Extracurricular activities...

[missdiana]

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HI, I am just wondering if I need to join any club or undergraduate research.

I work at my university's dental school (I got hired as a dental assistant at Pedo dentistry department) and I also work at my parent's dental laboratory.

I also take pretty heavy load of classes (19 credits every semester - it is maximum credit I can take without paying extra)

and I am focusing on studying DAT very much (and my GPA is considerably high)

the problem is, I am not in any research or clubs.

Is research and clubs absolutely necessary?
I am already very busy with my work and my study...
but do I still need to be in a research or club?
(I go to church and I am pretty involved with church....can I put that in my resume?)

 

[bluesprite13]

No, you don't need research or clubs, but it is good to get involved with different ECs to demonstrate that you are well-rounded with your capabilities (leadership, teamwork, etc). Though, it would be good to get involved in school by being active in a club or two. Research is also good especially if you are going to apply to a research-oriented school (UCSF, UCLA, UConn, etc)

 

[asdfray]

with that workload, I wouldn't

look.. doing research is great (even better if you enjoy it like I do), but it's not more important than your grades/DAT score. The assistant job at the dental school is already a leg up from everyone else. EC and research is going to be nothing compared to what you already have.

just workhard at what you have for now and do great in your classes - at this point, it's the most important thing.

 

[minafeet]

don't worry about research or clubs, not with that work load and a "considerably high" gpa.
those things are really only important if you really like them or if you have something you're trying to make up for (like low DAT scores/gpa)

 

[markthedent]

Do the research, or atleast START. Hands down, the research will give you an edge. and if you manage your time, you will succeed and the research will help you in your science courses. Dont let an opportunity pass you by....

 

[Sal427]

I think you should try to join at least one club...Everyone keeps saying that it doesn't matter, but I think it's important to show that you're well rounded, or have some leadership experience.

 

[colombianDDS]

You are definitely very experienced in the dental field with the assistant job and also at the dental lab. It's also nice that you are involved in the church (I would definitely put this in your resume/app). Leadership is important but you don't have to be the president of an honor society to show that you are a 'good' leader. Maybe if your school offeres undergraduate teaching assisting (UGTA) you should try to get involved in that because that definitely shows leadership. I don't think many (if any) schools require research; however, it's obvious that research experience will make you an even more qualified applicant - and it will also give you the chance to get a nice letter of rec and more to talk about in your interview. Reserach is an a pretty serious time commitment though. I did dental research at Stony Brook and I was there probably 12 hours a week (and that's definitely on the low side because I have friends who basically live at their labs). It will be a big plus if you can get it but make sure you can handle it with your busy schedule.