Best extracurriculars?

[Javaman]

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I know that, essentially, any EC can be used in applications, but I would like to know which ones tend to have more impact with app committees. Obviously, anything I am passionate about is useful. However, I am passionate about many things. I do not have time to do them all before med school, so which should I focus on? I would like some things to choose from that I know would look good on an app.

 

[CoolWhipp]

Saving lives.

 

[ChemEngSoonMD]

I know that, essentially, any EC can be used in applications, but I would like to know which ones tend to have more impact with app committees. Obviously, anything I am passionate about is useful. However, I am passionate about many things. I do not have time to do them all before med school, so which should I focus on? I would like some things to choose from that I know would look good on an app.

bodybuilding


what better way to learn anatomy by SCULPTING YOUR OWN!

 

[LiveUninhibited]

1. Exposure to clinical situations.
2. Demonstration of attributes useful for physicians like leadership ability, ability to think on your feet, intelligence, and compassion.
3. Uniqueness.
4. How interesting it makes you in general.

So becoming an EMT would be very strong on 1+2, and I've known people who did that over the summer, so it's not extremely unique. One woman I knew did a wilderness EMT program at considerable upfront expense (I couldn't afford to do it). I would think that would be an example of a top-notch EC though.

 

[Trexate]

I second saving lives.

 

[Compass]

I would like to promote "CURING CANCER" to the top of the list. If you can do that, instant entry to med school.

(Not responsible for not entering med school after curing cancer)

ECs do not have to be patient care. Volunteering in most places, whether it be homeless shelters, after-school teaching, as long as you're helping the community, not necessarily saving them.

 

[Narmerguy]

I would like to promote "CURING CANCER" to the top of the list. If you can do that, instant entry to med school.

I second saving lives.

Saving lives.

Sorry OP but these are the only type of responses that you're going to get.

 

[lstone13]

1. Exposure to clinical situations.
2. Demonstration of attributes useful for physicians like leadership ability, ability to think on your feet, intelligence, and compassion.
3. Uniqueness.
4. How interesting it makes you in general.
QUOTE]

5. Longevity of involvement to show commitment

 

[Javaman]

Thank you for the input, everyone.

What about this? I have spent practically my whole life involved in church. I was even an interim pastor for about 6 months. Would it be a good idea to list those activities as ECs, or would it sound too religious?

 

[Isoprop]

Saving lives.

Saving Obama's life.

 

[teenmachinery1]

 

[Near]

Going into third world countries and doing clinical volunteering strikes me as amazing.

 

[CoolWhipp]

Saving lives.

Or better yet, save the life of the adcom of your #1 medical school choice.

That tops all extracurriculars. Good luck.

 

[mipp0]

Going into third world countries and doing clinical volunteering strikes me as amazing.

I second this. And not the cookie cutter, weak sauce third world clinical volunteering, where a student goes in for a week, does some clinical/community work, then spend his/her evenings chilling in the South American beaches or sleeping in a hotel.
So weak.

I mean guys like my friend. An engineering/architecture major who actively goes to TW countries in his spare time to design and BUILD makeshift shelters for disaster victims WITH HIS BARE HANDS. A guy who doesn't mind eating monkey brains in Brazil, sleeping on the ground, or crapping in a hole you dig with a stick of your choosing.

True story. I know, I have a man crush on him.

OOORAHH!!!

 

[Yudid]

So lots of u wrote about saving lives.... Would be volunteering at the animal shelter counted?

 

[TopSecret]

So lots of u wrote about saving lives.... Would be volunteering at the animal shelter counted?

Not really.

 

[TraderDoc]

Although I don't believe in a "best extracurricular" activities, I believe that adcoms like activities in which you are actively involved with underserved populations either here in the US or abroad.

 

[muhali3]

Peace Corps/Medical Mission Trips. They are major boosts, but unfortunately, they also require a lot of money.

 

[elyswim]

Peace Corps/Medical Mission Trips. They are major boosts, but unfortunately, they also require a lot of money.

?? I'm pretty sure the Peace Corps pays you...

 

[Mayssy]

?? I'm pretty sure the Peace Corps pays you...

Yes and no...

"During service, Peace Corps Volunteers receive vacation time, pay and living expenses, deferment of student loans, and transportation to and from the country of service... The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with a living allowance that enables them to live in a manner similar to the local people in their community."
www.peacecorps.gov

OP, an organization very similar to the Peace Corps is Medecins Sans Frontier
(doctors without borders) and they have an office in NYC where you can volunteer (not paid) or intern (paid). I'm unsure about other office locations, I would check their site if you're interested.

 

[CoolWhipp]

I'm not sure if this is correct but a peace corps recruiter, about a year ago, told me that they pay a teachers salary, and at the end of your commitment they'll give you some money too.

 

[Rachell]

One person I know lived in the Middle East and learned to speak Arabic, and now some top med schools are interested in him.