Help with EC's during application year

[nabilesmail]

Hey guys, was just looking for some input on what I should do. I'm in the middle of a reapplication this cycle, since I have a potential red flag as a grade trend, I should definitely keep up the EC's just in case I need to reapply (and to keep me busy!)

I'm currently in school, aside from that, what is weak on my application? Do I need more clinical etc?

2 years of research (also continuing this this year)

-Enrolled in class that is another research project, will conduct experiments etc (though it is evolutionary biology)

8 week project as a math mentor to underserved kids (about 50 hours)

8 week project as a Chemistry Instructor to underserved kids (about 50 hours)

150 hours at Veterans Affairs Ambulatory center clinical volunteer (3 summers)

70 hours volunteering at a free clinic over summer (did patient histories etc)(I wanted to continue this this year but they don't need anymore help :/)

TPR MCAT instructor over this last summer (no availability to continue teaching during the year)

40 hours shadowing primary care private practice

40 hours shadowing multiple pediatric specialist and residents

Also created/hosted my own canned food drive over winter break 2 years ago.

(Also hobbies etc)





Aside from continuing research, do you think my clinical is lacking? Should I look for another clinical gig to do during the year? If not, I was thinking about joining the Red Cross Club (or something similar ) on campus. Just wondering what is lacking

Thanks!

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[Penguin180]

you're so lucky; you still have time for the same research in school~ anyways- i guess go for a publication, or a paid clinical position/scribe ?

 

[Lucky Louie]

Sometimes it's just stuff that can't be changed, or will need a big push to change. Being a CA resident is definitely difficult. There are just too many applicants and too few slots. Having a 9 in your VR isn't so good either. Most schools really like to see over 10. Try as you might to add something because you feel it's a weakness still won't touch these: who you are and your past. It probably also doesn't help that you're Asian, but hey! It's hard to be an ORM. move on with that. And past grades don't go away with an extra hour or two doing another incidental volunteer activity.

So here's what I suggest. Stop trying to add something into your profile. You really don't every. single. box. checked. off. 50 hours, or 75 hours, or 85 hours won't make the difference. Get something out of those hours instead of just counting up how many. In fact, adding something more just looks a little desperate. No more Red Cross or canned food drive, or volunteering at the VA hospital. Do something really different, really impactful, or go for a post-bacc.

 

[nabilesmail]

I've enjoyed most if not all of my activities
!

Favorites include the JEP projects (probably going to enroll in another one next semester) and volunteering at a free clinic!

I just wanted to know if there is any glaring weaknesses in my EC's (I know they are cookie cutter) but I am not going to suddenly master an instrument and do concerts, or become a division 1 football player, compete in the olympics, in a one year span.

Thus I am destined to not be an amazing applicant . I'm just hoping to be a solid one (I just need help getting here), send some good update letters, and matriculate.

I'd love to retake my MCAT, I was scoring 37-38 on AAMC 9,10,11, but most people suggested for me to not retake. Especially since a 9 on verbal was my average :/

 

[Aerus]

Hey guys, was just looking for some input on what I should do. I'm in the middle of a reapplication this cycle, since I have a potential red flag as a grade trend, I should definitely keep up the EC's just in case I need to reapply (and to keep me busy!)

I'm currently in school, aside from that, what is weak on my application? Do I need more clinical etc?

2 years of research (also continuing this this year)

-Enrolled in class that is another research project, will conduct experiments etc (though it is evolutionary biology)

8 week project as a math mentor to underserved kids (about 50 hours)

8 week project as a Chemistry Instructor to underserved kids (about 50 hours)

150 hours at Veterans Affairs Ambulatory center clinical volunteer (3 summers)

70 hours volunteering at a free clinic over summer (did patient histories etc)(I wanted to continue this this year but they don't need anymore help :/)

TPR MCAT instructor over this last summer (no availability to continue teaching during the year)

40 hours shadowing primary care private practice

40 hours shadowing multiple pediatric specialist and residents

Also created/hosted my own canned food drive over winter break 2 years ago.

