One of the most common questions I get from premedical students is "What extracurricular activities should I do to get into medical school?" Though there are definitely some "check the box" items that all medical school hopefuls should complete, I generally offer this advice to my mentees:

Do what you love, and do it excellently!

Instead of thinking about what will get you into medical school, think about what you like doing and what brings you joy! As a result, you'll either 1) have amazing experiences to share in your medical school application and personal statement or 2) realize there's something other than medicine that's best for you.

The Premed Extracurricular Activity Checklist

As much as I hate to admit it, there is, unfortunately, a checklist of extracurricular activities for premeds. After all, there has to be some systematic way for the admissions committees to assess your commitment to and potential aptitude in the field of medicine. The following are the "required" extracurricular activities for premeds. I put required in quotes because there's nowhere on the applications or school websites that will say these points are required, but I've definitely seen students get dinged in their application for not having these three components:

1. Shadowing

2. Research

3. Community Service

There's neither a preset number of shadowing or community service hours nor a specific number of research publications that guarantees medical school admission. Rather, my experience on the medical school admissions committee at my medical school taught me that the schools are often just looking for genuine, demonstrated interest in each of these endeavors. Shadowing allows you the chance to see if you can actually envision yourself working as a doctor. How can you truly explain why you want to be a doctor if you've never spent time with one to see what the role is like? Research is a means of assessing your ability to create, research, and discuss a scientific inquiry. Much of the diagnosis and treatment process of medicine requires some of the same inquisitiveness that is required to successfully write an abstract or do a poster presentation. Lastly, community service shows that you care about more than yourself. By working with under-resourced populations, whether through tutoring, food banks, free clinics, etc., you can show admissions committees that you care about helping others as much as you write about it in your personal statement.

Although there are these few "requirements" for applying to medical school, the remainder of your application is up for you to create and design to match your interests. Focus on the things that energize you!

Out-of-the-Box Extracurricular Activities for Premeds

1. Science

If you're applying to medical school, you probably like science to some extent. You might not be destined to complete a Ph.D. in addition to your MD, but you generally enjoy studying the topics of biology, psychology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and more. If science is really your jam, then GET INTO IT! Like, really really go after it. There are so many avenues through which undergraduate students can get involved in research. This doesn't mean that you have to go the traditional bench research route. With science-based extracurriculars, you can still think outside of the box! Are you interested in global health? Disparities in medicine? Medical education? There are tons of ways to get involved in research across a variety of disciplines. Take the time to find what's right for you.

2. Humanities & Arts

My college experience had a very heavy arts bend. If you are someone who enjoys theatre, journalism, fashion, or music, don't think that you have to stifle these interests to get into medical school. On the contrary, feel free to explore these interests broadly. Sign up for your school newspaper.  Start a blog! Audition for that role in the upcoming musical. Take a photography course. Spend a summer abroad learning a new language. All of these kinds of activities, though not obviously related to medicine, help to increase the depth of your medical school application by allowing you to have experiences that grow you into a WHOLE PERSON. In the long run, your patients will most appreciate the doctors who can relate to them on interesting life experiences over the doctor who simply spews out the facts.

3. Business

Have you always wondered what it's like to work in the business world? Do you have a knack for finance? Undergrad is a great opportunity for you to get work experience in Corporate America. Whether you're interested in consulting, banking, marketing, accounting, or social media management, summer internships during college represent a great way for you to make some real money, while gaining even more real work experience.

More than that, college is also a great time to try your hand at entrepreneurship. Maybe you'll be the next Mark Zuckerberg and drop out after discovering a brilliant idea! Or maybe you'll just get some great learning experiences to fuel a life-long desire to build and create your own ventures later on. Either way, the safety nets of college make it a great time to try your hand at being your own boss.

4. Social

Don't forget that college is a chance for you to have fun! There are tons of different ways to build your social networks and meet really cool people. Moreover, you can use these same social networks to create leadership and service opportunities for yourself. Are you a member of a sorority, fraternity, or other social organization? Think about taking on a leadership position to help set the tone for the club and learn about people and project management. Are you the responsible one in your friend group? Becoming an RA can help you to meet more people, show that you're reliable, and you can make some money and live for free while you're at it!

What does it look like to pursue your passions excellently?

1. Be a leader

2. Be a change maker

3. Help others

4. Execute on your visions

5. Go above and beyond

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At the end of the day, I hope you remember that there is no perfect set of extracurricular activities for premeds. Rather, college is a time for you to explore your interests, learn about your self, and maybe discover new passions. Learning to be the greatest version of your authentic self is incredibly more important than trying to fit some non-existent mold of the "perfect medical school applicant."

Peace and blessings,

Atasha Jordan, MD, MBA

P.S. As a reminder, you can check out the rest of the Premed Corner series here!