Like the title says I'm just wondering what some of you guys do for extra curriculars. I know shadowing a doctor is very important but is research specifically very important on a resume? If one were to become an emt b and volunteer/work in that choice would it be permissible among other things?
It has been my experience that they just want you to demonstrate the qualities that you want them to see in you. For example, if you want the AdCom to think "he's very compassionate" in the interview, you may want to have volunteer humanitarian type events on your resume. These events may be: Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, tutoring elementary schools kids in an inner-city, natural habitat clean-up events, etc. I would get involved in some sort of pre-med organization on your campus that organizes these types of events. Research is helpful because it shows a certain level of diligence and patience, but it is not critical. There are many programs that will pay you to go to another university for the summer (approx. 9 weeks). These programs often pay your travel, living expenses, and a stipend. You will meet students from all over the country and learn a TON about yourself in a short period of time. I get asked about these experiences all the time during my interviews, and I really feel that these have distinguished me from other students in a rather unique way (which I needed because my scores are suboptimal for the programs I am applying to).
I think the bottom line is that you don't want to sit in an interview and say "I like to help people, I got interested in medicine because my grandmother was sick.." etc. You want to tell your individual story and demonstrate your passion for medicine through your story. I would be happy to share my AMCAS with you if you want to see an example of how multiple ECs are organized on the app and what's available to do. I did not do everything there was to do, but I do think I have some unique experiences that many students don't think of.
The last thing I wish I could stress to more of my peers: being a premed should be more than just a stepping stone to get into medical school. It's not merely a laborious 4+ years of resume building. If you're doing it right, it should be fun and challenging. These years should help you step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, and really, it's a part of your training that you will only do once, so why not have fun with it? It's a great time to study abroad, go on a medical mission, try a sport you'd never thought you'd enjoy, join an interest group, take a bizarre class in renaissance literature, etc...you get the idea. If there is one thing I've learned it's that there is no magic formula that will get you into med school, but schools do appreciate an eclectic socialable student. Feel free to PM me with any questions if you want more advice, best of luck!!!!
