How much volunteering/ECs is enough?

[$haBoy]

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I'm going to be an undergrad freshman this fall, with the intent to pursue medicine afterwards. Let's be optimistic for a moment and just say that my MCAT and GPA are going to be great (say 518+ and 3.9+), what kind/how much (and how often for that matter) volunteering and ECs does it actually take to standout from everyone with similar stats at schools like Harvard, UCLA, or Stanford? (Yes, I know getting into any medical school is an accomplishment and the chances I actually get into a school like those listed is probably rather slim, but I want to aim high and see what I can achieve rather than having that "what if" in the back of my mind, so please don't give me that lecture.)

 

[AllBleedingStops]

That is a lot of assumptions packed into one paragraph.

Let me just put this here:

I know getting into any medical school is an accomplishment and the chances I actually get into a school like those listed is probably rather slim,

And out of curiosity, why these numbers:

say 518+ and 3.9+

 

[chemdoctor]

Hate to the be bearer of bad news but... assuming you’ll get a 3.9+ and a 518+ Is really ridiculous, presumptuous. Aim for it and do well but that’s ridiculously optimistic.

The average MCAT score and gpa for mmatticulants is a 511 and a 3.75.

Now to answer your question, I believe 250 is the average but do what you enjoy. Shadowing is something you don’t need a lot of but try to get as much clinical experience and non clinical experience...

 

[LizzyM]

Volunteer until the need is no longer there. As long as there is a need, if you want to help people and you have the ability to help, you should be helping. Any other questions?