Prison inmate pen-pal: good idea for a gimmick EC?

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flatearth22

flatearth22

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So a lot of applicants have some sort of gimmick EC. Something like being a college mascot or an amateur magician or something. Just anything that catches the adcoms eyes and separates you form the hoards of other applicants with similar GPA/MCAT/EC's and makes the adcoms think "yeah...I wanna interview that guy." Often these gimmick EC's serve as great ice-breakers and interview topics.

So what do you think about becoming a pen-pale with an inmate as a gimmick EC? - http://www.meet-an-inmate.com/

It's kind of like big-brother big-sister... you get to interact with disadvantaged individuals and give them happiness....obviously not as personal though. But I think it's really unique (not sure many pre-meds are doing this) thus making it a nice gimmick EC that could give your application a little bit of spice. Not to mention it sounds pretty fun and you can do it on your own time with little to no risk of personal harm.

Thoughts?
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flatearth22 said:
So a lot of applicants have some sort of gimmick EC. Something like being a college mascot or an amateur magician or something. Just anything that catches the adcoms eyes and separates you form the hoards of other applicants with similar GPA/MCAT/EC's and makes the adcoms think "yeah...I wanna interview that guy." Often these gimmick EC's serve as great ice-breakers and interview topics.

So what do you think about becoming a pen-pale with an inmate as a gimmick EC? - http://www.meet-an-inmate.com/

It's kind of like big-brother big-sister... you get to interact with disadvantaged individuals and give them happiness....obviously not as personal though. But I think it's really unique (not sure many pre-meds are doing this) thus making it a nice gimmick EC that could give your application a little bit of spice. Not to mention it sounds pretty fun and you can do it on your own time with little to no risk of personal harm.

Thoughts?
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It would be a nice EC, if you weren't intentionally using it as a gimmick to misrepresent yourself to the adcoms.
 
flatearth22 said:
So a lot of applicants have some sort of gimmick EC. Something like being a college mascot or an amateur magician or something. Just anything that catches the adcoms eyes and separates you form the hoards of other applicants with similar GPA/MCAT/EC's and makes the adcoms think "yeah...I wanna interview that guy." Often these gimmick EC's serve as great ice-breakers and interview topics.

So what do you think about becoming a pen-pale with an inmate as a gimmick EC? - http://www.meet-an-inmate.com/

It's kind of like big-brother big-sister... you get to interact with disadvantaged individuals and give them happiness....obviously not as personal though. But I think it's really unique (not sure many pre-meds are doing this) thus making it a nice gimmick EC that could give your application a little bit of spice. Not to mention it sounds pretty fun and you can do it on your own time with little to no risk of personal harm.

Thoughts?
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LOLWUT?

Dude, there is no such thing as a "gimmick" EC, or a magic application fixer.

Find something to do that you find interesting, and has less of a risk of being man-raped.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
sector9 said:
And until flatearth posted it on here... now a million people will magically have the same "gimmick"
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+1

Don't do stuff to BE A GIMMICK. I wouldn't interview you if I knew who you actually were FlatEarth.

Let's get serious. Medicine is not a gimmick profession. Do something because you find it interesting. Adcoms are not as stupid as you think they are. Get real.
 
rHinO1 said:
LOLWUT?

Dude, there is no such thing as a "gimmick" EC, or a magic application fixer.

Find something to do that you find interesting, and has less of a risk of being man-raped.
Click to expand...

Awkward ice-breaker no? :laugh:
 
I think the gimmick would be more believable if you actually had social justice ECs - like part of anti-death penalty groups, or working with groups that go engage in poor urban areas or work to improve them

I have always wanted to write letters to prisoners... but have never done so due, well, I don't know the person. But, I have a history of working for social justice causes. And stories to go behind that and why I would actually communicate with prisoners [though I won't share them on the internet because I don't wish for my experiences to be used as evidence for why you are going to participate in your 'gimmick"]

my 2cents. Only do it if you are really interested. I had no "gimmick" activity [just your regular volunteering, shadowing, research, leadership, ect] and I got into med school fine.
 
I'm Mentoring Children of Inmates. They say I get to meet the inmates sometimes. I'm doing it though because it actually feels very rewarding, and I was troubled youth in middle school so I really wanna change these kids and give them all the encouragement they need to succeed.
 
flatearth22 said:
So a lot of applicants have some sort of gimmick EC.

