<p>And yes, officer would certainly count as leadership. </p>
<p>Leadership may perhaps not be considered as important as volunteering and shadowing, however the fact of the matter is that medical schools want to see it, because it tells them quite a bit about the applicant. Another reason leadership is often highlighted is because it’s the one area many applicants end up lacking; many applicants have stellar numbers along with plenty of volunteering, shadowing and research. However, leadership is usually absent in the applications of many of these individuals. Leadership is one way to sort of “stand out” from the crowd.</p>
<p>Basically, it may be better overall, but will not replace essential activities such as clinical experience and community service.</p>
<p>^I agree. And, like it or not, physicians are regarded as leaders in society. Many physicians end up in leadership roles (on boards, opening a private practice, in research labs, government roles…) so I think it makes sense that med schools value leadership. Med schools aren’t training med students, they’re training physicians, so demonstrated experience in areas that are important for physicians are, by extension, important to med schools.</p>
<p>(Sports captain = leadership, in my opinion. Athlete does not–I’d put athlete under extracurriculars.)</p>
<p>Your question is a timely one. The checklist is really referring to my question. It is not that easy trying to cover all these activities (leadership experience, tutoring, research, volunteering, and shadowing) in a meaningful way + solid GPA and MCAT by the end of junior year.</p>
<p>I imagine leadership in any area is valued. Afterall, doctors don’t just lead on science issues. Healthcare policy–that’s more politics than medicine nowadays.</p>
<p>I’m a complete newbie here. Would ROTC leadership roles count for this leadership? DS is pre-med and I’m trying to get smart on what all he needs to have a good application. He is currently a Sophomore.</p>