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How important are clubs?
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Do something else if you're not interested. Any non-clinical volunteer work can be done in place of club involvement.
There are some clubs that give you enormous volunteer opportunities/networking. Then there are some clubs that are really MEH. Either way, do what interests you... club or not.
There are some clubs that give you enormous volunteer opportunities/networking. Then there are some clubs that are really MEH. Either way, do what interests you... club or not.
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Clubs are useful on the CV to demonstrate deeper involvement in your interests, as well as possible leadership positions in organizations.
However, beware that ADCOMs understand that the majority of clubs consist of bi-monthly or once/week attendance for an hour listening to people talk about fundraising and events you won't ever be present at.
If you can demonstrate leadership/other skills without doing clubs, go for it. Do what you enjoy.
However, beware that ADCOMs understand that the majority of clubs consist of bi-monthly or once/week attendance for an hour listening to people talk about fundraising and events you won't ever be present at.
If you can demonstrate leadership/other skills without doing clubs, go for it. Do what you enjoy.
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For what it's worth, I joined 0 clubs (at least that I listed on my app) and it didn't seem to hinder me. Even if you're looking at this process from a box checking perspective, I don't even think there is a box for clubs.
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HCHopeful
Nah. No need to join clubs. For me, it was an easy way to get involved in a few things I care about (alcohol and sex education) while accruing volunteer hours!
As long as you can show an underlying interest in something (maybe something outside of medicine, but not necessary), you will be fine.
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deleted577188
I was actually wondering this same thing.. This girl I study with asked me if I had joined any clubs since last semester. Apparently she's in the Asian Dance Club and one other club. I politely told her "no, but I am doing research with our best chemistry professor here and I've started my volunteer activities." She didn't say much else after that. I just feel that most clubs at my school are a waste of time and don't show commitment toward anything beneficial to your med school app. I understand that it's good to have a hobby and all that, but I'd rather do research in something meaningful, not dance for 5 hours a week while struggling in O Chem, but maintaining an obnoxious attitude about my gpa. To each his or her own though.....
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No clubs really, other than an ambassador type group. None of the usual pre-med/pre-health clubs, which I feel are generally useless.
Hasn't hindered my cycle, I think. 7 IIs, couple acceptances, etc. Not mind blowing stats or anything like that, either.
Hasn't hindered my cycle, I think. 7 IIs, couple acceptances, etc. Not mind blowing stats or anything like that, either.
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HCHopeful
To be fair, it is not necessarily a bad thing to have something else besides science in your life. If she enjoys dance, all the more power to her. I am in a band and dedicate quite a bit of time to that as well as running a karaoke business. In the end, doing what you like while doing something that can be seen in a positive light is the best route. It looks like that's what you're doing!
As an aside, OBNOXIOUS ABOUT GPA? WHAT IS THIS? BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION?
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The ideal applicant to medical school would have 3 first author publications, 500 volunteer hours, a 4.0 GPA, 45 MCAT, and be the president of 5 student orgs . . . This ideal applicant does not exist. Do what you like to do and make sure you are doing SOMETHING that you have a passion for. If you'd rather spend time in the lab than sitting in meetings, GREAT! DO THAT! Strive for greatness in medical school prep, but don't do things just because they're on some list of boxes to check.
Edit: You do have to check SOME boxes (eg. volunteering, decent GPA, leadership capabilities)-- let's keep it real.
Edit: You do have to check SOME boxes (eg. volunteering, decent GPA, leadership capabilities)-- let's keep it real.
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HCHopeful
Yes to the box checking. You can always try to make the box checking somewhat fun, though. Sometimes, however, you just can't :'(
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deleted577188
I see what you're saying. The point is that this girl will ask me if I've joined any clubs as if I won't get in without it. Then I'll counter her question with "nah no clubs but... (whatever I am doing)." I don't think it's passion for her as much as it is a resume lifter. I hope that makes some sense lol.
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Slightly more important than who you went to your High School prom with, slightly less important than an A in Methods of Competitive Origami.
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HCHopeful
Ahhh... Well yeah, then that's an interesting choice! I wouldn't say dance is the best resume builder 😉
Clearly, no one has ever been accepted to medical school without being in a knitting club.
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deleted577188
lmaoooo
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HCHopeful
If you find one you enjoy, all the more power to you. But yeah, don't force it!
Good luck with everything!
