Apply this cycle or wait another year? Weak ECs

[purplecricket]

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Hi all!

I'm currently on winter break and was hoping to get a head start on getting my application materials together and cramming in some last minute ECs before spring semester, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm better off waiting. I really don't want to delay ANOTHER year, but I'm in need of major advice.

I'm in the middle of an SMP, finished my first semester with all As and one A- (argghh), got a 29 on the MCAT (I only hard-studied for like 3 weeks so I'm much more prepared and will retake in spring). My issues are my undergrad sGPA, which was not good, and my ECs.

My ECs have always been a weak spot because I've never really had time (or cash) to focus on just volunteering or going abroad or anything. I needed to work my crappy retail job.

So what I've got so far is volunteering with an animal rescue (doubt that's going to be useful at all), volunteering with a blood donation organization, officer of a science related club in undergrad, 6 months as a lab monkey running PCR and looking at tissue samples, and 70 hours of physician shadowing (just the one specialty).

I know I need more shadowing hours, but in addition to that I'm not sure I have enough time between now and June to improve that aspect of my application. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[MDforMee]

What SMP are you at?

 

[listener23]

Your shadowing hours is plenty I'll just focus on getting more hospital volunteer hours.

 

[Ismet]

Moving to WAMC

 

[purplecricket]

What SMP are you at?

Without going too specific, I'm at a good one on the East Coast 😉

 

[purplecricket]

Just wanted to add, that all those hours were just one physician, so I think I probably need to get some variety in there.

 

[Catalystik]

My ECs have always been a weak spot because I've never really had time (or cash) to focus on just volunteering or going abroad or anything. I needed to work my crappy retail job.

So what I've got so far is volunteering with an animal rescue (doubt that's going to be useful at all), volunteering with a blood donation organization, officer of a science related club in undergrad, 6 months as a lab monkey running PCR and looking at tissue samples, and 70 hours of physician shadowing (just the one specialty).

I know I need more shadowing hours, but in addition to that I'm not sure I have enough time between now and June to improve that aspect of my application. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

About 50 hours of shadowing is the average listed. If you already have shadowed a primary care doc or someone providing longitudinal care, you are set. What you are missing is active clinical experience where you personally interact with sick people. Perhaps you can transition the shadowing into such an opportunity? Having this type of experience reassures adcomms that you are comfortable serving patients, as opposed to passively observing them with their doc. I suggest you get something going ASAP through volunteerism, work, or clinical research (hospital, clinic, skilled-level nursing home, rehab center, or hospice).

You'll be surprised how much mileage you'll get from the animal rescue gig if it's of reasonable duration. Animals are widely considered by adcomms to be among "those in need."

As you don't give a duration for many of your listed activities, it's hard to give an opinion as to how weak they are. The research/lab activity, at least, is fine as is.

Don't bother about "going abroad". You will get more mileage by embracing experiences with those of diverse background at home. Your "crappy retail job" may be everything you need in that respect, if described properly (along with highlighting your teamwork and problem-solving skills).

 

[purplecricket]

About 50 hours of shadowing is the average listed. If you already have shadowed a primary care doc or someone providing longitudinal care, you are set. What you are missing is active clinical experience where you personally interact with sick people. Perhaps you can transition the shadowing into such an opportunity? Having this type of experience reassures adcomms that you are comfortable serving patients, as opposed to passively observing them with their doc. I suggest you get something going ASAP through volunteerism, work, or clinical research (hospital, clinic, skilled-level nursing home, rehab center, or hospice).

You'll be surprised how much mileage you'll get from the animal rescue gig if it's of reasonable duration. Animals are widely considered by adcomms to be among "those in need."

As you don't give a duration for many of your listed activities, it's hard to give an opinion as to how weak they are. The research/lab activity, at least, is fine as is.

Don't bother about "going abroad". You will get more mileage by embracing experiences with those of diverse background at home. Your "crappy retail job" may be everything you need in that respect, if described properly (along with highlighting your teamwork and problem-solving skills).

Thanks for your reply! I've been volunteering with both the animal shelter and the blood donor org for a little over a year, and I was an officer for my club two years in a row. My lack of clinical experience is what makes me nervous, as I'm not sure what "counts" and how to get it.

 

[deleted407021]

Thanks for your reply! I've been volunteering with both the animal shelter and the blood donor org for a little over a year, and I was an officer for my club two years in a row. My lack of clinical experience is what makes me nervous, as I'm not sure what "counts" and how to get it.

The general concensus is that, if you can smell the patient then it is a clinical experience. I have had a great experience at a free clinic and I have definitely become comfortable with (and I enjoy) serving patients.

 

[Catalystik]

Thanks for your reply! I've been volunteering with both the animal shelter and the blood donor org for a little over a year, and I was an officer for my club two years in a row. My lack of clinical experience is what makes me nervous, as I'm not sure what "counts" and how to get it.

Search out local medical facilities that have a convenient location for you, then go on their website and see if they have a page about volunteer opportunities. Or call and ask. Whatever you do, don't take a position in the gift shop.

Is it possible you could volunteer in the office of the person you've been shadowing?

Doesn't the SMP advisor have a list of local opportunities? The advantage of being with a formal program should be assistance getting the ECs that you need.

The duration you are describing with the above activities is good, ie not weak at all.

 

[purplecricket]

Search out local medical facilities that have a convenient location for you, then go on their website and see if they have a page about volunteer opportunities. Or call and ask. Whatever you do, don't take a position in the gift shop.

Is it possible you could volunteer in the office of the person you've been shadowing?

Doesn't the SMP advisor have a list of local opportunities? The advantage of being with a formal program should be assistance getting the ECs that you need.

The duration you are describing with the above activities is good, ie not weak at all.

Thanks! I emailed the adviser a couple weeks ago, no response (probably due to the holidays). I'll try again.

 

[Catalystik]

Thanks! I emailed the adviser a couple weeks ago, no response (probably due to the holidays). I'll try again.

Sounds good.