what activities to focus on in medical school?

[drwham]

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i know for undergrad and applying to medical school, exposure to medicine through shadowing or work, volunteerism, good gpa and mcat, research and leadership in clubs and organizations were important. but is this the same for during medical school and the application of residency? what is most important for getting into a competitive residency? is it mainly grades, scores, and research that has been published?

\thanks!

 

[Forthegood]

Depends on the residency program and school... but you should read it for yourself (I attached the article)...

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

is it mainly grades, scores, and research that has been published?

Yes.

 

[Gifted Hands]

from what I've learned, step score and clinical grades are the key. Residencies care less about your volunteering and activities like that, but they do help you stay motivated or take a mental breather. A lot of people still find ways to get involved when they have time.

 

[kumarn]

from what I've learned, step score and clinical grades are the key. Residencies care less about your volunteering and activities like that, but they do help you stay motivated or take a mental breather. A lot of people still find ways to get involved when they have time.

Agreed. I stay busy with intramurals, clubs, business projects, etc. which keeps me sane by getting my mind off studying while still being productive or maintaining my interests/hobbies/social life. I study less than most of my classmates but stay above average on all my tests. If you stay in the library all the time you WILL burn out and many hours will not be spent studying efficiently and productively.

 

[Algophiliac]

Depends on the residency program and school... but you should read it for yourself (I attached the article)...

Great article, thanks, but I was wondering why it seems to omit recommendation letters from physicians in your chosen specialty or any other recommendation letters. I thought those were also required for residency applications!

Also, do all schools rank? I know some schools, like UCLA and Yale, don't have pre-clinical grades, either. How does that factor into the selection crtieria for residency applications? What about for schools that don't offer electives rotations third year, so you can't really show them how good you are in your chosen specialty--if it's not one of those common specialties rotated through in 3rd year?