Hi everyone,
I'm new here and I was just hoping to get a little advice on applications!
I graduated from a 5 year BS/MS combined program in 2017, with a 3.45 undergrad GPA and a 3.75 grad GPA, majoring in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology for both degrees. I have pretty good GRE scores, 99% percentile for Verbal ad. I did 2 years of research studying Alzheimer's in a biochemistry/molecular biology lab, and have recently begun doing clinical research on cancer clinical trials in a CLIA certified lab. I'm also learning how to score pathology samples, and will be a pathology scribe. During undergrad, I worked 4 years in the athletic training clinic, eventually working my way up to Health and Safety Officer. I also was a TA for molecular genetics for three quarters, and teach GRE classes for Kaplan at night.
The real weakness in my application is my advocacy experience and shadowing. I have been volunteering with Crisis Text Line for several months, and I also have some volunteering with disabled children in the area (not too much, a few days here and there). I have not shadowed at all yet, though I have been through the genetic counseling process myself. I guess I am wondering if I even have a shot at making it this year, or if I should try and get some more experience before applying next year. It's pretty tricky for me to find time to shadow because I work full time, the same hours my (only) local GC works, and I think I should save my time off for interview season. I also don't speak Spanish, which is a requirement for crisis centers near me.
I'm considering taking a few classes at night this semester--I am in an Alcohol and Drug Counseling course, Anatomy/Physiology, and Positive Psychology. Realistically, I probably need to drop at least one course. Does anyone have an opinion on if these classes are even worth taking? Would they boost my app at all?
Thanks for taking the time to read that whole thing, I look forward to getting to know all of you better throughout this process!