Big brother/sister or some disease support group or free clinic. Might be more meaningful than hospital transport, and you would demonstrate altruism.

 

[Playa]

OP do what your passionate about, not what you think AAMCAS will be impressed by. Of course you should shadow and volunteer in hospitals to get some medical exposure, but if you do what you really care about, then you will have something very meaningful to put on your app, essays, and talk about in the interviews. They will be able to see it.

 

[Pierson5]

here's where you should really start: be sure to get out of the CC as soon as possible so you can take as many science/prereqs as possible at a 4 yr school.

Community college has a stigma on SDN because we see people take classes at community colleges because they are easier there. If you were there because of money or location or whatever, you have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, people dealing with premeds like to see the perfect, stereotypical applicant who pads their resume and jumps meaningless hoops while mom and dad front the bill. Fortunately, medical school takes a deeper look at character and background when making their choices.

I have read about the stigma about CC, but I see it split right down the middle. I think the I will just have to call around and ask personally. I am the first of my family to go to college and I'm not getting any financial support from them.

Try to get a job as an orderly or a transporter. If that doesn't work, phlebotomy, or CNA is pretty common. You could do palliative care... if you feel up to a challenge.

Thanks, I will look into those.

You could volunteer with Big brother/sister or some disease support group or free clinic. Might be more meaningful than hospital transport, and you would demonstrate altruism.

OP do what your passionate about, not what you think AAMCAS will be impressed by. Of course you should shadow and volunteer in hospitals to get some medical exposure, but if you do what you really care about, then you will have something very meaningful to put on your app, essays, and talk about in the interviews. They will be able to see it.

I am passionate about helping people. A strong impression on the AAMCAS would be a plus. 2 birds with one stone etc... For volunteer work, there is a TERI inc. nearby that sounds very rewarding.

Right now I am just torn between what I am going to do/look for in a job. I live away from home and have bills to pay (not a lot, but bills nonetheless). Where would I get the most necessary experience for my time? Lift team for example? EMT? I feel like I need to get into a hospital, just what to do there exactly.