GOING Crazy

[Kochanie]

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So I am freaking out because I feel like I don't have enough ec's. These are the things I am hoping to accomplish by the time I apply (I am sophomore). Is it possible? Currently doing volunteering, research, and tutoring.

CNA/EMT
Internships
Research
Shadowing
Teaching Assistant
Trips
Volunteering

 

[SN12357]

It's not about having 'enough', it's about doing things well that indicate your suitability for a career in medicine.

 

[medmedman]

Exactly what 12357 said.
On paper everything looks fine. Having said that, if you really want a "guaranteed" (even though there is no such thing in getting into med school) way of getting in, then you have to do something more. Here's what I mean. I know lots of people with those same criteria - many of them got in. But if you really want to push the envelop, do something that really separates you from the crowd. Research, volunteering, shadowing is something 80%+ of med applicants do. Do something beyond that - it could even be something within it. I mean you did research? cool. What kind of research? Are you going to Antartica to study polar bears? That separates you from the crowd. Or are you just working with cells? Volunteering? Awesome. What kind? Are you just transporting patients in the hospital or are you going to a soup kitch in downtown New York and playing the guitar with Aerosmith as you juggle bowling balls? You get my point. It's not about "how much" you do. It's about "what" you do and "why" you do it. I hope that makes sense

 

[Kochanie]

Of course, I'm just so stressed and in my mind it's not enough. 🙁 I got terrible grades so far and here I am NOT writing my paper stressing about stuff in the future (overactive mind much?).

 

[Oso]

Of course, I'm just so stressed and in my mind it's not enough. 🙁 I got terrible grades so far and here I am NOT writing my paper stressing about stuff in the future (overactive mind much?).

-write your paper
-come back afterwards and we can discuss your activities in more detail

 

[Kochanie]

Got it. 😀

 

[TexasSurgeon]

So I am freaking out because I feel like I don't have enough ec's. These are the things I am hoping to accomplish by the time I apply (I am sophomore). Is it possible? Currently doing volunteering, research, and tutoring.

CNA/EMT
Internships
Research
Shadowing
Teaching Assistant
Trips
Volunteering

I totally understand because I feel the same way. Just realize that your path can always change. If you do what you need to do right now (which is to study), the doors will open on their own for you and your success.

 

[Goro]

There is no law that says you have to apply right when you graduate. Good time mgt skills are essential for success in medical school.

And unless you're going to dig a fresh water well in Panama or Ghana, trips abroad won't do you much good as an EC in the eyes of AdComs. Some of us look at them as "medical tourism".

So I am freaking out because I feel like I don't have enough ec's. These are the things I am hoping to accomplish by the time I apply (I am sophomore). Is it possible? Currently doing volunteering, research, and tutoring.

CNA/EMT
Internships
Research
Shadowing
Teaching Assistant
Trips
Volunteering

 

[pietachok]

You were on here not that long ago lamenting failing grades. You can make up for ECs after you're done with college if you have to way more easily than you can make up for poor grades. You are focusing on the wrong part of this right now.

 

[Elevencents]

Good EC's won't make up for ****ty grades. Priorities.

 

[A7X]

So I am freaking out because I feel like I don't have enough ec's. These are the things I am hoping to accomplish by the time I apply (I am sophomore). Is it possible? Currently doing volunteering, research, and tutoring.

CNA/EMT
Internships
Research
Shadowing
Teaching Assistant
Trips
Volunteering

It's possible, but you have to be motivated and determined.

 

[Mad Jack]

So I am freaking out because I feel like I don't have enough ec's. These are the things I am hoping to accomplish by the time I apply (I am sophomore). Is it possible? Currently doing volunteering, research, and tutoring.

CNA/EMT
Internships
Research
Shadowing
Teaching Assistant
Trips
Volunteering

Your post smells like gap year.

 

[Kochanie]

why?

 

[Oso]

why?

You're not 'required' to take a gap year, but it may be very beneficial in your case. If you have a poor GPA, a gap year will let you include your senior year grades on your app, which hopefully will be good and will bring up your GPA. It will also give you more time to pursue extracurricular activities and try to improve any weak areas. You don't have to decide now, but it's something to keep in mind. For now just work on doing (very) well in your classes.

 

[musicalMD]

Exactly what 12357 said.
On paper everything looks fine. Having said that, if you really want a "guaranteed" (even though there is no such thing in getting into med school) way of getting in, then you have to do something more. Here's what I mean. I know lots of people with those same criteria - many of them got in. But if you really want to push the envelop, do something that really separates you from the crowd. Research, volunteering, shadowing is something 80%+ of med applicants do. Do something beyond that - it could even be something within it. I mean you did research? cool. What kind of research? Are you going to Antartica to study polar bears? That separates you from the crowd. Or are you just working with cells? Volunteering? Awesome. What kind? Are you just transporting patients in the hospital or are you going to a soup kitch in downtown New York and playing the guitar with Aerosmith as you juggle bowling balls? You get my point. It's not about "how much" you do. It's about "what" you do and "why" you do it. I hope that makes sense

So does the type of volunteer work (or other extra curriculars) set you apart? Like if you don't have as many hours, but you did something very meaningful during the hours you do have?

