Should I be doing more?

[CaliforniaAppli]

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I am currently a second year at a mid tier school. I don't do any research nor do I have any commitments to extracurricular activities. I pass my classes and have never hit honors in any of my classes. I try to balance a life with friends + SO.

Am I hurting myself ? Am I out of the running on competitive specialties/programs based on my background? Will doing well on boards be sufficient?

 

[sobored]

My understanding from those who have gone through the process is that boards and third year grades are by far most important. Also, a lot of it depends on what you want to go into, and where you want to go. Start thinking about your competitiveness after taking Step 1. For now, just chill and keep on keepin on.

 

[starstarie]

I think it kinda depends on what your goal is. By not doing research and only doing "well" on the boards, you close doors. If you are ok with that because you would prefer to be sane and spend time with family and so on, that's something to consider. If you are just being lazy, when you fall in love with some competitive specialty you might kick yourself later on because you are going to have an uphill battle from there on.

 

[studocplsignore]

I'd like to also tag along to this question. I'm a first-year at a DO school and I've been spending most of my time studying (duh) and doing fine in classes. I feel like I should be doing something extra though, like research or some sort of student government thing, or ECs. How important do those end up being?

 

[DrBowtie]

I'd like to also tag along to this question. I'm a first-year at a DO school and I've been spending most of my time studying (duh) and doing fine in classes. I feel like I should be doing something extra though, like research or some sort of student government thing, or ECs. How important do those end up being?

Research trumps all other bs activities. Pubs can stay on a CV forever.

 

[tantacles]

Research trumps all other bs activities. Pubs can stay on a CV forever.

Almost all. At my school, we opened a free primary care clinic that is completely student-run. I'd say that's at least a close second place, and realistically, has about the same magnitude of impact on a residency application as research.

 

[Wordead]

Almost all. At my school, we opened a free primary care clinic that is completely student-run. I'd say that's at least a close second place, and realistically, has about the same magnitude of impact on a residency application as research.

I hate to rain on your parade, but nobody cares. And I'm not trying to be glib. Literally nobody cares. Research is about 700 magnitudes more important than opening a free clinic.

 

[CaliforniaAppli]

What doors am i closing? Derm?

 

[tantacles]

I hate to rain on your parade, but nobody cares. And I'm not trying to be glib. Literally nobody cares. Research is about 700 magnitudes more important than opening a free clinic.

Actually, you're right. I didn't read the question carefully enough. For competitive specialties, research research research. And then do more research.

I just admitted I'm wrong on the Internet. Do I get my Internet access revoked for that?

 

[Anastomoses]

Actually, you're right. I didn't read the question carefully enough. For competitive specialties, research research research. And then do more research.

I just admitted I'm wrong on the Internet. Do I get my Internet access revoked for that?

You're too reasonable for the internet. No more for you.

 

[tantacles]

You're too reasonable for the internet. No more for you.

Crap.

 

[tantacles]

What doors am i closing? Derm?

Probably. To be fair, though, you're not closing it completely. You're just making your life a lot harder if you want to get it.

Ortho, if you want it, will probably want some research. Again, not closing the door completely, but you're making your life a lot harder if you don't do research.