Very poor ECs but not much I can do

[euphaire]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello all,

After lurking in the forum for a while I noticed that most people have super-duper impressive ECs regardless of their GPA/DAT stats. My ECs are kind of underwhelming. I was of engineering background and every term I had to go through interviews for the work/internship term that follows. The study term and internship terms kinda alternate without any summer break for the entire 4.6 years.
I'm not trying to find excuses. During my study terms, the courses I took, the huge projects I must handle, and the interviews kept me very much occupied (in 4 years 50% of my classmates failed out due to the demanding curriculum). I thought about joining clubs but if so my grades would have suffered. I have a huge list of work experience, obviously, but not so much research/hospital/healthcare/dental mission trip/leadership (not none, just not a lot) ...
Would this seriously hurt me? Would the adcoms be understanding about my situation? I don't think delaying my application and devote a year doing volunteer work is something anyone wants to do...but then again, I might have to do it? Any honest opinions?

Thank you so much 🙁

 

[jeffity]

Hello all,

After lurking in the forum for a while I noticed that most people have super-duper impressive ECs regardless of their GPA/DAT stats. My ECs are kind of underwhelming. I was of engineering background and every term I had to go through interviews for the work/internship term that follows. The study term and internship terms kinda alternate without any summer break for the entire 4.6 years.
I'm not trying to find excuses. During my study terms, the courses I took, the huge projects I must handle, and the interviews kept me very much occupied (in 4 years 50% of my classmates failed out due to the demanding curriculum). I thought about joining clubs but if so my grades would have suffered. I have a huge list of work experience, obviously, but not so much research/hospital/healthcare/dental mission trip/leadership (not none, just not a lot) ...
Would this seriously hurt me? Would the adcoms be understanding about my situation? I don't think delaying my application and devote a year doing volunteer work is something anyone wants to do...but then again, I might have to do it? Any honest opinions?

Thank you so much 🙁

There are definitely some superstars on these forums when it comes to ECs (and everything else). So don't use what you see here as any kind of meter. You took care of your grades and those are what matter most. You mention you do have a little and plus you have other experiences that probably mean more than just being a member of a club on campus.

I wouldn't ever delay an app just for EXTRAcurriculars. But if you're graduated now or have more time, it wouldn't hurt to be using your time to do more. It will give you more to talk about in an interview should it come up and you're improving your app for next time if necessary.

 

[Accent]

I think as long as you have a valid reason for low hours, that's fine. As jeffity as stated, it'll make up for your ec.

 

[dantemac]

"Just because there are those types of people, doesn't mean there isn't hope for the rest of us" -Professor of mine

Don't worry about the people that shadowed for 500 hours and volunteered for 1000 hours. Just do your thing. You're right - Nothing you can do now except for improve your application if you are denied.

 

[hamburger90]

volunteer in a hospital, is very easy and you only have to do very few hours