are these ec's good enough?

[KHep]

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Just curious to see if you guys have any feedback for me. I'm an older pre-med and because of such haven't had a lot of time to devote to ec's since coming back to school for prereqs. I founded and am president of my school's pre-med club, am involved in my school's emerging leader's program, tutor biology, am a licensed foster parent, have a two and a five yr old, volunteer at local shelter, and will be volunteering at a nursing home starting Feb. 1. Oh, and am going on a one week medical mission to Honduras in Feb.

I have a low overall GPA because of a few bad semesters ten years ago...I have a 4.0 in all prereqs except for the two that I am finishing this semester. I have a 3.7 Science GPA, but about a 3.2 overall.

What do you think? Possibility at the lower tier schools, assuming ofcourse, that my April MCAT scores will be at least 10's. Hopefully more, but we'll see🙂

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated! The good. The bad. The really bad😀

Thanks!

 

[g3pro]

any leadership is a plus.

adcoms mostly care about GPA and MCAT scores, right?

 

[BklynWill]

You have excellent ECs and are a model for all of us. Your science GPA is impressive too. I think you have a good shot and will become a doctor.

I don't want to start a flame war, but I feel it's necessary to mention that there is a particular selection of medical schools that loves to accept "non-traditional" students like yourself (not that you are in anyway an unusual applicant).

 

[KHep]

true. but, do you think that they might not judge my overall as harshly with my science gpa as it is?

But, I'm wondering if my ec's are falling short of expectations. Because I already know that my GPA leaves much to be desired. So, is it like a double mark against me. I'm not all that familiar with the average matriculant's ec's. Or even the average applicant for that matter...

Do I need to work on improving them before applying this summer? 😕

 

[ckent]

For the most part, your EC's will not be able to compensate for your GPA if your GPA doesn't meet cut-off's. I'd focus more on getting a high score on the MCAT (which has been shown to be able to compensate for a low GPA) and raising your GPA rather then looking to add any additional EC's to your CV.

 

[KHep]

Thank you, BklynWill. That was really encouraging. It's hard to judge my own stats because it seems that soooo many sdner's have really incredible stats all the way around. It is very intimidating.

Any comments on which school's are non-trad friendly? I've heard Northwestern (I don't think that I have much of a shot there) and I know Southern Illinois is non-trad friendly.

Thanks!

 

[BklynWill]

I am truly impressed with your ECs and ability to simultaneously juggle a family and your dreams. Others might disagree, but if I were you I would work on scoring well on the MCAT.
Students have been known to get accepted with your overall GPA.
I would also use this time to learn about osteopathic medical schools ->->bring on the flaming<-<- and their history of accepting non-traditional students and those with less-than-stellar GPAs, although your science GPA is outstanding in my opinion.

let's see what others have to say...

 

[KHep]

ckent,

thanks. I agree with you about the MCAT. I'm going to do everything in my power to do well. I'm taking a Kaplan class and studying on my own as well. I'm hoping that tutoring Bio will help me too. Unfortunately, because I already have so many classes under my belt, my GPA will still only be about a 3.3 after finishing this semester. It is unfortunate that we have to be penalized for our stupidity a decade ago...but, that's the way the game is played. 🙂

 

[KHep]

anyone else have any thoughts?😀

 

[jlee9531]

i think you are fine pending on your mcat scores.

double digits across would make your overall application pretty competitive.

i have a 3.4 overall and a 3.1 science with doubles across the mcat with some decent ecs, and have gotten good results so far in my application endeavors.

you should still apply to the schools you would love to attend even though you think some of them might be a reach.

i didnt think i would get some of the interviews i did (ie la and davis) but ya never know.

good luck this upcoming year.

 

[bella_dottoressa]

I personally think your ECs are way more than good enough. Definately super above average ECs IMO

 

[Brickhouse]

Originally posted by KHep
Just curious to see if you guys have any feedback for me. I'm an older pre-med and because of such haven't had a lot of time to devote to ec's since coming back to school for prereqs. I founded and am president of my school's pre-med club, am involved in my school's emerging leader's program, tutor biology, am a licensed foster parent, have a two and a five yr old, volunteer at local shelter, and will be volunteering at a nursing home starting Feb. 1. Oh, and am going on a one week medical mission to Honduras in Feb.

I have a low overall GPA because of a few bad semesters ten years ago...I have a 4.0 in all prereqs except for the two that I am finishing this semester. I have a 3.7 Science GPA, but about a 3.2 overall.

What do you think? Possibility at the lower tier schools, assuming ofcourse, that my April MCAT scores will be at least 10's. Hopefully more, but we'll see🙂

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated! The good. The bad. The really bad😀

Thanks!

Depends - how cute are your kids?

just kidding, rock the MCAT, you'll be fabulous.