What are the best ways for premed students to spend their summers? I'm a freshman and I'm thinking about staying at my college to take a few classes this summer, just to get some requirements out of the way so that I can have a little more flexibility in my schedule the next few years. But I've heard that premed students need to do more interesting things during their summers, like research, study abroad, etc. In all honesty I'd rather study abroad, but I feel like if I don't take summer school I'll basically never get to take a class outside of my two majors. Any thoughts?
I'd definitely encourage doing things other than school during your summers. Whether that's volunteering, working in a hospital/clinic, performing research, it doesn't really matter. Personally, I had an opportunity to do research after my freshman year I turned down that I'm kicking myself about to this day. Before you apply, you're only going to have 2 summers on your application really, because you should be applying in June after your junior year. Granted whatever you do that summer you can talk about in your interview or on your secondaries, but that's beside the point. Find something you enjoy and do it. Save school for the school year.
Sounds about right. You can take a class (or two) and still have ample time for research, volunteering, or both.
I worked in hospitality for two summers. Lots of free time, great pay, and I could do my secondaries in peace
My first summer I took a class and worked full time. Second summer I got a research grant, worked a second job part time and studied for MCAT. Third summer I got the same research grant, taught MCAT prep classes, and applied. Summer before med school - I'm going to a place that is warm, has a pool/beach and where someone will bring me fruity drinks.
