EC activities, what do they like?

[lhenslee]

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I am currently thinking about taking a year off after graduating from ug to hike the pacific crest trail (from Mexico to Canada).

At first I figured this could be an interesting thing to make me stand out on an application. I have pretty good GPA and test scores, do you think this will impress anybody?

 

[MilkmanAl]

I think it'll be good to talk about. You'll probably want to involve yourself in something organized in your year off, though. Vacationing is awesome, but it seems to me like most people advocate doing something at least loosely medically related in a year off.

 

[imcanadaian]

I've heard different things--some people say you just need to make sure you're productive and can say something about your time off. Even if it is traveling, be sure that it was rewarding and it should be OK

I personally will probably end up working/volunteering, boosting the experiences that I supposedly lack (post #3,#4)?...all while getting some money to ease the financial burden off of med school!

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Omg you're thinki of taking a year off to hike from canada to mexico, just to look good for med apps??

If you really wanna do it, I say go for it and it will be an interesting experience, but dont do it because it may or may not help you get into medical school.

 

[175961]

wow, taking off a year to hike from mexico to canada. dont drink the water or eat anything from street vendors, dont get bit by the vinchuca, be sure to stop by the donkey show in tijuana and most of all....have fun👍 oh, and the same applies for canada...except the donkey show

 

[tiedyeddog]

I have always wanted to do this! it sounds amazing. I'm assuming your starting near Baja and working your way up? Good luck. Who cares if the adcoms will be impressed. This might be the last chance you get to do this. Good luck!

 

[UVAbme2009]

Med schools like seeing you do things that you like to do. Doing something to impress others isn't going to impress anybody.