What are some good EC's that will look nice on the AMCAS?

[leaveit2rani]

I need some EC"s. My grades are really good (3.9 cGPA, prbly like a 3.96 sGPA with Biology major) from a respected state research university in Michigan. I am taking the MCAT in the summer but expect to do well. I've been working throughout college thus far and am now in the winter semester of sophomore year. I will probably finish with my degree by Junior year, giving me a lot of free time to work on the rest of my resume.

Ok, besides hospital volunteer, EMT, shadowing, etc. what are some good ECs you guys do besides working.

I am not really interested in doing research and I am not thinking about applying to big research universities like U of M, Wash U., etc. Just looking at some locals as I see I would have a very solid chance (wayne state, Oakland University, michigan state university).

It's crazy how much schools want you to do this extra stuff. It used to just be get good grades and you're in. I'm exhausted from work and school as it is, and now I gotta do all this stuff. But w/e....

So lemme know what you guys do for EC's or if you have any ideas. Please don't ask what I enjoy. I'll do anything if it looks good and is relatively cheap.

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[AllDaWEI]

I need some EC"s. My grades are really good (3.9 cGPA, prbly like a 3.96 sGPA with Biology major) from a respected state research university in Michigan. I am taking the MCAT in the summer but expect to do well. I've been working throughout college thus far and am now in the winter semester of sophomore year. I will probably finish with my degree by Junior year, giving me a lot of free time to work on the rest of my resume.

Ok, besides hospital volunteer, EMT, shadowing, etc. what are some good ECs you guys do besides working.

I am not really interested in doing research and I am not thinking about applying to big research universities like U of M, Wash U., etc. Just looking at some locals as I see I would have a very solid chance (wayne state, Oakland University, michigan state university).

It's crazy how much schools want you to do this extra stuff. It used to just be get good grades and you're in. I'm exhausted from work and school as it is, and now I gotta do all this stuff. But w/e....

So lemme know what you guys do for EC's or if you have any ideas. Please don't ask what I enjoy. I'll do anything if it looks good and is relatively cheap.

OH NO!!! You want to do ECs to look good on an application and not because you actually want to? You'll make a TERRIBLE doctor! You should be banished forever and ever from ever becoming a doctor. 🙄

PS - I hope your never my doctor. I cant imagine having a doctor who didnt have extensive experience cleaning hospital beds for free.

 

[flatearth22]

1) A hook - something you excel at and show dedication to for a long period of time. Could be leadership (founding and/or running a successful non-profit), research (several presentations and pubs), a special talent (music, sports, theater, etc. done at a very high level.). Brownie points if you can relate it to medicine.

2) A gimmick - something weird and off-beat that might pique the interest of adcoms bored to death from reading applications of cookie-cutter premeds. This can make them interested to interview you and also serve as interview fodder. Examples - Being a pilot, being a YouTube sensation, being a school mascot, writing a weekly comic/humor section for your school's newspaper, etc.

3) Filler EC's - volunteering (clinical and non-clinical), shadowing, clinical experience, random clubs and organizations in which you didn't really do much, sports, hobbies, etc.

Pretty much all premeds have #3 down pat. Few have #1 and even fewer even try for #2 or don't put it in their application for fear that it will be looked down upon. I had a pretty unique #2 that has been talked about at both of my interviews so far (and I'm a fairly ordinary applicant otherwise) so take it for what it's worth.

 

[luke587]

Do something that will set you apart. Everyone is going to volunteer at a hospital, shadow doctors, research, pre-med clubs etc. Try to find something unique, and something that really interests you it doesn't have to be all about medicine, maybe you love music and are a extremely talented guitarist or singer or something, i don't know.

 

[Amba]

Hopefully marathon running

Really though, I think they'll just like seeing long-term dedication to something, whether it's music, a sport, a leadership position in a club, etc...

