paulchemguy Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Hello all, A bigggggggg dilemma here, did you join the GoldenKey? The deadline is tomorrow (Nov1), and I can't decide. It seems like I will be wasting the $90 because probably the majority of scholarships are ulter-super competitive and the internships and international opportunities are mostly for business students.... But on the other hand, it just feels like a loss since most if not all whom I know have joined it....... only to regret it later hahaha now, do you think it's beneficial? like the career search database, is it even friendly to life sciences students? are the scholarships hopelessly competitive? does it even help in finding a job if you say you're part of GoldenKey - employeres can tell if you have a high academic standing anyway.... so yeh, advice please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peachy Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18312 http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1210 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiel Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 What requirements must be met to be offered an invitation to join the Golden Key? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMmd Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 What requirements must be met to be offered an invitation to join the Golden Key? you have to be in the top 15% for the previous academic year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patentforamenovale Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 I got offers to this every year during undergrad...I refused to join everytime. In my opinion, any "honor society" where you have to pay to join is not worth my time...and as for the fact that it recognizes that you are in the top 15% in your university, I think in order to get accepted to meds classes nowadays, you're going to have to be in the top 15% or better anyway, so the "recognition" part is pretty much a gimmick. Patent, U of T Meds 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p0tus Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi, This question seem to pop up every year. I think the consensus is that joining this society simply for the recognition or "prestige" is a waste of money. As a previous poster mentioned, almost every applicant who applies to medical school have stats worthy enough to be invited in, so joining it hoping to stand out from the crowd is futile. However, if you feel like you'd enjoy the activities that GK offers and can contribute something to your school/community, by all means join. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonesRN Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 I got offers to this every year during undergrad...I refused to join everytime. Once you join it, you're a member for life. There's no reason to join again. I would agree that its not necessary to join it, but most people do so they can put it on their resume. I realize that you might not need it to be viewed as a strong applicant, but it certainly doesn't hurt either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GABA Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi, This question seem to pop up every year. I think the consensus is that joining this society simply for the recognition or "prestige" is a waste of money. As a previous poster mentioned, almost every applicant who applies to medical school have stats worthy enough to be invited in, so joining it hoping to stand out from the crowd is futile. However, if you feel like you'd enjoy the activities that GK offers and can contribute something to your school/community, by all means join. I think this is the best response you can get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vitum Medicinus Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 What a gong show! I have no prior experience with GK but this thing stinks like a money-making scam. I mean seriously, it's more than just pay to get in - on their website you can BUY a plaque saying you're a member? or a medal to wear around your neck?! when was the last time you had to pay for your own plaque of recognition? Just go to an awards store and get one made for yourself. Or, if you pay me three easy payments of $49.95, I'll send you a plaque that has your name and "Silver Lock" or "Member of Superior United Club of Knighthood = S.U.C.K." or "Mensabater" or whatever club name you want. Then put that on your resume. Save your money and just let your GPA speak for itself. Ask your dean for your percentile and put that on your CV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KTmed Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 I joined the Golden Key to make my mom happy and it turned out that they hooked me up with some awesome volunteer opportunities that were only available to members of the Golden Key. Also, the society sometimes holds "meet and greet" nights, which are excellent opportunities to connect with the faculty and staff in graduate and professional programs. You should see if the chapter at your school actually does stuff, and if they do it might be worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uofthopeful07 Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Or, if you pay me three easy payments of $49.95, I'll send you a plaque that has your name and "Silver Lock" or "Member of Superior United Club of Knighthood = S.U.C.K." or "Mensabater" or whatever club name you want. Then put that on your resume. btw, my take on this is if money isn't an issue...then joining won't really help you, but it can't hurt. as someone already posted, to be competitive, you'd better already be in the top 15% for golden key or dean's list.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madz25 Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 It cost $80 to join GK. They gave $100 discount with Princeton Review MCAT Prep course. SOOO in the end, I saved $20 lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daryn Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 I didn't, and won't. But if you have the $80 or whatever it is to burn, then why not? I'm not saying that you are, OP, but just don't think that it would "look good on the app/CV/resume". In fact, I'd think twice about putting it down on my CV (especially for Canadian programs as opposed to American) because who knows what the person reading it is going to think. If golden key can lead you to better opportunities, then I'd say it's a plus. Won't be a minus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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