The distribution of EC's cause problems???

[johnwandering]

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I've had just about no ECs other than a month and a half medical mission to Africa last summer
The problem is that I'm already going to be a senior next year so I have to load up on ECs
I've signed up and already started pounding volunteer work

I will finish about 200 hours of volunteer work in a matter of two months


I was wondering, does EC distribution matter?
Because I have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING until volunteering this summer
I will also cram in shadowing over my senior year


I can't find anything on the board addressing this....

 

[DrMattOglesby]

for what it's worth, i felt like i didn't do anything either.
It took some time of combing through my history during college to find out that I actually had done quite a bit. The thing was, I didn't do my ECs with the purpose of applying to med school--so I never really kept track of them. I was surprised at what I found when I looked back. I don't buy that you really did "nothing."

 

[LizzyM]

If you really have nothing to list among your experiences except:
Medical mission July-Aug 2008
Hosp. volunteer June-July 2009 25 hrs/wk
shadowing Sept 2009- present

then your application might seem a little thin. Were you involved in any organized activities (on campus or not) during your first 3 years of college? Did you hold a job (work/study or otherwise)? Did you have a hobby?

If all you did was go to classes & study then you've got a problem. I hope that the problem is that you don't recognize your "experiences".

 

[johnwandering]

Yeah, I did somethings, but I don't feel they're applicable

I worked in the Bio Department for a year, organizing papers
Helped feed the homeless in Atlanta's Eagle's Nest a few mornings
Performed with the University Choir for a year
Was a founding member of University's Korean Percussion Team (Koong), played for two years
Performed in a few plays for events; no features, only skits
I was a Church leader for the past year, helped the pastor organize events
Lead electric guitarist on the praise band


actually, quite a bit... but nothing the medschools would like to see

 

[EulerianCircuit]

but nothing the medschools would like to see

I think you're wrong there.

 

[dr seuss]

Yeah, I did somethings, but I don't feel they're applicable

I worked in the Bio Department for a year, organizing papers
Helped feed the homeless in Atlanta's Eagle's Nest a few mornings
Performed with the University Choir for a year
Was a founding member of University's Korean Percussion Team (Koong), played for two years
Performed in a few plays for events; no features, only skits
I was a Church leader for the past year, helped the pastor organize events
Lead electric guitarist on the praise band


actually, quite a bit... but nothing the medschools would like to see

I think all of those are good.

 

[LizzyM]

OP, combine your list with the one I posted earlier. That is a pretty typical experience section.

 

[johnwandering]

Oh really??
I thought only things such as research, shadowing, hospital work, and academics were valued...

sorry, I'm quite clueless as to what a typical applicant's list looks like
Is it really ok to include everything on my application?

I feel like the admissions people will read: "university choir for a year," roll the eyes and think this guy is really reaching in the barrell for anything...

 

[NeuroChaos]

You """DO NOT"''' want to be a typical applicant. They get thousands of those. Just do what you really like (whether it be choir, rock band, or collecting stamps!) and you will be fine. One thing to make sure is you get enough clinical experience; it seems like you are already getting that. Research: try to get it; but if you can't or do not like it, no need to kill yourself. Otherwise, do what you want in terms of ECs.

 

[GlamDoc]

Don't worry about what med schools will think about your application relative to other people's apps. If all they cared about was research, shadowing, etc., everyone would have more or less a generic application. It's individual hobbies/interests that can set someone apart, and all of your ECs at least suggest some of yours. So good luck, and list them all! 😀

 

[shemarty]

That's why they have a section for hobbies and artistic endeavors... they want to know what other types of activities you're involved with in addition to the medically relevant ones.

Definitely list all of your shadowing, volunteering, etc, but also make sure to list your singing, percussion, etc! Those other activities are valued, not scoffed at.