Do I need clinical experience if I want to go Pre-Med??
I am interested in applying to Pre-Med programs, but I don't have any medical experience. Do I need to shadow or conduct research to be competitive at top schools, or am I fine without? For context, I play two varsity sports, have held leadership in 3 clubs, and have my own business. If I do need medical experience, what would you recommend I do?
Pre-med is less competitive in terms of medical experience than medical school is. However, it is definitely a bonus. I would say the general consensus would be that B.S./M.D. or B.A./M.D. programs (where the applicant is admitted to the school itself as well as the medical school) do really value that medical exposure and/or experience. If you simply want to pursue a pre-med track, though, it's just a benefit to your application.
It also matters your background. Maybe you live in a farm town where medical opportunities are sparse, or maybe you live right next to a hospital and didn't take the opportunity regardless---that matters too!
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