What are some things Premeds should do over the summer?

[Doc2019]

Hey Guys! What are some exciting things you guys did over the summer as Premeds? (Just one experience over a summer is fine.) In other words, what are great things premeds can do over the summer to remain productive and stay on track of their goal of getting into Medical School? Also do you guys think Studying Abroad is a good idea for Premeds?

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[gyngyn]

Learn Spanish.

 

[Doc2019]

Actually I wanted to ask about this earlier. Can you get credits for a class over the summer? Like is it possible to get credit for a semester of Spanish over the summer but it's just be harder since they'd cram more information?

 

[LetMeInOK]

Actually I wanted to ask about this earlier. Can you get credits for a class over the summer? Like is it possible to get credit for a semester of Spanish over the summer but it's just be harder since they'd cram more information?

You can get around 6-9 credits doing Spanish Study abroad during summer.

 

[LJN Ltd.]

If you can study abroad, do it. No one will mind it.

Also, "premeds" is a uselessly broad term. Asking questions like this can make you just another cookie cutter applicant. Don't buy the hype.

 

[LSD-25]

Relax, and have fun is the best thing a premed can do during the summer. Give everything a break.

 

[Doc2019]

Oh ok. I'll keep that in mind LJN

Thanks LSD!

 

[LJN Ltd.]

Relax, and have fun is the best thing a premed can do during the summer. Give everything a break.

True, having an overpacked summer is not good for anyone already overwhelmed during the school year. Yet the summer is one of the few opportunities to get into SOMETHING because it's when you have the most time to devote to it. The fact that it adds to an application is gravy.

 

[NeuResurgens]

You can get some good clinical experiences during the summer that might not be viable to you during the school year.

 

[Doc2019]

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[Neutropix]

Learn jiu jitsu

 

[deleted577188]

This is my last summer before I apply. I'm gonna do some volunteering, working and light MCAT studying.

 

[Gilakend]

Learn jiu jitsu

Can't learn too much jiu jitsu just over one summer! It is endlessly fun though. (Speaking for BJJ).

 

[Donald Juan]

You should do whatever you want to do. Studying abroad is a great idea, but not to boost an app--it's just a fun way to spend a month or two of your summer. Other than that, take time to advance whatever hobbies you have, and if you don't have any, go find some.

 

[Neutropix]

Can't learn too much jiu jitsu just over one summer! It is endlessly fun though. (Speaking for BJJ).

Agreed, it's a lifestyle brotha.

Yes BJJ. I believe in Japan, the words Jiu-Jitsu, are still synonymous with Judo.

 

[Sarah_Sonny25]

I worked at camp for 2 summers before I applied--do what you love and enjoy!!

 

[ConfusedChemist]

umm....how come no one has mentioned getting a job????
I thought it was essential to pay for school lol

 

[Doctor Dream]

Took a CNA course last summer. Currently work as one now, it's a pretty cool experience.

 

[Kelevra]

Anything, really. My activities ranged from taking courses (every summer so that I could graduate earlier), working, spending lots of time in the sport that I do, traveling, doing research, spending time with friends and family, etc. Personally, I'm way more productive and happy when I'm really busy! But essentially, I only did these things because I enjoyed them (expect for summer courses...bleh); these are really some of the last full summers you're going to have.

 

[Dr Stephen T Colbert DFA]

Travel! You could always do a volunteer program...or not. I think it's a good experience regardless of whether or not it's "productive".

 

[NachoPlatter]

Whatever you want. Over the summers in UG I took science classes, worked in a research lab, and was paid to travel and preform drag at World Pride in Toronto. All of which were mentioned during interviews. So... Whatever you want. Just don't kill yourself doing something you hate because it looks good.

 

[Sarah_Sonny25]

umm....how come no one has mentioned getting a job????
I thought it was essential to pay for school lol

I worked at camp and got paid lol

 

[Pasmal]

Research:
1) is a strong (though not absolutely required) component of one's app esp. if published
2) helps develop relationships with PIs that can lead to strong and personal LORs
3) provides an opportunity for scholarships/funding depending on the nature of the research (fellowship, intern etc)
4) is not that hard to get into in SOME field (doesn't have to be chem/bio necessarily) if you look hard enough
5) develops higher-order reasoning
6) gives you something to talk about passionately during interview invites

Taking extra classes is also a nice way to boost your GPA and either a) get hard classes out of the way with focused attention that allows you to do better than you might during the year, b) take classes that interest you that you may not have time for during the year (for me, philosophy classes), or c) take science classes that are important in med school but not required as a pre-med (immunology, virology).

 

[Doc2019]

Thank you all for being so helpful.

 

[ZX10R]

Research from a PI that publishes a lot and underserved medical community service. If you can volunteer at an underserved clinic that can also count for shadowing because you'll probably be taking the patients Vitals/History before the health professionals see them; then get to see the HP diagnose the patient.

 

[Neutropix]

Also, OP, check out the band Radiohead.

Radiohead is awesome.

 

[ConfusedChemist]

I worked at camp and got paid lol

haha so there's a solid 2 of us out of 20 living in the real world 😉

 

[LJN Ltd.]

haha so there's a solid 2 of us out of 20 living in the real world 😉

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_World

 

[Lannister]

Hey Guys! What are some exciting things you guys did over the summer as Premeds? (Just one experience over a summer is fine.) In other words, what are great things premeds can do over the summer to remain productive and stay on track of their goal of getting into Medical School? Also do you guys think Studying Abroad is a good idea for Premeds?

Study abroad is a good idea for everyone, regardless of whether you're a pre-med or not. But don't do it to boost your application, because it's not really that unique. However, study abroad definitely offers you opportunities to have some really cool experiences (be they medically-related or not) and to develop and mature as a person. I highly recommend spending time abroad, preferably a semester rather than just a few weeks.

 

[moisne]

Work, research, have fun