Question about volunteering and ECs

[1nvictus]

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does the volunteering and research have to be clinically related or have to involve the natural sciences? as a humanities major I would also like to explore other options besides volunteering in a hospital, etc. (i already have done that)

also, do schools that are ranked in the top 20 (well you know what types of schools I mean) get a slight GPA 'cushion'? i've heard mixed things; people in my school say it's pretty small if anything but mostly negligible.

 

[InterproximalDK]

does the volunteering and research have to be clinically related or have to involve the natural sciences? as a humanities major I would also like to explore other options besides volunteering in a hospital, etc. (i already have done that)

also, do schools that are ranked in the top 20 (well you know what types of schools I mean) get a slight GPA 'cushion'? i've heard mixed things; people in my school say it's pretty small if anything but mostly negligible.

You can do whatever type of volunteer work you want. I for example wanted to do no volunteering, so I didn't, it didn't hurt me a bit.

And here's an idea, just get good grades and you won't have to rely on being given a break for attending a "top20" school.

 

[Ionz]

does the volunteering and research have to be clinically related or have to involve the natural sciences? as a humanities major I would also like to explore other options besides volunteering in a hospital, etc. (i already have done that)

also, do schools that are ranked in the top 20 (well you know what types of schools I mean) get a slight GPA 'cushion'? i've heard mixed things; people in my school say it's pretty small if anything but mostly negligible.

Unlike the above poster, I think you definitely should have volunteering to maximize your chances. Eclectic experience is an asset everywhere you go, so don't feel like you should be solely limited to the "sciences", volunteer where you have passion and show dedication. I think that's much more important.

And "GPA cushions" don't really exist past high school.

 

[ToothbrushBuddy]

Volunteering makes you a better person and a better dentist. I have volunteered in lots of different areas, and it does not have to be medically related. I don't think that research has to be medically or dental related either. I didn't do any research, just >2,000 of volunteering!