Extra curriculars: What I have and what I should add to my list.

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

La Doctora

I'm a girl.
10+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
46
Reaction score
0
Here's the scoop:

I am a (female) junior who just transferred 1300 miles to a different state. I don't know much around where I'm living but I'm slowly figuring it out. Some of my ec's are older, as I am 22 at the moment.

My ec's so far are:

-Volunteered for a martial arts summer camp for handicapped/learning disabled children in 2003 and 2004.
- Volunteered to help teach children photoshop, animation, etc in a graphic design summer camp workshop (2005)
- Worked on photography + graphic design projects for graphic design classes 2005-2006
-Organized and ran competition team for martial arts
- Taught martial arts from 2002-2009. Did work and supply private and normal lessons with handicap, ADHD, down syndrome, autism, and aspergers children/adults.
-Took notes in classes at university for learning disabled students (2008-2009)
-Was on presidents list 2007-2008
-have donated to Susan G. Komen race for the cure (DOES THIS COUNT OR IS IT USELESS...?)
-Helped run karate tournaments where 50% of profits went to St. Jude Childrens hospital.
-Working as a sales associate at the moment (tons of customer + team interaction)

Now that I'm through that, I want to start volunteering at a clinic or hospital... or even hospice will suffice, but my main goal is volunteering at a hospital. Do I just call up the hospital or go in and ask about volunteering jobs..? Do you think I should add something specific to my list or get rid of something on my list..? I did shadow in an dental office before, and eventually realized that it was not the right path for me, so I didn't put it on my list cause I feel it'll be viewed oddly. I also attended AED meetings all of my freshman and sophomore years but never actually became a member, should I list this or no? Should I join some clubs? Should I do something else specific?

Also, please list some of your ec's if you would like to, I am really interested in seeing and discussing what you guys/girls have, and your experiences with them.

-Thanks
 
You have nice EC's now. Only join clubs if you're really interested in them and can get involved/get a leadership position. No one cares if you're just a member of the pre-med club.

Do you have any shadowing? Do some shadowing if you haven't. Interested in research? Do that one summer or part-time during the semester.

Also, don't be deadset on volunteering in a hospital. I never volunteered in a hospital, and I've been fortunate enough to earn 3 acceptances. My best experiences were in a free clinic, where I got to see and do a lot more than I would have at my local hospital. The key is finding a spot where you can really get to see medicine up close and personal, be it in the hospital or elsewhere. Nursing home volunteering is also a good experience.

Other stuff I did: was an RA for 3 years, taught GED classes, was a TA, did 1 and 1/4 years of research, etc. I also shadowed several docs from different specialties.

Good luck!
 
You need some clinical extracurriculars. Like volunteering in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, shadowing physicians, etc. You can call up the hospital volunteering department to get started.
 
-have donated to Susan G. Komen race for the cure (DOES THIS COUNT OR IS IT USELESS...?)

I'm not sure, but I wouldn't put it down unless you did some sort of fundraising for donation.

Otherwise, your ECs look awesome. Very unique. 🙂
 
Last edited:
Get some clinical experience (volunteering and shadowing) to show that you "know what it's like." Also, research is always a good thing. Although it's not absolutely essential for some schools, it is for others.
 
Thanks guys, I really appreciate your responses.
 
Top