can i list this on the app? - advice please

[gearsofwar3]

---

Members do not see this ad.

During the summer of 2009 (right after my freshman yr), I spent close to two month in Sichuan Province China working as a volunteer serving the community after it was severely affected by the 2008 sichuan earthquake. because i was a chinese citizen at that point (US green card), it was easy for me to just go and sign up as a volunteer.

the problem is that i didn't do this through any official program; it wasn't a study abroad thing offered by my undergrad - it was simply me going to my homecountry and doing some volunteer work. i didn't join any organizations such as red cross international or anything; my role was equivalent to that of a sichuan resdient who decided to dedicate a summer of their time helping the community.

i am wondering if medical schools will look favorably on this activity given that i didn't do it through any form of formal/international organization? and also, is it acceptable for me to put myself as the contact person for this activity? after all, tens of thousands of people volunteered at the area i stayed in, and we didn't go through any official registration/group enrollment or anything. thanks!

 

[ShenanigansMD]

If I was med admissions, I would think you didn't do what everyone else does who just purchases some stupid program. You went on your own, and made your own choices, which means you have some sense of responsibility.

I would also add "I play Gears of War" in my spare time, they'll think you'll be good at laparoscopic surgery.

 

[BABSstudent]

Contact someone who can verify you did it and you should be fine.

 

[gearsofwar3]

Gears of War 3 = game of the year 2011 imo

If I was med admissions, I would think you didn't do what everyone else does who just purchases some stupid program. You went on your own, and made your own choices, which means you have some sense of responsibility.

I would also add "I play Gears of War" in my spare time, they'll think you'll be good at laparoscopic surgery.

 

[Nymphicus]

I would add it to your application. See if you can find anybody in a position who can vouch for you, even if it was someone who you helped or helped alongside you. The chance that an adcom will call a random number in Sichuan province is very small.