2 answers
Julie
Student
Plattsburgh, New York
2
Questions
Asked
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what are some good extra curricular/activities to do during high school if im interested in med school ?
I’m interested in the medical field and I would like advice on what kind of activities I can. (also so colleges can see that I am dedicated)
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2 answers
Leanne Huntwork
Narrative Designer
1
Answer
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
One of the best things you can do when padding your application for med school early is to explore your own interests. They are looking for individuals who are passionate and dedicated. They aren't going to care that someone volunteered a few hours to a handful of different organizations. For example, if you really enjoy books - then volunteer at the local library, figure out how to start a book drive, or host a book club. Stick to your interests and the things that really matter to you. Then when it comes to your actual application you can explain why you chose those activities with a passionate reply versus someone who just volunteered so that they can have those hours.
To sum it up - find your niche interests and research activities in your local city that are related.
To sum it up - find your niche interests and research activities in your local city that are related.
Amina Bahar
PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT
22
Answers
Cambridge, Maryland
Updated
Amina’s Answer
Participating in extracurricular activities during high school can significantly enhance your med school application by demonstrating your commitment, skills, and well-roundedness. Here are some good extracurricular activities to consider if you're interested in med school:
1. **Health and Science Clubs**
**Examples:**
- **Pre-Med Club:** Join or start a club focused on medical careers.
- **Science Olympiad or Science Club:** Engage in science-related competitions and activities.
2. **Volunteer Work**
**Opportunities:**
- **Hospitals and Clinics:** Volunteer at local hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes to gain exposure to the healthcare environment.
- **Community Health Organizations:** Participate in health fairs, vaccination drives, or health education programs.
3. **Shadowing Healthcare Professionals**
**Experience:**
- **Doctor Shadowing:** Arrange to shadow physicians, surgeons, or other healthcare professionals to observe their daily routines and patient interactions.
- **Other Health Professionals:** Shadow nurses, physician assistants, or physical therapists to gain a broader perspective of the healthcare field.
4. **Research Opportunities**
**Academic Involvement:**
- **Research Projects:** Get involved in science research projects at your school or local universities.
- **Science Fairs:** Participate in local, regional, or national science fairs with a health-related project.
5. **Leadership Roles**
**Develop Skills:**
- **Student Government:** Run for a position in student government to develop leadership and organizational skills.
- **Club Leadership:** Take on leadership roles in clubs or organizations to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage groups.
6. **Academic Competitions**
**Challenge Yourself:**
- **Math and Science Competitions:** Compete in events like Mathletes, Biology Olympiad, or Chemistry competitions.
- **Debate Team:** Develop critical thinking and communication skills by joining the debate team.
7. **Community Service**
**Give Back:**
- **Health Education:** Conduct health education sessions at schools or community centers.
- **Service Organizations:** Join organizations like Key Club, Interact Club, or National Honor Society, which focus on community service.
8. **Internships and Summer Programs**
**Gain Experience:**
- **Medical Internships:** Look for high school internship programs in hospitals, research institutions, or medical schools.
- **Summer Medical Programs:** Attend summer programs for high school students interested in medicine, such as medical camps or pre-med summer schools.
9. **Hobbies and Personal Interests**
**Well-Roundedness:**
- **Sports:** Participate in sports to demonstrate teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
- **Arts and Music:** Engage in artistic or musical pursuits to show creativity and stress-relief activities.
10. **Part-Time Jobs**
**Work Experience:**
- **Healthcare Jobs:** Work as a lifeguard, pharmacy technician, or in another health-related part-time job.
- **Non-Healthcare Jobs:** Any job that demonstrates responsibility, time management, and interpersonal skills can be beneficial.
11. **Peer Tutoring and Mentoring**
**Support Others:**
- **Tutoring:** Tutor peers in subjects like biology, chemistry, or math.
- **Mentoring:** Mentor younger students or participate in programs that offer academic or personal support.
12. **First Aid and CPR Certification**
**Practical Skills:**
- **Certification Programs:** Take courses to become certified in first aid and CPR, demonstrating your readiness to handle emergency situations.
1. **Health and Science Clubs**
**Examples:**
- **Pre-Med Club:** Join or start a club focused on medical careers.
- **Science Olympiad or Science Club:** Engage in science-related competitions and activities.
2. **Volunteer Work**
**Opportunities:**
- **Hospitals and Clinics:** Volunteer at local hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes to gain exposure to the healthcare environment.
- **Community Health Organizations:** Participate in health fairs, vaccination drives, or health education programs.
3. **Shadowing Healthcare Professionals**
**Experience:**
- **Doctor Shadowing:** Arrange to shadow physicians, surgeons, or other healthcare professionals to observe their daily routines and patient interactions.
- **Other Health Professionals:** Shadow nurses, physician assistants, or physical therapists to gain a broader perspective of the healthcare field.
4. **Research Opportunities**
**Academic Involvement:**
- **Research Projects:** Get involved in science research projects at your school or local universities.
- **Science Fairs:** Participate in local, regional, or national science fairs with a health-related project.
5. **Leadership Roles**
**Develop Skills:**
- **Student Government:** Run for a position in student government to develop leadership and organizational skills.
- **Club Leadership:** Take on leadership roles in clubs or organizations to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage groups.
6. **Academic Competitions**
**Challenge Yourself:**
- **Math and Science Competitions:** Compete in events like Mathletes, Biology Olympiad, or Chemistry competitions.
- **Debate Team:** Develop critical thinking and communication skills by joining the debate team.
7. **Community Service**
**Give Back:**
- **Health Education:** Conduct health education sessions at schools or community centers.
- **Service Organizations:** Join organizations like Key Club, Interact Club, or National Honor Society, which focus on community service.
8. **Internships and Summer Programs**
**Gain Experience:**
- **Medical Internships:** Look for high school internship programs in hospitals, research institutions, or medical schools.
- **Summer Medical Programs:** Attend summer programs for high school students interested in medicine, such as medical camps or pre-med summer schools.
9. **Hobbies and Personal Interests**
**Well-Roundedness:**
- **Sports:** Participate in sports to demonstrate teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
- **Arts and Music:** Engage in artistic or musical pursuits to show creativity and stress-relief activities.
10. **Part-Time Jobs**
**Work Experience:**
- **Healthcare Jobs:** Work as a lifeguard, pharmacy technician, or in another health-related part-time job.
- **Non-Healthcare Jobs:** Any job that demonstrates responsibility, time management, and interpersonal skills can be beneficial.
11. **Peer Tutoring and Mentoring**
**Support Others:**
- **Tutoring:** Tutor peers in subjects like biology, chemistry, or math.
- **Mentoring:** Mentor younger students or participate in programs that offer academic or personal support.
12. **First Aid and CPR Certification**
**Practical Skills:**
- **Certification Programs:** Take courses to become certified in first aid and CPR, demonstrating your readiness to handle emergency situations.