What should a pre-med college student do over the summer?

<p>First I want to say, I'm asking this question for a friend, I haven't graduated high school yet :(</p>

<p>But anyway, my friend is in his first year at a top 20 university, and is a Math/ Biology major, with hopes of med school later on. We were talking and he wasn't sure what he should be doing over this summer. He told me that he was interested in REU, but personally, I'm not sure if he would be selected for that with only one year of college experience, I thought they would be looking for someone with more experience. Any advice for what he should do over the summer?</p>

<p>I’m going to take a logical guess and say he should volunteer at a hospital.</p>

<p>That was one option, but he said that was pretty generic, and he wanted to do something that would make him stand out more. Do any of you know anything about the REU thing? If he’d be able to get in, and if it would be okay for med schools? I think I’m going to move this question to the pre-med section anyway.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>I don’t know about that, one of my friends got an REU last summer after completing freshman year. She was premed and had perfect grades and a glowing recommendation letter, of course. Try for an internship, shadow a doctor or three, and/or volunteer in hospitals, nursing homes or clinics. Go on a summer study abroad, or take summer classes at your University or a nearby CC. Just don’t sit around and do nothing.</p>

<p>I got an REU after my freshman year, with only 4 relevant college courses, so it’s definitely possible. It definitely doesn’t hurt to try.</p>

<p>I’m not a pre-med, but I have tons of pre-med friends. One popular (and exciting!) option is to look into volunteering at medical clinics abroad. Think Doctors without Borders, etc. I believe many universities have programs or study abroad options similar to this.</p>

<p>I think you should get a job and hang out with your friends and waste time. You’ve probably earned it.</p>