How important is post-submission extracurriculars?

[SamuelTesla]

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Is it important to be engaging in ECs throughout the admission cycle? I have a few ECs under my belt, but I'm not doing anything right now. I'm taking 19 credits (18 upper) so I have almost no time. Does this look bad during an interview? (in case they ask what I've been doing since I applied)

 

[Catalystik]

I'm taking 19 credits (18 upper) so I have almost no time. Does this look bad during an interview? (in case they ask what I've been doing since I applied)

They often do ask what you've been doing at interviews. And if you have no interview, you can potentially positively influence the admissions folks with update letters about pertinent activities. And if worse comes to worst and you get no acceptances, it will be of crucial importance that you made improvements since last applying. If you are over scheduled, consider participating in activities every other week or for fewer hours, but DO keep them up.

 

[SamuelTesla]

They often do ask what you've been doing at interviews. And if you have no interview, you can potentially positively influence the admissions folks with update letters about pertinent activities. And if worse comes to worst and you get no acceptances, it will be of crucial importance that you made improvements since last applying. If you are over scheduled, consider participating in activities every other week or for fewer hours, but DO keep them up.

Thx cat - that's what I was afraid of - I have an interview in a month so I'm kind of worried.

Do you have any idea on what kind of activities only require few hours? thx again

 

[StephBee]

I find that shadowing isn't horribly time consuming. I'm in a simular boat and I found a really awesome oncologist that allows me to shadow whenever I have time (usually about 4 hours a week on tuesdays when I have a gap in classes from 11-3)

You can also look around and see if the volunteer programs at the hospitals near you are more open to "come in when you can" idea. I've had one hospital that allowed me to do that and another that was very strict about the times I had to be there (and a minimum 60 hours/ semester)

 

[Catalystik]

Do you have any idea on what kind of activities only require few hours? thx again

Soup kitchen or homeless shelter, nursing home visits, Meals on Wheels, Humane Society.