extracurricular emphasis?

[AvidWeightlifter]

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Hi I have recently graduated from my university with an economics major. I am taking a gap year, but I do plan on applying this cycle. I have excellent stats (GPA=3.85, science GPA=3.73, MCAT=34) but believe my extracurriculars may hold me back in reaching for the top medical schools. I joined the premed track pretty late around sophomore year because I had planned on being a business major. Thus, I was late to do premedicine stuff for my resume like research (only did about 3 months) but I do have extensive shadowing and a year of volunteering.

The one thing that has stayed constant however is my participation in the weightlifting club sport at my university. I have dedicated about 4 years there and was the club president until graduating. I have gotten mixed reactions about whether I should place this as an emphasis on my amcas application. Some have said it will look amazing because it shows I have a passion in something (biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology along with the leadership position) while others have said it doesn't look "professional" or "medicine-related." I am thankful to have found a forum where people are passionate to be physicians and am wondering if I can get your opinion on this manner.

 

[Catalystik]

Hi I have recently graduated from my university with an economics major. I am taking a gap year, but I do plan on applying this cycle. I have excellent stats (GPA=3.85, science GPA=3.73, MCAT=34) but believe my extracurriculars may hold me back in reaching for the top medical schools. I joined the premed track pretty late around sophomore year because I had planned on being a business major. Thus, I was late to do premedicine stuff for my resume like research (only did about 3 months) but I do have extensive shadowing and a year of volunteering.

The one thing that has stayed constant however is my participation in the weightlifting club sport at my university. I have dedicated about 4 years there and was the club president until graduating. I have gotten mixed reactions about whether I should place this as an emphasis on my amcas application. Some have said it will look amazing because it shows I have a passion in something (biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology along with the leadership position) while others have said it doesn't look "professional" or "medicine-related." I am thankful to have found a forum where people are passionate to be physicians and am wondering if I can get your opinion on this manner.

Leisure-time activities need not be "professional" or "medically-related" to add value to your application. I'd vote with the "Include It" camp.

 

[BeancheBlanco]

definitely include it. It's not only a passionate hobby but also a club activity that you had a leadership role in. It won't be a replacement for clinical volunteering/community service/shadowing/research though.

 

[masaraksh]

Definitely include it.

I think every med school that interviews you should also find their biggest, meanest, most ripped attending (I'm talking 6ft6, 300lb, neck wider than his head) to interview you and have him bring it up and constantly question whether you even lift.

 

[Judson]

Title your personal statement, "Do you even lift, Doc?" = top school accepted

 

[el_duderino]

What do you mean by emphasis?

 

[AvidWeightlifter]

When I mean emphasis, that means making it the "most meaningful experience" in the activities and work experience section of the amcas (also maybe talking about it in your personal statement)

EDIT: as a side note, should I definitely have 3 experiences that are most meaningful to provide the most information on my application?

 

[BeancheBlanco]

When I mean emphasis, that means making it the "most meaningful experience" in the activities and work experience section of the amcas (also maybe talking about it in your personal statement)

EDIT: as a side note, should I definitely have 3 experiences that are most meaningful to provide the most information on my application?

You could do that but make sure you emphasize how this relates to medicine or your ability to become a successful physician. Don't just write an essay about how much you love weight-lifting and your background in it.