How to boost resume with EC when I don't have the best GPA?

[TheJourney]

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I don't have a remarkable GPA and I have yet to take the MCAT.

With my remaining semesters I'm going to attempt harder than hard at getting straight As to give my GPA a little bump.

However, I'm looking at other ways to make a somewhat formidable resume. I know medical schools look at mainly: GPA, MCAT score and EC. Right? What are some of the best EC I can do? Officer positions, volunteering, medical mission trip, shadowing, research, etc.?

Which are EC are better and look more impressive in med school applications?
Also, I'm still a little lost to what "research" in undergrad pre-med entails.

Thank your in advance for your inputs.

 

[JackyLin]

Hey Journey, I am a premed also and applying this upcoming cycle. Since I have not been through the whole process yet, take my advice with a grain of salt.

I believe one case of impressive EC you can give is something that demonstrates your passion and commitment for a cause, where the combination of the two yielded in you making a difference in the lives of others for the better. I know this sounds cheesy, but from what I read many adcom can see from experience that if something was done just out of being able to be put on application/resume, and no other underlying personal reasons. But if we are just talking about elements, I'd imagine something that you showed dedication, passion, leadership, innovation, altruism, all of the above combined would be something good to show for.

As for research in undergrad, you can get involved with a faculty whose course you have taken, if his topic of research is of interest to you. Say you had a bio professor doing research on the neuropathology on earthworms. If you find that interesting, by all means shoot the professor with a mail of intent/interest, best if you performed well in his class also, and see if he can get you more involved in the project. This can potentially help you get a LOR necessary for application since he taught you at one point.

But all in all, I think there isn't really a replacement for GPA. I got a pretty good MCAT score after three attempts, but I doubt I'll get too much slack for my GPA from the MCAT.

Others, correct me if I'm wrong! Hope this helps haha.

P.S. Formidable resume sounds scary.

I don't have a remarkable GPA and I have yet to take the MCAT.

With my remaining semesters I'm going to attempt harder than hard at getting straight As to give my GPA a little bump.

However, I'm looking at other ways to make a somewhat formidable resume. I know medical schools look at mainly: GPA, MCAT score and EC. Right? What are some of the best EC I can do? Officer positions, volunteering, medical mission trip, shadowing, research, etc.?

Which are EC are better and look more impressive in med school applications?
Also, I'm still a little lost to what "research" in undergrad pre-med entails.

Thank your in advance for your inputs.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

I don't have a remarkable GPA and I have yet to take the MCAT.

With my remaining semesters I'm going to attempt harder than hard at getting straight As to give my GPA a little bump.

However, I'm looking at other ways to make a somewhat formidable resume. I know medical schools look at mainly: GPA, MCAT score and EC. Right? What are some of the best EC I can do? Officer positions, volunteering, medical mission trip, shadowing, research, etc.?

Which are EC are better and look more impressive in med school applications?
Also, I'm still a little lost to what "research" in undergrad pre-med entails.

Thank your in advance for your inputs.

Well see for me, the reason I have a slightly lower GPA is because I was busy in ECs that took time away from my studying. As a result, I have good ECs, but my GPA is not up to par just yet, though I still have some time.

So for yours, I'm just a bit worried that you have a lower GPA and not so many ECs. It may make someone wonder what you were doing with your free time. If I were you, I would spend this summer volunteering more than anything. Perhaps in an ER where you can make some connections with a doctor.

Really, it's about passion more than quantity. Stick to 1 or 2 things only.

 

[Domino2178]

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[BABSstudent]

Find something that you like that fits with your unique aspect that you want to bring to medical school.

For me, I studied Spanish in school so for some ECs I studied abroad, interpreted and taught English to a Spanish speaking person. It all fit with my desire to help the immigrant population and I did it because I loved doing that kind of stuff. Then, on applications, I stressed that I wanted to served this population in the future.

Also, if you like volunteering you could join americorps. If you like teaching, try being a TA or do Teach for America.