But I think it's really unique (not sure many pre-meds are doing this) thus making it a nice gimmick EC that could give your application a little bit of spice. Not to mention it sounds pretty fun and you can do it on your own time with little to no risk of personal harm.
Click to expand...

Just stop posting man. The word gimmick has a strong negative connotation.

Being a pen pal is nice, but I bet there are a handful of pre-med applicants that have more high risk extracurriculars, such as actually volunteering at the prison.
 
rHinO1 said:
LOLWUT?

Dude, there is no such thing as a "gimmick" EC, or a magic application fixer.

Find something to do that you find interesting, and has less of a risk of being man-raped.
Click to expand...

Can you imagine how pissed off a prisoner would be if he found out he was being used as a "gimmick"?
 
Myuu said:
Can you imagine how pissed off a prisoner would be if he found out he was being used as a "gimmick"?
Click to expand...

Better not get too personal in those letters, because when he gets out, he gon' KILL YOU :laugh:
 
flatearth22 said:
So a lot of applicants have some sort of gimmick EC. Something like being a college mascot or an amateur magician or something. Just anything that catches the adcoms eyes and separates you form the hoards of other applicants with similar GPA/MCAT/EC's and makes the adcoms think "yeah...I wanna interview that guy." Often these gimmick EC's serve as great ice-breakers and interview topics.

So what do you think about becoming a pen-pale with an inmate as a gimmick EC? - http://www.meet-an-inmate.com/

It's kind of like big-brother big-sister... you get to interact with disadvantaged individuals and give them happiness....obviously not as personal though. But I think it's really unique (not sure many pre-meds are doing this) thus making it a nice gimmick EC that could give your application a little bit of spice. Not to mention it sounds pretty fun and you can do it on your own time with little to no risk of personal harm.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
You mean with all the advice you dole out about what med school is like, you're meaning to tell me that you haven't actually even started applying yet?

Shocking.
 
Lots of hypocrites up in this joint. You all will be the first to tell applicants that they need more clinical experience, leadership, research, etc., to get into med school but you're not allowed to do gimmicks to get into med school? Also why does it matter what the motive is? If student A hates volunteering at the hospital and student B loves it but student A mans up and does and equal job to student B why does it matter...the same work gets done in the end.

Oh and I ended up finding a gimmick a lot cooler that I can do part-time than the pen-pal thing.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
flatearth22 said:
Lots of hypocrites up in this joint. You all will be the first to tell applicants that they need more clinical experience, leadership, research, etc., to get into med school but you're not allowed to do gimmicks to get into med school? Also why does it matter what the motive is? If student A hates volunteering at the hospital and student B loves it but student A mans up and does and equal job to student B why does it matter...the same work gets done in the end.

Oh and I ended up finding a gimmick a lot cooler that I can do part-time than the pen-pal thing.
Click to expand...

Cool.
 
flatearth22 said:
Lots of hypocrites up in this joint. You all will be the first to tell applicants that they need more clinical experience, leadership, research, etc., to get into med school but you're not allowed to do gimmicks to get into med school? Also why does it matter what the motive is? If student A hates volunteering at the hospital and student B loves it but student A mans up and does and equal job to student B why does it matter...the same work gets done in the end.

Oh and I ended up finding a gimmick a lot cooler that I can do part-time than the pen-pal thing.
Click to expand...

Your contributions are invaluable to these forums. Innnvvallluuaaabbllleeee
 
Whatever happened to writing a BS-free essay about "Why medicine?"

Kids these days.
 
flatearth22 said:
Lots of hypocrites up in this joint. You all will be the first to tell applicants that they need more clinical experience, leadership, research, etc., to get into med school but you're not allowed to do gimmicks to get into med school? Also why does it matter what the motive is? If student A hates volunteering at the hospital and student B loves it but student A mans up and does and equal job to student B why does it matter...the same work gets done in the end.

Oh and I ended up finding a gimmick a lot cooler that I can do part-time than the pen-pal thing.
Click to expand...
Didn't you make a post advising a nervous MS1 about med school social life and not being a gunner?

Have fun with your shameless resume padding. Make sure you write your personal statement about the pain you felt in your heart for those inmates who haven't seen their families (at least until you found something cooler) and you'll definitely catch the eyes of every top 5 school.
 
