EC Time Frame

[WhatamIDOING!]

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Hello Everyone,

Does anyone know how long ECs such as shadowing, volunteering, and such are relevant?

I searched many forums but it seems like this topic has not been answered within the last 2 years so I am wondering if it has changed.

For instance, while in undergrad I did a volunteer program with a hospital, shadowed a physician, and did 3 research projects (sadly just poster presentations no publications).

The volunteering was done in 2012-2013 (300 hrs)
The shadowing began shortly after the volunteering during 2013 and has continued up until now. (over 600 hrs)
As for research I was on 3 separate projects from 2013 until mid 2015. (over 800 hrs)
Throughout all this time I worked part time (20 hrs/wk) and did a combined BS and MS in biology. (over 100 credits in hard sciences)

I am now in a post bac program and am just trying to focus on my courses to improve my gpa. My mcat is a 510 I am just curious if I should be seeking out more opportunities or not. I am worried that doing so may reduce my performance in the SMP and I would rather get all As if possible of course but I am applying this year and I am wondering if these are still relevant to an admissions committee.

Thank you

 

[adrian710]

510 MCAT? Why post-bacc? How bad is your GPA? A GPA above a 3.0 would land you DO acceptances with that great MCAT.

Anyways, EC's from freshman year of college and on are relevant unless something really spectacular was done during your HS days.

 

[Poro]

510 MCAT? Why post-bacc? How bad is your GPA? A GPA above a 3.0 would land you DO acceptances with that great MCAT.

Anyways, EC's from freshman year of college and on are relevant unless something really spectacular was done during your HS days.

OP has a ~3.0 GPA so postbac is most likely necessary. Usually events up till 3 years from application are relevant. That 4.0 on your SMP is way more important at the moment. You can always spend another year or so doing EC but once you get your grades that it.

edit: fixed

 

[WhatamIDOING!]

Thank you for both your inputs! I actually have a 3.1sGPA so I need to raise it a little more and since I will only be one semester into my SMP when I apply I figured with one good list of grades plus an upward trend I should be OK for DO I just wanted to make sure listing these would not be damaging or not relevant anymore

 

[adrian710]

Thank you for both your inputs! I actually have a 3.1sGPA so I need to raise it a little more and since I will only be one semester into my SMP when I apply I figured with one good list of grades plus an upward trend I should be OK for DO I just wanted to make sure listing these would not be damaging or not relevant anymore

What SMP are you doing? Is it a linkage program?

 

[Poro]

Thank you for both your inputs! I actually have a 3.1sGPA so I need to raise it a little more and since I will only be one semester into my SMP when I apply I figured with one good list of grades plus an upward trend I should be OK for DO I just wanted to make sure listing these would not be damaging or not relevant anymore

I recommend you finish your SMP first if your GPA is 3.1 atm. 1 semester of upward trend might not enough to show the schools. But it also depends on what you are aiming for and such

 

[WhatamIDOING!]

I recommend you finish your SMP first if your GPA is 3.1 atm. 1 semester of upward trend might not enough to show the schools. But it also depends on what you are aiming for and such

I have 3 semesters of all A's so I figured 1 more semester of SMP level work would be enough. I am in the Rutgers SMP program so next semester I get to do med school courses with my mcat being high enough

 

[Poro]

I have 3 semesters of all A's so I figured 1 more semester of SMP level work would be enough. I am in the Rutgers SMP program so next semester I get to do med school courses with my mcat being high enough

Yeah that sounds better. At the time of applying you would have 2 more semester's worth of grades left before graduation? I think your current EC should be okay and will last you.

 

[WhatamIDOING!]

Yeah that sounds better. At the time of applying you would have 2 more semester's worth of grades left before graduation? I think your current EC should be okay and will last you.

Yea I did a combined BS/MS in undergrad so my undergrad grades are ok but my hard science masters (30 credits) is a 3.7 so a semester of smp will be like 12 credits with a 4.0

 

[argle_bargle]

Have you tried applying yet? I too honestly think you could get in without post bacc

 

[WhatamIDOING!]

Have you tried applying yet? I too honestly think you could get in without post bacc

I just got the 510 in september so i figure i would wait until this cycle

 

[Geo16]

OP has a ~3.0 GPA so postbac is most likely necessary. Usually events up till 3 years from application are relevant. That 4.0 on your SMP is way more important at the moment. You can always spend another year or so doing EC but once you get your grades that it.

edit: fixed

Wait, only 3 years? If I'm applying in 2020, then I can't list what I've done in 2016?
That is a bit strange...

 

[Cardboard101]

Wait, only 3 years? If I'm applying in 2020, then I can't list what I've done in 2016?
That is a bit strange...

I think that's more for traditional applicants. I.e you apply Junior year. Depending on what it was, the stuff you did in high school might not carry a lot of weight.

 

[Geo16]

So anything I have done in undergrad is fine? 🙂

I think that's more for traditional applicants. I.e you apply Junior year. Depending on what it was, the stuff you did in high school might not carry a lot of weight.

 

[Cardboard101]

So anything I have done in undergrad is fine? 🙂

Yes, although I did mention some high school volunteer work I did as I continued with it through college.

 

[Geo16]

Yes, although I did mention some high school volunteer work I did as I continued with it through college.

Yeah, not really sure why I thought EC had some sort of 'expiration date.'
Too much time studying for this midterm, I guess. Haha.