Bagging on ECs

[Alysheba]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I've noticed in several threads people making comments about how everybody's volunteered in and ER or tutored inner-city kids, and that those EC's are "nothing special".

If that's the case, what do SDNers think are worthwhile ECs? I'm being serious so please don't say bring democracy to Cuba, develop on HIV vaccine, etc. Thanks. 🙂

 

[Medikit]

Well most prestigious schools define good ec's as "significant contributions to society that improve the entire world as a whole", this would include something like bringing democracy to Cuba, or perhaps developing an HIV vaccine. You're welcome.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Aren't ECs supposed to be a reflection of what you feel is important to do with your time, not what you do to impress adcoms?

 

[Alysheba]

That's what I thought Pinkertinkle, which is why I can't see how tutoring etc. is "meaningless" if it's something important to you.

I personally have not worked in an ER, or tutored inner-city kids, but I think that either could potentially contribute to "the greater good". What if your efforts made the difference between that kid going to college or not? The potential impact could be huge.

I'm just wondering what it is that the folks who are dismissing these activities out of hand are doing with their time.

 

[calstudent]

Aren't ECs supposed to be a reflection of what you feel is important to do with your time, not what you do to impress adcoms?

exactly. do what you love.
but, i think tutoring high school kids for a few months and an hour each, and then stopping and not doing much with the rest of your time would not be worthwhile.
but, if you feel passionate about the tutoring, then by all means do it. the general rule of thumb is to do something you love, and do it well. you will then be fine. one thing that is generally good to have, though, is some hospital volunteering. beyond that, anything that you feel is worth your time is something you should do.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I'm just wondering what it is that the folks who are dismissing these activities out of hand are doing with their time.

I think those people are the ones with the attitude that doing ECs is all about impressing adcoms, so pretty much impressing adcoms becomes what the feel is important to do with their time. Which is kinda sad.

I spend my time mentoring and tutoring kids because I feel it is important and rewarding no matter what some people on SDN say, or how many other people dismiss it as a useless EC. I did talk about it during my interviews and it is my opinion that if you truly feel that your ECs are worthwhile and rewarding to you, the adcoms will know.

 

[45408]

Well, I don't bag on tutoring kids or volunteering in a hospital, but I think I've got some interesting EC's (at least, they keep me interested!). Just keep in mind, I was told in no uncertain terms by an admissions director that EVERYONE should have patient contact before applying to med school, whether paid or not. So, no matter how generic SDN might pronounce it to be (a lot of people have volunteered in various ERs), it's still pretty essential to a lot of schools.

I volunteered in a hospice for a while, but now that I've got some other venues, I'm much happier than working there sitting on my butt doing next to nothing. I work with the youth in my church/district doing assorted leadership activities at summer camps, camping/hiking/winter camping events, doing security at a youth convention, etc. I think it's fun, and I would do it even if it never made it to my application.

I also work as an EMT, and that's a riot as well (and slow at other times). I was on a huge adrenaline rush about two hours ago, since we had an incredibly violent patient to hold down (it's amazing what large quantities of drugs and alcohol will do) and then some other interesting calls.

I do research as well, for a few reasons. I was told that it was a worthwhile venue to explore so that I can see what an MSTP might do, I also have gotten credit for it, and I've met some really cool people. It's pretty ground-breaking stuff, so if I get a paper published, it would be pretty substantial (and not like getting your name slapped on a paper along with 10 other research assistants).

 

[Medikit]

Aren't ECs supposed to be a reflection of what you feel is important to do with your time, not what you do to impress adcoms?

I'm pretty sure it's do what is important to you but make sure it involves something clinical

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

I've noticed in several threads people making comments about how everybody's volunteered in and ER or tutored inner-city kids, and that those EC's are "nothing special".