(Also hobbies etc)





Aside from continuing research, do you think my clinical is lacking? Should I look for another clinical gig to do during the year? If not, I was thinking about joining the Red Cross Club (or something similar ) on campus. Just wondering what is lacking

Thanks!

No, Red Cross won't be necessary, unless you really want to join it just because you want to. Joining it for the sake of your application won't do you any good.

If there's any weaknesses in your app it would be the plethora of short term commitments. Quality>Quantity -- carrying things out for multiple years is a good way to show passion. Nice job on the research though!

Your shadowing can also be more varied. Try shadowing a few surgical specialties. You definitely have the primary care part down.

Good luck on your cycle!

 

[ChemEngMD]

Sometimes it's just stuff that can't be changed, or will need a big push to change. Being a CA resident is definitely difficult. There are just too many applicants and too few slots. Having a 9 in your VR isn't so good either. Most schools really like to see over 10. Try as you might to add something because you feel it's a weakness still won't touch these: who you are and your past. It probably also doesn't help that you're Asian, but hey! It's hard to be an ORM. move on with that. And past grades don't go away with an extra hour or two doing another incidental volunteer activity.

So here's what I suggest. Stop trying to add something into your profile. You really don't every. single. box. checked. off. 50 hours, or 75 hours, or 85 hours won't make the difference. Get something out of those hours instead of just counting up how many. In fact, adding something more just looks a little desperate. No more Red Cross or canned food drive, or volunteering at the VA hospital. Do something really different, really impactful, or go for a post-doc.

Ummm....do you mean post-bacc? I didn't see where he said he was getting his PhD?

 

[staygoldponyboy]

So here's what I suggest. Stop trying to add something into your profile. You really don't every. single. box. checked. off. 50 hours, or 75 hours, or 85 hours won't make the difference. Get something out of those hours instead of just counting up how many. In fact, adding something more just looks a little desperate. No more Red Cross or canned food drive, or volunteering at the VA hospital. Do something really different, really impactful, or go for a post-doc.

Totally agree with this. I'm sure he means post-bacc (I'm in research and confuse the two when I speak as well!)

But seriously - I'm sure you enjoyed all your activities but there's not a whole lot that makes you stand out. Get REALLY involved in something a little off the beaten path.

 

[nabilesmail]

No, Red Cross won't be necessary, unless you really want to join it just because you want to. Joining it for the sake of your application won't do you any good.

If there's any weaknesses in your app it would be the plethora of short term commitments. Quality>Quantity -- carrying things out for multiple years is a good way to show passion. Nice job on the research though!

Your shadowing can also be more varied. Try shadowing a few surgical specialties. You definitely have the primary care part down.

Good luck on your cycle!

Thanks! Actually, my shadowing includes 40 hrs primary care private practice +

8 hours pediatric immunology
8 hours CT surgery (In OR) also interacted with anaestesiologist
8 hours Pediatric residents
8 hours Gastro
8 hours Pulmonology

I guess, the Red Cross thing is something I'm kind of interested in. I was also thinking about applying to this program that givesa ER experience. Though, I'd rather have a paid job if I have sufficient clinical experience.

Yeah Unfortunately, I don't have many long term things aside from hobbies, research, and VA volunteering (3 summers?). The 8 week projects were organized to be 8 weeks, and there was no more availability for free clinic volunteering and MCAT teaching :/

 

[Aerus]

Thanks! Actually, my shadowing includes 40 hrs primary care private practice +

8 hours pediatric immunology
8 hours CT surgery (In OR) also interacted with anaestesiologist
8 hours Pediatric residents
8 hours Gastro
8 hours Pulmonology

I guess, the Red Cross thing is something I'm kind of interested in. I was also thinking about applying to this program that givesa ER experience. Though, I'd rather have a paid job if I have sufficient clinical experience.

Yeah Unfortunately, I don't have many long term things aside from hobbies, research, and VA volunteering (3 summers?). The 8 week projects were organized to be 8 weeks, and there was no more availability for free clinic volunteering and MCAT teaching :/

Sounds fantastic. The VA volunteering would be long term, my bad. Nice job on it.