Extracurriculars

[evo512]

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Hello,
I am a sophomore right now and have done varsity track and field for 2 years now and I was wondering how much that helps my medical school application? I have not done any other extracurriculars so far since coming to college because track takes up both semesters. It is looking like I might end up quitting after this year, but if it is big boost to my medical school application I might stick with it.

 

[Cornfed101]

It definitely helps, but not at the expense of clinical experience and volunteering. You need to make sure you have shadowing, clinical experience (paid or unpaid) and non-clinical volunteering. If you can fit all of that in while doing track then you should, if it is not possible, then make the time for these experiences.

Edit: and don't forget GPA and MCAT. I know you weren't specifically asking about those, but don't let those slip.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

I just responded to your other post about your GPA, and I would definitely drop track and field to focus on improving your GPA, if your only goal is to improve your chances of getting into medical school.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[Goro]

Hello,
I am a sophomore right now and have done varsity track and field for 2 years now and I was wondering how much that helps my medical school application? I have not done any other extracurriculars so far since coming to college because track takes up both semesters. It is looking like I might end up quitting after this year, but if it is big boost to my medical school application I might stick with it.

Admissions deans have a soft spot for athlete scholars, but you still need to do well academically, and get in in the ECs.

This may sound a little harsh, but I would not call your track career an explanation for your lack of ECs. I would call it evidence that you chose to prioritize the short-term over the long-term, which is not a particularly appealing characteristic in a potential physician. You will simply get crowded out by applicants with stronger academic records.

 

[KnightDoc]

Admissions deans have a soft spot for athlete scholars, but you still need to do well academically, and get in in the ECs.

This may sound a little harsh, but I would not call your track career an explanation for your lack of ECs. I would call it evidence that you chose to prioritize the short-term over the long-term, which is not a particularly appealing characteristic in a potential physician. You will simply get crowded out by applicants with stronger academic records.

... and better ECs! 🙂

 

[Jeremy Bearimy]

sees a post about athletes and has a visceral need to respond
I was an varsity athlete and this is a very legit struggle! I had few other ECs during undergrad because of my sport. Especially with an year round racing sport like T&F and 20-40 hours a week of sport-related time, getting in other activities is incredibly difficult. There is no "off season." I personally think that varsity athletics adds a lot to an application by way of values, stories, leadership etc, but only if you can maintain good enough grades.

• I do not at all recommend trying to do traditional timing (no gap years) as a varsity athlete. Space out your prereqs some, plan for a gap year or two which will help free up some time during the semesters and give you time to nail your MCAT. Also, after graduation, you will gain valuable experiences by working, and have the time to do further ECs outside of work.
• Use your summers wisely, as well! A lot can be accomplished after conferences championships and NCAAs. Take classes, work, volunteer, shadow.
• See if there are any clubs or groups within the athletic community that you can get involved with! A lot of my undergrad advocacy work and clinical experience actually came to me by way of athletics.
• Look for other premed student-athletes at your school and ask for their advice! How are they managing their studies, what clubs are they in, where do they find the time?

It is possible to get in your necessary ECs as athlete, but it is not easy and not for everyone. If you can do it, do it. Varsity athletics meant a lot to me and I'm sure added something to my application, but you also won't get the chance to explain that to adcoms if your grades are dead on arrival, so try to strike a balance (my grades weren't great, but at least they got me in the door at a few places). Best of luck!

 

[Moko]

Varsity sports is a good non-clinical, non-volunteering EC, but it does not make up for a poor GPA, MCAT, or lack of other expected clinical and nonclinical ECs. I would recommend continuing this only if you can still achieve a competitive application in spite of your involvement in sports. Just my thoughts

 

[candbgirl]

If you read OPs other post, his GPAs are really low but could be repaired if he puts his mind to it. OP as people told you in your other post you have to focus on your GPAs or no matter how successful you are nobody will see your application. Your athletic involvement might be impacting your studying but maybe it’s only a case of time management. Go to your campus learning enter and see if they can help you figure things out. Your grades have to be your main focus but ADCOMS will expect all of the other activities required / expected of all applicants including a great MCAT.