EC Help Pleaae

[sjg1110]

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Hello all.

So I consider myself a fairly average candidate. I have a 3.8cGPA and a 3.7sGPA with a 517 MCAT, but my extracurriculars are severely lacking in my opinion. I have around a 120 clinical hours, 60 or go research hours with no pubs, and 80 shadowing hours. I work around 20 hours a week a semester and around 40-50 hours a week during breaks through college. I have a child, so it is necessary for me to work. I feel as though my ECs are driving my application down and I fear for silent rejections throughout the midtier (mostly Ohio, resident Ohio) schools I applied to, as I have received no II. Secondaries were complete around the 20th of August, as I had taken my mcat later due to a heavy course load in the spring. Any advice as to my standing and possible ways to improve as a reapplicant should that come around would be appreciated.

 

[Phoenix628]

I would say your MCAT is great, definitely above average, and same for your shadowing hours. Clinical hours could be better, and same with research, but then again, schools will also look at quality as well as quantity. If you need to re-apply, look for volunteering/research that you are very passionate about because it will show through. Publications are not necessary by any means, but could be useful to aim for for the next cycle if needed, and presentations are also helpful (at conferences, etc.)
I submitted my secondaries mostly throughout August, and have gotten a few II's, but only 1 from in state (I'm also from Ohio).
It is still fairly early in the cycle, so you definitely don't have to be worried. Good luck!

 

[LilKangaroo]

You seem like a great applicant to me. I don't really see anything wrong with your extracurriculars as you are working and spending time with your child, which is a lot more than most pre-meds are filling their time with. You will want to go to a school that respects your hard work and determination. If they reject you for not having "enough" extracurriculars, you're probably better off since it's unlikely they will respect your parental duties in medical school.

You also have a lot of time still left in the cycle. Keep your head up! You'll find a good match for you.

 

[LizzyM]

Did you list your employment on your application? If you end up with a gap year, could you see yourself taking a job in a clinical setting?

Your grades and score are good enough for the top tier but your research is light from the perspective of schools that are looking to educate leaders in academic medicine.

Did you mention your child on the application? Some would argue against it as it opens you up to discrimination and/or questions at interview but others would suggest that it accounts for your time. One of those damned if you do, damned if you don't situations.