How important are EC's? What's the minimum hours usually needed?

[ZaneKaiser]

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So I just finished my first semester of sophomore year, and I have yet to do any volunteering or anything. (I have just started shadowing). How important are EC's to adcoms if my GPA and DAT are pretty high?

The reason I've been putting off EC's is because I finished freshmen year with a 2.8 GPA (I took a heavy course load and was working part time) and needed to bring my grades up. I got a 4.0 this semester and have brought my GPA up to a 3.3. If I keep up my study habits, I'll be able to get a 3.6-3.7 by the time I apply my junior year. So I'm thinking now is the time to start looking for EC's to do.

My question, is shadowing considered an EC? And what are the minimum hours usually needed for volunteering (Soup kitchen, clinic, hospital)? I know there's no hard number needed, but is it really that important on an application? Is it too late if it's my second year and I haven't done any volunteering yet?

 

[sjv]

Shadowing is considered a separate thing.

The categories on the AADSAS application are:
Academic Enrichment Programs
Awards, Honors, Scholarships
Dentistry/Shadowing Experience
Extracurricular/Volunteer/Community Service
Work Experience
Research Experience

There is no minimum except for ASDOH (usually need significant hours). I'd say at least 100 in something shows some commitment. It is never too late, start when you find the time in your schedule.

 

[kingenamel]

Get as many dentistry related hours as possible, I agree that you should shoot for 100 or more. I know tufts asks for a letter stating you shadowed at least for 40 hours with a dentist but every school is different.

 

[sjv]

Whoops, deleted.

 

[nirjar2212]

You need to show you were actively involved in community. You gotta volunteer at the same place for decent amount of time.

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[Glimmer1991]

To be safe, I'd say that 100 hours of volunteer work is the absolute minimum. I'd also go with 100 shadowing hours so you won't run into any issues.

From my gatherings on SDN, I'd say that most applicants have around 400 hours of volunteering and 100 of shadowing. I may be totally off, though. Plenty of people have jobs, too, though most of the traditional applicants only work part-time.