Making a Strong Application: The Best Extracurriculars for Med School

April 3, 2024

Written By

Zach French

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In the highly competitive world of medical school admissions, it takes more than just good grades to stand out. Extracurricular activities play a big role in showing admissions committees who you are beyond academics.

Essentially, extracurriculars are everything you do outside of classes and studying. They're your chance to explore your interests, develop skills, and make a difference in your community. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones will impress medical schools the most.

In this article, we'll break down how to choose the best extracurricular activities for your application. We'll help you understand what admissions officers are looking for and how to make the most of your time outside of the classroom to boost your chances of getting into your dream medical school.

We’ll address some of your most asked questions, such as:

  • What can be considered the best extracurriculars for med school?
  • How do medical schools evaluate extracurricular activities in the admissions process?
  • Can non-medical or non-scientific extracurricular activities be valuable for a pre-med student?

Let’s dive right in!

What Are the Best Extracurriculars for Med School?

When it comes to deciding on the best extracurricular activities for your medical school application, you might find yourself wondering which ones will impress admissions committees the most.

We suggest you prioritize the following five extracurricular activities:

  • Physician shadowing
  • Exposure to patients
  • Leadership roles
  • Research
  • Service to your community

Let’s check each one in more detail.

Physician Shadowing

Physician shadowing is like getting a backstage pass to the medical world. It lets you follow real doctors around as they go about their day in clinics or hospitals. This experience will give you a firsthand look at the reality of being a doctor.

It’s also a critical aspect of your application. Without knowing what a doctor does on a day-to-day basis, how will medical schools know you’re serious? The truth is that an application with no shadowing gets put in the reject pile.

To start shadowing, first, look for doctors or medical places near you that offer these opportunities. You can ask around, check with your school's career services, or even search online. Once you've found some options, reach out to the doctors directly. Be professional and polite in your message, explaining why you're interested in shadowing them specifically.

When setting up shadowing sessions, be flexible with the doctor's schedule. They're busy people, so it might take some time to find a schedule that works for both of you. Also, remember that it’s ideal to shadow doctors from multiple contexts and specialties (like cardiology, primary care, and more).

During your shadowing, pay attention and ask questions. This is your chance to learn, so make the most of it! Talk to the doctor, the nurses, and anyone else you meet. After each session, take some time to think about what you saw and what it means for your own career goals.

Building good relationships with the doctors you shadow can also be helpful down the line. They might write you a recommendation letter or give you advice as you pursue your medical career.

How Many Shadowing Hours is Best For Medical School?

We recommend shadowing 2-3 specialties of your interest and a primary care physician. That way, you will have a breadth of experience working with different physicians. We suggest having 50-100 hours of total shadowing experience.

Clinical Experience 

Another key aspect of a good admissions application is having enough clinical hours and patient exposure. When we talk about patient exposure, we mean direct, active interactions with patients in a healthcare setting.

For example, time spent shadowing doctors or taking care of friends and family doesn't count. While shadowing, you will not actively participate in patient care, and caring for a relative does not involve a patient-doctor dynamic. Also, doing administrative tasks or cleaning in a hospital doesn't count either, even if it's in a medical setting.

So, what’s the best clinical experience for med school? If you want more hands-on experience, you could:

  • Work as a medical assistant or patient care technician. These jobs involve things like taking patients' vital signs, helping with procedures, or just making sure they're comfortable.
  • Get involved in community health programs. You can help out with things like health screenings or education programs in local neighborhoods. It's a good way to see how healthcare works outside of a hospital setting.
  • Volunteer in hospice or palliative care. These programs help people who are seriously ill or at the end of their lives. It can be tough, but it's a really meaningful way to learn about patient care.
  • Join healthcare-related student organizations. They often have volunteering opportunities and events that allow you to meet other students and learn more about healthcare.

How Many Clinical Hours Does Med School Require?

As a rule of thumb, 200-300+ clinical hours are recommended for med school without taking a gap year. However, with many students opting for gap years, it's becoming more common to see applicants with significantly more hours of clinical experience, given that a full-time job contributes roughly 2000 hours annually. Medical schools consider the timing of your application, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have as many hours.

Experience in Leadership Roles

We all know that medical school is an extremely competitive environment. The admissions committee will not settle for a subpar applicant, and demonstrable leadership situations are expected.

Leadership isn't just about being the president of a club. What medical school admissions committees really want to see is how you've shown leadership in different ways. This could mean taking on more responsibilities in a research lab, leading a project for a community service group, or anything else that shows you can take charge and make things happen.

