Can extracurricular activities make a big difference?

[captgreg87]

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Hey guys,

So this is my first post to this site, why I never joined before still puzzles me. Long story somewhat short, I graduated two years ago with my undergraduate degree in biology with a minor in chem and business. Last year was the first time I applied to medical school but only applied to my State DO school, which is my first choice this second round. My cGPA is 3.45 with a sGPA of 3.25, will increase after a spring class.

My real question is that, do extracurricular activities really help improve the success of an applicant? By extracurricular activities I do not mean volunteering or medical work the basic stuff, I am talking about the things that really set you apart, really unique things about yourself.

For me, my unique item has been the fact that I was one of the youngest licensed United State Coast Guard Captains in the State of Michigan and I own and run my own charter business where I take people out of private fishing charters on Lake Michigan. I really concentrated on this with my personal statement, tying it into my medical career, especially with all my donated trips to schools and organizations. Is this a mistake? Should I concentrate on something else? I am extremely passionate about this and I know many DO schools look for something like that.

I would love to hear anyone else who has a unique activity, that has helped with their success in applying to school or maybe has not helped. This is what makes us human and different we are all passionate about something.

Hope this was a decent first post guys, really was something I was contemplating.

Thanks, looking forward to the responses!

 

[Superman DO]

Yes, ECs can make a huge difference when so many applicants have the same stats. Make sure you express how these ECs have made you into the person you are today in your essays. . . .and by the way, I took your first reply virginity! =)

 

[MedPR]

Hey guys,

So this is my first post to this site, why I never joined before still puzzles me. Long story somewhat short, I graduated two years ago with my undergraduate degree in biology with a minor in chem and business. Last year was the first time I applied to medical school but only applied to my State DO school, which is my first choice this second round. My cGPA is 3.45 with a sGPA of 3.25, will increase after a spring class.

My real question is that, do extracurricular activities really help improve the success of an applicant? By extracurricular activities I do not mean volunteering or medical work the basic stuff, I am talking about the things that really set you apart, really unique things about yourself.

For me, my unique item has been the fact that I was one of the youngest licensed United State Coast Guard Captains in the State of Michigan and I own and run my own charter business where I take people out of private fishing charters on Lake Michigan. I really concentrated on this with my personal statement, tying it into my medical career, especially with all my donated trips to schools and organizations. Is this a mistake? Should I concentrate on something else? I am extremely passionate about this and I know many DO schools look for something like that.

I would love to hear anyone else who has a unique activity, that has helped with their success in applying to school or maybe has not helped. This is what makes us human and different we are all passionate about something.

Hope this was a decent first post guys, really was something I was contemplating.

Thanks, looking forward to the responses!

Seems like you answered your own question.

Don't overlook the "basic stuff." It's not an official requirement, but if you don't shadow, work, or volunteer in healthcare you are at a severe disadvantage. If you are never in the environment, how can you possibly know that being a physician is the right choice for you?

Many of us have cookie-cutter activities, but what we gain from them and how we present them is what makes us unique.

Will 200 hours instead of 100 hours volunteering in a hospital make or break your application? Probably not. Will 0 hours of shadowing and 0 hours of volunteering? Probably so.

 

[captgreg87]

Hey Guys appreciate the responses,

I should have been a little more clear, I am talking in addition to the basics, which you are correct are the main items that give us the opportunity to see if this really is the right choice. I worked over three years as a patient transporter, I have 150+ hours of volunteer work in a few hospitals, and around 75 hours of shadowing. I hope this is an decent number for an applicant, I am still doing my combing throughout this site to check what my chances will be.

Really I just want to see if people have seen a difference on successful applicants maybe just based on these unique activities. I really think that is what makes a well rounded applicant and its always awesome to see some really different things people do.

Thanks Guys!

 

[MedPR]

Hey Guys appreciate the responses,

I should have been a little more clear, I am talking in addition to the basics, which you are correct are the main items that give us the opportunity to see if this really is the right choice. I worked over three years as a patient transporter, I have 150+ hours of volunteer work in a few hospitals, and around 75 hours of shadowing. I hope this is an decent number for an applicant, I am still doing my combing throughout this site to check what my chances will be.

Really I just want to see if people have seen a difference on successful applicants maybe just based on these unique activities. I really think that is what makes a well rounded applicant and its always awesome to see some really different things people do.

Thanks Guys!

Definitely, and even moreso with DO schools.

There are many people on SDN who would be happy to read and critique your PS. There's a thread in the pre-md and pre-do subforums with reader lists that you might consider.

 

[CopToEM]

Be careful about tying love for chartering fishing trips to your aspirations as a physician. I would have to see how you've written it but sometimes you just have to present experiences for what they are. Schools don't expect everything you do to help further your aspirations for medicine. In fact, many schools ask questions in the interview that are designed to see who you are outside of your pre-med studies. "What is the last book you've read," "Where was your last vacation to," and others are common at many schools. If you'd like me to read your personal statement I'd be happy to. PM me if so and I will provide my e-mail address for you to send it to.

With that said, the answer is yes. I was an all-around solid applicant but I felt most strongly about my volunteer experiences. I applied with ~1500 hours of volunteer experience and, like you, owned a small business for ten years. All schools truly value that kind of real world experience. It's not that schools don't value traditional students who entered undergrad at 18, graduated at 22, and are now applying to medical school; thousands of them matriculate each year.

It's just that schools have a special place for someone who has seen financial struggles, went to war, worked in the medical field, raised two children alone, etc. Those types of individuals truly appreciate education and bring to the table a real-world education that can't be recreated in academia. Further, I feel that those individuals will also be able to empathize and/or relate to their patients in a much stronger way.

I hope that answers your question.

 

[susan10]

Yes, extracurricular interests definitely count towards making your application more wholesome and interesting. Most universities want candidates who can contribute meaningfully to student clubs and campus activities. Therefore, don't hesitate to talk about sports, music, art, life experiences or anything else that will set you apart from students who have an academic profile similar to yours.