If that's the case, what do SDNers think are worthwhile ECs? I'm being serious so please don't say bring democracy to Cuba, develop on HIV vaccine, etc. Thanks. 🙂

Hmmm... I think you are probably refering to my own comments in another thread. I think that both of the above ECs are worthwhile - hospital volunteering is important for someone without clinical experience, and tutoring at-risk kids can mean a lot to those that participate. I just believe that both of those activities are so common that people shouldnt think of them as something special. I'd venture to say that about 2/3 of all applicants have volunteered (or worked) in a hospital at some point, and while tutoring is less common, it is still very prevalent nonetheless. Point being that while those ECs maybe aren't "anything special", they are still worthwhile uses of time.
ECs that are exceptional, in my opinion, would be anything that shows exceptional abilities, intelligence, leadership skills, or passion. If everyone you meet at your interviews has done what you have done, your ECs probably arent that great. Being unique counts for a lot. In the end, however, the importance of one's ECs pales in comparison to the importance of a solid GPA and MCAT.

 

[PreMedAdAG]

I'm pretty sure it's do what is important to you but make sure it involves something clinical

Mmm.. I definitely do NOT agree with the above statement. Yes, you need to do something clinical so they know that you know what the heck you're getting yourself into... but moreover, I think they would like to see your ability to participate in multiple activities, outside of strictly academics. So many of my ECs included non-clinical events and those were the things that my interviewers always asked about. I think they are interested in what makes you unique from the other candidates.

 

[americanangel]

What bout the qualitiy not quantity? I mean, I volunteer almost ten hours a week (NICU) for the last year and a half and I love what I do! I try almost every other week to volunteer at a handicap riding stable and I tutor gen chem for my school! The fact is I really don't have time to do much more between all of my sciences classes and the hospital. I love what I do, wouldn't that be enough!

 

[neuropower]

What bout the qualitiy not quantity? I mean, I volunteer almost ten hours a week (NICU) for the last year and a half and I love what I do! I try almost every other week to volunteer at a handicap riding stable and I tutor gen chem for my school! The fact is I really don't have time to do much more between all of my sciences classes and the hospital. I love what I do, wouldn't that be enough!

That's plenty, are you nuts? volunteering more than 10 HOURS a week is insane!! i'm glad its quality for you, but that's QUANTITY too.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

That's plenty, are you nuts? volunteering more than 10 HOURS a week is insane!! i'm glad its quality for you, but that's QUANTITY too.

No kidding... 4 hrs/week here...

 

[Khenon]

Mmm.. I definitely do NOT agree with the above statement. Yes, you need to do something clinical so they know that you know what the heck you're getting yourself into... but moreover, I think they would like to see your ability to participate in multiple activities, outside of strictly academics. So many of my ECs included non-clinical events and those were the things that my interviewers always asked about. I think they are interested in what makes you unique from the other candidates.

This is dead on. You DO need clinical experience, but if you have interests in other areas, definitely spend quality time in that area. I personally have been extremely involved with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and currently (I've since graduated) I mentor minority students in college. There's nothing clinical about it, but I know that adcoms do want to see quality/interest in what you're doing. Don't get me wrong. I have to shadow occassionally to keep up with the clinical requirement involved in applying to med school. But as a single mother, full time worker, etc. I can't spend alot of time watching other people work. Adcoms will respect people more that have an EC that they're passionate about, rather than just trying to please adcoms.

 

[45408]

Mmm.. I definitely do NOT agree with the above statement. Yes, you need to do something clinical so they know that you know what the heck you're getting yourself into... but moreover, I think they would like to see your ability to participate in multiple activities, outside of strictly academics. So many of my ECs included non-clinical events and those were the things that my interviewers always asked about. I think they are interested in what makes you unique from the other candidates.

Yes, but all Medikit was saying is that you MUST make sure that you do something clinical somewhere in your travels.

