Strength of EC's???

[Scottpilot]

Not sure how to rate the strength of my EC's or if there is anything extra I can do to strengthen my application. I have some potential red flags on my app (i.e. several C's in upper division science, most pre-reqs taken at a community college) but I did well on the MCAT (36: 11VR, 12PS, 13BS). I also have a Master of Public Health from New York Medical College (GPA: 3.94).

Below is a list of my EC's

Research Associate at an Eye Institute, 2012-Current
Ophthalmic Technician at an Eye Institute, 2011-Current
Attended American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting, 2013
Master of Public Health practicum and thesis research, 2011-2012
ER scribe at a Medical Center, 2011-2012
Ophthalmic and Administrative Assistant at a Retina Specialists, 2009-2011
ESL teacher in Seoul, South Korea, 2007-2008
Customer Service Associate at e-Follett, 2006-2007
Treasurer of the Re-entry and Transfer Student Association, 2006-2007
Vice President of Lambda Chi Alpha Mu Zeta Chapter, 2006-2007
Pledge Father of Sigma Mu Delta pre-medical fraternity, 2006
Research Assistant in Sleep Lab, 2006-2007
Certified Flight Instructor at Twin Palms Aviation, 2001-2005
Captain and Aerospace Education Officer at Civil Air Patrol Squadron 11, 2001-2005

Any advice is much appreciated! Thank you.

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[chenzt]

It's missing clinical experience and there isn't any community service. (ESL teacher in Seoul is a paid position, I assume?)

 

[PanRoasted]

It's missing clinical experience and there isn't any community service. (ESL teacher in Seoul is a paid position, I assume?)

Don't listen to the bolded, OP... 1 year ER scribe + several years serving in an opthalmology practice is more than enough.

 

[chenzt]

Ah. Read the technician part and lumped it with research. My mistake.

 

[sector9]

Moving to "What are my chances"

 

[Scottpilot]

PanRoasted and chenzt,

Thank you for your replies. I know the lack of community service is a drawback to my ECs. The only possible item on the list that MAY qualify as community service was the civil air patrol. It was a volunteer position. I lectured on aeronautical knowledge and aviation safety to cadets and community members. I also trained as a search-and-rescue pilot and ground crew member, though I never had a chance to do any missions.

I was hoping that my unique experiences would "make-up" for the lack of community service. One problem (and something I hope the AdComs will take into consideration) is that I have had no outside financial support (except student loans) and have needed a job my entire college career just to keep a roof over my head and food to eat. However, in retrospect, I should have cut down on student groups and volunteered more in shelters or other organizations.

What are your thoughts? Thank you.

 

[chenzt]

The pilot experience is certainly unique and make you stand out. And yes, juggling job with academics is something they would take into account. I worked ~10-15hr/week throughout college as well, and at minimum it should prevent me from looking like a lazy bum 4 years through college.

Is there any service you'd really interested in? You will get a much better experience and be able to talk about it more passionately during an interview. If not, do something minimal so at least there is something to talk about. Are you applying this cycle?

PS, What was your undergrad GPA? If it's high, then the volunteering part won't matter as much. Just don't apply to Tulane lol.

 

[Scottpilot]

gpa is definitely not high.

UG cGPA 3.62 and sGPA 3.47

UG + post-bacc cGPA 3.67 and sGPA 3.60

I was hoping to apply this cycle. It's been long enough, I'm ready to move on to the next phase! I can definitely talk passionately about the civil air patrol if nothing else.

 

[chenzt]

That's nothing to worry about, especially with you MCAT score. If you're going to apply, apply now. Then start volunteering somewhere.