good gpa and mcats but below average ec's

[Tantalus]

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right now im a junior and i have a good gpa and mcat score( 3.6 chem major and 36 mcat) but the only outside activities that I have done are about 50 hrs volunteering in the hospital, some community events, and your typical clubs and honor societies and Im starting to do some research this sem.

is there anything else that you guys can recommend that would help or should i just continue volunteering this sem.

 

[Conqueror]

You should find something you really enjoy doing. I mean, I could tell you "go volunteer at a soup kitchen" or one of a thousand other "good" ECs, but if you don't have your heart in it, it will show.

Do some introspection and figure out what you really enjoy doing in your spare time. Then do a lot of it. 🙂

CQ

 

[odrade1]

right now im a junior and i have a good gpa and mcat score( 3.6 chem major and 36 mcat) but the only outside activities that I have done are about 50 hrs volunteering in the hospital, some community events, and your typical clubs and honor societies and Im starting to do some research this sem.

is there anything else that you guys can recommend that would help or should i just continue volunteering this sem.

If you are applying to your friendly neighborhood state school, you might be ok without doing much more. The volunteering needs to keep up until you get accepted, however. How would you like to answer the question, "I thought you said you wanted to help people. Why did you quit your volunteer job if that is true? It was only four hours a week, anyway!" I only had 100 hours of volunteering by the time I interviewed, but I got in anyway! (BTW, I still volunteer). They didn't even ask me how long I had been volunteering, just asked me to talk about it, what I'd learned from it, and how that influenced my decision about medicine.

Whatever you do, do well. Whatever activity/EC you do, do well in it and be interested in it. Research doesn't hurt, but isn't really a deal-breaker for average joe applicants. A 36 mcat and 3.6 gpa will put you in good company and get you an interview to many schools. Your personality and ECs get you accepted after that point, unless you are trying for someplace super special. Also, if your personality is terrible, you should continue beefing up your resume even more.

 

[sscooterguy]

You should find something you really enjoy doing. I mean, I could tell you "go volunteer at a soup kitchen" or one of a thousand other "good" ECs, but if you don't have your heart in it, it will show.

Do some introspection and figure out what you really enjoy doing in your spare time. Then do a lot of it. 🙂

CQ

Very true. You don't need stellar EC's that you don't really like any way. That will reflect in your personal statement and interviews. However, something you do have a passion for will also reflect in your interviews. Find whatever it is and stick with it. You've done most of the hard work with the GPA and MCAT, now find something you really really enjoy and do that. It'll pay off more than helping you get into medical school.

sscooterguy

 

[letsrun4it]

i agree with the above poster...do something you enjoy. ive done lots of hiring of fresh out of college people and resume kings go right to the bottom of the list. i prefer the person who enjoys something like learning languages or teaching knitting to someone who does 1 day food drives, just show commitment to something.

 

[Will Ferrell]

try finding some more medically-related activities. those are almost mandatory and all you really need to get by. with your MCATs and GPA, a little ECs will seal the deal. I'm in a very similar position as you... I feel comfortable.

i doubt you'll have anything to show from your semester of research coming up, but try to make the most out of it. it'll be great if you could eloquently talk about your research during interviews. if you work hard during the summer and accomplish a lot, you may score some point with the research heavy schools that your numbers match!

Good Luck!