<p>What one of the above three has more weight in admissions? For habitat for humanity or the red cross, I would be aiding others in most likely a thrid world country, while for lab reserch I would be working in a research lab at UCSD. Im an incoming junior at UCSD, and I want to give one (mayyybe two) of the above a lot of time and effort. Now, I want to make it clear im not basing what option I will partake in based upon what Med Schools look for, but nontheless it is a factor. Any insight to what would make me the stronest applicant (given I could only do one thing in the title of this thread)? Thank you</p>
<p>*Im taking a quarter off (10 weeks) to do one of these, just havent decided what one yet.</p>
<p>None. You obviously aren’t passionate about any of them since you had to come here and ask. A lot of the activities I take part in have nothing to do with medicine and that has taken me pretty far since I am just naturally interested in it. </p>
<p>As bluedevilmike says the only “extracurricular” you really need is clinical experience, whether this be by shadowing, or volunteering at your hospital, or working with your local ambulance.</p>
<p>“You obviously aren’t passionate about any…” </p>
<p>Aside from your obvious pretentious tone (undeserved of course), I would like to point out you have neither the authority or knowledge to gauge my ambition to help others. I made it quite evident in my thread description, that I was not basing what I do upon what Med schools look for, I am curious if they take into accont my extra volunteer work and if it will be a factor in my admissions.</p>
<p>The only useful thing you said was a quote from someone else…and I thank BDM for that advice.</p>
<p>Well, if you are not passionate about research (something that involves critical thinking), red cross (clinical experience), or habitat for humanity (helping people), then you have to examine your specific motivations for entering medicine. Once you discover what you like about medicine, you can then find activities that help develop those interests.</p>
<p>If you’re not passionate about anything what then is your purpose in life?
If you have no passions, that should be your immediate concern, not medical school admissions…</p>
<p>Then what should he do? Obviously he has to pick a career. Since he’s interested in none of them, I say its fair to pick any career, even medicine.</p>
Ahaha, good one. However I think we should all stop being pretentious and realize that most people do think of their future when assessing what they should be doing. Would you study for SATs because you are passionate about standarized testing? </p>
<p>Nevertheless, I say go for the lab research.</p>
<p>I’d say go with the lab research, because if you happen to find a professor and a lab you enjoy working in, you can probably contribute quite a bit to the project and maybe get your name included in a publication. Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity - it’s difficult to get noted for being a volunteer, unless you spend a huge time commitment or do something particularly noteworthy. </p>
<p>There is nothing particularly bad about wanting to do your best in admissions since medicine is a competitive field, but <em>creativity</em> and <em>passion</em> is the thing that really sets you apart when applying to anything, so maybe think of something different from the norm?</p>
<p>OK, I AM passionate with my desire to HELP others…why else would I want to do the above mentioned activities and go into field which purpose is, by definition, to help others. Is it so wrong to inquire about what activity I can spend my time in, which will allow me to help others while helping futher my future goals? </p>
<p>With that said, this is probably the funniest thing Ive read today, “And what kind of name is “premed4life?” You know who we call premed4life? Med school rejects.”</p>
How can med school rejects be called “premed4life”? If you get rejected then you may keep applying in subsequent years until you’re 50 or 60. In that case, you’re a “premed4life”. But if you decide to find another career and go into that, then you’re no longer a “premed4life”.</p>