 

[HipChick]

I need some EC"s. My grades are really good (3.9 cGPA, prbly like a 3.96 sGPA with Biology major) from a respected state research university in Michigan. I am taking the MCAT in the summer but expect to do well. I've been working throughout college thus far and am now in the winter semester of sophomore year. I will probably finish with my degree by Junior year, giving me a lot of free time to work on the rest of my resume.

Ok, besides hospital volunteer, EMT, shadowing, etc. what are some good ECs you guys do besides working.

I am not really interested in doing research and I am not thinking about applying to big research universities like U of M, Wash U., etc. Just looking at some locals as I see I would have a very solid chance (wayne state, Oakland University, michigan state university).

It's crazy how much schools want you to do this extra stuff. It used to just be get good grades and you're in. I'm exhausted from work and school as it is, and now I gotta do all this stuff. But w/e....

So lemme know what you guys do for EC's or if you have any ideas. Please don't ask what I enjoy. I'll do anything if it looks good and is relatively cheap.

Hey fellow Michigander. I am also looking at WSU, OU, and MSU (no interest in THE U of M, mainly because its so far of a reach!!)

Look at local marathons and see who the medical staff is. Or check out local clubs/minors like soccer and hockey. You may be able to get some cool stuff there. You can join the Quidditch team 😉 I mean, do the menial stuff, but also, try some cool stuff that would make you stand out. What about working at an animal shelter?

 

[GetThePointe77]

do something you are passionate about!

 

[jtdMU2010]

Must-have cookie cutter ECs:
1. Shadowing; not necessarily the 100 hours often quoted on SDN but a decent amount with a variety of specialties. I had FP, ER, Anesthesia, General Surg, Cardiology, Ophthalmology and Orthopedic surgery for a combined total of 50 hours.
2. Clinical volunteering; pushing people in wheelchairs around the hospital, serving as a greeter in the hospital, etc. The most generic thing you can do.
3. Non-clinical volunteering. Tutoring in public schools, Habitat for Humanity, etc.
4. Some type of leadership role. Secretary, Treasurer, VP or Pres, group facilitator, residential hall advisor (Just something!)
5. Club attendance to pre-med club or pre-health club

Bonus ECs:
1. EMT license and work as one. CNA or phlebotomist.
2. TA for lower-level university science courses
3. Research w/ posters and presentations (although this is becoming somewhat cookie-cutter)
4. Campus science tutor
5. Foreign medical mission trip

The ECs are a lot I know but they're hoops you have to go through to get where you want to go. Of course pursue your interests and stuff that isn't application related so you don't turn into a zombie and become boring. Keep playing the guitar or drums, whatever interesting hobby you have and be sure and at least talk about that at an interview later on.

 

[quiltlady]

An olympic gold medal looks good, start training now.

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

Must-have cookie cutter ECs:
1. Shadowing; not necessarily the 100 hours often quoted on SDN but a decent amount with a variety of specialties. I had FP, ER, Anesthesia, General Surg, Cardiology, Ophthalmology and Orthopedic surgery for a combined total of 50 hours.
2. Clinical volunteering; pushing people in wheelchairs around the hospital, serving as a greeter in the hospital, etc. The most generic thing you can do.
3. Non-clinical volunteering. Tutoring in public schools, Habitat for Humanity, etc.
4. Some type of leadership role. Secretary, Treasurer, VP or Pres, group facilitator, residential hall advisor (Just something!)
5. Club attendance to pre-med club or pre-health club

Bonus ECs:
1. EMT license and work as one. CNA or phlebotomist.
2. TA for lower-level university science courses
3. Research w/ posters and presentations (although this is becoming somewhat cookie-cutter)
4. Campus science tutor
5. Foreign medical mission trip

The ECs are a lot I know but they're hoops you have to go through to get where you want to go. Of course pursue your interests and stuff that isn't application related so you don't turn into a zombie and become boring. Keep playing the guitar or drums, whatever interesting hobby you have and be sure and at least talk about that at an interview later on.

