Question:
When applying to medical school, is a jack-of-all-trades (a serious one) frowned upon?
If a person who is non-traditional in age, but can play piano, flute, sing well, paint well (received prizes), write well (received prize), and loves to acquire new skills...it this at all frowned upon? It isn't like I became professional in any of the above.. But was just born with inborn proclivities and others I tried to acquire willfully.
I see that excellence is prized in medical school, if especially you are applying at a later age... But if not mediocre, but skilled, yet not "excellent", how to capitalize on this fact that I am a serious jack-of-all-trades?
Answer:
You have not described a jack-of-all-trades charasterisic. Even if I thought I was one, I know that I'm not. I can tap dance, sing, write, play piano. In addition to those skills, I have maintained a 4.0 in college. AS-HUC + BSMLT + BSN + BSBA + current MBA. All this and I still do not know how to fix my car or do light construction around the house among many other things. I am not a jack-of-all-trades, but I am good with the math and sciences which you will need for medical school.
You have described that you are artistic in nature. A college is going to want to know your math and sciences skills if you are wanting something other than a preforming arts degree. No matter how old or young you are, it ultimately goes down to getting a good grade on admissions tests.
A college will not frown upon a jack-of-all-trades person, but you have to prove yourself competent.