Taking a trip to volunteer within the U.S.

[LaCasta]

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Now that I am done with my senior year and have some free time, I was thinking about taking a trip to LA to volunteer at a clinic that provides free healthcare to low income people from all backgrounds. The clinic was actually mentioned in congress for its work.

This is the clinic if anyone is interested

http://www.ummaclinic.org/?PHPSESSID=28182b4a0444f8fb05eae0acbbd14e72


I would go for just one week, and volunteer all day. Would it be worth it in terms of adcoms considering the comittment would only be for one week (although it would still probbably be 30-40 hours? Also, would the fact that I am doing this so close before the application opens up be viewed negatively at all?

I know its hard to say for certain how medical schools would view this, but any ideas would be appreciated it.

 

[146233]

If you're interested in it, do it. If not, don't. Do not do it because you can put it on your AMCAS or because schools "will like it."

 

[LaCasta]

If you're interested in it, do it. If not, don't. Do not do it because you can put it on your AMCAS or because schools "will like it."

That is good a idea, but the reality is I am trying to boost my clinical experiences in order to help me get into medical school. If I had unlimited money and time, then I would probbably end up doing this anyway, but right now I am wondering what activity would be the best use of my resources in order to get in.

However, if your point was that if I do something I like then adcoms will be able to see that and it will be worthwhile, then in that case, I am very interested in doing it. But, if the reasons I mentioned above would not make this trip worthwhile for the purpose of medical school, then I would not spend the money and time at this moment.

 

[Revilla]

That is good a idea, but the reality is I am trying to boost my clinical experiences in order to help me get into medical school. If I had unlimited money and time, then I would probbably end up doing this anyway, but right now I am wondering what activity would be the best use of my resources in order to get in.

However, if your point was that if I do something I like then adcoms will be able to see that and it will be worthwhile, then in that case, I am very interested in doing it. But, if the reasons I mentioned above would not make this trip worthwhile for the purpose of medical school, then I would not spend the money and time at this moment.

In that case, why not volunteer at a free clinic close to home so that it isn't a one-week deal? It would be an on-going activity and something you can talk about during interviews. I understand the clinic you want to go to does wonderful work, but there are many free clinics that are grossly understaffed and not getting any publicity.