I currently started my sophomore year and am primarily interested in getting into a top university (already have safety schools). Since people have told me to do things I’m interested in, I have no idea what else to do for displaying my intrest in the medical field. I live in rural NC(about an hour away from Charlotte) so opportunities for EC’s are kinda scarce. I’ve already volunteered about 80 hours at my local small town hospital over the summer as well as 80 hours at my local hospice. I’ve also already joined my school’s HOSA chapter and am treasurer. Other than that I don’t know what else to do for EC’s or things that show intrest in the medical field…any suggestions or ideas?
High school student?
Are you applying for BA/MD programs?
For general university admission, you really don’t need pre-med specific ECs. In fact, when and if you apply for medical school 6+ years from now any activities done during high school won’t be considered. (Med school admission is all about “What have you done lately?”)
When you apply for college, you’re admitted as general student, not to a specific major (except engineering). Pre-med is an intention–it’s not any specific major. You can be a pre-med and major in anything so long as you fulfill the expected academic competencies/admission requirements. (Neither of my daughters–now both young doctors in residency–majored in the the typical pre-med majors. Their classmates had majors ranging from agriculture to mathematics to music theory, from business to computer science to theology.)
To strengthen your application for top schools, take advanced classes and do well, get involved in non-medical community service with the less fortunate, take on leadership roles within your community, and develop strong relationships with your teachers (for those valuable LORs).
Top universities look for student who are interesting, committed and passionate. Find something you care deeply about–and get involved! Also remember that top universities have acceptance rates that are under 10% in many cases. Even top students get denied every year.
For BA/MD programs, the advice is similar to the above (and the acceptance rates are even lower…) You need AP/IB/dual enrollment coursework in science & mathematics, non-medical community service (particularly with vulnerable populations), leaderships roles within your community, physician shadowing, continued clinical volunteering (hospital & hospice), and you may want to look into summer biomedical research opportunities for high school students. (Hi-STEP through the NIH or more local opportunities at a nearby college or community college.)
However, it may be good to volunteer at a hospital to see if you like the medical environment.