Research

An applicant's research is one of the most important components of their application. It serves as a testament to your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and passion for scientific inquiry.

But, what counts as research experience for medical school? You might find yourself working in a university lab, collaborating with esteemed professors and fellow researchers on groundbreaking projects. Alternatively, you could embark on an independent research endeavor, exploring a topic that piques your interest and allows you to carve your own path of discovery.

Regardless of the specific research setting, the skills you develop are universally applicable and highly valued. You'll learn how to formulate research questions, design experiments, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions—all essential competencies for a successful medical career.

When determining the time you’ll dedicate to research, you must remember that an MD program values research much more than a DO one. So plan accordingly and don’t overcommit to research if it’s not needed.

On the topic of publications, they can be a huge boost, but an undergrad will rarely get publication credit. Your experience may change depending on your lab, though, as some of them do allow undergrad publication credit. 

How Many Research Hours Are Good for Medical School?

Research involvement varies greatly depending on the medical school. Top-tier institutions often emphasize research, so accumulating several hundred hours, along with posters and publications, can be very beneficial. On the other hand, if your goal is to attend a medical school with a focus on service or clinical practice, extensive research experience might not be as crucial.

Community Service

Approaching community service as a pre-med is all about giving back and making a positive impact on the world around you while also strengthening your medical school application. First, think about what causes or issues you're passionate about. Whether helping underserved communities, promoting health and wellness, or supporting education initiatives, find something that resonates with you personally.

Next, look for opportunities to get involved in your community. This could include:

  • Volunteering at local hospitals or clinics
  • Participating in health fairs or screenings
  • Tutoring students in need
  • Organizing fundraisers for charitable organizations

When choosing community service activities, consider how they align with your interests, values, and long-term goals. Aim for depth rather than breadth – it's better to have a few meaningful experiences where you make a significant impact than to spread yourself too thin.

Also, be consistent and committed in your community service efforts. Regular involvement over time shows dedication and reliability.

Lastly, when writing your application essay, reflect on your experiences and what you've learned from them. Think about how your community service work has shaped your understanding of healthcare, strengthened your leadership and communication skills, and reinforced your commitment to serving others.

How Do Medical Schools Evaluate Extracurricular Activities in the Admissions Process?

Medical schools aim to select applicants who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also possess the qualities and experiences that align with their institution's values. How does the admissions committee determine if you have the quality and experience needed? Through your extracurricular activities.

Admissions committees look for applicants who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their extracurricular pursuits, whether they are directly related to medicine or not. They value sustained engagement, leadership roles, and meaningful contributions to organizations or activities.

When describing your extracurriculars on your application, you’re encouraged to reflect on how your experiences have shaped your personal and professional growth. It’s important to highlight the skills, values, and lessons learned.

Different schools may place more weight on certain extracurriculars than others. For example, a school so focused on its own community, like UCLA Medical School, will put a premium on extracurriculars focused on serving your community.

Can Non-medical or Non-scientific Extracurricular Activities Be Valuable for a Pre-med Student?

The short answer is yes! Absolutely. Not only will non-medical activities be great for you, but they can also be useful for your application.

Participating in non-medical pursuits helps you cultivate essential soft skills like: 

  • Communication 
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Time management

Leadership roles in student organizations, community service, or participation in sports teams can all lead to self-improvement.These experiences will shape your character and resilience, vital attributes for success in medical school and a future medical career.

Participating in extracurricular activities also helps you develop interpersonal skills by exposing you to a variety of viewpoints and backgrounds. This interaction enhances the ability to relate to others, a crucial aspect of patient care and collaboration within healthcare teams.

But not everything is about skill development; non-medical activities offer a sanctuary for stress relief and wellness. Pursuing hobbies or interests outside of academia gives you a much-needed break, promotes mental health, and prevents burnout.

Craft a Winning Application With Premed Catalyst

This article provides an overview of the contents of your medical school application. But the reality is that the whole process is so much more than just raking up the extracurricular hours.

At Premed Catalyst, we know that admission is a complicated process, and we also understand how overwhelming it can look. Crafting a compelling narrative and purposeful journey is the key, and we certainly know how to do it.

At Premed Catalyst, we strive to maximize premed students' options for medical school. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, from your first inquiry into extracurricular activities to your first application letter.

Our program is tailor-made to your needs; you will receive personalized mentorship and advice, plus access to exclusive resources. To start, just fill out a short form, and you’ll be on the path to your dream career in medicine.