 

[Kochanie]

There is no law that says you have to apply right when you graduate. Good time mgt skills are essential for success in medical school.

And unless you're going to dig a fresh water well in Panama or Ghana, trips abroad won't do you much good as an EC in the eyes of AdComs. Some of us look at them as "medical tourism".

You're not 'required' to take a gap year, but it may be very beneficial in your case. If you have a poor GPA, a gap year will let you include your senior year grades on your app, which hopefully will be good and will bring up your GPA. It will also give you more time to pursue extracurricular activities and try to improve any weak areas. You don't have to decide now, but it's something to keep in mind. For now just work on doing (very) well in your classes.

Definitely was the plan, though I will try (maybe) to apply before that.

 

[deleted407021]

Are you going to Antartica to study polar bears?

lol.

Anyway. Quality over quantity, OP. How you perceive your ECs and how you grew/matured/learned something important from them and how you present that in apps and interviews will be crucial for how they are ultimately viewed. Of course, there are things which are more eye catching and unique than others.

 

[Kochanie]

I'm hopeless. 🙁

 

[lobo.solo]

EMT is not helpful unless you actually work in the field.
Trips? As in like medical mission trips? People on SDN have said that they're not helpful or impressive. It's medical tourism. It's BS!!!

 

[Kochanie]

I know, I have been on one and it seemed to be healthful (maybe not?). But either way, my mom wants me to do them.

 

[SN12357]

I know, I have been on one and it seemed to be healthful (maybe not?). But either way, my mom wants me to do them.

Now is about the time to start practicing making your own decisions and not following your parent's bad ones.

 

[medmedman]

So does the type of volunteer work (or other extra curriculars) set you apart? Like if you don't have as many hours, but you did something very meaningful during the hours you do have?

it definitly could. For example I didn't have as many hours as other people for volunteering and EC but I wrote a book which is something that few poeple have done

 

[SN12357]

it definitly could. For example I didn't have as many hours as other people for volunteering and EC but I wrote a book which is something that few poeple have done

While your statement is true the last thing this OP needs (look through post history) is to be told that he or she needs to set themselves apart by writing a book...you may not mean to imply that but I promise you that's what neurotic premeds read.

OP, in order you need to: 1. Get control of your anxiety 2. get good grades and 3. spend time doing meaningful extracurriculars that you enjoy. Quality over quantity on the extracurriculars but don't feel you need to be the second coming of Jesus. You probably should stop posting on SDN and focus on your classes at the moment.

 

[DielsAlder]

I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity. Having a handful or less of truly meaningful experiences in research/volunteering/clinical stuff trumps having 50 mediocre experiences. Just focus on the EC's that you enjoy. If anything, it will give you something nice to talk about in your PS and interviews, while giving you more time to study.

 

[musicalMD]

it definitly could. For example I didn't have as many hours as other people for volunteering and EC but I wrote a book which is something that few poeple have done

It's funny you mention this- I am actually currently in the middle of writing a book now. Didn't realize you could list that as an EC!

 

[medmedman]

It's funny you mention this- I am actually currently in the middle of writing a book now. Didn't realize you could list that as an EC!

dude absolutely! PUt it down. Every interview I was on wanted to talk about my book.

 

[NickNaylor]

I was extremely worried like you in college, particularly early on - anxious about making sure my app was "good enough," particularly in the EC arena. It didn't help that it's hard to really find a solid bar with which you can compare yourself to other applicants. There's so much subjectivity that it really isn't possible to make meaningful comparisons.

As others mentioned above, the key really does come down to doing things that you love and are genuinely interested in. Those are the activities that you're most likely to find enjoyable and talk about with enthusiasm when you do come to applying - both of which are important. This is obviously easier said than done, but try not to be hyperfocused on building a "strong" CV and, instead, try and spend your time taking part in interesting experiences that you may not have the chance to later. Obviously there are some things that are more or less de facto requirements that you don't have much choice about, but when it comes to other activities, do what you love. It really is that simple. It'll all come down to how you frame your accomplishments and your ability to articulate how those interests and activities have prepared you to start medical school and be a competent physician. When you look at that as the end goal - and that really is the end goal - it should be obvious that the activities themselves are meaningless. It's all about how you talk about them.