Type of Volunteering?

[vsasi]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey,
I'll be starting my second semester of freshman year, and want to know what type of community service/volunteering has the greater impact. Is more weight given to health-related volunteering, or are they all considered the same? Also, I would like to go abroad for the summer volunteering, so if anyone has any information, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

P.S. For those who read my post: "My First Failed Class!" It turns out I passed the class with flying colors!

 

[smc927]

A doctor friend of mine commented to me that the adcoms are interested in clinical experience but they also want to see a well-rounded individual who is involved in things besides their own education. Church activities, youth organizations, reading programs, community service, FFA, 4H, boy scouts/girl scouts (and similar programs), etc, etc.

When he was interviewed for med school they only asked him about two things - his two year LDS mission and his Eagle Scout ranking.

 

[Pre-Dent-David]

Im trying to get into the big brother program... Maybe look into that.

 

[Amy B]

You really need some clinical experiances. Adcoms want to see that you have been around sick people and can handle it. They want to know if you are willing to be around sick people.

You can have both, but I would emphasize the clinical.

Glad you passed your course.

 

[snapdad]

Although I'd probably emphasize the clinical too, I think both clinical and non-clinical are really good to have under your belt. In addition to hospital volunteering, I do Big Brothers, and my "little brother's" mom wrote one of my LORs. It's come up in every interview I've had, and I think it's helped my application as much as my clinical work. Be well-rounded if you can swing it...do both types.

 

[vtucci]

I am a post-bac so I have a number of science and non-science related activities.

My recommendations are:

1. Do what you love- if there is a sport or activity (like debate) that you enjoy, do that- and try to get a leadership position. They like well-rounded.
2. Clinical medical experience is a must- how can you say you want to be a doctor if you do not know what is involved. I am an EMT, red cross CPR/First Aid Instructor and I volunteer as a clinical research associate in a Hospital ER.
3. Lab Research is also a great gig if you have the time and a professor who can supervise.