Session 86 In today’s episode, Ryan and Allison answer some questions that have been emailed to us over the last couple of months. This week, we touch on topics involving taking prerequisites at a community college, personal statements, volunteering opportunities, finding a mentor, choosing an undergrad school, and more. Here are the highlights of the conversation with Ryan and Allison: Q:  Will taking medical school prerequisites at a community college hurt your chances in going to medical school? A:  If you had the option, it is optimal to take your prerequisites at an accredited four-year school to show the admissions committee that you can handle hard sciences at the level of rigor that will allow you to be able to handle medical school classes. However, if you’re already at a community college, contact the actual medical school you’re applying to and directly ask if they will accept this. Don’t be shy until you’re actually an applicant. Check out Session 23 and Session 35 where they talk about community colleges. Q:  What kinds of volunteering opportunities can you participate in that are not health care-based? A:  Clinical experience and volunteering are both important. Have other volunteering types of experiences such as showing that you are able to put others first and give back to your community. In volunteering, don't just do it for the sole purpose of putting it on your application; instead, it should be something you enjoy and connect with. There are so many things you can do such as volunteering at a senior center, with the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and schools that have volunteering opportunities for tutoring, or volunteering abroad. Check out Episode 68 for additional information about shadowing opportunities vs. patient exposure. Q:  How do you find a premed advisor or mentor? A:  First, you can go back to your pre-health office. Then there are tons of information on the internet. You may also seek help from medical schools or consult with paid premed advisors (can be really pricey). The Academy is a paid premed services site with a small monthly fee but you get monthly office hours and the community aspect including webinars and more. Just go to jointheacademy.net. Q:  What school to pursue – Quinnipiac or UConn? A:  The name on your diploma doesn't matter that much. It's what you're putting into the effort at the school that's going to matter. The cost plays a huge role. You don't want to go to medical school and have a huge burden of undergrad debt afterwards. You can find plenty of research opportunities at a small regional campus as well as plenty of shadowing experiences. Don't worry about the name of the school because your grades will speak for themselves and all the other things you've done. Q: What is an autobiographical sketch and how do you write one? A:  An autobiographical sketch is a snapshot of your life and the major, meaningful things and life experiences that make you who are you are. This is is basically the same as a personal statement. Here are some general tips when writing your personal statement: Don't make it a timeline. Try to hook them, an opening statement that gets the reader super interested. Make it "salty." The goal is for the admissions committee to read it and want to find out more about you. Write drunk and edit sober. No editing, just write. If it's hard to write, talk it out and record it on your phone. Start talking about your key experiences where you interacted with a patient that solidified why you wanted to become a physician. Show, don't tell. Talk about your experiences instead of saying "I am..." You don't have to write from start to finish. Always edit for grammar and typos. Q:  What questions can you ask during an interview or while on admissions tours to find out more about the school? A:  You can't be faulted for asking questions. Avoid boring questions. Ask an insightful question that will stimulate discussion. Don'