Enough EC's to get in somewhere??

[229141]

So when I am applying this June/July, I'll have the following stats

GPA: 3.90-3.95 (depends on this brutal semester ahead of me..)
BCPM GPA: 3.93
MCAT: Not yet taken (Averaging 35-36 on practices from AAMC and Kap)

ECs

CPR Certified (lol like this is hard...)
150 hours volunteering in ICU/ER, other areas of the hospital (1.5 yr)
50 hrs volunteering in homeless shelters
50-60 hrs shadowing several different surgeons

-About 7 LOR's from respected Profs, an MD, and a medical school teacher I research with.

-2 years molecular biology research
*I started my own original project
* Received a major biomedical grant, working on 2nd one
*Presented at 3 statewide conferences
*Several Posters
*Should have submitted a paper..so I will not be published but I will have submitted it. I should note that I will be the primary author
*Also helped with other side projects


-1 year gender psychology research
*Not as intense as my bio research but we took a lot of data and are submitting it to a journal this summer


-Competitive Bodybuilding
*Competed in 3 city/state bodybuilding shows (yes, these were steroid free shows)

*Won my division twice, and 2nd overall in a recent comp
*As a side note, it takes me typically 20 weeks of strict dieting to get in shape for these...I plan on writing quite a bit about how bodybuilding has made me more dedicated and got me involved in my undergrad research


-Tutoring/Mentoring/Clubs

-Orgo tutor for 1.5 yrs, Gen Chem tutor 1.5 yrs, Tutored the student athletes for 1 yr in biology, etc

- Was a student mentor in the Honors College for a year
- Several positions held in our Pre-Med club
-Member of Golden Key, few other medical clubs too
-Few other small things



Schools I'm Planning to Apply To:

-Univ Washington (Via Alaska WWAMI)
-Nevada Reno (they accept a few Alaskans)
-Colorado
-Vanderbilt (long shot probably...)
-Iowa
-Med College of Wisc
-Wisconsin
-Indiana
-Ohio State
-Univ Cincinnati
-OHSU
-Tulane
-Vermont
-Arkansas
-Creighton
-Nebraska (if they take OOSers
-Univ Toledo
-South Carolina
-Minnesota

**My goal is not Ivy league or anything, I'd be perfectly happy at any of these places!***


My plan is to get EMT certified this spring...would that help at all? I'm also shadowing and volunteering weekly to get more clinical. I think my biggest focus right now should be to make sure I do very well on the MCAT..

You guys really know your stuff it seems...should I go ahead and get that EMT certification?

 

[Catalystik]

should I go ahead and get that EMT certification?

Having the certification will only help you if you actively use it in a volunteer or work situation regularly.

 

[229141]

Having the certification will only help you if you actively use it in a volunteer or work situation regularly.

I don't know about that...are you saying the 150 hours of practical training is useless (in terms of getting in)? If anything it shows devotion I think. And no I would not have time to volunteer regularly...rather I feel its important to know the essential skills.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Having the certification will only help you if you actively use it in a volunteer or work situation regularly.

I've heard the same thing. I guess it's because training generally isn't the most informative activity. It's what you do with the training that's going to help you with your medical career.

 

[shaggybill]

I became an EMT-B a couple of years ago. I never have really used it, and I really don't think it will make any difference on my application. I'm glad I took the class for my own personal gratification, but to be honest, it's not a major accomplishment and I don't think med schools are going to be all that impressed with it if I list in on my EC's.

 

[229141]

I've heard the same thing. I guess it's because training generally isn't the most informative activity. It's what you do with the training that's going to help you with your medical career.

Aww..Any suggestions what to do instead? I can't travel this summer and will still be doing research/volunteering/shadowing.

I became an EMT-B a couple of years ago. I never have really used it, and I really don't think it will make any difference on my application. I'm glad I took the class for my own personal gratification, but to be honest, it's not a major accomplishment and I don't think med schools are going to be all that impressed with it if I list in on my EC's.

Yeah the main reason I want to do it is because I want to- I just figured it'd look good on an app. Hmm if only there were more hours in the day!

 

[GoBeers]

if you do well on MCATS ( 32+ ) and little more visible leadership roles in clubs... I think you'll have a damn good chance at your schools and even better ones.

 

[Mobius1985]

OP, with the tutoring and mentoring you've done, and the mentioned "positions" held in the Pre-Med Club, you probably have enough leadership experiences to list. Don't overextend yourself. Schedule a bit of time for "fun" to keep your batteries recharged next summer.

 

[229141]

if you do well on MCATS ( 32+ ) and little more visible leadership roles in clubs... I think you'll have a damn good chance at your schools and even better ones.

Thx for the tips! I am prepping hard for the MCATs, which I'll take late spring or whenever I am fully ready. This next semester I should have more time to do more community stuff with the clubs...trying to organize a few events etc. It feels like a never ending journey sometimes! LOL

 

[229141]

OP, with the tutoring and mentoring you've done, and the mentioned "positions" held in the Pre-Med Club, you probably have enough leadership experiences to list. Don't overextend yourself. Schedule a bit of time for "fun" to keep your batteries recharged next summer.

Whew! Good to know I'm on pace...definitely working hard but making sure to balance out my life too. I took on too many classes and EC's this semester and survived..but it was quite frustrating at times! Thx for the advice