How good does something like this look in terms of "EC points" ?

[studentp0x]

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Having a few national powerlifting records and 1-2 world records. Does the phrase "world record" automatically score you a lot of points or does it depend on who's reading the application? Assuming the volunteering and all that stuff is in place and there's a bunch of good ECs as well aside from just that.

 

[Straw Hat]

Having a few national powerlifting records and 1-2 world records. Does the phrase "world record" automatically score you a lot of points or does it depend on who's reading the application? Assuming the volunteering and all that stuff is in place and there's a bunch of good ECs as well aside from just that.

I'm sure if you've dedicated a significant amount of time, been successful and can talk passionately about it then it will be looked upon favorably. I doubt they come across many powerlifters let alone record holders.

 

[Reckoner]

It would definitely be something interesting to talk about at an interview, and should help you stand out. Your level of achievement shows commitment and perseverance as well, so that's something you can play up.

Hopefully someone in ortho screens your app

 

[studentp0x]

I'm sure if you've dedicated a significant amount of time, been successful and can talk passionately about it then it will be looked upon favorably. I doubt they come across many powerlifters let alone record holders.

Yea that would be an absolute positive thing correct?

Time wise certainly, 15 hours a week...

 

[studentp0x]

It would definitely be something interesting to talk about at an interview, and should help you stand out. Your level of achievement shows commitment and perseverance as well, so that's something you can play up.

Hopefully someone in ortho screens your app

In a general sense though, are things like "national record" or "world record" things that automatically drive your application up? In terms of getting the interview itself!

 

[Straw Hat]

Yea that would be an absolute positive thing correct?

Time wise certainly, 15 hours a week...

Yeah I mean that seems like a significant chunk of time to me. Balancing your passion with other EC's, school and life will show that you have the drive to accomplish the tasks you set out to do. It's not going to be the single reason why you're accepted or interview but it definitely can give someone a sense of who you are and what you're capable of. It can also be a good conversation starter which is always good for interviews.

 

[Reckoner]

In a general sense though, are things like "national record" or "world record" things that automatically drive your application up? In terms of getting the interview itself!

I don't have any worlds records, so I can't really say

But seeing as they set you apart from 99.99% of applicants, I would imagine they could help, as long as everything else in your application is solid.

Perhaps some adcom members like @LizzyM, @gyngyn, or @Goro can chime in.

 

[Lya]

In a general sense though, are things like "national record" or "world record" things that automatically drive your application up? In terms of getting the interview itself!

You still need other components like good stats and clinical experiences. I would not say it will automatically drive your application up.

 

[masaraksh]

Do you even lift?
Are you big?
Are people 'mirin?

 

[Catalystik]

Having a few national powerlifting records and 1-2 world records. Does the phrase "world record" automatically score you a lot of points or does it depend on who's reading the application?

It depends on who's reading the application. Some will look at you as dedicated and will consider your passion and grit as positives, but others won't "get it."

 

[studentp0x]

You still need other components like good stats and clinical experiences. I would not say it will automatically drive your application up.

Well of course this is assuming the stats are solid. I also have 2 years of clinical volunteering and a good number of volunteering/leadership experiences (above average) as well.
I'm also a former national level sprinter and have a variety of awards and medals at high level competitions.

 

[Lya]

Well of course this is assuming the stats are solid. I also have 2 years of clinical volunteering and a good number of volunteering/leadership experiences (above average) as well.
I'm also a former national level sprinter and have a variety of awards and medals at high level competitions.

That's impressive! Your application should be unique compared to cookie-cutter ones.

 

[Oso]

I agree with @Lya . These things will definitely make your application more memorable and will help you stand out a bit. You show dedication and that you have a life outside of medicine. But you still need to have a solid app outside of this (grades, MCAT, etc.). I wouldn't count on this to 'make up' for any weak areas or to boost your application significantly, but it's a neat thing that could help make you a little more unique. Good luck.

 

[Bear Grylls]

Nice. What lifts? I've competed as well and it got brought up on interviews.

 

[Goro]

It makes you interesting, but I'd like to see evidence of altruism and humanism.

It definitely would make for good conversation at interviews too.

It's possible that at a place that doesn't merely pre-screen by numbers, that a screener might say, "wow, that's interesting"...especially if s/he is a sports fan.

Definitely NOT a "box check" EC!

Having a few national powerlifting records and 1-2 world records. Does the phrase "world record" automatically score you a lot of points or does it depend on who's reading the application? Assuming the volunteering and all that stuff is in place and there's a bunch of good ECs as well aside from just that.

 

[studentp0x]

Nice. What lifts? I've competed as well and it got brought up on interviews.

Bench is in the low 400s, squat mid 400s, deadlift mid 500s. 82.5kg weight class as a junior. Obviously the bench is where the records are mainly set, and a couple total records as well.

