Critique my ECs?

[Garurumon]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi everyone, I'd love it if I get feedback regarding my ECs so far. To put it in perspective, I'm an English major and biology minor.

Clinical, research and science-related
Hospital volunteer - 2 years, ~264 hours

Independent biochemistry research at my school, led to poster session and oral presentation - 1 year (3 semesters and a summer)

TA for biology lab - 52 hours

Biology Club/Tri-Beta (biology honors society) - 2 years

Shadowing (my former pediatrician and some of his colleagues) - 40 hours

Non-science
Commissioned artist and contributing writer to collegiate newspaper - 2 years

Vice president of Sigma Tau Delta (English honors society) - 1 year

Had some artwork featured in a magazine for digital art. My icon is a small sample of my art style.

Studied Brit lit at Oxford University for one summer.

(All activities except for research and studying abroad are ongoing.)

Hobbies and misc. skills
-Reading (everything from manga to typical English major classics)
-Writing (1st place for short-story fiction in my school's 2014 writing contest. Cash award, and read my piece during Sigma Tau Delta induction. Also wrote plays performed by the student theatre group.)
-Drawing (traditional and digital illustration)
-Swimming (my school doesn't have a swim team, and I used to do USS, so I try to keep fit and swim at my leisure while I can)
-Fluent in English and Vietnamese, passable in basic Mandarin and Spanish.

What I'm aiming for is a balance and equal commitment shown in both the artistic and science activities. I'm worried that my science-related ECs are lacking. I want to pick up scribing this summer, but had no luck after 1 interview and I'm working on apps for other companies. I'd appreciate any constructive criticism and suggestions.

 

[TheRhymenocerous]

Why oh why did they decide to call the English honor society STD?

Looks like you're on the right track though! You've got all the necessary boxes ticked and have pursued your non-medical interests as well. We definitely need more Vietnamese-speaking physicians where I come from so I hope that helps you!

 

[Lawpy]

@Garurumon what manga do you read? You'll probably know where my avatar and location comes from 😉

Besides that, you are certainly a strong, unique applicant!

EDIT: Forgot something. Did you have any altruism-related activities (i.e. nonclinical volunteering)?

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Hi everyone, I'd love it if I get feedback regarding my ECs so far. To put it in perspective, I'm an English major and biology minor.

Clinical, research and science-related
Hospital volunteer - 2 years, ~264 hours

Independent biochemistry research at my school, led to poster session and oral presentation - 1 year (3 semesters and a summer)

TA for biology lab - 52 hours

Biology Club/Tri-Beta (biology honors society) - 2 years

Shadowing (my former pediatrician and some of his colleagues) - 40 hours

Non-science
Commissioned artist and contributing writer to collegiate newspaper - 2 years

Vice president of Sigma Tau Delta (English honors society) - 1 year

Had some artwork featured in a magazine for digital art. My icon is a small sample of my art style.

Studied Brit lit at Oxford University for one summer.

(All activities except for research and studying abroad are ongoing.)

Hobbies and misc. skills
-Reading (everything from manga to typical English major classics)
-Writing (1st place for short-story fiction in my school's 2014 writing contest. Cash award, and read my piece during Sigma Tau Delta induction. Also wrote plays performed by the student theatre group.)
-Drawing (traditional and digital illustration)
-Swimming (my school doesn't have a swim team, and I used to do USS, so I try to keep fit and swim at my leisure while I can)
-Fluent in English and Vietnamese, passable in basic Mandarin and Spanish.

What I'm aiming for is a balance and equal commitment shown in both the artistic and science activities. I'm worried that my science-related ECs are lacking. I want to pick up scribing this summer, but had no luck after 1 interview and I'm working on apps for other companies. I'd appreciate any constructive criticism and suggestions.

You are weak on clinical exposure. Need to get more shadowing or a clinical job. Volunteering in hospital is usually seen as clerical or inventory stocking related. Unless you have some patient contact, you should beef this part up. Need to be able to explain that you know what it is like to be a physician, and how it works as part of the healthcare team. Other volunteering or service work wouldn't hurt either if you apply to more service oriented schools. Good Luck.

 

[cactus8910]

What I'm aiming for is a balance and equal commitment shown in both the artistic and science activities. I'm worried that my science-related ECs are lacking. I want to pick up scribing this summer, but had no luck after 1 interview and I'm working on apps for other companies. I'd appreciate any constructive criticism and suggestions.

I think between the hospital volunteering, research, and TAing, you're set on science ECs. The only thing I'd suggest you add on is nonclinical volunteering, as @Lawper mentioned.

 

[Lawpy]

You are weak on clinical exposure. Need to get more shadowing or a clinical job. Volunteering in hospital is usually seen as clerical or inventory stocking related. Unless you have some patient contact, you should beef this part up. Need to be able to explain that you know what it is like to be a physician, and how it works as part of the healthcare team. Other volunteering or service work wouldn't hurt either if you apply to more service oriented schools. Good Luck.

I disagree. OP's clinical experience is fine as it is, and I have zero idea where you got the "hospital volunteer experience being clerical/inventory". Regarding shadowing, maybe few more hours is good, but 40+ hours is plenty.

 

[Garurumon]

Thank you everyone for your input! I really appreciate it.

