Great ECs...what.

[Zabobinator]

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Alright, y'all. Here's my second or third dumb question of the year.

What the hell constitutes a "good" or "great" EC????

Because at this points, everybody's doing everything. Just having research, solid volunteering and leadership doesn't feel like enough anymore. And I don't know what makes an EC stand out. So I'm just having fun with it.

I'm just curious, is all.

 

[Sabate]

A strong EC catches the eye of the adcom as something unique or memorable while also showing your strengths that are in your app. Volunteering for 6 months in a research lab, but no interest in research otherwise? Mediocre. Volunteering with a rural EMS agency because you're interested in rural healthcare? Stronger.

Just think about your PS, ECs, grades, etc all tying into a story that you're trying to tell about yourself and your desire to study/practice medicine. How do the parts all fit together? Nothing wrong with ECs not lining up perfectly (as life isn't that simple) but look for the common threads in the story.

 

[Zabobinator]

Makes sense to have everything kinda come together. I feel like mine are relatively scattered because I'm trying to explore my options during undergrad. Ah, well.

 

[Cambino]

Alright, y'all. Here's my second or third dumb question of the year.

What the hell constitutes a "good" or "great" EC????

Because at this points, everybody's doing everything. Just having research, solid volunteering and leadership doesn't feel like enough anymore. And I don't know what makes an EC stand out. So I'm just having fun with it.

I'm just curious, is all.

Just do things that you like to do and you'll have time to cultivate your experiences

 

[red doctober]

I think adcoms are way more impressed with starting an organization than just joining one.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

You're right, just racking up hours volunteering or doing research isn't impressing anyone. It shows you have experience, which is definitely useful, make no mistake, but that stuff is expected. A great EC is one in which you go beyond simply showing up and doing what you're told to do, and end up with some sort of brag-worthy achievement(s) as a result. In other words, a great EC is an experience where you excelled outside the classroom.