Extra Curriculars - How much time to put into/When to start them?

[MedicallyEnthused]

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Ok, so i'm only going on my 2nd year, out the 5 years it will take me to graduate.

My degree happens to have great research opportunities which i will definitely take advantage of, but i was thinking of apply early on next summer for a volunteer program at my local hospital.

I plan ahead, so i may have a gap year.
Assuming i volunteer at least 8 hours a week for 3 years (4 years w/ gap year) + research. Will that be enough for EC's?

Any ideas of anything else, or should i volunteer at multiple places?

I also work and plan to continue to work up until i go to med school between 30-40 hours a week, on top of a full load at school.


Any and all input is much appreciated,
Thanks.

 

[Lya]

Pursue your interests and passions. Hospital volunteer 8 hrs/week might be a bit too much, because I've seen other people volunteering 4 hrs/week and do just fine. It's up to you, though.

If you are taking a gap year, look into internships like WHO and UN where they often require bachelors before applying.


If you enjoy teaching, teach. If you like to research abroad, take a semester or more off to do so. If you like to do start-ups, do them early as well. If you want to start the nonprofit, sure. Pursue your interests!


EDIT: When to start--as early as you can. How much time--depending on the level of your motivation, interests, and time management. Do some cookie-cutter ECs like TA, but try to find unique ECs that interest you. No need to volunteer at multiple places just for the sake of application. Pursue your interests and pursue them hard.

 

[deleted407021]

To comment on the previous post, long term dedication to a particular group is important.

Try some new things, learn another language or an instrument if you already don't know how.
Good luck!

 

[Lamel]

8 hours a week sounds excessive, especially for 3-4 years, unless you really enjoy it. Chances are you will get bored as most hospital volunteering does that to a person.

But yes that should be enough for the basic ECs (maybe shadow once in a while too).

But you know its not all about getting the med school ECs done; try to do things you actually enjoy as well!

 

[MedicallyEnthused]

Pursue your interests and passions. Hospital volunteer 8 hrs/week might be a bit too much, because I've seen other people volunteering 4 hrs/week and do just fine. It's up to you, though.

If you are taking a gap year, look into internships like WHO and UN where they often require bachelors before applying.


If you enjoy teaching, teach. If you like to research abroad, take a semester or more off to do so. If you like to do start-ups, do them early as well. If you want to start the nonprofit, sure. Pursue your interests!


EDIT: When to start--as early as you can. How much time--depending on the level of your motivation, interests, and time management. Do some cookie-cutter ECs like TA, but try to find unique ECs that interest you. No need to volunteer at multiple places just for the sake of application. Pursue your interests and pursue them hard.

Appreciate the feedback!
Both Volunteering at a hospital and research (related to my major) interests me, so ill see if i like it as i begin to do my ECs' and ill go from there!

Thanks for the advice!