Question about EC

[sharpieLIFE]

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Hey Everyone,
Quick question - which do you think is better:

1. Volunteer at ONE homeless shelter
or
2. Volunteer at that one homeless shelter giving out food AND volunteer at ANOTHER homeless shelter teaching GED prep courses

Thanks!

 

[deleted407021]

It will be very obvious that you are trying to "beef up" your application. If you really like working at a homeless shelter and teach GED courses, go right ahead, but you must be doing it for the right reasons; it brings you enjoyment and you get to really help people. Don't do things just to make your app look good.

 

[airabuyu13]

Do whatever seems more interesting to you. If you want to give out food and possibly have conversations with those that come, give out food. If you love tutoring and teaching people, teach the GED prep course. I'd say devoting more time and effort into really making an impact at the one you're most passionate about is better than splitting your time between the two.

 

[Oso]

Starting these activities now will most likely not have a significant effect on your application. Pick an activity because you like it and because you'd like to continue with it even after you've submitted your app.

 

[Pacna]

I honestly wouldn't even put these on my application. Starting new volunteering efforts at the last second screams insincere. I would start one and use it only if you reapply.

 

[Oso]

I honestly wouldn't even put these on my application. Starting new volunteering efforts at the last second screams insincere. I would start one and use it only if you reapply.

I think the OP can include it, especially if he/she continues to volunteer during the application/interview cycle. I just wouldn't try to make it a big part of the application. It won't do much to improve the app, but it could be something interesting to talk about, should it come up in an interview. What's most important is that the OP start this activity because they're genuinely interested in it, not because they need another activity on their app.

 

[Pacna]

I think the OP can include it, especially if he/she continues to volunteer during the application/interview cycle. I just wouldn't try to make it a big part of the application. It won't do much to improve the app, but it could be something interesting to talk about, should it come up in an interview. What's most important is that the OP start this activity because they're genuinely interested in it, not because they need another activity on their app.

I actually got the idea from @LizzyM

I didn't think that until she said it because, well you know. It's her.

 

[Oso]

I actually got the idea from @LizzyM

I didn't think that until she said it because, well you know. It's her.

Oh, hmm. I just think about an applicant genuinely starting a new activity a semester before applying. I figured they should include it in the app if they had good reasons for starting it, and also to account for their time. But I can absolutely see how it could seem suspicious to adcoms.

 

[Longshot6]

It will be very obvious that you are trying to "beef up" your application. If you really like working at a homeless shelter and teach GED courses, go right ahead, but you must be doing it for the right reasons; it brings you enjoyment and you get to really help people. Don't do things just to make your app look good.

I disagree, it is really not obvious. What led you to that conclusion?

Also, I know it is better for OP to do volunteer work because he likes to do it, but in actuality, pre meds beef up their resume all the time. Think about the pre meds volunteering at a hospital, most of these volunteer positions involving stocking and doing clerical work. I don't think anyone likes doing this, but they need "clinical experience".

 

[deleted407021]

If OP does really enjoy it, I don't really see that it would be a major problem, regardless of time, as long as they can talk about it in depth. Still not going to have too much impact due to the short term nature, assuming OP is invested.

 

[deleted407021]

I disagree, it is really not obvious. What led you to that conclusion?

Also, I know it is better for OP to do volunteer work because he likes to do it, but in actuality, pre meds beef up their resume all the time. Think about the pre meds volunteering at a hospital, most of these volunteer positions involving stocking and doing clerical work. I don't think anyone likes doing this, but they need "clinical experience".

Because adcoms and interviews can discern sincerity and they (I know this from adcoms on this forum) won't be happy to see yet another person padding their resumes with something they only did for 4 months and can't say anything about. True altruism is stressed by those members who are faculty.

 

[Ismet]

I disagree, it is really not obvious. What led you to that conclusion?

Also, I know it is better for OP to do volunteer work because he likes to do it, but in actuality, pre meds beef up their resume all the time. Think about the pre meds volunteering at a hospital, most of these volunteer positions involving stocking and doing clerical work. I don't think anyone likes doing this, but they need "clinical experience".

It's pretty obvious when an applicant has a bunch of work/activities entries that have all started within the last 6 months. Not saying that OP shouldn't do these things, but something to think about. If these are the only two "recent" things, and if you are truly interested in doing them and helping out at the shelters, then by all means go for it. But the post just makes it sound like OP is scrambling to find "good" stuff to put on his app.

 

[deleted407021]

Agree with Ismet. However, it is conceivable that they just now could get involved with this volunteering outlet and had wanted to for a while. There's no rule stating that you have to start all the ECs you'll ever have during your freshman year. I won't give OP the benefit of the doubt though. Looks like app padding.

 

[Longshot6]

It's pretty obvious when an applicant has a bunch of work/activities entries that have all started within the last 6 months. Not saying that OP shouldn't do these things, but something to think about. If these are the only two "recent" things, and if you are truly interested in doing them and helping out at the shelters, then by all means go for it. But the post just makes it sound like OP is scrambling to find "good" stuff to put on his app.

Okay I can agree to an extent.

But, are you implying that doing these volunteer activities can HURT his chances?

Therefore, he should do nothing?

(assuming OP wants to apply this year for some reason)

 

[Ismet]

But, are you implying that doing these volunteer activities can HURT his chances?

Therefore, he should do nothing?

(assuming OP wants to apply this year for some reason)

Not necessarily. A properly worded description of the activities would be good.

 

[Ace-Co-A]

The first one seems like something you could throw yourself into and get something meaningful out of it. The second option seems like you'll be half-a**ing two resume padders.

Just my take.

 

[LizzyM]

You are not obligated to list every activity on your AMCAS. You can hold back things that were started very recently. If you get that tricky question, "Tell me something about yourself that is not on your application, " then you've got an answer!

 

[sharpieLIFE]

When it comes to AMCAS do you have to list volunteer EC's by hour or by months/years?

 

[Ismet]

When it comes to AMCAS do you have to list volunteer EC's by hour or by months/years?

Both