Question regarding extracurriculars

[studiene]

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Does anyone have any thoughts on whether medical schools tend to value additional research experience over additional clinical experience or vise versa?
This past summer I took part in a biophysics research fellowship at my university, and I'm currently taking a research credit this semester (finishing up that research), so if I do well enough on the MCAT and apply to schools this June, I'll have research experience to add to my application. But, to my surprise, I was just offered to participate in another summer research fellowship this coming summer, but for biochemistry this time around.
Nothing for my summer is set in stone yet, however, before I was offered the research I was thinking about trying to get a scribe job in the late spring/early summer, even though I am and have been a mobility volunteer at a hospital, so I have that bit of clinical experience as well.

If possible I would love to do both, but I don't want to overload myself, so as of right now I'm just trying to rationalize the possible benefits of each and if any of you had opinions to add that would be wonderful, thanks 😀

 

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

Take this with a grain of salt but applying early will serve you better than waiting for those experiences to come and then applying. I've heard anything you do between turning in the primary and going for your interview doesn't really count (even though I think it should, since you could talk about it in the interview)

But still.... take what I said with a grain of salt

 

[studiene]

Thanks for your input! I was told that I could start the research early, as in next semester, if I wanted to. So if I decide to do the research I'll definitely consider that option!

 

[LizzyM]

Most applicants have at least some research experience (a summer or a semester at a minimum). I'd estimate that all subjects have some clinical exposure through employment, volunteerism and/or shadowing. how much clinical exposure is "enough" depends on the school. Far more research than clinical exposure could lead to questions about why you want a career in medicine rather than research. On the other hand, too little clinical exposure at all, any you'll never get to the interview stage.