 

[acl3623]

i think its just important that you get involved in something, as long as it is somewhat meaningful. adcoms want to see that youre doing something other than school. i knew someone that got into creighton with no volunteer/shadow experience..but she was a single mom and had kids to take care of...and she worked from home. so i guess they just want to see that you can handle a big workload...of course in most cases they want to see that you know for sure medicine is what you want to do. its your time and experiences in the end, dont spend it doing something just to impress someone else! what if you dont get in??

 

[PreMedAdAG]

Yes, but all Medikit was saying is that you MUST make sure that you do something clinical somewhere in your travels.

I hate being this anal and I"m sure you're right, but his statement was blanketed by the fact that he said make sure the "things you're interested in" involved something clinical... which I don't agree with. My stereotypical ER internship sucked.. I hated it... but when I went to australia and learned about the diabetes epidemic among the native population and the royal flying doctor service, I was totally stoked... I didn't physically do anything clinical but always found a way to weave it back into my interviews. I think I could consider that some type of clincial experience.. in a way... I learned more out there than in the ED. Also, playing soccer... SOOOOOOOOOOOo not clinical experience, but vital in my capabilites to work in a team, lead and use effective communication.. catch my drift?

 

[nicholonious]

I hate being this anal and I"m sure you're right, but his statement was blanketed by the fact that he said make sure the "things you're interested in" involved something clinical... which I don't agree with. My stereotypical ER internship sucked.. I hated it... but when I went to australia and learned about the diabetes epidemic among the native population and the royal flying doctor service, I was totally stoked... I didn't physically do anything clinical but always found a way to weave it back into my interviews. I think I could consider that some type of clincial experience.. in a way... I learned more out there than in the ED. Also, playing soccer... SOOOOOOOOOOOo not clinical experience, but vital in my capabilites to work in a team, lead and use effective communication.. catch my drift?

Hey,

It says you went to UCD and were a pre-med advisor. Do you remember anyone named Ethan? He was an advisor during 03-04, possibly earlier than that too. Anyways, congrats on getting into UCD SOM!

 

[Handyman2Doc]

Would coaching little league sports and being an active member of the local Parent-Teacher Association be worth listing as an EC?

 

[acl3623]

Would coaching little league sports and being an active member of the local Parent-Teacher Association be worth listing as an EC?

yup

 

[bdt]

I'm pretty sure it's do what is important to you but make sure it involves something clinical

I'm one of those folks with a "Big EC." I was a Peace Corps Volunteer for 2 years in Zimbabwe. AIDS was everywhere. So the Peace Corps stands out big time. So far at my interviews... everyone has asked about the Peace Corps, but I still feel like I've got this glaring hole in my app because I've done almost nothing clinical. I really wish I had just a little clinical experience so I could better answer the "but how do you know you really want to do this." And yes that question has come up.

So I'd say, concentrate on what you really love doing for EC's (I've got an accpetance so it must be ok), but if you can find the time... throw in a little clinical, even if it's just a couple hours a week volunteering at the hospital (which I've started doing).

 

[Medikit]

I hate being this anal and I"m sure you're right, but his statement was blanketed by the fact that he said make sure the "things you're interested in" involved something clinical... which I don't agree with. My stereotypical ER internship sucked.. I hated it... but when I went to australia and learned about the diabetes epidemic among the native population and the royal flying doctor service, I was totally stoked... I didn't physically do anything clinical but always found a way to weave it back into my interviews. I think I could consider that some type of clincial experience.. in a way... I learned more out there than in the ED. Also, playing soccer... SOOOOOOOOOOOo not clinical experience, but vital in my capabilites to work in a team, lead and use effective communication.. catch my drift?

I didn't mean clinical as much as I meant medicine in general. But some clinical is necessary so I thought I would just use clinical to cover both at the same time.

 

[evajaclynn]

Would coaching little league sports and being an active member of the local Parent-Teacher Association be worth listing as an EC?

I put things like "Summer Camp RA" and my interviewer was very interested in these life experiences. Of course, I added my clinical experiences, etc, as well. I think that all of these experiences combined can show that you are a well rounded person.