Solid list, but I have to respectfully disagree that a pre-med club is a "must have". I would say some form of teaching could take it's place as #5. Disclaimer: I am just a pre-med, so I could be wrong.

 

[jtdMU2010]

Solid list, but I have to respectfully disagree that a pre-med club is a "must have". I would say some form of teaching could take it's place as #5. Disclaimer: I am just a pre-med, so I could be wrong.

Yeah, I can see that. Essentially they are all interchangeable. As long as you have some. I never participated in the campus pre-med club and got in to med school but it is something a lot of pre-meds seem to do. It's something a pre-med might as well do. One hour every month or so for a meeting isn't bad.

 

[tantacles]

Solid list, but I have to respectfully disagree that a pre-med club is a "must have". I would say some form of teaching could take it's place as #5. Disclaimer: I am just a pre-med, so I could be wrong.

Ditto. Not at all necessary. It's just filler. They know you're pre-med; there's no need to join a club for it.

 

[jtdMU2010]

An olympic gold medal looks good, start training now.

haha...So does a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Should get on that fast!

 

[music2doc]

Solid list, but I have to respectfully disagree that a pre-med club is a "must have". I would say some form of teaching could take it's place as #5. Disclaimer: I am just a pre-med, so I could be wrong.

While it may not be a "must have" at the admission point, most pre-meds tend to be too lost and unfocused to be successful w/o support. Being involved in some sort of an organization can help with that. It can also help you fulfill the other "required" ECs.

This all said, OP, pursue your passions, not what every other premed has done. Yes, SOME of your activities SHOULD naturally intersect the premed route if you're meant for this, but honestly, don't just follow the crowd.

 

[Double Trouble]

The med schools were blowing up my phone when I cured cancer, maybe you should cure HIV this summer. It's a really nice hook that will give you a competitive edge. You will be approximately 34.53% more attractive to medical schools that begin with the letter B.

 

[EBTrailRunner]

I need some EC"s. My grades are really good (3.9 cGPA, prbly like a 3.96 sGPA with Biology major) from a respected state research university in Michigan. I am taking the MCAT in the summer but expect to do well. I've been working throughout college thus far and am now in the winter semester of sophomore year. I will probably finish with my degree by Junior year, giving me a lot of free time to work on the rest of my resume.

Ok, besides hospital volunteer, EMT, shadowing, etc. what are some good ECs you guys do besides working.

I am not really interested in doing research and I am not thinking about applying to big research universities like U of M, Wash U., etc. Just looking at some locals as I see I would have a very solid chance (wayne state, Oakland University, michigan state university).

It's crazy how much schools want you to do this extra stuff. It used to just be get good grades and you're in. I'm exhausted from work and school as it is, and now I gotta do all this stuff. But w/e....

So lemme know what you guys do for EC's or if you have any ideas. Please don't ask what I enjoy. I'll do anything if it looks good and is relatively cheap.

Umm, why not? Assume you'll be asked during at least one interview what it is you enjoy outside of medicine and keep in mind that it's not difficult for an interviewer to sense BS. You have your cookie-cutter EC's down and that's okay - it's expected that you've tested your interest in clinical medicine through hospital volunteering, etc. But if you want to stick out, it's going to be tough, just ask LizzyM. Adcoms have seen it all. You're not going to be the exception to the rule, so do something you're passionate about and show how genuinely excited you are about it if asked about it. That's hard to beat.

 

[Slowpoke]

I think we can all agree that the most coveted EC among pre-meds is achieved by taking a camera and filming areas characteristic of the state that you live in. Make sure to feature a wide variety of outdoorsy activities in a stylistic fashion along with highlighting architectural beauty unique to your area.

Bonus: Select a tune capable of accentuating what you are about to present to the viewer.

Here is a great example of a tune to get you on your way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTtZS3JPvCo

 

[tantacles]

While it may not be a "must have" at the admission point, most pre-meds tend to be too lost and unfocused to be successful w/o support. Being involved in some sort of an organization can help with that. It can also help you fulfill the other "required" ECs.

