Brent Said:

Questions about Medical Studies?

We Answered:

You are a sophomore, so you have some time. I do not think your moving too slow, but you could start moving faster, and that would help.

First; see if you cannot find something health related that is more creative then volunteering at the local hospital. Everyone does that, and once everyone does or has something, then the amount it helps on your application diminishes. Of course being in LA if you could go volunteer at a free clinic, or a clinic that serves the poor that would look good. Or look to see if there is a health related opportunity abroad. If you went and did public health work in Haiti, or where ever, for a summer that could go a long way (though it is dangerous). Point is, don't do what everyone else does and go and volunteer at the local ER room.

Yes, you should have started research. See if any professors are still looking for someone. If not, there is nothing you can do about it.

A minor very similar to what you are doing will not really help. Wouldn't hurt. Find something that is related to health, but very different to what you are currently studying. I would look to see if CSULA has a public health program. Obviously that is related to medical school, but at the same time the class work will be very different from your pre med classes. If you did something like global politics, or whatever, that could help but you would have to integrate it into your admissions essays and etc.

* note: if there is an MCAT area that you feel especially weak about, like math or physics or whatever, then you should do your minor in that, but that is for the sake of getting extra course work and training in a weak area for the sake of the MCAT.

Being honest: Your 3.77 GPA will not be as valuable as a 3.77 from UCLA (or a similar school), since you are a sophomore I would even consider transferring, but if you are happy where you are at, and you feel you are getting a good education (being challenged but not overwhelmed) then don't worry about it. The name on your degree is only one factor, and a 3.77 is good at just about any college. Every year people go from non- renowned schools to Harvard and the etc. (granted the numbers are small).

Clubs and etc- meh, they can be important if they are genuine and you do a lot with them. So if you start a solar car club and build a car....... but just adding them as a badge doesn't help.

Spanish or another valuable language would be very good.

A book I always recommend to pre meds: "Mountains beyond Mountains" You should read it : )

Leon Said:

what are names for these careers?

We Answered:

1. Employment Skills Consultant (thats what I do :) )
2. Group Session Coordinator
3. Group Session Counsellor/Coordinator
4. Insurance Case Manager

Ramona Said:

Is Medical Lab Technician a good field to go into?

We Answered:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm

Yes. It is a good field. You will also have the option to continue your education and become a Technologist (Bachelor's degree).

http://www.amt1.com

http://www.nca-info.org

Jeanne Said:

Can I pursue two careers at one time?

We Answered:

Many colleges do have dual majors so you are not alone in your desire./

Jordan Said:

what type of medical career is best.?

We Answered:

Becoming a cosmetic surgeon would have to be the best medical career because you not only change someone's appearance and the way they look but make them feel very happy about themselves and their new look, and of course you know what a good job you have done and get rewarded an income you will not believe or imagined, just go for it i say.