Summers during undergrad

[abs5394]

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[abs5394]

I was thinking of maybe applying for some summer camp counselor positions, but this will drastically reduce MCAT studying time.

 

[jqueb29]

Summer break is summer break. If you want to do stuff over it, more power to you, but I don't think any adcom will look negatively on you doing nothing to bolster your app over the summer. The majority of people I knew who got in did nothing in the summer other than chill and party.

 

[abs5394]

Good to know, thanks. I do so much during the school year I really just want to spend the summer working out and MCAT studying.

 

[sharkbyte]

You should be fine, as long as your ECs are solid. Studying for the MCAT is good. You should do things over the summer more so for yourself (to be productive and keep yourself busy) instead of for med schools.

 

[abs5394]

Thanks, any more opinions?

 

[virchow?]

I wouldn't overlook summer as an opportunity to beef up your application.
@jqueb29 Maybe this is a regional thing because I literally don't know anyone who didn't work or research or do something (mostly full time or multiple part time positions) over summer.
Also, I was a summer camp counselor and would highly caution against trying to study for the MCAT as a counselor. It will depend on your camp, but most camp jobs are basically 24/7 with an hour break a day, a night off, and less than 24 hours without kids at camp, which you will not want to/be able to spend studying. Consider internet access, time getting to/from your study space, and the fact that you will likely want to spend every waking moment you can with your bff camp counselor friends.
That said, if you can swing studying for the MCAT some other time, camp is so awesome and I would definitely do it again personally.

 

[avgn]

Definite positive if you're productive, neutral otherwise as long as you're productive at other points in time. It's nice to be able to say you went out and did these 3 things over your 3 college summers, especially if they're inherently interesting to you.

But the MCAT is of utmost importance. Spend every second you can spare preparing for it.

 

[abs5394]

thanks! aside from this summer, my ECs will be fine. By the time I apply i'll have 4 semester of research, 4 semesters of ED volunteering, 4 semesters of food bank volunteering, and hopefully i'll be a TA for a semester.