Torn between two totally different EC's. Which will boost my app more?

[MDwadup]

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Hey all,
Next spring, I'll have the privilege to participate in one of two (unfortunately, no time for both) EC's.

1) Intern for a US congressman on Capitol Hill: Im a huge political junkie and a poli-sci major. I'll get to do a bunch with health policy which I love. The pro's: this option seems like it would make me stand out more to adcoms.

2) Clinical Data Analysis Neuro Research: I'll get to craft my own neurology research at a very respectable hospital. Possibility of a publication. Though this is not wet lab research, it's, again, clinical data analysis. Nothing too fancy.

To be honest, i'm loving the capitol hill option a ton more, but I dont have any background in research, which I think may hurt my application.

Thoughts?

 

[deleted407021]

Do the first one. A ton of applicants have 'research' but not many have had internships at the Capitol building. No contest. Good luck!

 

[wiloghby]

The clinical data analysis. This sort of work can quickly lead to publication, and success in the activity shows medical schools you have the proven ability to contribute to research at their institution. It is often not about standing out, but showing you are strong in all of the key skills and qualities the school is seeking.

Also, I would advise against discussing politics heavily in your application or interview, so I'm not sure how option 1 could set you apart without being extremely risky. And again, if you think you can do the research option well, then you will set yourself apart from many applicants in a way that is directly relevant to what adcoms at research focused schools are looking for applicants in the first place.

I would say option 2, and it's not close.

 

[Harpsx]

I'm a health policy junkie too so I'm biased to say the first one! Sounds like an interesting experience that you'd enjoy much more, and if health policy is something you'd like to do in the future, it'd be great to tailor your application that way!

 

[armybound]

the one you're more interested in will do more for you.

 

[wiloghby]

Sorry, I didn't see that you would be involved in health policy in option 1. If that's the case, then do the one you like more...which sounds like option 1. I thought initially it was between medically relevant research vs non medically relevant political interning. In general, I'd say flesh out the medically relevant ECs before worrying about non-medical ECs. But in this case, if you will really be involved in health policy, you could do either activity and differentiate yourself in a meaningful way.

I'll try to read more carefully next time.

 

[Groovin]

Hey all,
Next spring, I'll have the privilege to participate in one of two (unfortunately, no time for both) EC's.

1) Intern for a US congressman on Capitol Hill: Im a huge political junkie and a poli-sci major. I'll get to do a bunch with health policy which I love. The pro's: this option seems like it would make me stand out more to adcoms.

2) Clinical Data Analysis Neuro Research: I'll get to craft my own neurology research at a very respectable hospital. Possibility of a publication. Though this is not wet lab research, it's, again, clinical data analysis. Nothing too fancy.

To be honest, i'm loving the capitol hill option a ton more, but I dont have any background in research, which I think may hurt my application.

Thoughts?

Do both. Maybe do the first one for a year, then the second one next year. Have the best of both worlds?

 

[MDwadup]

Sorry, I didn't see that you would be involved in health policy in option 1. If that's the case, then do the one you like more...which sounds like option 1. I thought initially it was between medically relevant research vs non medically relevant political interning. In general, I'd say flesh out the medically relevant ECs before worrying about non-medical ECs. But in this case, if you will really be involved in health policy, you could do either activity and differentiate yourself in a meaningful way.

I'll try to read more carefully next time.

No worries, thanks for the clarification and your input!

 

[Conflagration]

Do the one that you like better; because you'll be able to gush all about it and your enthusiasm will show.

I have a bit of a grievance with the "focus on medical ECs only" mentality that seems to permeate here sometimes. I mean, sorry to make it sound melancholy and depressing, but if you didn't get into medical school, would you be okay with missing out on that opportunity? It doesn't make sense. When it comes to standing out from the crowd, they're looking for the person, not the pre-requisites. The second option seems a little more like box-checking than something you'd want to do.

But, you are you and you make the final call. Good luck regardless! ^^

 

[MDwadup]

I really appreciate everyones input, thanks guys

 

[premed3445]

Hey all,
Next spring, I'll have the privilege to participate in one of two (unfortunately, no time for both) EC's.

1) Intern for a US congressman on Capitol Hill: Im a huge political junkie and a poli-sci major. I'll get to do a bunch with health policy which I love. The pro's: this option seems like it would make me stand out more to adcoms.

2) Clinical Data Analysis Neuro Research: I'll get to craft my own neurology research at a very respectable hospital. Possibility of a publication. Though this is not wet lab research, it's, again, clinical data analysis. Nothing too fancy.

To be honest, i'm loving the capitol hill option a ton more, but I dont have any background in research, which I think may hurt my application.

Thoughts?

I would go for the first one. Do what you're passionate about.

 

[Planes2Doc]

Option one. More unique! Lots of pre-meds do research, yet not all schools care about research. Every school cares about ECs in gberal though.

 

[terp720]

I agree that you should do activities that you're more interested in, and the good thing about both of these is that they are medically relevant. However, the good thing about the research in the hospital is that by being in the hospital, you will probably be able to form connections with physicians and be able to shadow. Not sure if you have many connections otherwise to spend time with physicians, but just a thought.

Also don't discredit research that isn't wet lab work. Plenty of people are doing research that is data analysis or computer based, not dealing with cells and chemicals. So far none of my interviews have focused on my wet lab research, they've all asked about the other projects, but this is just my experience.

 

[dancingmate]

I agree with everyone here and that you should pursue the activity that you are most passionate about. If #1 is what you really want to do, then go for it! You will probably get a lot more out of that experience, and be able to meaningfully talk about it in your MD applications and interviews. Also, I live in DC now, and it's an awesome city. There are also plenty of medically-related volunteering opportunities, if you are looking to do that on the side.

 

[ct303]

My only advice is change the A in your username to a U, unless "wad" is what you are going for