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@drobinson
3 answers, 41 votes
 • 3 years ago •
Admissions Advice

Extracurriculars for aspiring pre-med?
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My school only offers the Health Occupations Students of America club, so other than that and my science classes (AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Psychology) I have no idea how to show college admissions that I am interested in health science. How do I demonstrate my interest and/or are there any organizations that offer health science clubs without needing to be school-affiliated? I've thought about making my own school club, but I have no idea what I would do and I'm a junior right now so it might be too late to start.

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@ccchia
5 answers, 7 votes
 • 3 years ago

Hi!

I'm also interested in health science so I totally get where you're coming from! I got lucky because my school offers a health career program for students who are specifically interested in entering the medical field but I do have a few suggestions for you.

1. Take classes at a junior/community college! I think it's extremely important to note that you don't always have to take a science course for it to be considered "pre-med material". I took a healthcare ethics class and I am currently take a Cultural Competence in Healthcare class which I think shows college admissions just how interested you are in the medical field.

2. Look for a summer program! There are some amazing virtual ones that are taking place this summer that correspond with health science.

3. Volunteer at a hospital -- when everything's cleared up of course.

4. Conduct your own research! -- Research a topic in the health sciences and publish it.

3
[🎤 AUTHOR]@drobinson3 years ago

Wow, these are great ideas, thanks! Questions: Do you have any specific virtual summer programs in mind (free or affordable)? If I were to research a topic, do you know how I would go about publishing it?

@ccchia3 years ago

Yes I do! The first one is the Cal Luthern STEM Academy which provides college credits and a lot of research opportunities (https://admissions.callutheran.edu/register/stem2021) and the other is the Harbor UCLA Summer Urban Health Fellowship Program that is focused specifically on the medical field and community based research (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMiL0CtsZ-o/) Both programs look really good to college admission officers and are also very enriching. Apply to at least one!

@ccchia3 years ago [edited]

Both programs are FREE. The SUHF Program application was due yesterday but go ahead (if you want) and submit your application today, I'm sure they'll still accept it if you do.

@ccchia3 years ago

And to answer your research question -- I'm not really sure how you go about doing that but I know its possible. Looking online for free research publishers is a start.

2
@Nagasiri
11 answers, 23 votes
 • 3 years ago

Starting a club is a great idea, no matter what grade you are in. You could start a medical club with your teacher sponsoring it and you could do services like providing masks or collecting money through online donors and understand people's needs in the pandemic and provide what is needed. I think this will be great and your essay will turn out great when you describe this activity.

2
[🎤 AUTHOR]@drobinson3 years ago

Thank you for the suggestion, I think this is a great idea. I never thought about doing medical-related or pandemic-related services. Maybe even after the pandemic, we can work with a nearby hospital to volunteer or job shadow. I would love to start a club like this it seems interesting, thanks!

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