I was planning on doing a lot of volunteering for pre-med, but if I decide to do pre-pharm, how much will be helpful? I was planning on volunteering in the pharmacy in my local hospital and maybe in an international one. Just wanted some input on this.
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EC volunteering activities
Started by Paulz
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Not sure if it helps, but at the University of Minnesota Preview Day, they told us that they were looking for volunteer experiences that showed a long-term commitment, rather than brief bursts of pseudoaltruism.
I have volunteered for a long time - 4 years and had hours and hours of volunteering put on my application and I got rejected this year. 🙁I have volunteered at a local hospital, another hospital and then at the medical office. I guess it didn't cut it.🙁
Same here. I am currently volunteering at two different hospitals and also am involved in 2 pharmacy organizations. 🙁
I volunteered in a hospital for 6 months. For the schools I applied to and went to interviews at, it wasn't so much that I had volunteered it was more that I had gotten experience in a pharmacy. In my experience in the admissions process schools want to see that you have adequately researched the profession and thought about it as a career. They won't be as impressed with the applicant who says they have a real passion for pharmacy yet they have never stepped foot outside the classroom.
what were your other stats?
Keep in mind that although they do value pharmacy related volunteer/EC activites, it doesn't mean that non-pharmacy related activities don't play a big role also. Really, being involved in anything that displays your dedication and leadership skills will help you out.
You should volunteer in a pharmacy setting and a medical setting to help you decide which career path you want to pursue as you are planning. There's not a set amount you need to do. Well, some schools do have a specific amount they want but not too many that I have seen. As esrodems mentioned, they really want to see you have thought about the profession and can talk about it. Just the same as med school.
