<p>I was offered a lead role in a play and I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to accept it or try to find another medical related EC. There will be a lot of rehearsals and of course the actual performances, so it would take up a lot of time that would otherwise go to shadowing, etc. I hate having to even ask this question because I like to act a lot, but I also really want to get into medical school and be a doctor. Anyways, I would really appreciate any insight you are willing to offer! Thanks.</p>
<p>Hack yes if you like acting.</p>
<p>Don’t waste your time doing something just to do it or just to list it on your resume. You probably won’t care about it, which means it will probably end up being a waste of your time, their resources, and everyone’s energy.</p>
<p>You like acting. You were offered the lead in a play. I can’t imagine turning that offer down! You’ll have plenty of time to shadow after your play, and you’ll have plenty of time to be a doctor when you’re a doctor. You probably won’t have many more chances to be an actor though. If it were me, I’d jump on it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, Kristin; you are right. Another question I have that is related; is choosing to major in theater a good idea? I know people repeatedly say that your major doesn’t matter, but at the same time they say your major needs to be “academic” and not “vocational”. I have a pretty good GPA 3.9 cumulative and ~3.8 in science so far, so I think I am okay academically. (Hopefully that didn’t sound arrogant.) It would be awesome to be able to continue acting while doing pre-med because if I end up not getting into med school I can do theater things. Anyway, hope that made sense. Thanks.</p>
<p>My D is a 2nd year med student. She was a theater major the first two years of college and extensive theater in high school (4 years as a class). Just yesterday we were discussing how much her theater training is helping her in med school. She was interviewed on TV her first semester, is very comfortable talking to patients, very good at controlling what she says and her facial expressions. Theater background can help in many ways.</p>
<p>As a major, it will help you stand out in your med school interviews and also give you something extra to discuss or possibly write about in your many essays. My D change her major to biology after two years so she could take more upper level bio classes; also couldn’t keep up with being in plays and studying for her science classes.</p>