Applying next cycle!

[ecbprept4]

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Hey everyone! So I'm volunteering next cycle and know extra curriculars are a big part of an application at some schools. I'd just like some opinions on how mine look and if I should get some more volunteer work.

Extra curriculars: Confirmed Catholic, practices faith, BSU Physical education majors club, ACSM certified personal trainer, First aid/CPR/AED certification, hospice aid, full time worker throughout school

Observation: I'll have about 100 outpatient, 40 inpatient, and I'm observing geriatrics before I apply also.

My GPA is not the strongest so I need all other areas of my application to be outstanding as I just make the 3.0 cutoff, but for last 60 and highest grade I'm up above 3.6!

 

[starrsgirl]

You are fine are extra curriculars. Personally, I don't think they are a big part of the application at all as long as you have some. (They can be helpful in writing your essay though). If you are applying next cycle, there is still plenty of time to take more classes to bring up your cumulative GPA and retake any pre reqs to get the highest grade possible. Don't think it's too late for that. Look for community colleges who start classes in March (quarter system) or see how many classes you can register for in the summer before you apply. If you are still looking for things to do, prioritize observation hours above further extra curriculars.

 

[aroszko]

I agree with starrsgirl on extra curriculars, if you're looking for more to do then try and do more observation in different setting - aquatherapy, hippotherapy, SNF, hospital, etc.

Have you taken GRE yet?

 

[ecbprept4]

I agree with starrsgirl on extra curriculars, if you're looking for more to do then try and do more observation in different setting - aguatherapy, hippotherapy, SNF, hospital, etc. I'm taking the GRE's next month but I've been studying everyday for them

Have you taken GRE yet?

I'm taking then next month

 

[BigDDPT]

I'm not sure how being a confirmed catholic and faith practice constitutes an extracurricular... Maybe reword that to something you specifically do for your church.

 

[ecbprept4]

I'm not sure how being a confirmed catholic and faith practice constitutes an extracurricular... Maybe reword that to something you specifically do for your church.

It shows that you take a certain amount of time every week to participate in something you feel strongly in, a lot of schools have said when applying to undergrad that it looks good

 

[BigDDPT]

It shows that you take a certain amount of time every week to participate in something you feel strongly in, a lot of schools have said when applying to undergrad that it looks good

That's why I said make it more specific if you actually do something for your church... Praying is not an extracurricular. I don't know about you, but confirmation usually takes place around the 9th grade and I didn't have to do anything but attend the catechism to receive it.

 

[butterscotchxx]

I would say religion can be applicable to an extracurricular if you help out in some way...for instance, if you altar serve or are a lector at mass. Personally, I am a lector and eucharistic minister for my church so I put that as part of my extracurriculars. I do agree with BigDDPT about praying and what not though.

 

[starrsgirl]

I also agree with removing "confirmed catholic" and "practices faith" wording. As a reader, it comes off the wrong way (and I don't think I'm alone in saying that). It sounds like you are struggling to fill the extra curricular box and also comes off a little lazy (as in "see, I'm catholic, therefore I'm good" instead of quantifying hours and activities to show how you spent your time). You can truly have any religious or non religious belief you want to in PT school, but on an application I need to know what type of clinician you will be. Having a belief in your head doesn't necessarily translate to patient care. If you are an active Catholic, there are lots of ways to get involved with your church and demonstrate leadership, compassion, and service. How about leading a CCD class or confirmation class? Help with a youth group, volunteer in the church's community missions, eucharistic minister, coordinate soup dinners during Lent. Those are extra curriculars....simply having faith is not an extra curricular.

If you feel strongly about your faith, another appropriate place to talk about it is in your essay. Perhaps that is a big factor to you in choosing a medical route or something like that (but even in the essay, I caution you to be more specific and demonstrate observable actions.)