 

[studentp0x]

It makes you interesting, but I'd like to see evidence of altruism and humanism.

It definitely would make for good conversation at interviews too.

It's possible that at a place that doesn't merely pre-screen by numbers, that a screener might say, "wow, that's interesting"...especially if s/he is a sports fan.

Definitely NOT a "box check" EC!

Yea I figured a lot of it is up to who the person reading it is.

Would it be wise to really word "as impressively as possible"? Or is it bad to really over exaggerate the achievement.

 

[Si Se Puede]

Nice to see a fellow lifter

The world record part definitely sets you apart...99.9th percentile for bench press at my bw is just above 2x bw...world record for my bw is over 3x...that last little bit for a WR is HUGE.

 

[Oso]

Yea I figured a lot of it is up to who the person reading it is.

Would it be wise to really word "as impressively as possible"? Or is it bad to really over exaggerate the achievement.

I don't think you should "over exaggerate" anything on your app. Your records are impressive and should speak for themselves, so no need to exaggerate or dress them up.

 

[Si Se Puede]

Junior as in age group (under 18 or sometimes 21) or college junior standing? I know a friend right at 176lbs and he does just over 400 and he is no where near the world record for raw bench (almost mid 500s WR for under 83kg). It might also depend on what federation you compete in...

 

[studentp0x]

Junior as in age group (under 18 or sometimes 21) or college junior standing? I know a friend right at 176lbs and he does just over 400 and he is no where near the world record for raw bench (almost mid 500s WR for under 83kg). It might also depend on what federation you compete in...

Junior is 23 and under.
The drug tested record is high 400s, the non drug tested record is low 500s, this being the open class for 83kg.
Is your friend over 23? And is this a competition lift done under proper judging? I find personally I'm good for another 30-35lbs in the gym vs. a competition lift due to the commands/pause.

 

[Si Se Puede]

He's 23 in PT school now...and as far as I can tell he goes to official meets so I would "assume" it is done under proper judging.

The pause at the bottom definitely takes a lot away haha...I dropped 15 lbs at my school's competition cause I wasn't used to it!

 

[Goro]

Well, you're applying to medical school, not the US Olympic Team or the Seattle Seahawks.

Or is it bad to really over exaggerate the achievement.[/quote]

 

[studentp0x]

He's 23 in PT school now...and as far as I can tell he goes to official meets so I would "assume" it is done under proper judging.

The pause at the bottom definitely takes a lot away haha...I dropped 15 lbs at my school's competition cause I wasn't used to it!

Interesting, what fed (big difference of course between drug tested and non tested) ? Depending on his bday he may not be a junior anymore. I'm 20 btw lol.

 

[studentp0x]

Well, you're applying to medical school, not the US Olympic Team or the Seattle Seahawks.

Or is it bad to really over exaggerate the achievement.

[/quote]
I remember reading that you want to really "dress up" your ECs or that successful applicants do this. There's nothing I could really do to make it look better anyway, 2 years volunteering is volunteering if it was clinical... a record is a record. etc etc

 

[Si Se Puede]

Haven't asked him what fed...

Lol I'm same age as you...bench just over 2x bw but im in a lower weight class lol...so hard to get it up...I started trying reverse bench press and its helping somewhat but my friend suggests taking creatine so I might give that a shot

 

[studentp0x]

Haven't asked him what fed...

Lol I'm same age as you...bench just over 2x bw but im in a lower weight class lol...so hard to get it up...I started trying reverse bench press and its helping somewhat but my friend suggests taking creatine so I might give that a shot

not sure if talking about real gear or actually creatine

But yea man I use a slingshot to achieve the same purpose. My lifetime goal is 500+ bench in competition (525 in the gym) / 600+ squat/ 750 deadlift @ 198lbs. Might go up to 220 if I want to challenge the 220 weight class total.

 

[HarryPlopper]

Having a few national powerlifting records and 1-2 world records. Does the phrase "world record" automatically score you a lot of points or does it depend on who's reading the application? Assuming the volunteering and all that stuff is in place and there's a bunch of good ECs as well aside from just that.

It sets you apart from other applicants in a positive way and demonstrates passion, hardwork, and drive. Mention it and talk about it during your interview.

 

[Goro]

I could buy that.

It sets you apart from other applicants in a positive way and demonstrates passion, hardwork, and drive. Mention it and talk about it during your interview.

Clinical experience outside of hospitals are rather uncommon, like in hospice or nursing homes, and so always get on my radar in a good way.

 

[Eaglefan]

hoping that this is an app booster. takes a lot of time and dedication to do what you (we) do OP. i doubt that any adcom would know in depth really about the many federations of powerlifting (and thus the legitimacy of the records), but an IPF record or even USAPL american record is a big deal.

