Guys....EC's?

[mwsapphire]

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Hi
I'm a sophomore, and I'm really worried about my med school relevant EC's. I did the tiniest amount of shadowing this past summer with a family friend who happens to be a doctor, and I've been hunting , since then, for volunteer positions. I just mailed in an app to a hospice, and applied to yet another hospital after the previous one seemed to snub me. This Hospital actually has opportunities for volunteers to shadow docs, so I think I can get plenty of that. I'm just really worried I'm not doing enough..if I can get volunteer and shadow hours, let's say , 200 volunteer hours at this hospital, and do some research, would that be really weak for EC's?
I also plan on doing this medical school internship thing next summer, just before applying to med school ( I have to take a summer class this summer, and I'll be busy after that).

I'm just stressing out about how much EC's you need. I honestly think you just need one or two things to show that you actually want to be a doctor, and it doesn't need to be perfect, but some threads on here make it seem like you need to do at least ten clinical and non clinical things to d get into a high end medical school.
This is kind of a long ramble, but I'm really tired and my mind won't relax , so I thought I'd post this here and get some thoughts?

 

[PB&Jam]

Calm down. It's a long process, and you've only just begun. 200 volunteer hours is good–I applied this cycle and got in on less than that. Just be aware of where you apply–schools with a huge volunteer-based mission won't go for something that looks half-assed. That being said, volunteering is the big EC; you do need it in some quantity to show that you're committed to the service part of the profession, etc.

Shadowing is a quality not quantity type thing. You generally don't need more than 40-50 hours, and can get by quite well on a little less. Make sure you shadow multiple specialties, and you should be good.

Research is good if you're into it, but it's not strictly necessary unless you want to go to a top 20 or do MD/PhD. Put in your time in a lab, don't sweat publications (again, unless MD/PhD, in which case, do), and try to get something out of it for yourself.

Clinical part aside, leadership (in any EC) is pretty much necessary too. Get involved with something you enjoy (it was marching band and martial arts, for me!), be an active and contributing member, and run for a leadership position when the time comes. You'll enjoy yourself doing it, you'll be leading a club/activity you enjoy, and it'll look good for med schools.

 

[efle]

200 volunteer hours is above average. Research never hurts but you need very strong grades and MCAT to be applying to the places that love research a lot.

SDN is famous for being full of neurotic hyperachievers. What you need is to show you know what medicine is like (shadowing, clinical employment, hospital volunteering, other clinical exposure), that you care about people (volunteering, both clinical and nonclinical), that you aren't a robot box checker (have hobbies, a sport you play, etc). Be normal in interviews. Have research if you're gunning for the top.

Outside of that it is always great to have employment experience or other attractive experiences, but not necessary. Don't freak out thinking you need to start three charities and cure cancer to go to med school.

 

[premed1234567891011]

shadowing is much less important than people make it out to be, imo. i applied and was accepted to several schools this cycle and actually neglected to list shadowing on my app at all.

 

[mwsapphire]

Thanks, everyone!
I'm not sure if joining a club on campus is worth it for me, because I both commute and how a long and tricky class schedule, it's hard to find time for clubs. I almost wanna focus on clinical things, I might get involved with the MSA on campus, but I'm not sure yet.

Here's a question though- can someone apply to a top 20 medical school with little/no research and a lot of clinical experience? Some research giants have excellent primary care options, and I always felt like if you applied there and mentioned on your secondary that you want to apply to a school for it's primary care options, you would be golden? Idk, I'm just speculating. It just seems like not everyone can get a lot of clinical experience and research if they know they're not interested in joining an MD/PhD program? Idk.

 

[mwsapphire]

Not saying that I'd apply to a top 20 school, but hypothetically I feel like you can explain why you focused on clinical experience instead of research.

 

[LizzyM]

If you are commuting to school, is there an organization or group you can get involved with "back home" on weekends or one evening per week. Something that gives you a chance to help those who can't help themselves. Mentor kids who don't have a good situation at home, help with a Scout troop, tutor kids or adults who couldn't afford tutoring (English as a second language or GED for adults, any school subject for kids), help settle refuges or operate a soup kitchen or food pantry or clothing closet for adults re-entering the job market.