Pre-med volunteer/research

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Asaeed90cc

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Well im heading into college this fall and was just curious about voluenteering and research. From pre-med is volunteer necessary and how does it play against research? During what years should I volunteer and research?

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Volunteering will definitely play a major role in your candidacy, especially clinical volunteering. Research isn't ABSOLUTELY necessary, but it definitely helps. Shows that you're intellectually curious/capable beyond memorizing flashcards for classes.

You should try and do either activity whenever an opportunity presents itself. But make sure you focus on grades primarily.
 
Volunteering will definitely play a major role in your candidacy, especially clinical volunteering. Research isn't ABSOLUTELY necessary, but it definitely helps. Shows that you're intellectually curious/capable beyond memorizing flashcards for classes.

You should try and do either activity whenever an opportunity presents itself. But make sure you focus on grades primarily.
Alright thanks but is voluenteering long term better at one place doing one thing better than a variety?
 
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Alright thanks but is voluenteering long term better at one place doing one thing better than a variety?

Do what you're interested in and stick with it.
 
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Yeah it's definitely more about the quality of the research, not the quantity. Clinical exposure is best if you can volunteer in that area.
 
Alright thanks but is voluenteering long term better at one place doing one thing better than a variety?

Volunteering is a requirement. Research isn't. Though it's good to have both. Volunteering needs to be a long-term commitment (commitment over variety), and you want to be in the process of doing it when you fill out your AMCAS. This will keep you from looking like the dreaded box-checker.
 
I would start out volunteering a little bit at lots of places. After 1-2 semesters you should have a better idea about which volunteering experience you like best and then you can drop the rest and stick with 1 or 2. You'll get a chance to experience several programs and you will have a "long term commitment" at any 1-2 you choose to stick with for the rest of your college career.
 
You should volunteer because you want to, not because you have to for med school. Find volunteering positions that you're interested in and that you would enjoy.
 
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