Creative/Artistic ECs?

[Topspin82]

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Hi, quick question: How do medical schools view artistic endeavors? For example, I've been playing the violin since the 4th grade, so it's approximately 15 years. I figure that one would be fine on the application but I've been on the school's improv comedy troupe for the past year and a half and have a leadership position. I'm debating whether or not to include this as comedy is not highly looked upon.

On a side note, it reminds me of an MCAT verbal passage on the April 06 about how comedic writing is harder....hmm....

any advice would be appreciated. thanks

 

[Captain Fantastic]

It is unique, demonstrates leadership, and rounds you out as a real person versus a pre-med robot. I would include the EC.

 

[megaman1x]

It is unique, demonstrates leadership, and rounds you out as a real person versus a pre-med robot. I would include the EC.

I agree, I would include it as well. Basically because it makes you stand out. It shows you are well-rounded and have OTHER interests and you won't allow yourself to be dominated by your own career.

I'm in Canada so I'm not sure how much faith you want to put in this story, but here goes:

Last year there was an applicant who just finished his Bachelor of Arts degree and also played semi-professional Tennis and was part of some major tournaments. He told me that the interviewers were so interested in his B.A. because it's not the norm for pre-med students, and they were VERY interested in his Tennis game and career. He said about 80% of the interview was about Tennis and his BA!

Imagine you are an interviewer. You see student after student and they will eventually seem all to blur together with no real distinction. I know interviewers are supposed to be impartial, but it's human nature to eventually get tired of the same old stuff.

So I say definately bring up those points. It shows your diversity!

 

[megaman1x]

I forgot to say, he got accepted...

 

[RxnMan]

Hi, quick question: How do medical schools view artistic endeavors? For example, I've been playing the violin since the 4th grade, so it's approximately 15 years. I figure that one would be fine on the application but I've been on the school's improv comedy troupe for the past year and a half and have a leadership position. I'm debating whether or not to include this as comedy is not highly looked upon.

On a side note, it reminds me of an MCAT verbal passage on the April 06 about how comedic writing is harder....hmm....

any advice would be appreciated. thanks

Adding things that are different (give class diversity), show you are responsible and are a long-term commitment are good to add as ECs, as long as you have the basic clinical experience, research experience, and community service ECs covered.

Just to toss it out there, I would write about your involvement with a comedy troupe, but I wouldn't write anything in your application as comedy (funny). Most ADCOMs treat their job very seriously and expect you to as well.

I was asked about the sailing, rock climbing, and skiing I listed as (one condensed) EC.

 

[Topspin82]

Adding things that are different (give class diversity), show you are responsible and are a long-term commitment are good to add as ECs, as long as you have the basic clinical experience, research experience, and community service ECs covered.

Just to toss it out there, I would write about your involvement with a comedy troupe, but I wouldn't write anything in your application as comedy (funny). Most ADCOMs treat their job very seriously and expect you to as well.

I was asked about the sailing, rock climbing, and skiing I listed as (one condensed) EC.

Of course I wouldn't add humor to my personal statement, one of the best things to come from improv is how to gauge another person's emotions.

I think I will definitely add improv as one of my ECs now that I recieved a phone call from one of mates saying that we were selected to be a part of an improv marathon at the upright citizens brigade at the end of july. we have a prime spot too!