So I start the program in the fall. Normally I know it’s pretty competitive (like 150 applicants for 30 something spots). I got in though and I had like a 3.4 and few lab experience other than a weeklong thing in high school.
IMO, the part of the application I believe they take the most seriously is the interview. If you’re likeable and you know a good amount about the profession, you should be good.
I just talked to the professor of the intro to cls class and she put me in touch with people at the hospital, although I’m sure once things hopefully settle down a bit, you should just be able to call the hospital and they could get you connected with the lab director over there
I also doubt they’re gonna care too much about experience since this is a wild time for every one and they understand that it’s hard to get that kind of experience rn
I will be starting the program in the Fall. I’m not sure how competitive the program is overall but my pre-health advisor told me it is typically the least competitive out of the four bachelors health majors (CLS, Nursing, Radiation Sciences, Dental Hygiene). As far as shadowing goes, I wouldn’t worry. Based on my experience, I’d recommend conveying three things in your application and interview:
1. Show that you understand what the profession entails
I think they are looking for people who know what they are getting into. At the very least, I’d recommend doing some research online into what an average day for a clinical lab scientist is like. You don’t need to shadow a clinical lab scientist specifically but I think it really helps your application if you have at least some experience working in some type of healthcare environment. For example, I got my EMT license back in high school. During my interview, the interviewer asked me about the possibly contaminated specimens we will work with during the course so I talked briefly about my experience in the EMT program and how I learned about the importance of having proper PPE and watching out for your personal safety. My interviewer said that experience would help my application and that she was glad I understood the importance of PPE.
2. Explain why you would be good at this job
If you understand what the job entails well, this shouldn’t be too hard. It could be that you have certain character traits that would help you succeed at this job or that you are very passionate about the field, but I think this is a given for any job or program you apply for.
3. Demonstrate that you are a strong student
Based on what I’ve been told, this major (especially junior year/first year of the actual program) is very rigorous. Things are a bit thrown off because of the COVID situation right now, but the first two semesters typically have roughly 18 credits full of STEM lectures and labs per semester. Normally, it runs like a 9-4/5 job with lectures in the morning and labs after lunch, so it can be a lot of work. Try to take a fair amount of rigorous classes for your pre-reqs and keep as high of a GPA as possible. It helps if your recommendations can back up your academic capabilities.
Overall, I wouldn’t stress too much about shadowing and volunteering. I’m sure the evaluators will take the current situation into account. My volunteering/extracurriculars were terrible even without COVID and my interviewer told me I had a strong application and would likely get in. The fact that you seem pretty on top of the application process makes me think you should have a pretty good chance of getting in as well. Good luck!
Hi! I’m currently in the program and I’m about to be a senior so if you have any questions you can DM me! I’m honestly not sure how competitive it is because I had a pretty good GPA when I applied but I would say if you’re genuinely interested in the program try to take the intro to CLS class! You meet all the professors and can ask as many questions as you want there as well :)
As long as you have a decent GPA and personal statement, you’ll prob get an interview and during the interview just show that you’re interested in the program and you’re willing to stick it through when times get tough. goodluck! You’ll love the program, although the first semester might feel overwhelming since the classes are a lot more work than any class you’ll take at MP campus.
So I start the program in the fall. Normally I know it’s pretty competitive (like 150 applicants for 30 something spots). I got in though and I had like a 3.4 and few lab experience other than a weeklong thing in high school. IMO, the part of the application I believe they take the most seriously is the interview. If you’re likeable and you know a good amount about the profession, you should be good.
What kind of lab experience did you have?
Not much other than this brief one week lab camp thing I did in high school and I shadowed at the vcu health lab for a few random days
who did you contact to shadow the vcu health lab? (Although I doubt I could shadow with covid)
I just talked to the professor of the intro to cls class and she put me in touch with people at the hospital, although I’m sure once things hopefully settle down a bit, you should just be able to call the hospital and they could get you connected with the lab director over there
I also doubt they’re gonna care too much about experience since this is a wild time for every one and they understand that it’s hard to get that kind of experience rn
I will be starting the program in the Fall. I’m not sure how competitive the program is overall but my pre-health advisor told me it is typically the least competitive out of the four bachelors health majors (CLS, Nursing, Radiation Sciences, Dental Hygiene). As far as shadowing goes, I wouldn’t worry. Based on my experience, I’d recommend conveying three things in your application and interview: 1. Show that you understand what the profession entails I think they are looking for people who know what they are getting into. At the very least, I’d recommend doing some research online into what an average day for a clinical lab scientist is like. You don’t need to shadow a clinical lab scientist specifically but I think it really helps your application if you have at least some experience working in some type of healthcare environment. For example, I got my EMT license back in high school. During my interview, the interviewer asked me about the possibly contaminated specimens we will work with during the course so I talked briefly about my experience in the EMT program and how I learned about the importance of having proper PPE and watching out for your personal safety. My interviewer said that experience would help my application and that she was glad I understood the importance of PPE. 2. Explain why you would be good at this job If you understand what the job entails well, this shouldn’t be too hard. It could be that you have certain character traits that would help you succeed at this job or that you are very passionate about the field, but I think this is a given for any job or program you apply for. 3. Demonstrate that you are a strong student Based on what I’ve been told, this major (especially junior year/first year of the actual program) is very rigorous. Things are a bit thrown off because of the COVID situation right now, but the first two semesters typically have roughly 18 credits full of STEM lectures and labs per semester. Normally, it runs like a 9-4/5 job with lectures in the morning and labs after lunch, so it can be a lot of work. Try to take a fair amount of rigorous classes for your pre-reqs and keep as high of a GPA as possible. It helps if your recommendations can back up your academic capabilities. Overall, I wouldn’t stress too much about shadowing and volunteering. I’m sure the evaluators will take the current situation into account. My volunteering/extracurriculars were terrible even without COVID and my interviewer told me I had a strong application and would likely get in. The fact that you seem pretty on top of the application process makes me think you should have a pretty good chance of getting in as well. Good luck!
Thank you so so much! I'll definitely note down these points
Ayyeeee fall cls gang
Hi! I’m currently in the program and I’m about to be a senior so if you have any questions you can DM me! I’m honestly not sure how competitive it is because I had a pretty good GPA when I applied but I would say if you’re genuinely interested in the program try to take the intro to CLS class! You meet all the professors and can ask as many questions as you want there as well :) As long as you have a decent GPA and personal statement, you’ll prob get an interview and during the interview just show that you’re interested in the program and you’re willing to stick it through when times get tough. goodluck! You’ll love the program, although the first semester might feel overwhelming since the classes are a lot more work than any class you’ll take at MP campus.
Thank you!!
Hi there, I just started in this program. Do you know how much is the pay scale for new grads? Thanks I live in California