UnclePhil said:
Didn't you make a post advising a nervous MS1 about med school social life and not being a gunner?

Have fun with your shameless resume padding. Make sure you write your personal statement about the pain you felt in your heart for those inmates who haven't seen their families (at least until you found something cooler) and you'll definitely catch the eyes of every top 5 school.
Click to expand...

Strong reading comprehension skills.
 
flatearth22 said:
So a lot of applicants have some sort of gimmick EC. Something like being a college mascot or an amateur magician or something. Just anything that catches the adcoms eyes and separates you form the hoards of other applicants with similar GPA/MCAT/EC's and makes the adcoms think "yeah...I wanna interview that guy." Often these gimmick EC's serve as great ice-breakers and interview topics.

So what do you think about becoming a pen-pale with an inmate as a gimmick EC? - http://www.meet-an-inmate.com/

It's kind of like big-brother big-sister... you get to interact with disadvantaged individuals and give them happiness....obviously not as personal though. But I think it's really unique (not sure many pre-meds are doing this) thus making it a nice gimmick EC that could give your application a little bit of spice. Not to mention it sounds pretty fun and you can do it on your own time with little to no risk of personal harm.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Your signature is creepy.
 
sector9 said:
Yeah, I read the responses. My favorite was this one

Obviously they just love you over on the allo forum...
Click to expand...

Change your avatar to:

Mr._Jelly.jpg
 
flatearth22 said:
So a lot of applicants have some sort of gimmick EC. Something like being a college mascot or an amateur magician or something. Just anything that catches the adcoms eyes and separates you form the hoards of other applicants with similar GPA/MCAT/EC's and makes the adcoms think "yeah...I wanna interview that guy." Often these gimmick EC's serve as great ice-breakers and interview topics.

So what do you think about becoming a pen-pale with an inmate as a gimmick EC? - http://www.meet-an-inmate.com/

It's kind of like big-brother big-sister... you get to interact with disadvantaged individuals and give them happiness....obviously not as personal though. But I think it's really unique (not sure many pre-meds are doing this) thus making it a nice gimmick EC that could give your application a little bit of spice. Not to mention it sounds pretty fun and you can do it on your own time with little to no risk of personal harm.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I have actually written to several inmates for several years and it has definitely been an educational experience. A few tips if you decide to do it:

Don't use your own address. Use a P.O. box or actually you could ask your local church to use their address. They're usually pretty nice about this kind of thing regardless of whether you are actually Christian.

Try not to write to the opposite sex. It just makes for complicated situations. And NEVER to inmates at the same facility!

Do NOT try to convince them to quit drugs, etc. or be judgmental at all. It is a huge turnoff.

If you are a girl, don't write to death row guys. They get enough girl letters.

And lastly, please actually care about the person with whom you are corresponding and think about the effect your words have on them. It is a really big commitment because you can't just stop writing when you get into medical school. That would be devastating to the other person. It takes dedication, compassion, and definitely tact. But if you do decide to do it, it can also be very rewarding!

PS: I am not writing about this on my AMCAS, because I think it's private and irrelevant.
 
ponyo said:
I have actually written to several inmates for several years and it has definitely been an educational experience. A few tips if you decide to do it:

Don't use your own address. Use a P.O. box or actually you could ask your local church to use their address. They're usually pretty nice about this kind of thing regardless of whether you are actually Christian.

Try not to write to the opposite sex. It just makes for complicated situations. And NEVER to inmates at the same facility!

Do NOT try to convince them to quit drugs, etc. or be judgmental at all. It is a huge turnoff.

If you are a girl, don't write to death row guys. They get enough girl letters.

And lastly, please actually care about the person with whom you are corresponding and think about the effect your words have on them. It is a really big commitment because you can't just stop writing when you get into medical school. That would be devastating to the other person. It takes dedication, compassion, and definitely tact. But if you do decide to do it, it can also be very rewarding!

PS: I am not writing about this on my AMCAS, because I think it's private and irrelevant.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I think it would be a great activity but for the bolded reason I am deciding not to peruse it as that would be unfair to the inmate. Maybe after residency I can do these kinds of things with full commitment.
 
flatearth22 said:
Also why does it matter what the motive is? If student A hates volunteering at the hospital and student B loves it but student A mans up and does and equal job to student B why does it matter...the same work gets done in the end.
Click to expand...

