Question regarding extracurriculars

[oceanio]

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This is my first post, but I have been running through a lot of these forums lately. I apologize for any typos as I am writing this on my phone.

I have a question regarding extracurricular s on the DO application process. First a little background and stats.

cGPA-3.4
sGPA-3.4
MCAT-TEST date is 4/5/14 and I'm aiming for a 30

I have letters of recommendation from 4 professors, and a few employers (just in case I needed them for anything). I have started the application process for the army HPSP and I am going to start volunteering at my local hospital after my test date.

As for now i have no medical experience due to a financial state during my undergraduate years. I worked about 1 to 3 jobs at a time while studying full time and was unable to devote time to volunteer work. I'm also looking to do a pre health internship through my former biology department, which I may not be eligible due to my graduate status, but I'm still going to try.

my question - If I apply in may(after Iget my scores and if they are good) will I be hindered due to the lack of eextracurriculars or will listing one volunteer experience (from the local hospital) be sufficient?

Side question - I have to take 3 morecredits of a behavioral sscience for the 6 credit minimum. I can complete this the summer after I send in my applications, right? so long as it is completed prior to matriculation?Or would it be better to wait until after I complete the course to send in my applications? I know time is a factor and iI'd like to get them in as soon as possible for the next cycle.

 

[1badz]

From my experience with interviews, none of my volunteering or research EVER came up. That's not to say it did not hold merit in the entire process, but it didn't seem detrimental to an interview/acceptance. I met some people when I was interviewing that had none to very limited extracurriculars. It certainly can't hurt - I say do it and make the experience meaningful.

 

[oceanio]

Thank you for the quick reply!

 

[DrEnderW]

I think if you convey the reason why you don't have those experiences (you were working multiple jobs) you will be okay. Be able to explain what that working experience has taught you and what you took away from juggling academics and work simultaneously. This is something the average pre-med student hasn't experienced. I would also be sure to try and get some clinical experience, outline what you have planned, and have a good answer for "why medicine."

To contrast what the 1badz said above, my MD and DO interviews were all 100% focused on my ECs, which may have been because they were somewhat atypical. I talked about sports, research, and clinical experience for essentially all of it besides the basic: why us, why medicine, why DO.

Good luck on the MCAT and HPSP.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

Start more ECs when you can, but like the above poster said, if you've had to work several jobs throughout undergrad the adcoms will take that into consideration. Shouldn't hurt you too much if you had no choice but to work 3 jobs, just make sure you say as much.

For the behavior science courses, go ahead and apply, then update AACOMAS and send updated transcripts to the schools. Just as long as they're completed prior to matriculation.

 

[kp11]

For the behavior science courses, go ahead and apply, then update AACOMAS and send updated transcripts to the schools. Just as long as they're completed prior to matriculation.

This is the correct answer.

Also, I have to agree with DrEnderW. All of my interviews in some way or another asked about my medical ECs. Is this because I used and referred to them in my explanations of "why do you want to be a doctor"? possibly. Just be able to (maybe do some soul searching) without blinking tell the interviewer why you want to be a doctor.

 

[Chillywilly]

Yes in my experience with interviews, none asked about my ECs ... They were more concerned with my hobbies and characteristics. None of my interviews ever asked "why doctor or DO?" Either.

However, you do need to show you match the qualities of a doctor that go beyond academics. They wanna see compassionate, dedicated, culturally competent doctors in addition to being smart on paper.

My best advice is to look at some of the schools mission statements and try to find ECs that match their values.

If you get asked "why doctor or why DO?" You better back them up with solid experiences other than " I always knew since i was 5... Or my grandmas bad health inspired me...or I always loved bio" Etc.

Med school admission is such a crapshoot these days. Be as well rounded as you can.

 

[StarFall]

I'd suggest trying to ask any physicians at a small clinic like an urgent care center and see if you can shadow there once a weekend for like, 3 hours or so for a month.
One that that comes to mind is that the adcom can ask you, "why medicine" and regardless of your answer, you haven't showed that you have any interest in medicine such as shadowing. I know working must be tough, but try to crank out at least one or two medical related EC's.

 

[JPickos9989]

They will look favorably on your ability to balance work and academics. My interviewers asked about my extensive work experiences and the circumstances that justified third shift and things like that.

I would definitely suggest getting medical experience, shadowing exposure, otherwise they will question how you came to the conclusion of medicine in the first place. If you haven't been in the environment of a physician, they will question how you know you want to be one. Osteopathic schools do like to see some exposure to osteopathic medicine as well. Your best option would be to get some shadowing time with a physician, because most schools require a physician letter at the least, while some ask specifically for a DO.