Worst EC

[frenziedmalady]

I probably have the worst EC out of all people who have applied and those who are still aspiring to be in medical schools. Aside from grades, MCAT and LOR I also have ECs to worry about big time.

 

How can I improve my almost non existent EC? I know you can only state the ECs you did from when you were 16y/o until the application. I have a lot of school involvement when I was in high school but none in college/university. For high school I was vice president in the campus (17 y/o), high school auditor (16 y/o), president of the Glee Club for 2 years (but have been in the club ever since I started high school and have been singing ever since I was little), member of chess club (played intramurals and intermural tournaments and won a couple of medals), news writer for my school paper (been a member for 3 years), and other little class involvements.

 

I've only been in Canada for almost 3 years now and didn't have the chance to actually get involve in any volunteering (hospital or otherwise) because I have been working non stop. I also have no background whatsoever with research. I think I am also the only premed who hasn't gotten involved in one I know almost all schools put a significant amount of weight on research involvement (particularly UofT and Queen's) and well ECs in general. I plan to start volunteering this summer aside from working full time and also doing 2 summer courses. I plan on applying next year to Queen's and Western. I know it's better to start it sooner than later or never but I feel it's too late. It just wouldn't look good that I only have done 1 year of volunteering so far.

 

I am really aware that this is a big part I am lacking. I also screwed up my 2nd year badly so it's difficult to even get involved in any research with my CGPA. How can I improve my future application? Should I start volunteering in a hospital or do research?

 

Any input would be really much appreciated.

[Jan's_Doors]

Hey,

 

I think half the battle in EC's is recognizing things you have already done as ECs. For example, if you helped people with school work during your undergrad, even if it was just a friend from one of your classes, I would put that as an EC. I think that you should approach the sketch as if it is a story of your life. What do you do in your spare time? If the things you do in your spare time are positive, then talk about them. If you are really into music, then add it, even if you aren't a part of an organized group.

 

Another thing you might want to consider is checking out your community website. There are always events going on in your community, or on close to it. There should be contact names and numbers, and just give them a call and volunteer here and there. This way you end up doing a lot of networking and can find a particular EC that you really enjoy and will stick to.

 

You don't need amazing grades to get research positions. When I did my first research project, I applied with a 2.7 GPA and got the full time position in 2nd year. You just have to get yourself out there and network. Be social, friendly, curious.... Most people doing research are passionate about their projects, and if you show just as much passion, you will succeed. Any way, this is how I came to get many research positions despite my lower GPA at the time.

[frenziedmalady]

Hey' date='

 

I think half the battle in EC's is recognizing things you have already done as ECs. For example, if you helped people with school work during your undergrad, even if it was just a friend from one of your classes, I would put that as an EC. I think that you should approach the sketch as if it is a story of your life. What do you do in your spare time? If the things you do in your spare time are positive, then talk about them. If you are really into music, then add it, even if you aren't a part of an organized group.

 

Another thing you might want to consider is checking out your community website. There are always events going on in your community, or on close to it. There should be contact names and numbers, and just give them a call and volunteer here and there. This way you end up doing a lot of networking and can find a particular EC that you really enjoy and will stick to.

 

You don't need amazing grades to get research positions. When I did my first research project, I applied with a 2.7 GPA and got the full time position in 2nd year. You just have to get yourself out there and network. Be social, friendly, curious.... Most people doing research are passionate about their projects, and if you show just as much passion, you will succeed. Any way, this is how I came to get many research positions despite my lower GPA at the time.[/quote']

 

Thank you for the response. I always thought you need a good GPA to get a research position (or I guess I am thinking about NSERC). I am not really research inclined but I am interested in exploring the field and learn something. So was the research position in your department? I have a huge interest in brain and behaviour so I might explore this field and talk to a professor (?). I really have no idea what the proper way to do it. I have looked at the psychology research department at my school so I know what kind of researches they are doing. So do I just approach a professor (who's doing research) and talk to them about it?

 

I really want to do something that I would enjoy. I have inquired about a volunteer position wherein they need volunteers who enjoy music and get partnered with someone who is disable or in the vulnerable population. I also wanted to join the university choir club but they don't need a soprano lol

 

During my university in the Philippines, I took a course and we got partnered with families (poor population) and I got to teach kids basic writing and math. So is this considered EC?

 

I will keep that in mind. I live 2 blocks away from a community centre so I think I can ask around.

[FrenchToast]

Thank you for the response. I always thought you need a good GPA to get a research position (or I guess I am thinking about NSERC). I am not really research inclined but I am interested in exploring the field and learn something. So was the research position in your department? I have a huge interest in brain and behaviour so I might explore this field and talk to a professor (?). I really have no idea what the proper way to do it. I have looked at the psychology research department at my school so I know what kind of researches they are doing. So do I just approach a professor (who's doing research) and talk to them about it?

 

There's some helpful info about approaching supervisors here: http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=wurjhnsdocs

 

I really want to do something that I would enjoy. I have inquired about a volunteer position wherein they need volunteers who enjoy music and get partnered with someone who is disable or in the vulnerable population. I also wanted to join the university choir club but they don't need a soprano lol

 

Try volunteering at retirement/nursing/long-term care homes, or at places that cater to people with disabilities. They're always looking for musical people. Personally, I'm not the least bit musical, and I've always wished I could help.

 

During my university in the Philippines, I took a course and we got partnered with families (poor population) and I got to teach kids basic writing and math. So is this considered EC?

 

Yes

 

Best of luck! Btw, my ECs are really bad if that makes you feel any better ;P.

[frenziedmalady]

There's some helpful info about approaching supervisors here: http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=wurjhnsdocs

 

 

 

Try volunteering at retirement/nursing/long-term care homes, or at places that cater to people with disabilities. They're always looking for musical people. Personally, I'm not the least bit musical, and I've always wished I could help.

 

 

 

Yes

 

Best of luck! Btw, my ECs are really bad if that makes you feel any better ;P.

 

Awesome link, thank you!

I will look into that. There's a few retirement homes close to where I live so it's favourable in my situation. HAHA Oh please, your ECs are stellar.

[nonstop]

If you have a good GPA and VR then just apply to Mac. I believe they don't need ECs

[Savac]

Say hi to CaSPeR lol. To tell you the truth ECs really shine through during the interview. Assuming you have very little or no ECs, you really have a small amount of examples / anecdotes you can talk about during the interview.

 

I'm not sure how much you can actually talk about your experiences during their MMI (though I hope that I'll get a few stations like that). Still, ECs are definitely very important for panel interviews, particularly at schools where the panel has access to all of your information

 

On the other hand, I did manage to briefly mention a few ECs during CASPer