Is there any logical place on your app to put commuting to Ugrad?

[Future_Bone_Docta]

I was just curious if where is a particular place on your app where you would include something like this? Or if it would even be productive to put on an app? whether it be a secondary essay, or just an event on a primary?

I am not trying to use this as an "excuse" in any way on my app, I was just curious if there is a place to talk about it where it would look good that you maintained GPA/EC's/etc and commuted *insert* minutes one way.

Edit: Sorry in advance if it is a dumb question. I just know things like SES and Demographics make a difference so was curious on this.

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[candbgirl]

How far did you commute? I’m not sure it should be included. How about the non traditionals that work, go to,school, do ECs, have a spouse and kids etc. They don’t complain , they just do it.

 

[Future_Bone_Docta]

How far did you commute? I’m not sure it should be included. How about the non traditionals that work, go to,school, do ECs, have a spouse and kids etc. They don’t complain , they just do it.

Often times don't non-trad applicants emphasize what makes them unique though? Talk about the rigors of going to school while raising kids, etc. etc.? I am not saying it is something to complain about, i'm just asking if its noteworthy to include in some part of an app.

And about 56 minutes one way!

Edit: And also before I take heat. I am in no way saying commuting two hours compares to raising kids. Obviously raising children are in a whole different realm 🤣

 

[candbgirl]

You should talk about what makes you unique too. I’m not sure that commuting an hour each was is so unusual or makes you unique. Of course I live in Chicago and an hour commute isn’t long really.

 

[Future_Bone_Docta]

You should talk about what makes you unique too. I’m not sure that commuting an hour each was is so unusual or makes you unique. Of course I live in Chicago and an hour commute isn’t long really.

Okay thanks for the input!

 

[StudentDoGter]

I agree with the above poster. I know countless individuals who commuted much longer distances by train/bus/car. Then again, I live in SoCal where this is also not uncommon lol. But I definitely think that you should focus on other aspects of your application and life; good luck!

 

[Goro]

I was just curious if where is a particular place on your app where you would include something like this? Or if it would even be productive to put on an app? whether it be a secondary essay, or just an event on a primary?

I am not trying to use this as an "excuse" in any way on my app, I was just curious if there is a place to talk about it where it would look good that you maintained GPA/EC's/etc and commuted *insert* minutes one way.

Edit: Sorry in advance if it is a dumb question. I just know things like SES and Demographics make a difference so was curious on this.

You'd be impressing no one and probably demonstrating poor judgement to think that commuting 30/60/90 mins one way is a sign of something positive and/or that it explained poor grades.

 

[Future_Bone_Docta]

You'd be impressing no one and probably demonstrating poor judgement to think that commuting 30/60/90 mins one way is a sign of something positive and/or that it explained poor grades.

Okay thanks for the answers!

 

[The Deep]

How far did you commute? I’m not sure it should be included. How about the non traditionals that work, go to,school, do ECs, have a spouse and kids etc. They don’t complain , they just do it.

This is completely understandable, but is it truly not relevant to put our commute hours anywhere on an app? For me it was something like:

2 hours to school, 3 hours to a volunteer gig I had, 2.5 hours to research lab, 2.5 hours to another volunteer gig, 2 hours to work at one point. All in one direction.

I think the worst part of it all is that I get neaseous on public transportation so I essentially waste ~25 hours a week.

 

[Future_Bone_Docta]

This is completely understandable, but is it truly not relevant to put our commute hours anywhere on an app? For me it was something like:

2 hours to school, 3 hours to a volunteer gig I had, 2.5 hours to research lab, 2.5 hours to another volunteer gig, 2 hours to work at one point. All in one direction.

I think the worst part of it all is that I get neaseous on public transportation so I essentially waste ~25 hours a week.

you couldn't find volunteering and research within close proximity to your school? sounds like unnecessary driving IMO. All of mine was within the same community so I could piggy back from one to the next.

But also I get ur point! definitely not out of the ordinary to commute.

 

[Pluto98]

You'd be impressing no one and probably demonstrating poor judgement to think that commuting 30/60/90 mins one way is a sign of something positive and/or that it explained poor grades.

I disagree completely. Commuting 90 mins each way means a person loses one extra day in the week. That’s atleast 15 hours a week just commuting which is definitely significant. I’m not sure if you have ever done a commute that long for a significant amount of time but my commute is around 2 hours each way and let me tell you, it sucks big time and is a HUGE time drain compared to commuting 10-20 min like most people.

 

[Engrailed]

I was just curious if where is a particular place on your app where you would include something like this? Or if it would even be productive to put on an app? whether it be a secondary essay, or just an event on a primary?

I am not trying to use this as an "excuse" in any way on my app, I was just curious if there is a place to talk about it where it would look good that you maintained GPA/EC's/etc and commuted *insert* minutes one way.

Edit: Sorry in advance if it is a dumb question. I just know things like SES and Demographics make a difference so was curious on this.

I disagree completely. Commuting 90 mins each way means a person loses one extra day in the week. That’s atleast 15 hours a week just commuting which is definitely significant. I’m not sure if you have ever done a commute that long for a significant amount of time but my commute is around 2 hours each way and let me tell you, it sucks big time and is a HUGE time drain compared to commuting 10-20 min like most people.

What you should NOT do is to list that 25 hrs commute as a separate activity on AMCAS.
I’ve actually had quite the commute during undergrad myself. Work, home, lab, about 5 hrs each day. There is a tactful way to talk about it in secondaries if the opportunity arises. Not to make it an essay in itself but you can mention it in passing if it lends to a greater theme in your secondary.

