How much volunteering, is enough volunteering?

[Digthis1]

This is my second post ever so go easy :)

I am looking to apply to Yale and JHU this fall, and as I have been in business the past couple of years since graduating, I have very limited experience in healthcare aside from some shadowing in college while I was considering medical school.

My question is, if I start volunteering 8 hours or so a week, will it be sufficient? It seems like so many of the applicants for Yale and JHU have incredible healthcare-related experiences--do I even stand a chance (male, 3.5 undergrad) or should I wait another year to get more volunteering?

[zoe92]

I would call the schools & ask what they prefer. Do they want a longer list with a variety of experience or more recent & concentrated experiences. That should help you figure out when to apply.

[jh408]

This is my second post ever so go easy :)

I am looking to apply to Yale and JHU this fall, and as I have been in business the past couple of years since graduating, I have very limited experience in healthcare aside from some shadowing in college while I was considering medical school.

My question is, if I start volunteering 8 hours or so a week, will it be sufficient? It seems like so many of the applicants for Yale and JHU have incredible healthcare-related experiences--do I even stand a chance (male, 3.5 undergrad) or should I wait another year to get more volunteering?

I agree with you. I have little experience with healthcare environments. I did shadow a dietitian recently, but the things I was observing didn't really benefit me much as a person wanting to go into nursing. I am contemplating finding a volunteer position at a hospital and see if they have anything that would let me come in contact with patients or nurses? Although chances are slim since they are hospital privacy issues and I have no medical experience, just a student.

I suppose it depends on whether the school looks more upon academics or community work and such.

Best of luck to you! (I'm also applying to nursing schools)

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hello,

I think your GPA should carry you through the front door and into the program without a problem. Unless... there is fierce competition to get into the program (too many applicants, too little spaces).

I think zoe91 is right in advising you to call the school. Find out if given your present situation (GPA, business experience, etc) is enough to get your application a serious look and consideration from the Admission's office. Ask if extra volunteer work hours would enhace your application significantly or if you're ok as is... when compared to other applicants.

Good luck!

[Digthis1]

For some reason I'm quite intimidated by the thought of calling these programs and asking but it sounds like that is what I should do!

Thanks!

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Please do not feel intimidated... it is never wrong to ask questions (so long you do it with respect). This is about your future and shaping the professional you want to become.

It is best to know what each institution expects from applicants rather than going into it "blind". Every institution has its quirks and you need to use them to your advantage. There is nothing wrong with that... after all... you will be paying the tuition and doing the hard work!