Finding time for extracurriculars...

[gclax30]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey yall

Quick question- I'm MSII and have been so busy just trying to keep up with the daily workload, board study, and a little research, that I haven't gotten involved with many extracurricular activities to this point, other than a handful of clubs (which basically amounts to eating free lunch 3 days/week). I know a few students that are president of this and director of that, and still pull decent grades (how?) and it's making me feel like I'm lazy or selfish with my time 🙁 . My rationale for first year was to make sure I could survive this place before spreading myself too thin on other activities. I've been able to survive so far and want to get more involved, but I'm afraid my grades will start to slip. What have been some of your experiences?

I plan to have (ok, HOPE to have...) the grades and board scores to be competitive for top residency programs, but I'm afraid I'll be lacking in the volunteer and extracurricular department. I imagine they want students to be involved to a certain extent, but obviously not to the point where academics suffer. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[yellowcat322]

Sometimes I find that the more stuff I have to do, the more productive I become. This works with extracurrics as well. Most activities don't take more than a couple of hours per week, which i'm sure won't make a noticeable impact on your grades. Also, my advice is if you're going to get involved, make sure it's something you're really passionate about; something you would want to be a part of even if you weren't applying for residency. That way, it'll be easier to stick with it when the clouds gather.