Also, I don’t think the commute is a trivial matter. I spent 25-30 per week thru all of undergrad and in fact, one of my interviewers directly referenced this in talking about different challenges I’ve had to overcome. Sure, $$$$ income students probably can live closer to work/school/etc, but not a feasible option for many. If you can find a way to articulate it without making it seem like an excuse (Bc I don’t think commute is a good way of explaining poor grades etc AT ALL) etc, I think you should go for it.

 

[Pluto98]

What you should NOT do is to list that 25 hrs commute as a separate activity on AMCAS.
I’ve actually had quite the commute during undergrad myself. Work, home, lab, about 5 hrs each day. There is a tactful way to talk about it in secondaries if the opportunity arises. Not to make it an essay in itself but you can mention it in passing if it lends to a greater theme in your secondary.

Also, I don’t think the commute is a trivial matter. I spent 25-30 per week thru all of undergrad and in fact, one of my interviewers directly referenced this in talking about different challenges I’ve had to overcome. Sure, $$$$ income students probably can live closer to work/school/etc, but not a feasible option for many. If you can find a way to articulate it without making it seem like an excuse (Bc I don’t think commute is a good way of explaining poor grades etc AT ALL) etc, I think you should go for it.

Yes it shouldn’t be a separate activity but I would mention it in passing in secondaries or in interview

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Your commute to an extent does show your commitment, but it is an additional feature, not a primary point of reference.

 

[The Deep]

you couldn't find volunteering and research within close proximity to your school? sounds like unnecessary driving IMO. All of mine was within the same community so I could piggy back from one to the next.

But also I get ur point! definitely not out of the ordinary to commute.

That would be the best-case scenario if I lived on campus. I’m stuck living 2 hours away from school and my school is located in a touristy area. I also don’t drive; I’m stuck taking public transportation to wherever I need to go.

Regardless, I think I’m just going to mention this during any potential interviews I receive (not as an excuse, but just for some context).

 

[The Deep]

I disagree completely. Commuting 90 mins each way means a person loses one extra day in the week. That’s atleast 15 hours a week just commuting which is definitely significant. I’m not sure if you have ever done a commute that long for a significant amount of time but my commute is around 2 hours each way and let me tell you, it sucks big time and is a HUGE time drain compared to commuting 10-20 min like most people.

Couldn’t agree more. I don’t understand how some people could actually complain about a 50 minute commute in one direction.... like buddy....

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Couldn’t agree more. I don’t understand how some people could actually complain about a 50 minute commute in one direction.... like buddy....

Concurring: I'd think more broadly than just "I have to commute to school." Why is it necessary for you to do that instead of rooming closer in an apartment or dorm? What does being a commuter student bring to "the table" among the prehealth community at your school now, especially since you might not be as available for many clubs or activities? Lay out the minuses and the pluses and the reasons.

 

[Pluto98]

Concurring: I'd think more broadly than just "I have to commute to school." Why is it necessary for you to do that instead of rooming closer in an apartment or dorm? What does being a commuter student bring to "the table" among the prehealth community at your school now, especially since you might not be as available for many clubs or activities? Lay out the minuses and the pluses and the reasons.

Maybe cost of living is cheaper further away? Thats why most people commute long distances

 

[The Deep]

Concurring: I'd think more broadly than just "I have to commute to school." Why is it necessary for you to do that instead of rooming closer in an apartment or dorm? What does being a commuter student bring to "the table" among the prehealth community at your school now, especially since you might not be as available for many clubs or activities? Lay out the minuses and the pluses and the reasons.

My family is fairly low-income and I pay for most of the things I need by myself (food (Minus when I sit for my mom’s cooking), transportation, haircuts/hygiene products, etc). I tried living closer to school for a semester after saving up for an entire summer and that was my only semester that was 3.9+ so far. I’m not saying my grades are lower solely because of the commute, but the commute plays a tremendous role in some of the challenges I’ve faced so far.

 

[Future_Bone_Docta]

Couldn’t agree more. I don’t understand how some people could actually complain about a 50 minute commute in one direction.... like buddy....

Not so much complaining as it is "oh okay I did x, y, and z as well as commuted" to demonstrate time management.

Not quite sure where the accusation of complaining was manifested from.

 

[Cornfed101]

I don't think commuting is really worth mentioning because the vast majority of non-student adults have to do it. Students are often not accustomed to it because they can live on campus. Maybe you can put it as a larger theme of time management, but it's just part of life.

 

[candbgirl]

Not so much complaining as it is "oh okay I did x, y, and z as well as commuted" to demonstrate time management.

Not quite sure where the accusation of complaining was manifested from.

I’m not sure you complained but the very mention of a long commute raises the idea of complaining in lots of peoples minds. A long commute= a big complaint to many people. Commuting is a big waste of time but unless you live very close to school/work it’s just part of life and you deal with it. You don’t complain or ask the boss or your teachers for special understanding because of your commute. Of course on days when traffic is extra awful or there is lots of snow/ice etc ,then everyone complains.

 

[OfMiceAndWomen]

Somewhat related question -- would it be unethical to include the time it takes commuting into overall hours for EC? Specifically in my case, I do ESL tutoring that specifically takes place in a client's home & we work with a population that is far off-campus.

 

[Cornfed101]

Somewhat related question -- would it be unethical to include the time it takes commuting into overall hours for EC? Specifically in my case, I do ESL tutoring that specifically takes place in a client's home & we work with a population that is far off-campus.

Yes. It's the same as including your commute time to your hours worked for a job.