<p>Is it wise to do physician shadowing and lab research in freshman year of college? I know that it is possible but it probably depends on one's schedule. Really the only time that I could do shadowing would be on weekends and prob. for 3-4 hrs. I would think that I should devote quite a lot more time to lab during the week as opposed to shadowing. What can you guys recommend?</p>
<p>yeah, I heard you should start doing research as soon as possible in college. You can always do research over the summer if you don't think you have time during the school year.</p>
<p>In the Freshman year, I would advice to not overload yourself with ECs. Take any one activity that you can accomodate without overwhelming yourself.</p>
<p>You will be starting a completely new experience. Huge amounts of material gets covered in College courses compared to HS. For each credit hour of Bio or Chem, you need to study at least 2 hours at home. </p>
<p>Additionally, you will be meeting new people, getting to know a whole new environment, bonding with new friends. I would first try to get adjusted to this new life in the first semester before adjusting in an EC. </p>
<p>Get adjusted to College life in your first semester, get into a groove of getting excellent grades, and then add ECs in the break before the next semester or during your summer after Freshman year.</p>
<p>Eventually, when you apply to med schools, your GPA and MCATs count way more than ECs. So, I would build a strong foundation first. You can expand on it thereafter.</p>