What would you do this summer with these choices?

[sharpieLIFE]

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[Boolean]

How many can you pick?

 

[Oso]

It depends, what kind of EC's do you engage in during the regular school year? If you have zero research experience, then it would be a good idea to try to find a lab to work in over the summer. If you have zero shadowing, then now may be a good time to get some hours. Same with the clinical volunteering.

I would try to do a few, just to keep yourself busy. For example, if you work in a lab during the week, then you could volunteer in the hospital over the weekend. Keep in mind that clinical experience and shadowing are both 'required', so start it sometime (whether it's this summer or not). Research is not required in general, but it's a nice thing to have and is basically required for top tier schools. Good luck.

 

[sharpieLIFE]

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[Catalystik]

Does it "look" okay to volunteer only at a hospital for 3 months over the summer?
Or would that look "skimpy"?

If that's the only active clinical experience on your application, it would look better to get in 3-4 hours per week over 1.5 academic years than to do 10 to 40 hours per week over the 13 week school summer break. If summers were your only option for this activity, then at a minimum, get in two summers at the same place.

 

[sharpieLIFE]

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[Frostbite22]

IMO I think only committing one summer to any of those things looks a little odd if you don't have adequate experience on the other parts of your application. The only one that might be normal is full time EMT, but that's just my 2 cents.

 

[Frostbite22]

Undertsandable, and thank you guys for your replies.
I plan on volunteering back at a local hospital near my university in the fall for the duration of the academic year.
With that in mind, do you guys think I should still try to rack up some hours over the summer?
Does that look okay to an ADCOM if someone just volunteer at one place for 3 months?

Can you be actively engaged in say habitat for humanity? I come from a snowy region in the US and my boyfriends mom commits to that activity 2-3 times a week during summer months and has for quite a few years now. Mostly because it is the only time everyone can get together and the weather is nice enough.

 

[Catalystik]

I plan on volunteering back at a local hospital near my university in the fall for the duration of the academic year.
With that in mind, do you guys think I should still try to rack up some hours over the summer?
Does that look okay to an ADCOM if someone just volunteer at one place for 3 months?

So long as there are some long-term activities to balance it, no problem, especially if the short-term gig is related in some way to other activities or interests. We know that folks often go home for the summer when they are college students.

 

[cyberchicken001]

I personally worked as an EMT for just a summer. It was a great experience and basically every single one of my interviews focused heavily on that. Serious clinical experience is invaluable for your application. Everyone does research, not everyone does EMT...My vote goes for that.

 

[Life Sucks]

I'm poor, so I'll volunteer while working.

 

[MedWonk]

Hey Everyone,
I'm heading home for the summer so now I'm just at a cross-roads and trying to decide what I should apply to and do while back at home. Which would you pick of these:
1. Volunteer in a hospital
2. Shadow
3. Work as an EMT (I'm not sure if ambulance companies would hire just for 3 months though).
4. Try to volunteer in a research lab in NYC.

Thanks

EMT. If not, then volunteer in a hospital. Research can be done through your school.