I don't have any extracurriculars!

[PreMedStudent92]

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I am a pre-med sophomore, but I have only been focusing on my academics and work. I'm doing pretty well with my academics, and I work at a center for mentally challenged students as a technician. I'm about to be 50% finished with undergrad, and I am concerned I didn't get started with extracurriculars. Many internship/research program deadlines have already passed (my fault for looking too late). Does anyone have any tips on how I should spend my summer this year? I am planning to dedicate this summer to boost my resume and to study MCATs.

Also, by starting extracurriculars late (end of sophomore year) put me at a disadvantage to other applicants?

 

[Doctor Strange]

I am a pre-med sophomore, but I have only been focusing on my academics and work. I'm doing pretty well with my academics, and I work at a center for mentally challenged students as a technician. I'm about to be 50% finished with undergrad, and I am concerned I didn't get started with extracurriculars. Many internship/research program deadlines have already passed (my fault for looking too late). Does anyone have any tips on how I should spend my summer this year? I am planning to dedicate this summer to boost my resume and to study MCATs.

Also, by starting extracurriculars late (end of sophomore year) put me at a disadvantage to other applicants?

This counts as an EC. Over the summer, get clinical exposure. Volunteer, shadow, etc. Try to continue through your junior year for a couple hours a week. It doesn't have to be a lot. It's not as late as you think to start.

 

[PreMedStudent92]

This counts as an EC. Over the summer, get clinical exposure. Volunteer, shadow, etc. Try to continue through your junior year for a couple hours a week. It doesn't have to be a lot. It's not as late as you think to start.

Someone told me if I get paid (which I do working as a technician), it doesn't really count as EC? Is this true?

 

[battousai]

a job is an EC since it's a time commitment outside of classes

 

[Mountaineer12]

Someone told me if I get paid (which I do working as a technician), it doesn't really count as EC? Is this true?

The application doesn't just say "list ECs," there are different categories like teaching, clinical volunteering, non-clinical volunteering, leadership, etc. You can list whatever you want under those categories. I personally listed a paid tutoring position under teaching and didn't get any negative comments about it.

 

[bearofthesnow]

I only really got into medically related ECs the summer after my sophomore year and I don't think it's put me at a disadvantage applying this cycle. I spent that summer shadowing physicians, interning at an internal medicine office, and volunteering at my local hospital. The process to shadow or volunteer can often take weeks/months so I recommend expressing your interest/filing paperwork ASAP.

 

[sinombre]

Someone told me if I get paid (which I do working as a technician), it doesn't really count as EC? Is this true?

Nope. Almost all of my clinical experience was paid (though this was sort of out of necessity). You should try and do some kind of volunteer work though. Some schools are big on this.

 

[Planes2Doc]

Someone told me if I get paid (which I do working as a technician), it doesn't really count as EC? Is this true?

It's most definitely an EC. This alone won't allow you to check the volunteering checkbox, which we all know is an unwritten rule. So if you don't at least pretend to care about the community by working for free, you will probably be perceived as a bad person.

Given the sacrifices you make as a medical student, I really wish more people would say the title of your thread. Sadly this is not the case.

 

[Ismet]

Someone told me if I get paid (which I do working as a technician), it doesn't really count as EC? Is this true?

EC stands for extracurricular, not for volunteer. The section on the AMCAS is "work and activities" so yes, it includes work. You should look into volunteering as well, either (or both) clinical and non-clinical, but you can absolutely list your job on your application.

 

[Weewee]

There are lots of options that are easy to get into...

Shadow a physician
Volunteer at a local high school tutoring kids in science a couple hours a week
Find a run/walk/fundraiser for an organization you have interest in (Alzheimer's, arthritis, etc) and become a member of their board.
Join a mentoring program like best buddies, big bros/sis, etc.
Volunteer at a school or after school program
Get involved in intraumarals, sports teams, fun activities that show you are well rounded
Find a free clinic to volunteer in
Join an improv team or theater group
Hang out with old people and play cards

Not everything has to be medical related...some things that you enjoy are considered extra curriculars too!

 

[Ichiban88]

Yea I only started my junior year but I did have to take a gap year to boost them further. but it really depends on which schools you are planning to apply to. Good luck! Its never too late!

 

[zeppelinpage4]

I am a pre-med sophomore, but I have only been focusing on my academics and work. I'm doing pretty well with my academics, and I work at a center for mentally challenged students as a technician. I'm about to be 50% finished with undergrad, and I am concerned I didn't get started with extracurriculars. Many internship/research program deadlines have already passed (my fault for looking too late). Does anyone have any tips on how I should spend my summer this year? I am planning to dedicate this summer to boost my resume and to study MCATs.

Also, by starting extracurriculars late (end of sophomore year) put me at a disadvantage to other applicants?

I volunteered the summer I studied for the MCAT. Easy to schedule/fit around the studying and it served as a nice motivator on occasions. You could try that. 🙂

Just be careful overloading on ECs if you're planning to study that summer.