<p>Hi, I'm a high school student and I'm aiming to go to med school. I play basketball during the winter season, and it has become extremely hard for me to find volunteer opportunities at places like hospitals that are super flexible with their schedule. (I have basketball practice 2.5 hours, 6 days a week). I can volunteer only during off-season, but I feel that not volunteering a lot is giving up a big part of what a good medical school candidate should have. So I was wondering, do colleges care more about volunteering or sports? Thanks!</p>
<p>Colleges care about carrying through on your commitments. Playing basketball is a perfectly fine activity. Play basketball and volunteer during off season. But what really makes a good med school candidates are your grades and MCAT scores. </p>
<p>First of all, med school is kind of far away. You have to get through 4 years of college first! Right now, colleges can’t tell that you want to go to med school, unless you are looking for an accelerated med school program. What colleges will look for is if you stay committed to your ECs. </p>
<p>As for applying to med school, the med schools look at your grades, MCAT scores, and research/volunteer/internships during college, so no need to worry about volunteering in a hospital right now (although it is great experience!)</p>