 

[SunsFun]

It's gonna look pretty impressive bro. Congrats! Mark it as one of 3 most important activities on your AMCAS and describe what you did to accomplish it and what personal qualities you've developed.

That said, make sure you cover your bases with clinical and non clinical volunteering, research, other ECs, MCAT/GPA.

 

[EatSleepGymRepeat]

Holy ish! Apply to my school! I can't see why medicine and lifting wouldn't go together!

 

[Catalystik]

i doubt that any adcom would know in depth really about the many federations of powerlifting (and thus the legitimacy of the records), but an IPF record or even USAPL american record is a big deal.

I agree that most adcomms won't have an in-depth understanding, so it's up to you to make the important aspects clear. Look at it as a test of your ability to teach obscure material so it's easy to understand.

describe what you did to accomplish it and what personal qualities you've developed.

I'd want to know your motivation for entering the sport.

 

[studentp0x]

Holy ish! Apply to my school! I can't see why medicine and lifting wouldn't go together!

strong username to thread content ratio

Good to see lots of lifters, very evident anyway since this thread title says nothing about lifting.

 

[EatSleepGymRepeat]

strong username to thread content ratio

Good to see lots of lifters, very evident anyway since this thread title says nothing about lifting.

The gains being made by this thread doe...

 

[studentp0x]

I could buy that.

It sets you apart from other applicants in a positive way and demonstrates passion, hardwork, and drive. Mention it and talk about it during your interview.

Clinical experience outside of hospitals are rather uncommon, like in hospice or nursing homes, and so always get on my radar in a good way.

Forgot to ask, is it not the magnitude of the achievement itself that sets applicants apart?

Person A: World championship at X sport, spent 10 hours a week for last 4-5 years

Person B: Spent 15 hours a week at a recreational sport for last 10 years

Doesnt person A win by a mile?

 

[Goro]

Magnitude, no. Novelty, yes. Being a champion at anything is novel. Having a publication or an LOR from a Nobel laurate or a US Senator (which I've seen) is also very rare for a applicant. However, they won't make up for deficits.

Medical school admissions isn't a zero sum game. Both A and B, if the rest of their apps are fine, will get IIs. But someone who blathers on and on about how s/he's such a super athlete and this should overcome a weak MCAT or GPA or a lack of the pertinent ECs will get rejected.

Forgot to ask, is it not the magnitude of the achievement itself that sets applicants apart?

Person A: World championship at X sport, spent 10 hours a week for last 4-5 years

Person B: Spent 15 hours a week at a recreational sport for last 10 years

Doesnt person A win by a mile?

 

[studentp0x]

Magnitude, no. Novelty, yes. Being a champion at anything is novel. Having a publication or an LOR from a Nobel laurate or a US Senator (which I've seen) is also very rare for a applicant. However, they won't make up for deficits.

Medical school admissions isn't a zero sum game. Both A and B, if the rest of their apps are fine, will get IIs. But someone who blathers on and on about how s/he's such a super athlete and this should overcome a weak MCAT or GPA or a lack of the pertinent ECs will get rejected.

Well generally I meant that when you have like 30 applicants who are all relatively equal in terms of academics/check box ECs... do such ECs become a difference maker?

In regards to the deficit thing, I've seen one school mention on their site that they factor in an applicant's hours spent working/doing ECs when assessing their GPA. Not sure how many other schools do that.

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

Fellow lifter here,

Quick question... On the AMCAS Work/Activities section, how does one enter in the total amt of time spent doing the activity? Is there a fill in the blank requesting number of hours? ..... just thinking ahead so I know how to log my current activity hours..

 

[HarryPlopper]

Well generally I meant that when you have like 30 applicants who are all relatively equal in terms of academics/check box ECs... do such ECs become a difference maker?

The more you can make yourself look outstanding and memorable, the more your application becomes a "real person" instead of paper and ink. Schools go though endless applications trying to find the best candidates and stats are often used as cut offs. The real applicant begins to show in EC and the interview. Interview and the EC often go hand in hand because usually the subject of the interview is your ECs, not your high MCAT score.

 

[Goro]

Alas, I can't answer that, as I'm on the interviewing and post-interview decision-making process. Perhaps gyngyn and LizzyM can chime in?

Well generally I meant that when you have like 30 applicants who are all relatively equal in terms of academics/check box ECs... do such ECs become a difference maker?

In regards to the deficit thing, I've seen one school mention on their site that they factor in an applicant's hours spent working/doing ECs when assessing their GPA. Not sure how many other schools do that.

 

[chillaxbro]

Just curious OP, what specialty are you interested in?

 

[organdonor]

+3 Lizzy M points post GPA and MCAT screen

 

[studentp0x]

Just curious OP, what specialty are you interested in?

No idea :/ lolll