estherboo Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Hey guys, I'm VERY conflicted I am hoping to apply for med next year and my focus is on two things right now: a) getting high marks (I'm doing second degree so its very important for me) EC/volunteers and get LOR's This year a prof is willing to sponsor me for a scholarship if I work on a project with him until April min. 8-10 hours a week. Although, it seems like an awesome opportunity, I am not sure if I should go with it because a) I need to do well on all my courses (I'm taking 5 full credits)-> less time (I know its only 8 hrs/week but it still shortens my study time I guess) I won't have time for other things ie. clubs, volunteer at hospital, volunteer at lab etc. which could get me at least 2 references, while if I work with the prof I'll prob only get 1. In fact, I heard the prof is a bit egotistical (I kind of found him a bit 'in your face') and I'm not sure how high his expectation is be of me and how good he'll writ me an LOR What would you guys do if you were in my position? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Do not focus on the LOR - rather focus on your interests. If the research appeals to you, go for it, otherwise don't. Do not focus on the hours in making the decision, time management is always an issue that we deal with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shikimate Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 GPA is the most important thing when it comes to med school, anywhere in North America. Don't sacrifice anything for GPA. You can make up for research, volunteer, etc later, but GPA is permanent. It's also not a good idea to work in research with a professor whom you feel you don't like, it makes everybody's life harder. Find a professor whom you think is approachable, likable and you feel comfortable working with for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estherboo Posted September 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Thanks so much for advice guys.. I know I'll do much better if I don't do research but it's so tempting to get a scholarship. And scholarships and awards do matter for med right?? But I heard ppl say "GPA is king" for med school. arggghhh so frustrated.. There is this prof who's willing to take me in for volunteering. I think he'll be easier to work with, and requires only 4 hours a week. Should I go for this instead?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imperfection Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Thanks so much for advice guys.. I know I'll do much better if I don't do research but it's so tempting to get a scholarship. And scholarships and awards do matter for med right?? But I heard ppl say "GPA is king" for med school. arggghhh so frustrated.. There is this prof who's willing to take me in for volunteering. I think he'll be easier to work with, and requires only 4 hours a week. Should I go for this instead?? GPA IS king. It's one of the one things you can't ever change... or even if you can (some schools only look at best 2 years, 2nd degree, etc) it's a difficult road If you don't feel like you would be able to work well with the prof then don't take on the research project. Scholarships are important for med but don't do everything FOR med because you will hate yourself if you are unsuccessful. do the things you enjoy! do you think you would be able to get more out of the experience if you went for volunteering instead of the other research job? (i.e. would you enjoy it more, would you be able to build up a good relationship with the prof which could potentially be an awesome LOR?) at the end of the day, 4 hours per week vs 8 hours per week is not too much of a difference. if you enjoy the work you do, an extra 4 hours per week won't seem like anything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD2015 Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 If you don't feel like you would be able to work well with the prof then don't take on the research project. at the end of the day, 4 hours per week vs 8 hours per week is not too much of a difference. if you enjoy the work you do, an extra 4 hours per week won't seem like anything well said from my viewpoint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vdincale Posted October 1, 2011 Report Share Posted October 1, 2011 So I wrote my mcat on sept 10 and the tentative release date is oct 11, which is also the release deadline for OMSAS. If they release the mcat later will this mean I won't be able to apply this cycle and I'll have wasted my money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehumanmacbook Posted October 1, 2011 Report Share Posted October 1, 2011 So I wrote my mcat on sept 10 and the tentative release date is oct 11, which is also the release deadline for OMSAS. If they release the mcat later will this mean I won't be able to apply this cycle and I'll have wasted my money? No, you have to inform them though of this. They will update their scores as soon as they get them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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