Which ECs should I focus on?

[Curiouspremed]

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Hello again SDN! Thanks in advance for your help!!

I really appreciate you reading the entire post before you respond.

I am currently attending Saddleback CC (no money) because its known to be "harder" and considering UCI maybe next year if I can get the funds. I got a bad uGPA of 3.2 right now, so I really need some strong ECs, straight As and rocking my MCAT (gogo turn around!)

I know I am lacking in clinical, but I am not sure what is better to devote my time to. I could really use everyone's help as being a post-bacc I only have a few

Here is what I have ALREADY done:
1. JOB: 2 years work experience doing graphic art design while going to school.
2. JOB 1 year as a product marketing manager. Managing a team of 7 designers, managing team projects and presentations to present to potential clients. (Full time job on salary 70 hours a week)
3. 2 years of competitive martial arts (judo). As well as lots of gym in my free time.
5. I play guitar but don't practice regularly. I taught myself (if it counts)
6. 3 weeks shadowing a podiatrist for a full day everyday 10 hours a day approx at 5 days a week so about 150 hours total. Including 3 surgeries.
7. I am currently shadowing a surgeon 4 days a week. 2 days in clinic, 2 days sitting in and observing actual surgeries.
8. I am learning Spanish (not sure if this counts as I am also taking the class)

I have no idea where all my ECs stand or where I should focus. I have seen some crazy suggestions here such as "publish your own research". I WISH I could do that.

Here are what I think my current options are:
1. Continue shadowing surgeon (about 12 hours a week)
2. Volunteer at a hospital
3. Do billing and insurance checks at my family doctor's office (paid work).
4. Some type of research (please make suggestions because I am not sure what to do)
5. Start a pre-med club on campus and be the president or have a administrative position.
6. Take more guitar lessons.
7. Learn another martial art.

 

[Frazier]

Hello again SDN! Thanks in advance for your help!!

I really appreciate you reading the entire post before you respond.

I am currently attending Saddleback CC (no money) because its known to be "harder" and considering UCI maybe next year if I can get the funds. I got a bad uGPA of 3.2 right now, so I really need some strong ECs, straight As and rocking my MCAT (gogo turn around!)

I know I am lacking in clinical, but I am not sure what is better to devote my time to. I could really use everyone's help as being a post-bacc I only have a few

Here is what I have ALREADY done:
1. JOB: 2 years work experience doing graphic art design while going to school.
2. JOB 1 year as a product marketing manager. Managing a team of 7 designers, managing team projects and presentations to present to potential clients. (Full time job on salary 70 hours a week)
3. 2 years of competitive martial arts (judo). As well as lots of gym in my free time.
5. I play guitar but don't practice regularly. I taught myself (if it counts)
6. 3 weeks shadowing a podiatrist for a full day everyday 10 hours a day approx at 5 days a week so about 150 hours total. Including 3 surgeries.
7. I am currently shadowing a surgeon 4 days a week. 2 days in clinic, 2 days sitting in and observing actual surgeries.
8. I am learning Spanish (not sure if this counts as I am also taking the class)

I have no idea where all my ECs stand or where I should focus. I have seen some crazy suggestions here such as "publish your own research". I WISH I could do that.

Here are what I think my current options are:
1. Continue shadowing surgeon (about 12 hours a week)
2. Volunteer at a hospital
3. Do billing and insurance checks at my family doctor's office (paid work).
4. Some type of research (please make suggestions because I am not sure what to do)
5. Start a pre-med club on campus and be the president or have a administrative position.
6. Take more guitar lessons.
7. Learn another martial art.

volunteer at hospital and do research at UCI

 

[Tappinfool66]

These are some qualities I think Adcoms like to see:

1) Commitment. Personally, I would continue with Judo and/or start with another. Martial arts require discipline and Adcoms are supposed to look at commitment and activities that you are committed to favorably.

2) Leadership. You can start a club on campus, but it doesn't have to be a 'pre-med' one. Adcoms will like that you've had the initiative and leadership to start and lead a club, but you don't have to start a 'pre-med' club to try and impress them. Start one that you'll really enjoy being involved in.

3) Clinical experience. Since you've already shadowed, I'd either consider volunteering at a hospital now or sometime in the near future, even if it's just for a little bit. Shadowing is great (and I think it's a better way to experience 'a day in the life of a doctor') and you can definitely keep up with that. I think Adcoms like to see some volunteer work too though, and it's another good way to show that you've taken the initiative to see what's involved in a healthcare career.

4) Community service and volunteering. This kind of ties in with the last one. Volunteering in a hospital is great and shows that you're generous and willing to lend a hand to those in need. You can also do some other kind of volunteer work or community service.

Keep in mind, this is just what I think. I'm only a pre-med student too, but this is what I've gathered so far.

 

[Curiouspremed]

Thanks guys for the replies. I am definitely trying to get a strong basis here with the ECs. I really appreciate your feedback.

I noticed a lot of people are saying martial arts. Is that just because its consistent?

I would have thought that my experience in the medical field was lacking. I just want to make sure I am doing everything I can to strengthen this weak resume.

Any other ideas you guys have are certainly welcome!