What else should I do? ECs

[Psycho Bob]

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So I'm a Biology major, second year, and currently have a 3.55 GPA (3.9 sGPA).
Currently taking:
Bio 2 with lab (A- in both)
Chm 2 (A)
Gen ed course (A)
Gen ed course (C... I know its bad)

As far as Ec's go, I kind of started a little late due to lack of information.

My only ECs are that I am a PCA (Work 24 hrs/week, 2 shifts, every weekend)

What else should I be doing? I'll be looking to shadow some primary care physicians over the break and look to hopefully get at least 20-30 hours of shadowing.

I wanted to volunteer at a hospital, but to me, that would just seem a little redundant since I already work in one and deal with patients extensively.

Any advice as to what else I should be doing this break is appreciated...
Also, I'm open to constructive criticism of whatever flaws you may see.

Thanks !

 

[Bsch1951]

You definitely have time to bring up that GPA cause you're only a second year so just kill it from here on out. What was the gened?

 

[Psycho Bob]

You definitely have time to bring up that GPA cause you're only a second year so just kill it from here on out. What was the gened?

Terrible Bioethics course that I should've never took, waste of time, waste of money...
I don't tend to do so hot on my gen ed courses... They're the reason for my average gpa.

 

[spiffysteve]

Do you have leadership experience? You could join some community service clubs at your college and try to move up the ranks there.

 

[Slave to the Game]

Some non-clinical volunteering is easy to accomplish if you're near public schools that have after-school programs. I'm not exactly sure what a PCA is (patient-care assistant?) but if you're not getting direct experience with patients in a diagnostic setting (i.e. if y our experience was exclusively "please fill out these insurance forms") you should look at other clinical experiences. Shadowing a variety of physicians is a good start, and getting involved in research would be great (bench or clinical).

 

[Psycho Bob]

Some non-clinical volunteering is easy to accomplish if you're near public schools that have after-school programs. I'm not exactly sure what a PCA is (patient-care assistant?) but if you're not getting direct experience with patients in a diagnostic setting (i.e. if y our experience was exclusively "please fill out these insurance forms") you should look at other clinical experiences. Shadowing a variety of physicians is a good start, and getting involved in research would be great (bench or clinicaal).

PCA= patient care assistant and I work closely with nurses in providing basic care needs to patients including bathing, taking vitals, etc.

Also, is research necessary when applying to primary care oriented MD schools?

 

[Dandine]

@Psycho Bob

Seems good so far; some kind of leadership would be helpful or non-clinical volunteering would be helpful. Or better yet, combine both by becoming a leader in a volunteering organization! (Disclaimer: That was just a suggestion...only do that if you're truly interested.)

No one's mentioned this yet, but hobbies do count as EC's! Something that can show a unique side of you...this might help when it comes to diversity prompts or other essays. (Cue posts on what are considered appropriate hobbies. 😛)

As for research: it depends on the school. Here are two links that might be helpful if you want to get a general consensus on the forum:

General -- http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/research-for-med-school.1059986/
Talks about primary care in particular -- http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/how-important-is-research-for-admissions.1066681/

EDIT: In general if you're doing research make sure you're doing it for the learning. It does require a big chunk of time commitment!