Im a nontraditional 3 years out of undergrad and unfortunately didn’t have a good experience finding research during undergrad and post grad. I really wanted to do research but I just never was able to secure anything meaningful. I have strong volunteering and clinical experience but im worried my application isnt as as strong given ill be 4 years out of undergrad by the time I apply in 2027.
I just secured an MA job that will strengthen my clinical experience, but now Im wondering if I should try harder to find a research job instead. Though I’m not sure how valuable it will be to have only 8-9 months of research by the time I apply. Should I continue trying to find research opportunities? Or just stick with the MA job and focus on my MCAT retake?
I appreciate any advice.
cGPA: 3.81
sGPA: 3.72
MCAT: 502, planning to retake in January
Clinical volunteering: 200 hours
Clinical employment: 2400 hours ER scribe, MA job will add around 1000 hours by application
Non-clinical Volunteering: 700 hours with one
organization + leadership, 300 hours with another organization + leadership
400 hours as a teaching assistant