Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior hoping to go into medicine, and I'm looking to strengthen my extracurriculars. What are some recommended extracurricular activities to get involved in that would be beneficial for my med school applications in the future?
As a high school junior thinking about a future in medicine, it's wise to focus on extracurricular activities that demonstrate your interest in the field and show your commitment to helping others. Here are some recommended extracurriculars to consider:
1. Volunteer at a local hospital, clinic, or nursing home: Volunteering in a healthcare setting can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your dedication to helping others. It also allows you to observe medical professionals in action and can potentially lead to networking opportunities.
2. Shadow a physician or healthcare professional: Shadowing a doctor or other medical professional can give you an inside look at the day-to-day life of a healthcare practitioner, helping you understand the demands and rewards of the profession.
3. Healthcare-related internships: Look for internships at local medical research centers, biotech companies, or public health organizations. This can give you hands-on experience and a chance to learn more about various career paths within the medical field.
4. Participate in science clubs or competitions: Joining a science club or participating in science competitions (such as the Science Olympiad or the International Biology Olympiad) demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and commitment to the sciences.
5. Leadership roles in health-related clubs or organizations: Organize and lead a health club at your school or in your community, focusing on topics like public health, global health issues, or specific areas of medical research.
6. Research projects: Conduct independent research or work with a teacher or mentor in a scientific field related to medicine, such as microbiology, genetics, or biochemistry. Participating in a research project allows you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which are important in medicine.
7. Community service: Participate in community service projects that address health issues or disparities, such as organizing a blood drive, volunteering at a free health clinic or homeless shelter, or starting a healthy habits initiative at your school.
8. First aid/CPR certification: Becoming certified in first aid and CPR shows your dedication to being prepared in emergencies and underscores your interest in medicine.
Remember that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to extracurriculars. It's better to have a few meaningful experiences that demonstrate your commitment to medicine than to spread yourself too thin with activities that aren't as relevant. Good luck!
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