Question on an application to Med school.

[Dr.Jekyll]

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Hey, I have a question about volunteering at a private pediatricians office to gain experience in the medical field. I heard colleges like this, and was wondering if you think its a good idea to do this at my senior year in high school, or in undergrad school. Finding a practice isn't a problem, I keep in good touch with my old pediatrician. Any advice is appreciated

 

[mikedc813]

Hey, I have a question about volunteering at a private pediatricians office to gain experience in the medical field. I heard colleges like this, and was wondering if you think its a good idea to do this at my senior year in high school, or in undergrad school. Finding a practice isn't a problem, I keep in good touch with my old pediatrician. Any advice is appreciated

If you're interested in medicine, I think it's a great opportunity to gain some clinical experience. But I don't think it's going to make or break you in terms of college acceptances. Colleges and medical schools are interested, from what I have seen, in that you are involved in ECs. They have less interest in what that EC activity is, but want to see that you really applied yourself in that activity. For instance, I didn't do any undergrad research, but ran an ESL program for middle school kids. So I would volunteer at the office if you're interested. Don't do it just because you think adcoms want to see it...

 

[coharahawk]

If you're interested in medicine, I think it's a great opportunity to gain some clinical experience. But I don't think it's going to make or break you in terms of college acceptances. Colleges and medical schools are interested, from what I have seen, in that you are involved in ECs. They have less interest in what that EC activity is, but want to see that you really applied yourself in that activity. For instance, I didn't do any undergrad research, but ran an ESL program for middle school kids. So I would volunteer at the office if you're interested. Don't do it just because you think adcoms want to see it...

Yes, I totally agree. Adcoms will see right through you if you do an EC activity just because you think they want you to. You need to actually involve yourself and be able to tell them how you were involved in the activity and what you got out of the experience.