This all said, OP, pursue your passions, not what every other premed has done. Yes, SOME of your activities SHOULD naturally intersect the premed route if you're meant for this, but honestly, don't just follow the crowd.

Yes, but most of the guidance you're going to get in a pre-med society is the guidance of other pre-meds, not that of a trusted mentor or adviser who has actually been through this process or mentored others going through it. Going to your pre-medical adviser early and often is more than adequate as a replacement, so unless you find this kind of activity (specifically, socializing with other pre-meds and bitching about the application process), the time these programs take up just arent worth it. If it's something you think you would enjoy, though, go ahead! Just know that given fifteen slots on an application and sixteen choices, just about any other EC should make the cut in lieu of this one.

 

[kristinairene]

If you ever intend to work in the medical field or wherever, make sure you're committed to it. I know a couple of people who only worked as a CNA, EMT or something related for a month or two just so they can put it on their EC's and then move to on another job to show that they have a lot of EC's. Just saying..

 

[music2doc]

Yes, but most of the guidance you're going to get in a pre-med society is the guidance of other pre-meds, not that of a trusted mentor or adviser who has actually been through this process or mentored others going through it. Going to your pre-medical adviser early and often is more than adequate as a replacement, so unless you find this kind of activity (specifically, socializing with other pre-meds and bitching about the application process), the time these programs take up just arent worth it. If it's something you think you would enjoy, though, go ahead! Just know that given fifteen slots on an application and sixteen choices, just about any other EC should make the cut in lieu of this one.

Depends how well that program is built. Many would say most advisors are poor at their jobs. Your best bet, IMO, is probably to find a few successful applicants and find out what made them successful...which is done through the kind of networking such an organization provides. If you want to know how to get in somewhere, ask someone who's been successful at it in the recent past!


As for ECs, OP, do what you love. Don't make this a checklist.

 

[blife]

OP -

What do you do when you're not working, in class or studying? You can make almost anything useful to society. Play videogames? Play them with kids in the children's hospital or as a Big Brother. Like running? Get involved with non-profits that raise funds through sporting events. Cooking? Cook at a homeless shelter, Ronald McDonald House, etc. There are all sorts of organzations that need help with all sorts of activities. Try something out - if you like it, keep doing it.

If you're just looking for filler for your application it will probably be evident in your interviews.

 

[StoicJosher]

I need some EC"s. My grades are really good (3.9 cGPA, prbly like a 3.96 sGPA with Biology major) from a respected state research university in Michigan. I am taking the MCAT in the summer but expect to do well. I've been working throughout college thus far and am now in the winter semester of sophomore year. I will probably finish with my degree by Junior year, giving me a lot of free time to work on the rest of my resume.

Ok, besides hospital volunteer, EMT, shadowing, etc. what are some good ECs you guys do besides working.

I am not really interested in doing research and I am not thinking about applying to big research universities like U of M, Wash U., etc. Just looking at some locals as I see I would have a very solid chance (wayne state, Oakland University, michigan state university).

It's crazy how much schools want you to do this extra stuff. It used to just be get good grades and you're in. I'm exhausted from work and school as it is, and now I gotta do all this stuff. But w/e....

So lemme know what you guys do for EC's or if you have any ideas. Please don't ask what I enjoy. I'll do anything if it looks good and is relatively cheap.

Anything?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1007&highlight=poop+hotdog

 

[sliceofbread136]

Cure cancer, olympic gold medal, founding a hospital are all pretty cookie cutter. You need something with more edge. Think superhero.

 

[Ebola4Breakfast]

I think showing a consistency in your ECs with your personal statement should be your primary goal. Think of your application as a whole, not as multiple individuals parts. Use your ECs to back up the ideas you intend on conveying in your personal statement. At least that's the route I took. Of course this is solely my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.