Looking for input. 1 Year removed from applying

[PingPongPro]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So I had a thread like this about a year ago, and I want some more info on what my chances will be. If anyone can advise on ways to improve, feel free to let me know 🙂

School:UCLA
cGPA: 3.701
sGPA: 3.614
Mcat practice tests :31. Expecting(hoping?) to improve up to a 34ish by test time.

-Hospital Volunteer through a program to help patient safety at the hospital. I am shadowing physicians/nurses/PA/etc. as I volunteer. I've completed 1 year, and going to do it for about 2.5-3 yrs.
-Nationally Certified EMT. I am part of an volunteer organization that helps out at big events a few times a month. (8+ months thus far, will continue). Might consider getting a real job, if this isnt enough experience.
-Research: 1 year of research in neuropsych lab. Going to get name on a paper soon, going to keep working here for another year or two, and hoping for more presentations/papers.
-Sunday school teacher: Since freshmen year
-Private Tutor: 3 hours a week for about 1 year.
-3 years of intramural basketball.
-3 months as a volunteer youth basketball coach. (going to do it every summer)
-30 hours shadowing physcians. I will definitely be shadowing more as well.


I need some ideas on what I should try to add onto my resume. I seem to lack leadership type positions, but it is hard for me and something I must work on. Besides that, what other things should I focus on?

 

[Catalystik]

Overall you've made good progress with your ECs and it's nice to see that yor GPAs are rising since last year.

For peer leadership, you might take on your basketball team leadership, or organize others to teach Sunday school, or get into a mangement position with the hospital volunteers.

California applicants seem to do better with a "hook" to their application. Do you have any unique hobby or artistic endeavor, or can you come up with one?

 

[PingPongPro]

Thanks for the reply C.

I have actually been the team captain for my intramural basketball team for 3 years. I guess I forgot to mention that, but it seemed less important.

Regarding your other question, I have some uniqueness, but not sure if its appropriate to put on a medical school application.

I've spent a LOT of time playing online poker the past few years. I have made a good amount of money (in the 6 figures) playing as well as coaching other players. This is probably something very unique, but besides being out of the ordinary, I worry that it could have negative effects. The stigma involved with poker and gambling seems like a slippery slope to be messing with. This did however change my perspective on life a lot, and now I don't view money as being important at all.


I have a couple unique hobbies and musical projects I work on from time to time. But I'm not really sure if any of them would be substantial enough to be considered an ec, and if they would be "hooky" enough.

 

[Catalystik]

1) I've spent a LOT of time playing online poker the past few years. I have made a good amount of money (in the 6 figures) playing as well as coaching other players. This is probably something very unique, but besides being out of the ordinary, I worry that it could have negative effects. The stigma involved with poker and gambling seems like a slippery slope to be messing with.

2) I have a couple unique hobbies and musical projects I work on from time to time. But I'm not really sure if any of them would be substantial enough to be considered an ec, and if they would be "hooky" enough.

1) I would agree with your take on this activity.

2) They could be listed together for more impact. Or you could develop one over the next year to be "hookier."