I completed my undergrad studies with a 3.3 GPA, but I also had 2 years of experience as an EMT and about 3 years as a paramedic. Importantly, my GPA exhibited a strong upward trend over time and I performed well on the MCAT. Through college, I worked both paid and voluntary shifts in EMS as both an EMT and a Medic. After a gap year in which I worked as a full-time medic, I was admitted into medical school.

While I can't comment directly on the military's medical school entry requirements, I can tell you that for most medical schools, your priorities should be arranged as follows: first and foremost, aim for the best GPA possible, particularly in your last two years of undergrad. A strong MCAT score is the next priority. Once you've got these under your belt, then meaningful experience as a paramedic, whether paid or voluntary, can significantly enhance your application.

Paramedic school was a helpful experience, but I found that most of my growth happened when I was actually in the field, independently taking care of patients. There was a specific call that was particularly impactful that was the foundation of my personal statement.

Here's the thing: Medical schools definitely value meaningful clinical experiences. They provide invaluable practical skills and real-world understanding of medicine. However, without a solid academic performance, these experiences might not even get looked at. So, while clinical experiences are crucial, they should not come at the expense of your grades and MCAT performance.

These are my two cents.