volunteering and shadowing hours requirements

[sag21]

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[Mr.Smile12]

Hours are important but not the only thing. I have generally advised more than 150 clinical, 150 non-clinical to avoid elimination at screening. I certainly think aspiring for double (300/300) would be good, but mission fit at some schools may require much more. I don't think there is a set number for research at "research-focused" schools, but for those programs and missions, I would say... maybe 300 minimum, 1000 preferred (a full year, half-time). Many other applicants did full-time research, so those numbers would be higher.

In general, you want to be on par with the applicants in your applicant pool. Thus actual numbers and ranges are helpful guides to this end.

Again, the details of what is behind those hours is just as important, as is making sure you aren't just box-checking and racking up hours. You have to find out why the activity is important for you.

 

[LizzyM]

Agree with above. You have enough shadowing. Focus on finding one way to serve the poor in your community in a non-clinical capacity and find something meaningful to do in a clinical setting. Keep in mind that if you take one gap year, your application will go in at the start of the gap year and planned activities are discounted in comparison to what you've already done.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

That much shadowing is a waste of time imo. 100 is plenty, 50 is fine.

 

[atriablack]

Thank You, I am doing a Master’s program with research this fall, so wouldn’t be applying until 2025 cycle. So I am planning to chose my time wisely to balance Masters and volunteering and shadowing. I see SDN posts about 500- 1000 hours of shadowing which is making me nervous. Is that many hours of shadowing required or will stand out?

Are you sure you aren't conflating shadowing with clinical hours? Shadowing yields limited returns once you cross a threshold, clinical experience on the other hand is useful to build up during a gap year.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I see SDN posts about 500- 1000 hours of shadowing

I don't think you are correct. Most shadowing is around 100 hours. You are likely looking at other clinical experience, and comparison is the thief of joy.

 

[gyngyn]

40 hours of primary care shadowing is good. Any more in other areas is at your own discretion. It doesn't make us want you more, though.

 

[theoceanman]

Are you sure you aren't conflating shadowing with clinical hours? Shadowing yields limited returns once you cross a threshold, clinical experience on the other hand is useful to build up during a gap year.

I had over 200 hours of pediatric shadowing out of just sheer enjoyment of the experience, but anything over 100-150 hours of shadowing is overkill. Speaking from personal experience here.

 

[LizzyM]

I had over 200 hours of pediatric shadowing out of just sheer enjoyment of the experience, but anything over 100-150 hours of shadowing is overkill. Speaking from personal experience here.

Some adcom members will ask why you didn't "do" something rather than just standing around watching. Too much (>100 hr) of shadowing is overkill.

 

[SCOOPEER]

Some adcom members will ask why you didn't "do" something rather than just standing around watching. Too much (>100 hr) of shadowing is overkill.

I'm assuming that if one has hundreds of hours of shadowing while also having plenty meaningful experiences with thousands of hours that would be ok in your eyes, correct? Thanks!

 

[LizzyM]

I'm assuming that if one has hundreds of hours of shadowing while also having plenty meaningful experiences with thousands of hours that would be ok in your eyes, correct? Thanks!

More than 100 shadowing is too much. Period. Full stop. Of course, you are not obligated to list everything you've ever done on the application. 😉