Where should I do my EC's?

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[Lya]

Unless you are talking about taking classes in a community college, I don't think med schools will care where you did ECs.

Do the research and other activities that you would like to do at your university, but at the same time, diversify your ECs to show your interests.

 

[phys2med]

I'm of the opinion that you should do whatever ECs interest you personally. Yes you have to have some idea about what adcomms are seeking and do some type of clinical volunteering but I think too many premeds think volunteering is short of a check list item to get accepted. Go find ECs and volunteer opportunities that you can be passionate about and want to do not just for a spot in school. If that means doing choir at a CC then so be it. It's the experience that matters not the hours, location, etc.

 

[Goro]

Do them anywhere you want to.

Hey all,

Just had a quick question about EC's. Is it favorably looked upon if you do all your EC's at your undergrad institution? For example, do med schools prefer that you did choir through your university rather than taking classes outside?

 

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[freakingoutabit]

Also, does studying abroad count as an EC?

On your AMCAS application, there will be a place to list "activities." They can include volunteering, jobs, hobbies, study abroad, research, etc. I wouldn't call studying abroad an extra-curricular per se, but there will definitely be a place for you to mention it in your application. Many secondaries also ask questions relating to travel experiences and spending time with people from different cultures, so you could talk about studying abroad in those experiences, too.

That said, studying abroad does not replace volunteering or leadership experiences.