Pre-Med Extracurriculars: What's Best?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in high school looking to go into pre-med. What are the most beneficial extracurriculars for my college apps and future career? Any tips would be super helpful, thanks in advance!

Hi there! It's great that you're already preparing for your future in the pre-med track. The best extracurriculars for pre-med students are those that showcase your passion for medicine, commitment to helping others, and leadership qualities. Here are a few examples you can consider participating in:

1. Clinical volunteering: Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes gives you hands-on exposure to the medical field, by allowing you to interact with both healthcare professionals and patients.

2. Non-clinical volunteering: Engage in community service projects and nonprofits that aren't directly related to healthcare, but demonstrate your dedication to helping others and social responsibility. Examples include homeless shelters, food banks, or mentoring/tutoring programs.

3. Research: Participating in medical or scientific research shows your interest in advancing the field and demonstrates your analytical and problem-solving skills. Reach out to local universities, research institutions, or even your high school science teachers to explore research opportunities.

4. Job shadowing or internships: Shadowing a doctor, a nurse, or other healthcare professionals helps you learn about various medical specialties, gain insights into daily tasks, and make informed decisions about your future career path. CollegeVine's blog has a useful list of well-regarded internships and programs designed for high school students interested in medicine: https://blog.collegevine.com/10-science-research-competitions-for-high-schoolers.

5. Extracurricular clubs: Participate in healthcare-related clubs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or start your own club to engage with like-minded peers and organize healthcare-related initiatives.

6. Leadership roles: Take on leading roles in any of your current activities (not necessarily healthcare-related) to demonstrate your commitment, organizational skills, and leadership qualities.

7. Science competitions: Participating in science fairs, Olympiads, or other STEM competitions can showcase your passion for scientific inquiry and your ability to think critically. If you want some suggestions for competitions you could enter, CollegeVine's blog has a useful list of reputable ones: https://blog.collegevine.com/10-science-research-competitions-for-high-schoolers.

8. Hobbies and interests: Lastly, don't forget to include your personal hobbies and interests, as they show your well-roundedness and make you stand out as a unique applicant.

Remember, quality is more important than quantity, so focus on a few activities that genuinely interest you and demonstrate long-term dedication rather than spreading yourself too thin. Good luck on your pre-med journey!