Is Alpha Epsilon Delta worth the time?

[bme94]

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Hello,

At my university AED requires a specific GPA, an application discussing your community service experiences, clinical experiences, extracurricular activities, honors/awards, a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation. Is it worth joining?

Thanks

 

[medic86]

AEDs save lives, man.

 

[idontwatchgreysanatomy]

From my experience, the only way these honor societies are worth it are if you become active in them. They always have come off as a way to get money from you and I think the general consensus is that medical schools aren't impressed by them.

 

[bme94]

From my experience, the only way these honor societies are worth it are if you become active in them. They always have come off as a way to get money from you and I think the general consensus is that medical schools aren't impressed by them.

Thanks for your input! Seems like no matter what, nothing truly impresses them.

 

[Dr.Smexy]

Thanks for your input! Seems like no matter what, nothing truly impresses them.

Oh you're wrong...first author publication in Nature or Science, Rhodes Scholar, Olympic gold (Not silver, you silly!) medal Athlete, or just casually finding the cure for cancer should do the job all right.

 

[NotAnotherPreMed]

I joined it. At my college it was actually kinda selective ( took ~30% of applicants) and required everything you listed except the letter of recommendation. It was worth it for me since I eventually ended up serving on the board and had multiple leadership positions. If it's active at your college and does a lot then it's worth joining. Otherwise it probably isn't.

 

[bme94]

Oh you're wrong...first author publication in Nature or Science, Rhodes Scholar, Olympic gold (Not silver, you silly!) medal Athlete, or just casually finding the cure for cancer should do the job all right.

Ha, looks like I'll have to get that gold medal.

 

[bme94]

I joined it. At my college it was actually kinda selective ( took ~30% of applicants) and required everything you listed except the letter of recommendation. It was worth it for me since I eventually ended up serving on the board and had multiple leadership positions. If it's active at your college and does a lot then it's worth joining. Otherwise it probably isn't.

That makes sense. The AED at my university is very involved in service projects. Thanks!

 

[toffee_bloom]

I joined it. At my college it was actually kinda selective ( took ~30% of applicants) and required everything you listed except the letter of recommendation. It was worth it for me since I eventually ended up serving on the board and had multiple leadership positions. If it's active at your college and does a lot then it's worth joining. Otherwise it probably isn't.

Agreed! This is exactly how it was for me, an active chapter at my university sponsored by the head of our bio department, also the pre-med advisor. I'm VP of my chapter and it has given me a lot of leadership experience along with volunteer hours. It was a much better deal than joining some other organizations, as this was just a one-time fee for a lifetime membership. So yeah, if you know anyone who is in it at your school ask them about it to see if it's worth it.

 

[ofthesaints]

It is what you make of it. I was in it for four years (volunteer for 2, service chair for 1, president for 1). It is a good source to get access to volunteering opportunities, build relationships with other pre-health students, and possibly, obtain leadership positions. As a perk, I got really close with the director of health professions advising committee because she was my advisor as president. I think that went along way in my committee letter that was sent out to all the med schools. I'd say it is worth the membership fee if you plan on staying active.

 

[strictlyanon]

for 95% of people, no

 

[Meeehai]

Are there hot babes in it?

 

[Chamomile Tea]

I think @bme94 the main thing you need to look at is 1) is your chapter active and 2) are you willing to be active. If both the answers to that are yes then it is definitely worth your time and money to join. I'm the current president of my AED chapter and I definitely think that it was worth it for me to join. It helped me get some much needed shadowing experience and leadership skills.

 

[bme94]

I think @bme94 the main thing you need to look at is 1) is your chapter active and 2) are you willing to be active. If both the answers to that are yes then it is definitely worth your time and money to join. I'm the current president of my AED chapter and I definitely think that it was worth it for me to join. It helped me get some much needed shadowing experience and leadership skills.

My chapter is definitely active. If I get accepted, my main reason for joining would be to become more involved in service projects. Thanks!