Too many activities?

[anperry]

With a somewhat lighter class schedule this semester (I'm a second semester freshman), I have been able to take on a bit more activities outside of classes; however, I've had so many opportunities this semester, I'm afraid I'm taking on too much.

I work as a piano accompanist/teacher, so I play for church services, competitions, and give lessons to young students throughout the week.

I also work as a tutor for 2 hrs per week to children in the community, and was recently offered a tutoring position in the mathematics dept. at my university (which I want to accept, but I'm not sure I should/can).

Then, I volunteer with the local hospital in the ED/Hospice, am taking Chemistry research for credit, and in two clubs (Habitat and a social justice organization).

So my question is: Do med schools frown upon too many activities? I know I'm trying to fit in a lot, but my passions are music and teaching, and then of course getting clinical experience. I'm doing all these things because I genuinely enjoy them, but I want to be sure it doesn't look like I'm "checking boxes." Does anyone else have experience with super busy schedules/lots of activities? And how did it work out for you?

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[Lannister]

Only you can answer this question. If you're enjoying what you're doing, and you feel like you can give your full attention to every one of your activities, then go for it, no one will look down on that.

 

[SValley]

I was a busy bee in undergrad & the 1.5 years since graduating. I didn't have enough room to fit all of my activities! I truly enjoyed all of them & made sure to leave my mark (whether it was impliment a new policy/program, win an award, etc). All of my interviews have commented favorably on my level of involvement, and I have a 100% post interview acceptance rate so far. *~take that as you will*~

just remember time management is major key or else something will suffer.

 

[Lardy Boy]

Just remember that grades come first! And you still got time to accumulate your EC, so no worries.


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[tantacles]

With a somewhat lighter class schedule this semester (I'm a second semester freshman), I have been able to take on a bit more activities outside of classes; however, I've had so many opportunities this semester, I'm afraid I'm taking on too much.

I work as a piano accompanist/teacher, so I play for church services, competitions, and give lessons to young students throughout the week.

I also work as a tutor for 2 hrs per week to children in the community, and was recently offered a tutoring position in the mathematics dept. at my university (which I want to accept, but I'm not sure I should/can).

Then, I volunteer with the local hospital in the ED/Hospice, am taking Chemistry research for credit, and in two clubs (Habitat and a social justice organization).

So my question is: Do med schools frown upon too many activities? I know I'm trying to fit in a lot, but my passions are music and teaching, and then of course getting clinical experience. I'm doing all these things because I genuinely enjoy them, but I want to be sure it doesn't look like I'm "checking boxes." Does anyone else have experience with super busy schedules/lots of activities? And how did it work out for you?

You can only report a certain number of activities on an application because there are limited slots. If your grades are suffering, then you are doing too many activities. If they are not, then you are not doing too many activities. That's it.

 

[WinslowPringle]

That doesn't look like too many activities.

And, as long as your grades are fine, keep it up!

(And good on you for the pianist/accompanist! I did it, too, and am continuing it through residency. And adcoms loved it....even got invited to join an attending's jazz band during an interview. Nothing more satisfying than a bit of Bach after a long day...)