Include odd EC's?

[ipokeyoupoke]

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Hi everyone,
I was hoping to get some advice on what's ok to put as an EC. One thing that I've been doing for a long time, and cherish immensely is coin collecting from various parts of the world. I've been told that it weird though...is that something that would have the adcoms look at me odd or...?

 

[Spinach Dip]

Numismatism is not weird.....



Sword swallowing and professional magician would be weird.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi everyone,
I was hoping to get some advice on what's ok to put as an EC. One thing that I've been doing for a long time, and cherish immensely is coin collecting from various parts of the world. I've been told that it weird though...is that something that would have the adcoms look at me odd or...?

A curious interviewer might talk to you about it just because it is not a common hobby among applicants. Some of the questions might be:

How do you get these coins? How did you get started with this hobby? What do you do with your collection in terms of storage or display? Tell me about your favorite coin? Which coin has the most interesting back story and why?

That said, it is a rather solitary hobby as is most "collecting". Some adcoms might want to see more evidence of your engagement with others in hobbies and advocations. If you attend swap-meets or other activities with others as part of your hobby it would be good to mention it.

 

[NeuResurgens]

I collect lapel pins, so of course I think collecting is a legitimate hobby. It's fine to mention, but probably shouldn't occupy a "hobbies" slot by itself in the application. It would be fine to add in the same slot as a few other hobbies.

 

[Lawpy]

I collect lapel pins, so of course I think collecting is a legitimate hobby. It's fine to mention, but probably shouldn't occupy a "hobbies" slot by itself in the application. It would be fine to add in the same slot as a few other hobbies.

I collect lapel pins as well (as well as coins)! Depending on what it is, I usually have something like a large map to assort things out. These are cool hobbies, but they shouldn't be used as standalone ECs.

 

[Spinach Dip]

A professional or amateur magician who does charity shows and/or shows for kids at the hospital would be a rather good EC.

There is a way to spin everything I suppose.

 

[vellez]

Yes, yes, yes yes!!!!! Always include one "fun" things, be it collecting, sports, hiking etc etc. You will seem boring if all your ECs are volunteering, lab stuff, awards. People don't want to interview boring people.

Example: I said that I loved maps and collecting maps for an EC. Interviewers at two different schools called me the "map" guy, and thus remembered me. You want to STAND OUT. Collecting coins is a fun thing, and I can guarantee that an (potential) future interviewer will ask about it.

Oh, when I said include one fun thing, I meant one. Of course you want to put all your accolades, volunteer and lab work, and shaddowing, but I think one (and only one) "fun" EC is a good idea.

 

[LizzyM]

Just be sure some of your activities involve collaborating with others and being part of a group or you'll stand out as "the loner".

 

[ipokeyoupoke]

All great responses. Thanks you guys!

 

[ipokeyoupoke]

Just be sure some of your activities involve collaborating with others and being part of a group or you'll stand out as "the loner".

I am also part of a sports team, is that good?

 

[NeuResurgens]

I collect lapel pins as well (as well as coins)! Depending on what it is, I usually have something like a large map to assort things out. These are cool hobbies, but they shouldn't be used as standalone ECs.

Nice! I keep mine pinned to old neck ties because I don't have a ton of space, lol. But I agree here - these sorts of things are better just to accent you as a person, as opposed to having a lot of emphasis being placed on it by occupying a full EC slot in the AAMCAS.

 

[familyaerospace]

Hi everyone,
I was hoping to get some advice on what's ok to put as an EC. One thing that I've been doing for a long time, and cherish immensely is coin collecting from various parts of the world. I've been told that it weird though...is that something that would have the adcoms look at me odd or...?

I listed several hobbies in one slot. Most of which were loner type hobbies. I had a very social (but very weird) one as a stand-alone.

Coin collecting was one of the ones that was grouped together. Started when I was a kid and my grandmother gave me a coin from each country I was from heritage wise and when Romania did their 1999 500 lei coin (and the 2000 2000 lei bill) for the solar eclipse, I really got into it.

Sword swallowing and professional magician would be weird.

Good thing I didn't list that then. 😉 Actually some of my friends are professional sword swallowers. None of them are applying to medical school though!

 

[sunshine02]

Would listing "bartending" as a hobby (not a job, just something you know how to do) be negatively viewed upon?

 

[ipokeyoupoke]

With the theme of this thread, many applicants dont realize that a simple hobby or similar EC may be worth more than you think. Its what you might have done with, what activities or events you were involved with or put together, being part of an organized group, such as a team or club, and if you have done anything charitable with it.

My favorite example of this is model railroading/trains (you can tell how long ago this happened from that). This applicant was not going to mention it as it seem nothing important until an Uncle, who had been an academic physician pointed out to him what he had done with it. Been involved since he was 7, had organized a club/group in Junior High, created two exhibitions for large regional events and one national event. He also organized annual "christmas" displays in their space (I believe it was basement of a PAL) where they for several seasons had school kids, groups homes. etc, come to see. They also setup similar displays for a nearby children's hospital. What would seem like a simple hobby shows motivation, commitment, leadership in a group, teamwork, and desire to help others in a small way.

I have met many students with similar innocuous activities that actually hold a nice hobby or EC. So dont overlook something that maybe worthwhile

Super helpful, thank you so much and thanks everyone!