Do i have to join clubs?

[BeastfromthEast]

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in my freshman year, ive signed up for two volunteer activites (one clinical) for a total of 6 hrs a week and im doing research about 6 hrs a week. but is it necessary to join other clubs? in my free time id rather just work out with my friends or play sports. for example, do i have to join a work out club, or an intramural sport league? thanks!

 

[sunil896]

it wouldn't hurt.. it looks good to have especially a "leadership role," not necessarily just join a club

 

[Catalystik]

Clubs aren't particularly helpful to your med school application unless you use them as a springboard to leadership or nonmedical community service, both of which you can gain in other ways. Of course they can be fun, informative, and provide a good social outlet. As a freshman, I think you have enough on your plate for now, anyway.

 

[DrYoda]

I'm not a fan of clubs, so I never joined them in ugrad or med school. I don't feel it hurt me any applying to med school. I had other extra-curriculars on my app that were more interesting than being in a club.

 

[CoolWhipp]

Just remember, grades first.

Once you start noticing that you are being stretched thin, cut those ECs, or whatever, with a quickness paralleled only by your fellow neighbor's quickness to sue you for supposedly hitting their car based on no evidence other than that you have some damage on your car as well and that they there is no other justification for two cars having damage than a collision between the two and that it was your fault and no matter how convincing the story you have about your own damage, such as legal paperwork proving the reason for the damage, is going to sway them.

 

[AH3]

No, do whatever activities you enjoy doing. If none of your friends like some particular activity, then it may be good to join a club to meet other people who enjoy it. But the most important things are that you enjoy your activities and pursue things you like because you like them. I've joined two "organizations" during undergrad and am not active in either one, so I wish I had just never joined.

 

[BeastfromthEast]

is there a "hobbies" section in the amcas where i can put done hobbies and non-extracurricular activities?

 

[Catalystik]

is there a "hobbies" section in the amcas where i can put done hobbies and non-extracurricular activities?

Yes, there is.

 

[gettheleadout]

in my freshman year, ive signed up for two volunteer activites (one clinical) for a total of 6 hrs a week and im doing research about 6 hrs a week. but is it necessary to join other clubs? in my free time id rather just work out with my friends or play sports. for example, do i have to join a work out club, or an intramural sport league? thanks!

That's pretty quick getting into research only 8 weeks into the year, how did you get involved so fast?

 

[BeastfromthEast]

That's pretty quick getting into research only 8 weeks into the year, how did you get involved so fast?

lol sorry for the late response.

at my college there is a new research program for freshmen and sophomores. during my senior year in high school, i applied to the program and got in.

 

[Myuu]

Just remember, grades first.

Once you start noticing that you are being stretched thin, cut those ECs, or whatever, with a quickness paralleled only by your fellow neighbor's quickness to sue you for supposedly hitting their car based on no evidence other than that you have some damage on your car as well and that they there is no other justification for two cars having damage than a collision between the two and that it was your fault and no matter how convincing the story you have about your own damage, such as legal paperwork proving the reason for the damage, is going to sway them.

Well, that certainly sounds like an unpleasant experience...

lol sorry for the late response.

at my college there is a new research program for freshmen and sophomores. during my senior year in high school, i applied to the program and got in.

Wow, that's pretty cool! If you don't feel a pressing need to congregate with others with a shared common interest, then clubs are not a necessity. They can be fun, though!

 

[atxgirl]

Originally Posted by gettheleadout
That's pretty quick getting into research only 8 weeks into the year, how did you get involved so fast?

I'm also a freshman and already have a research position. The trick is to take the INITiATIVE and show interest. I did have prior research experience through the University of Texas "FRI," or Freshman Research Initiative over the summer, however, which did help me get a position at my school.