<p>I know that hospital volunteer work is integral in BS/MD program applications. But because I attend a boarding school, and the community service program does not offer hospital work as one of its projects, I will not have volunteered a single hour in a hospital. Will this count against me?</p>
<p>i think that exposure to the medical setting in general is what's critical in the minds of the adcomm--which makes sense (how can u know u want to be a doctor without knowing what the profession's all about, u know?). maybe u can avoid having it "count against u" if u can show other activities u've done that have convinced you that a career in medicine is what's right for you.</p>
<p>I know that this is a little late for you, but if you know some kids who are a little younger, why don't they get a hospital volunteering program started? This would likely be a very enriching experience for them, and would eliminate the problem that you are having. That said, I agree with papucutta that you must find some way of showing that you have at least a vague idea of what the profession is all about.</p>