Help with Undergrad!!

[kschish17]

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I keep reading tons of threads about peoples ECs and was wondering what the best activities to get involved with are. I know lab work, volunteering, and clinical experience are practically must haves but other than that what are the things med schools are looking for (other than MCAT, GPA, and LORs). I'm a Massachusetts resident but go to UC Santa Cruz as an undergrad, will that help me look more interesting to schools?

Also, are taking summer courses really bad in the eyes of med schools? My advisor told me not to take them since they will hurt my chances of getting in but I feel like I would be able to understand and do much better if I was only focusing on one subject during the summer.

 

[ApoK]

Why would taking summer classes be viewed as a negative? That doesn't make sense at all, unless you're planning to take a reduced course load during the regular academic year.

 

[kschish17]

I have no idea..she said they like to see how you handle a heavy course load..

 

[JeetKuneDo]

I have no idea..she said they like to see how you handle a heavy course load..

I don't think it'll hurt your chances unless you take less courses throughout the regular school year. Also, how reliable are your pre-med advisers? I'm only asking because here at UW, the pre-med advisers know nothing except for the pre reqs of UW's medical school.

 

[Greonis]

A heavy course load is never worth it if you put your grades at risk (that is, it is far better to receive a 4.0 for a semester with a regular course load than it is, say, to receive a 3.5 with an intensive course load). Moreover, taking too many courses in one semester can inhibit you from exploring various EC's, which are an essential part of any competitive application. Summer courses are a great way to reduce the demands of your normal semesters while keeping you on track with your graduation goals. The only caveat I will mention about them is that you should avoid taking any prerequisite courses at community colleges, since such courses are viewed in a negative light by the adcoms. Other than that, most of the "stigma" against summer courses is largely based on rumors and/or fringe incidents, and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Really, though, after you've covered the "basics" (clinical, volunteer, research, etc...) your best bet is to focus on things that you really enjoy doing. Medical schools love "well-rounded" individuals, and when you do something that you love (versus something that you feel obligated to do just to boost your application), you'll be more passionate about it and able to present it strongly during the application cycle.

 

[Catalystik]

wondering what the best activities to get involved with are. I know lab work, volunteering, and clinical experience are practically must haves but other than that what are the things med schools are looking for (other than MCAT, GPA, and LORs).

It is also desirable to have a leadership experience to discuss on the AMCAS application.

 

[Mobius1985]

I'm a Massachusetts resident but go to UC Santa Cruz as an undergrad, will that help me look more interesting to schools?

No.

Also, are taking summer courses really bad in the eyes of med schools?

No.