I feel like I'm not doing enough...

[2failornot2fail]

I'm going into sophomore year. I'm just gonna list the (very little) things I've done:
- I'm volunteering at the local hospital (have 6 months, 100 hours)
- I'm a Home Helper, meaning I'm a family member's main caretaker (I've heard this doesn't count really)
- I have 15 hours of shadowing with a family doctor

I'm not really involved in any clubs. Just one of my school's drama club, and I'm not even on the board or anything.

I just feel I'm not doing enough... that I'm really behind. Any advice? Am I on the right track? Thanks.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[doctorleospaceman]

It's better to do a few things you're passionate about than a ton of "box checking" activities. It'll show in your application and especially in your interviews.

 

[MedCat9]

I'm with doctorleospaceman. You don't need to do a million things just because you feel like you /have/ to do it. Do stuff you really like. If you feel like you need some more activities to do, I would suggest joining a research lab, shadowing, and more volunteering in fields that you find interesting and fun. I don't know your situation and how much time you have considering you're a primary caretaker of someone, but do what you can with the time that you have. I would also suggest looking into medical clubs since you're premed. They may offer you unique opportunities and help you with the process of getting into medicine. Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

You are the main caretaker for a family member which you could always list among your experiences as "other" just to account for the hours you are putting in. You are getting clinical exposure as a volunteer, and you are doing something fun (drama). If you feel you can spare the time in the coming academic year, try to get involved with community volunteering with young kids, older adults, the homeless/hungry, or some other group. Aim for 4 hours per month either in one chunk or shorter but more frequent episodes. Plan on staying involved for three years or more and try to get involved in a way that puts you in direct contact with those you are helping (not just fund raising or behind the scenes). Next summer or in your junior year you should add research, this can be for credit or for a stipend (paid).

Give yourself time to get to know the ropes and by the second half of junior year, you should be aiming to have a leadership position in one of the activities (teaching others the ropes, guiding the organization, etc).

 

[CyrilFiggis]

You're fine. Remember, you don't have to apply to med school your junior or senior year. The MCAT is good for 3 years. If you get strong grades in undergrad and a good MCAT score, you can always take a year or two off to pursue other endeavors/ activities that you are passionate about and may help bolster your resume.

 

[Noble Aneurysm]

It is likely you will feel that way no matter how much you try to do. I know I have. It's a tough process, but just do the best you can and find stuff you really enjoy if that's possible for you. Reading stuff on SDN will likely always make you feel inadequate....


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Doctor-S]

I'd rather see individuals be "passionate" and "dedicated" about a small collection of meaningful ECs ... and not try to impress me with a lengthy litany of ECs.

Also agree with @LizzyM's comments above.

 

[2failornot2fail]

You're fine. Remember, you don't have to apply to med school your junior or senior year. The MCAT is good for 3 years. If you get strong grades in undergrad and a good MCAT score, you can always take a year or two off to pursue other endeavors/ activities that you are passionate about and may help bolster your resume.

So you agree I'm behind?

Not angry lol, just clarifying.

 

[LizzyM]

So you agree I'm behind?

Not angry lol, just clarifying.

You are not behind!
Year 1: clinical exposure + something fun
Year 2: continue year 1 activities and add community service
Year 3: continue year 2 activities and add research (also prep for and take MCAT by May)
Before the start of Year 4: apply!
Year 4: Continue year 3 activities (drop research if you wish and add something in its place)

 

[CyrilFiggis]

So you agree I'm behind?

Not angry lol, just clarifying.

No. Even on your current path, you're totally fine. I'm just saying, as I do with a lot of threads, that there are very few reasons why someone has to apply direct out of undergrad. If you decide to make that your arbitrary line in the sand, fine. But life, and college, is a lot more fun and stress free when you take it at your own pace.