<p>Hi guys! I'm a current freshman college student and I was wondering what you guys are doing for the summer. I want to
1) Take online classes for credits (9)
2) Volunteer abroad (for free) like at a hospital or community in underserved area
3) Shadow a doctor
4) volunteer at a hospital
5) Get a job at a store or restaurant
6) Go to a research program</p>
<p>Of course it's impossible to do all these, but which ones are more important to med school? Which one should I start in my freshman summer? What are my other options? Thanks you guys for sharing!</p>
<h1>3, #4 and #6 will all contribute to the overall strength of your application. #5 will improve your people skills and provide spending money for next school year,</h1>
<p>Volunteering abroad is a nice idea, but finding a free program is very, very difficult. (At a minimum, you’ll be expected to pay for plane fare & living expenses, and some programs charge a placement fee.) It’s much more important to volunteer in the US so that you have a familiarity with the US healthcare system. If you do decide to volunteer abroad your experience will much more meaningful and productive if you have some basic medical/healthcare skills (like EMT or nursing) before you go.</p>
<p>Online coursework will have no impact whatsoever. Do this only if you need to lighten your courseload for next year.</p>
<p>@soramay,</p>
<p>After freshman year, I participated in a summer research program that also included clinical and shadowing opportunities. I was able to work independently on my own project, write a paper and present a poster at a national symposium. It was a wonderful summer experience. You should have your target programs selected by now and be working on your applications and personal statements. Due dates are coming soon. I am currently sending out 6 applications for next summer.
Best of luck</p>
<p>Thank you guys! Plumazul do you remember what the research program is called? I’m very interested.</p>
<p>@soramay,</p>
<p>It was a program specifically for students planning to pursue a MD/PhD. If this is your goal, PM me and I will give you a link.</p>
<p>Try to get something than choose. So, yes, apply to everything on your list. Yes, contact as many people as possible, maybde somebdoy will reply f you are lucky. Try to do it by Feb. Maybe you get lucky and get something. However, do not rely on this. My advice - pursue as much as possible at college during school year. It is much easier to get Med. EC’s and others (job, leadership positions) at your college.</p>
<p>I see. Yea I applied to about 15 REUs with a hope that I will get in. It’s like a job and research experience together! I go to Penn State University Main, and I know there’s a lot of research here so I’ll start looking~</p>
<p>^Not enough!! those are almost impossible to get, Again, strongly advise to pursue as much as possible at your college during school year. But, again, you might get lucky. My D. did not get in at the place that she has worked before (with awesome references) and having college GPA=4.0</p>