Believe it or not I am going to keep this post shorter than Danielle’s (for once), while feeding your prepubescent premed mind with the fundamental information it needs. In the meantime, think of this post like a box of All-Bran Buds cereal – the initial taste in your mouth will be something similar to horse-feed; but after several hours of digestion, your bowels (and mind) will thank you.
Now, if you take anything from this post, in addition to the importance of dietary fiber, remember this: Do what you enjoy, and enjoy what you do. It’s that simple.
There is no secret to achieving a high score on the “non-academic” or “activities” section of your medical school application. Contrary to what Danielle says, not everyone who applies to medical school is smart, has an adequate GPA and does well on the MCAT. How do I know this? I’m one of those individuals. While I’d like to think I’m “smart,” my GPA and MCAT suggest otherwise. But what I do have is an extracurricular resume that is fourth to curing cancer… but not third or second to. Finding the cure for cancer and AIDS, along with instituting world peace, probably dominate the forefront of extracurricular supremacy.
In short, pursuing interests outside of work (and school) act as outlets which aid in continued healthy mental and physical development. This fosters fresh perspectives throughout your schooling and career, resulting in an enthusiastic work environment. As such, when it comes to choosing what to do with your spare time; pursue your interests, seek out new endeavours, and do whatever stokes that fire breathing within. After that, success is …almost… a cakewalk.
Having said that, I am not going to tell you what you should specifically do for extracurriculars; because as Peter Griffin once said: “What might be right for you may not be right for some. You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have…” all that I have to say!
- Jeff
- Jeff
