Extra-curriculars important for residency?

[Futuredoc1364]

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Hello all,

I am a first year medical student. I have been in school for about 8 days and we have already finished the lower extremity in my anatomy class. It is VERY fast-paced.😱

I am sorry if I am asking a question that has been answered before in this forum (I was too tired to do a search 😳). In general, how important are extracurricular activities for residency matches? For instance, being a class officer? The reason I am bringing this up is that so far I have barely been able to keep up with my anatomy class while going to the gym three times a week, and other necessary activities such as eating and sleeping. If the extra-curricular activities are really important, then I guess I should change my habits to fit them into my schedule. However, I am worried that my grades might suffer.

So, what is your take on this?

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

Not to say they're not important, but very very low compared to things like Step 1 score, your class rank, LORs, research, honors, etc.

Ideally, you do the extracuricular activities because you want to do them, and sure you stick them on your CV. But you're not going to be shut out of dermatology or otho just because you didn't do those things.

 

[Blade28]

Hello all,

I am a first year medical student. I have been in school for about 8 days and we have already finished the lower extremity in my anatomy class. It is VERY fast-paced.😱

I am sorry if I am asking a question that has been answered before in this forum (I was too tired to do a search 😳). In general, how important are extracurricular activities for residency matches? For instance, being a class officer? The reason I am bringing this up is that so far I have barely been able to keep up with my anatomy class while going to the gym three times a week, and other necessary activities such as eating and sleeping.

As you said, it's only been 8 days! Give it a few weeks, see if you settle into a routine.

 

[Green Chimneys]

You a Penn Stater? I understand they just finished the lower extremity today. If so, good luck on your exam next Thursday!😀

BTW, there's a ton of extracurricular stuff you could get involved in if you wanted. Don't overextend yourself and don't get involved in a bunch of little garbage activities that don't mean anything to you. They'll burn up your time and won't help you at all in terms of your CV. If you want to do one thing that you enjoy, do it. If nothing piques your interest, wait around until that opportunity arises.

 

[BillyWitchDoctr]

As you said, it's only been 8 days! Give it a few weeks, see if you settle into a routine.

Agree...focus on classes at the beginning and worry about extracurriculars later. I also agree with whoever said that programs are going to be much more interested in your grades and STEP score than your extracurriculars.

 

[Futuredoc1364]

Thanks for your advice. Yeah, I do go to Penn State, and we'll have an exam next week. I already put my name in for the historian of my class (even though I don't really know what a historian's duties are), but I think I will try to to take my name off. I think there will be other activities down the road that I will be more interested in. 🙂

 

[sprinkibrio]

I'm in the same boat you're in. I decided to just focus on school, meeting people, and forming a healthy balance of school and relaxation.

 

[gostudy]

Yeah it isn't like apply to med school. Definitely don't do things because they'd look on your CV for residency, do them because you like to do them.