@TheRhymenocerous Hahaha yeah, STD is a running gag in the group. I turn a few heads and raise eyebrows when I get lazy with the name and say things like "I'm in STD" or "I gotta go do STD stuff." May I ask what's your location? Where I'm at, we have more than enough Vietnamese students and professionals in the medical field. ORM for sure over here. 😛

@Lawper Oh, so many. I dunno where to begin. (How about we geek out over PM?) Of course I recognize them! One Piece has a very distinct art style.

@Rainbow Zebra I should've elaborated more on my hospital volunteer experience. I don't have much control over where the coordinators assign me, and it's usually wherever I'm needed. Sometimes I have to do desk jobs like take calls and manage paperwork, but I try to lean more toward interaction with patients, visitors, and helping out the hospital staff. The hospital I'm at has a lot of patients who don't speak English, so it's very rewarding to put those skills to use often. Thanks for your advice; I'll keep it in mind for possible interviews and personal statement.

@cactus8910 Duly noted, thanks! It seems that I'm more than fine with self-oriented creative pursuits, but altruism needs work. I need to start doing something this summer (and continue it of course). Could you throw out a few suggestions or examples? I'm lost on where and how to start.

About shadowing, I'll try to squeeze in some more hours this summer. Common number on SDN is 50, right?

Another question: would it be a detriment to me if I have no publications in research?

 

[Nymphicus]

Another question: would it be a detriment to me if I have no publications in research?

Most matriculants do not have publications. Take your presentations to the best forum possible. It helps if it's not just your (required) undergraduate research day.

 

[TheRhymenocerous]

Thank you everyone for your input! I really appreciate it.

@TheRhymenocerous Oh, so many. I dunno where to begin. (How about we geek out over PM?) Of course I recognize them! One Piece has a very distinct art style. Hahaha yeah, STD is a running gag in the group. I turn a few heads and raise eyebrows when I get lazy with the name and say things like "I'm in STD" or "I gotta go do STD stuff." May I ask what's your location? (The real one, not New World haha. You can PM me on that too.) Where I'm at, we have more than enough Vietnamese students and professionals in the medical field. ORM for sure over here. 😛

Will message you re: location!

And I think @Lawper is your manga fan!

 

[Garurumon]

Most matriculants do not have publications. Take your presentations to the best forum possible. It helps if it's not just your (required) undergraduate research day.

Oh ok, so outside my school's symposium. I know someone who already graduated but has shown his work at other conferences, so I'll ask him about that. Thanks!

 

[Garurumon]

Will message you re: location!

And I think @Lawper is your manga fan!

Haha whoops, I dun goofed.

 

[cactus8910]

@cactus8910 Duly noted, thanks! It seems that I'm more than fine with self-oriented creative pursuits, but altruism needs work. I need to start doing something this summer (and continue it of course). Could you throw out a few suggestions or examples? I'm lost on where and how to start.

About shadowing, I'll try to squeeze in some more hours this summer. Common number on SDN is 50, right?

Another question: would it be a detriment to me if I have no publications in research?

I did most of my volunteering through a service-oriented organization at my college, so I didn't have to find opportunities for myself. But off the top of my head, you could look for soup kitchens or homeless shelters, food banks, animal shelters, or mentorship programs near you that take volunteers.
50 hours is plenty for shadowing.
Applying to top 10 med schools, publications would be a helpful, but even then are not necessary.

 

[Doudline]

Hi everyone, I'd love it if I get feedback regarding my ECs so far. To put it in perspective, I'm an English major and biology minor.

Clinical, research and science-related
Hospital volunteer - 2 years, ~264 hours

Independent biochemistry research at my school, led to poster session and oral presentation - 1 year (3 semesters and a summer)

TA for biology lab - 52 hours

Biology Club/Tri-Beta (biology honors society) - 2 years

Shadowing (my former pediatrician and some of his colleagues) - 40 hours

Non-science
Commissioned artist and contributing writer to collegiate newspaper - 2 years

Vice president of Sigma Tau Delta (English honors society) - 1 year

Had some artwork featured in a magazine for digital art. My icon is a small sample of my art style.

Studied Brit lit at Oxford University for one summer.

(All activities except for research and studying abroad are ongoing.)

Hobbies and misc. skills
-Reading (everything from manga to typical English major classics)
-Writing (1st place for short-story fiction in my school's 2014 writing contest. Cash award, and read my piece during Sigma Tau Delta induction. Also wrote plays performed by the student theatre group.)
-Drawing (traditional and digital illustration)
-Swimming (my school doesn't have a swim team, and I used to do USS, so I try to keep fit and swim at my leisure while I can)
-Fluent in English and Vietnamese, passable in basic Mandarin and Spanish.

What I'm aiming for is a balance and equal commitment shown in both the artistic and science activities. I'm worried that my science-related ECs are lacking. I want to pick up scribing this summer, but had no luck after 1 interview and I'm working on apps for other companies. I'd appreciate any constructive criticism and suggestions.

Honors societies: unconsequential (imo - these positions are a dime a dozen, and sometimes have bad reputation. If you deem them worthy definitely talk about them though!)
Research: good, albeit not enough for most research intensive schools
Clinical volunteering: great - you have enough to show that you know what you're getting into
Non-clinical: lacking (as what said previously), although TA is a good start. Perhaps something relating to the arts would be interesting?
Misc: great! Your passion for arts will give you something to talk about with your interviewers and perhaps make you stand out. Might I suggest adding a leadership activity of some sort?

Keep in mind that clinical and science are two different things. Scribbing will not help your science pedigree. More science = more research, or more advocacy/teaching in the sciences, or running/participating in a science student paper, etc.