<p>I'm looking into a Bio major, with prospects to become a surgeon or something in primary care as opposed to research. How imperative is it that I have some health field ECs? My biggest problem would be getting a ride since I don't have a car yet, and don't know if I'll get one before I enter college. (mom's not comfortable with me driving, and it'd only be a junker used for one year, moved with my parents after that, and sitting in the driveway for eternity...) My parents could swing a set of wheels, but before I get down on my knees to beg, I wonder how important is it?</p>
<p>P.S. my stats and ECs are on the threads "just need to know where to apply . . . and chances." - in the What Are My Chances? forum
AND
"help! ... " - in the College Search & Selection forum</p>
<p>Thanks! and if there are already threads about this, please just point out the forum and I'll go on the hunt!</p>
<p>volunteer work is pretty important, it can wait till college though. u don't have to do it just now, unless u're looking for a combined degree program..</p>
<p>Basically medical schools want to see that you are interested in medicine and enjoy helping people. I think unless you are considering a combined degree program, you could probably wait until university. Would it help if you start in high school, maybe. Is it absolutely mandatory, probably not. However, it seems like there's an increasing emphasis on extra-curricular/volunteer work at the university application level...</p>
<p>Just as an aside, do medical schools ask for any information about what you did in high school?</p>
<p>As has been said, you need the medical volunteer work for the med school app - if you are not doing a combined degree, don't worry. Summer before you start college is a good time to get your feet wet in a health care setting, though. The sooner you can decide yea or nay on going pre-med, the better, because of the large number of prereqs, and the constraints it puts on your schedule.</p>