what qualifies as EC's

[medmom]

---

Members don't see this ad.

When you are asked to list EC's I know that you include things like volunteer, shadowing, sports, clubs and research. But so you list anything that you do in your spare time like camping, fishing, running,etc.? I am a non-trad with a family so my spare time largely involves my family and family oriented things. So, my "extra" time is consumed by kids. So can I include things like my family, camping, fishing, running, quilting, scrap-booking. Or is it strictly "academic things" that you list as EC's?
medmom

 

[mkitty]

When you are asked to list EC's I know that you include things like volunteer, shadowing, sports, clubs and research. But so you list anything that you do in your spare time like camping, fishing, running,etc.? I am a non-trad with a family so my spare time largely involves my family and family oriented things. So, my "extra" time is consumed by kids. So can I include things like my family, camping, fishing, running, quilting, scrap-booking. Or is it strictly "academic things" that you list as EC's?
medmom

I feel that the other extras you have are more "interests" than ECs. These things you can talk about at your interview or even in 2ndaries if they are a big factor in your experiences. I'd expect the ECs schools would want to look at are those related to why you want to be a DO, in other words, activities you've done to show your commitment to pursue a medically related career (hospital volunteer, shadowing MD/DO/other health profession, activities that show you in a leadership/other community service role, or that stresses qualities which show you can handle the health profession.) You may have to answer questions about these activities come interview time, so take that into account too.

 

[Nate]

Applying as a non-traditional applicant is a bit different. You should explain in your personal statements, of course, that you have a family and if you went through college while having a family that you were able to balance your time to succeed in both goals of academics and raising a family. Also, any jobs you may have held to support your family can be included in your experiences (EC sections). The quantity of experiences is not important, it is the quality, and any experience you were able to come by while raising a family shows even more maturity and dedication than normal. Good luck