Because if you take 5 A students and 5 B students you will have 10 resulting docs in 5 years:

4 Bs will love whatever specialty they chose. 1 B will not be thrilled with medicine anymore but will like the job.

1 B will do nothing but study for 3 years and will get Step scores and clinical evals sufficent to match into derm. He will love life.

The other 4 Bs will match into the highest paying specialties with the least amount of work that their scores will allow. They will count to days to retirement.

Thats why people say do whats required to get into medical school but do things you like. If you cannot find things that cover both requirements - then you don't belong in medicine.
 
Anybody else find it incredibly narcissistic of the OP to quote himself in his own signature?
 
UnclePhil said:
You mean with all the advice you dole out about what med school is like, you're meaning to tell me that you haven't actually even started applying yet?

Shocking.
Click to expand...
So many people on here do this I lost count. I won't name any names, but I die a little on the inside when I see certain people giving the advice they give.
flatearth22 said:
Strong reading comprehension skills.
Click to expand...
inb4 terrible doctor
kpcrew2oo2 said:
Yeah it's the first time that I've seen someone quote himself in his own signature. wasn't impressed
Click to expand...
Yea, it's kind of like masturbating in front of a mirror. Not the most flattering activity.
 
Chops369 said:
Butt-frust-ra-ted (adj.) - See butthurt.
Click to expand...

idRQX8.gif


Chops369 said:
Let me first say that I'm nowhere near being ready to apply. I'm just looking for some honest input, and figured that the posters who frequent the WAMC forum would be most willing to provide this. I'm currently a sophomore, and transferred to my current (public) university from a private school after completing my freshman year. I came into my sophomore year with a 3.73 cGPA/~3.9 sGPA, but unfortunately had a pretty bad fall semester which resulted from a combination of an overloaded schedule, burnout, and poor time management.

Last semester, I enrolled in Organic Chem I w/lab (4 credits), Bio 1 lab (no lecture, 1 credit), Microbiology w/ lab (3 credit lecture, 2 credit lab), and a gen ed (3 credits). Even though it was only 13 credits, the three labs consumed an absurd amount of my time, especially considering my already sub-par time management skills. This led to burnout, and ultimately to a C in Organic I and a D in Micro lab, which was especially tough to swallow since I never received a single grade lower than 85 on any assignment. I simply could not get the reports in on time. Despite receiving A's in all of my other lectures and labs, I ended up with a 3.033 semester GPA, and what I assume is now a 3.3 cGPA/3.5 sGPA. I know this doesn't seem so bad stat wise, but when you get a C and a D in one semester, your confidence kind of goes out the window.

I'm currently in Organic II w/ lab, Physiology w/ lab, and Intro to Statistics and I'm trying to do my best to prevent further GPA damage. I anticipate A's in everything but Organic, which I'll probably have to work pretty hard at to get at least a B. I know it isn't often that SDNers tell people to give up, but in all honesty, what kind of shape am I in? I plan to retake that D, and if I have to, take some time after I graduate to do some GPA repair. If I can still realistically expect to ever get into medical school, what should I do from here on out?
Click to expand...
 
it's one (admirable) thing to write to an inmate and have a significant experience that you can include in your application, and something else to do this just so you have a unique point. If this is a cause you believe in and are excited about, then go for it. As ponyo alluded to, it would be unethical to do this and just stop writing to the inmate once you're accepted. That inmate is still a person, after all.
 
Lmao I visited the website and it looked like a prison dating site lmao
 
kpcrew2oo2 said:
Yeah it's the first time that I've seen someone quote himself in his own signature. wasn't impressed
Click to expand...

You should have seen when his signature was the actual huge block of text, rather than the link to it.
 
flatearth22 said:
[really funny and clever gif + out-of-context quote]
Click to expand...
Are you aware that there are people in this world that have a severe medical condition which causes them to be that way? My mother for instance is one of those people. She is a truck driver that has bad knees and a bad back from driving the truck but you probably do not care about that case either. Oh well I am not one of those people I am 6'4" 245lbs and I exercise every day. I would love to see you say something like that to my mother in front of me. Probably never happen though you are probably just an internet tough guy. I doubt very seriously you would say that to someones face. Just my thought. What do you think. Oh I am sorry you probably do not have a brain. I on the other hand will be happy to buy you a plane ticket to come here and see if you have the nerve to say that to someone I know.

/copypasta
 
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