Decision time on ECs question

[technocrat626]

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I am two years into my undergrad career, and have held a federal work-study position at my university library since my first day. I also am accruing lots of clinical volunteer hours as an ER attendant at the local VA, plus volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, organizing an iPod/MP3 player drive for local nursing homes (look up the effects of familiar music on dementia patients to see why), and am in the process of organizing a Pre-SOMA chapter at my university.

Unfortunately, I can't really wedge any other ECs into my study schedule next semester, so I have to make a choice. Do I leave the library job in favor of finding a paid clinical position as an EKG Tech or imaging transporter? Or do I keep the library position and rely on my VA volunteering as my only clinical experience? On the one hand, more clinical experience is always a good thing. On the other hand, managing to hold down a steady job for 4-5 years would also look good on an app. Which would be better, though? Plus, I can study for about half of my shift at the library. Not so much with a paid clinical position. What's your take?

Btw, I'm primarily applying to DO schools, thus the Pre-SOMA chapter.

 

[theseeker4]

I am two years into my undergrad career, and have held a federal work-study position at my university library since my first day. I also am accruing lots of clinical volunteer hours as an ER attendant at the local VA, plus volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, organizing an iPod/MP3 player drive for local nursing homes (look up the effects of familiar music on dementia patients to see why), and am in the process of organizing a Pre-SOMA chapter at my university.

Unfortunately, I can't really wedge any other ECs into my study schedule next semester, so I have to make a choice. Do I leave the library job in favor of finding a paid clinical position as an EKG Tech or imaging transporter? Or do I keep the library position and rely on my VA volunteering as my only clinical experience? On the one hand, more clinical experience is always a good thing. On the other hand, managing to hold down a steady job for 4-5 years would also look good on an app. Which would be better, though? Plus, I can study for about half of my shift at the library. Not so much with a paid clinical position. What's your take?

Btw, I'm primarily applying to DO schools, thus the Pre-SOMA chapter.

Most pre-meds don't have paid clinical experience on their applications. If you keep up your volunteering, the lack of more clinical experience won't be the reason a school doesn't accept you (assuming your current volunteering is something you can talk about meaningfully). If I were you, I would keep the library job, not to look good on your application, but because it helps you have enough time to get your studying in.

 

[technocrat626]

Thanks for the response. The VA position is definitely something I can talk about meaningfully. I would recommend volunteering at the VA to any pre-med student. The patients you meet are some of the most interesting people in the world. Just don't volunteer there if your primary interest is in OB/GYN. The vast majority of the patients at the VA are male.