-
Scholarship Access: Becoming a Student Doctor course
Free access to comprehensive medical school prep. Eligible students include AAMC FAP recipients and HS graduates from underserved areas. Apply today.
Impressive extracurricular's?...
Started by Cofo
Bird watching….. But make sure you have at least 50hours, if you do your in!
The best extracurricular activities are not based upon what looks good on paper; rather, it will be those activities that you have had the most passion for. As a result, you will do more, take more responsibilities, and most of all, you will enjoy talking about your activities so much during your interview, your natural enthusiasm will impress the interviewer.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
This is what you want: Research experience (something that you will be able to talk about in interviews), Leadership experience (pre-dental club), Shadowing experience (considerable amount), Community volunteering experience (health fairs, beach clean-ups, retirement home helper, etc.), Advising experience (become a peer-counselor for your major). These will all improve your application.
I agree with DDSY, Snahster, and tooth decay. ... I'd also suggest looking for an activity that requires manual dexterity. There's a specific section on the AADSAS application that asks you if you've been involved in any activities that force you to make use of your hands in a skilled way.
Hobbies: High GPA, High DAT. Physical fitness, manual dexterity.
This seemed to be the priority of interviewer interest in my hobbies. They are also interested in whether or not you are an adult and capable of carrying on conversations like an adult. If you have had problems speaking in public or to small groups or even introducing yourself in a social situation the interview process will bring this out. If you participate in an organization such as Toastmasters you could not only put it on your application but become more comfortable in the above mentioned situations.
This seemed to be the priority of interviewer interest in my hobbies. They are also interested in whether or not you are an adult and capable of carrying on conversations like an adult. If you have had problems speaking in public or to small groups or even introducing yourself in a social situation the interview process will bring this out. If you participate in an organization such as Toastmasters you could not only put it on your application but become more comfortable in the above mentioned situations.
An extracurricular activity involving use of the hands in a skilled way? Im puzzled. Any suggestions on that?
I mean, I assemble and paint model airplanes as a hobby and that involves a fair amount of manual dexterity but I wouldn't consider that an "activity"?
Focus most on grades though. I tried to impress with extracurr. by starting a medical fraternity. Took up so much time my grades started to drop. No extracurricular activity makes up for a drop in grades. I brought my painting/drawing and the figure paintings/models I did (22mm) to my interviews. I think that had an impact.
I wouldn't be too concerned with the nuances of the word "activity." ... If you're really into constructing and painting models and feel comfortable explaining how this "activity" of yours requires manual dexterity, you should be fine.
i agree. interviewers can tell when people just did activities that "looked good on paper" when they start asking questions. dont do 10 things that you are half hearted about. pick 1 or 2 that you really enjoy and put your effort into those.
I sense the nerd in you. What type of modelling did you do?
My ECs weren't really impressive, just unique. At Columbia, my interviewer and I basically talked about me doing break dancing for awhile and also about my interest in asian art and culture. If you can find an interesting story to each of your activities, it will help.
