2nd year choosing EC commitments

[NorCalPremed]

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Hello,

I'm a 2nd year premed student, and I was looking for some advice on choosing which ECs to commit to. I currently do research under a student research program (relatively low level, assisting PI), but my PI has offered me a chance to pursue an independent research project (higher level research). I've also got an opportunity to volunteer at a hospital where I can get shadowing/volunteering hours done simultaneously. My issue this year (but mainly this quarter with 4 science classes) is to find and join premed groups or set my ECs in stone so that I'm not hopping all over the place. Does research and the aforementioned volunteering/shadowing opportunity seem sufficient for this year and possibly the next? Most of the premed groups I've seen don't seem to offer much outside MCAT discounts, mock interviews, possible volunteer opportunities, etc.

Sorry for the long post. TL,DR: Got good research and volunteer opportunities, other EC groups necessary? Seems like these are good things to put on resume, but committing to only 2 might leave a lot of blank space.

 

[Mycoalwin]

As a second year myself at USC, I'm fairly involved in many things on campus and still find the time to get my studying done. I, like you, am involved in research (independent research sooner or later in due time), and I am also volunteering in a free clinic while shadowing at County hospital. I do volunteering for a few other organizations, in a few social orgs, and in student government, and I can tell you that all of these experiences make my time feel worthwhile. As a second year, though, I cannot tell you what is sufficient and what is not. However, I believe that, if you do what you love doing, you'll enjoy your life in college much much more.

 

[ciestar]

I am no expert on this, but I feel like you don't have to just do "typical" ECs. Join groups in things you're very interested in. Passion and whatnot seriously go a long way. Don't do something because you feel you have to.

 

[drabberbadge]

As a second year myself at USC, I'm fairly involved in many things on campus and still find the time to get my studying done. I, like you, am involved in research (independent research sooner or later in due time), and I am also volunteering in a free clinic while shadowing at County hospital. I do volunteering for a few other organizations, in a few social orgs, and in student government, and I can tell you that all of these experiences make my time feel worthwhile. As a second year, though, I cannot tell you what is sufficient and what is not. However, I believe that, if you do what you love doing, you'll enjoy your life in college much much more.

Do you feel like you still have enough time to go out?
What type of clubs are you apart of

 

[NorCalPremed]

I feel like I'm trying to work out what's on the "hidden" checklist for med schools if such a list exists, but in all honesty I'm perfectly happy with research, volunteering, and studying for classes as I am. I get in enough exercise/sports, I'm very involved in a non-academic club, and my life is well balanced.

I guess the issue is that I want to make sure I'm doing enough. My grades are definitely on par with what they should be, and my EC's are there, but I feel some anxiety trying to standout with ECs since most people of a certain caliber have similar stats as I do. Are interviews/personal statements the primary avenues for passion/genuine interest to present themselves? Barring a possible future publication, I don't see much yet in my resume that can truly speak for itself.

 

[volcomx]

I feel like I'm trying to work out what's on the "hidden" checklist for med schools if such a list exists, but in all honesty I'm perfectly happy with research, volunteering, and studying for classes as I am. I get in enough exercise/sports, I'm very involved in a non-academic club, and my life is well balanced.

I guess the issue is that I want to make sure I'm doing enough. My grades are definitely on par with what they should be, and my EC's are there, but I feel some anxiety trying to standout with ECs since most people of a certain caliber have similar stats as I do. Are interviews/personal statements the primary avenues for passion/genuine interest to present themselves? Barring a possible future publication, I don't see much yet in my resume that can truly speak for itself.

Grades, volunteering, research, and outside interests really are all the things you need. What differentiates candidates is their dedication and success in each of those categories. Grades are obvious - get em up as high as you can. Volunteering - try to move up the ranks to a leadership position. Research - pubs are nice, but often times that's more up to the luck of picking a good PI. You can differentiate yourself with research by giving poster presentations or submitting abstracts/papers to undergraduate journals.

In my opinion, join the premed club only to get on the email list. They might have decent opportunities pop up. Do the research and shadowing. That's enough for 2nd yr. Always keep grades first, there is no substitute for >3.8. If you really want to distinguish yourself, a gap year or 2 can make a difference.