What should I do during my frehsman year?

[Apatheist]

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Hello,
I'm going to be a freshman next fall, and I was wondering what should I do for extracurriculars/volunteering? I'm completing this program for UT-Austin, called the CAP. It basically guarantees acceptance at UT-Austin after the first year. I figured I'll do most of the serious ECs during my 3 years at Austin (hospital volunteering, red cross and other social/volunteering clubs, research, shadowing, etc.) Would doing nothing and concentrating on a 4.0 be bad thing? Because, if I join a club/society, I'll not be continuing it after that year. I tried to match up some activities that will be at my university next year and at Ut-Austin as well, but I couldn't find any. So, what should I do?



Also, is my schedule normal/easy/hard?

Bio+Lab
Chem+Lab
Calc
Elective

 

[aSagacious]

I figured I'll do most of the serious ECs during my 3 years at Austin (hospital volunteering, red cross and other social/volunteering clubs, research, shadowing, etc.) Would doing nothing and concentrating on a 4.0 be bad thing?

In general, AdComs like to see sustained, long term commitments to a variety of activities. They do not like to see last minute 'checklisting.'

 

[Whatyousay]

Hello,
I'm going to be a freshman next fall, and I was wondering what should I do, for extracurriculars/volunteering? I'm completing this program for UT-Austin, called the CAP. It basically guarantees acceptance at UT-Austin after the first year. I figured I'll do most of the serious ECs during my 3 years at Austin (hospital volunteering, red cross and other social/volunteering clubs, research, shadowing, etc.) Would doing nothing and concentrating on a 4.0 be bad thing? Because, if I join a club/society, I'll not be continuing it after that year. I tried to match up some activities that will be at my university next year and at Ut-Austin as well, but I couldn't find any. So, what should I do?



Also, is my schedule normal/easy/hard?

Bio+Lab
Chem+Lab
Calc
Elective

I thought they discontinued the CAP program? You can think about ECs your first semester, but spend your time focus on getting good grades - college life is a lot less stressful when you start off well versus if you get a lot of C's and D's your first year.

Anyways, you won't be around your campus for more than a year anyways, so most of the connections that you might potentially make in terms of research / volunteering would probably be wasted.

Shoot me a PM if you have any questions about clinical opportunities around UT.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Grades should be #1. Consider doing something that is light on time requirements, but can be long term. Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that you could continue regardless of school as long as you are staying in the same city.

 

[flatearth22]

Don't worry too much about EC's. Secure good grades. Have fun. GET LAID.

 

[loveoforganic]

1. Secure good grades, learn study habits/skills, decide if your major is for you, etc.
2. Adjust to college life (living away from parents, building relationships, etc.)
3. Dabble in different EC's to see what peaks your interest as something you may have desire to pursue more passionately/devote a large proportion of your EC time to in coming years
4. Learn to check for typo's, like "frehsman," before submitting posts on SDN

In that order

 

[Apatheist]

Thanks for the quick responses. One thing I should mention is that I won't have a car, and the campus is in the suburbs of San Antonio. (UTSA) Hence, I'll have to find something on campus. As for Austin, the campus is basically integrated into the city, and there are many hospitals around.

@Whatyousay No, the CAP program is still up and running! I sure will next year!

@loveoforganic Sorry about that. I'm usually a grammar freak, but I was in a hurry.

 

[deleted357625]

Hello,
I'm going to be a freshman next fall, and I was wondering what should I do for extracurriculars/volunteering? I'm completing this program for UT-Austin, called the CAP. It basically guarantees acceptance at UT-Austin after the first year. I figured I'll do most of the serious ECs during my 3 years at Austin (hospital volunteering, red cross and other social/volunteering clubs, research, shadowing, etc.) Would doing nothing and concentrating on a 4.0 be bad thing? Because, if I join a club/society, I'll not be continuing it after that year. I tried to match up some activities that will be at my university next year and at Ut-Austin as well, but I couldn't find any. So, what should I do?



Also, is my schedule normal/easy/hard?

Bio+Lab
Chem+Lab
Calc
Elective

Do all volunteer work and EC's in the beginning while it's easy. Yes, your schedule is good

 

[cdm3413]

Hello,
I'm going to be a freshman next fall, and I was wondering what should I do for extracurriculars/volunteering? I'm completing this program for UT-Austin, called the CAP. It basically guarantees acceptance at UT-Austin after the first year. I figured I'll do most of the serious ECs during my 3 years at Austin (hospital volunteering, red cross and other social/volunteering clubs, research, shadowing, etc.) Would doing nothing and concentrating on a 4.0 be bad thing? Because, if I join a club/society, I'll not be continuing it after that year. I tried to match up some activities that will be at my university next year and at Ut-Austin as well, but I couldn't find any. So, what should I do?



Also, is my schedule normal/easy/hard?

Bio+Lab
Chem+Lab
Calc
Elective

Just have fun.
Your schedule is VERY normal/standard.

 

[loveoforganic]

Thanks for the quick responses. One thing I should mention is that I won't have a car, and the campus is in the suburbs of San Antonio. (UTSA) Hence, I'll have to find something on campus. As for Austin, the campus is basically integrated into the city, and there are many hospitals around.

@Whatyousay No, the CAP program is still up and running! I sure will next year!

@loveoforganic Sorry about that. I'm usually a grammar freak, but I was in a hurry.

#5. Stop caring what jerks on SDN say.

I'm just teasing 😉