Work during year off

[artaxerxes]

Right now I'm not sure if I want to join the current cycle or wait until the next one due to my lack clinical/healthrealted ec experience.

Having graduated in May, I'm seeing what my options for at least 1, maybe 2 years off are.
As of now, I've only had 2 years volunteering at a ED and 2.5 years of molecular biology research experience. No papers yet, but 1 is expected to be finished during this summer. GPA: 3.776, Premed GPA: 3.75, Boston College (ranked 40th overall), MCAT on the 15th, but for the sake of arguement, lets say 35

I wondering what the best course of action would be right now. I'm wondering if Should continue to do research related stuff (in a clinical setting) or find something that is more health related like being a Patient's Care assistant. I've looked into PCA's and the one thing that bothers me is that they do not require a college degree, which makes me wonder if thats going to be looked down upon during application time.

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[armybound]

sounds like you've got good grades and pretty good experience.

I'd continue to volunteer and just find a job that you enjoy doing and get paid well for. If you want to be a PCA, do it. But it doesn't necessarily have to be health related, though it might be a good idea. It's your year or two, don't get stuck doing something you hate just to impress adcomms.

 

[artaxerxes]

thanks for the reply, which reminded me,
I do need money, and as much as I would like to help people, my financial background requires me to get paid while doing it so no going to Africa for me

I guess I'm wondering if I should be working more on "people" side of healthcare or the academic/intellectual side....I honestly can would be happy doing both but can't decide.

 

[armybound]

I don't think, personally, that either will be more impressive to the adcomms. I think the more important thing will be showing them that you're still interested in medicine and staying involved in the community.

Just my opinion, others may feel differently.