Best Extracurriculars For Premed
This article will discuss how you can become the most successful in your science career as a high schooler! It will discuss the best activities you can do and how to make an impact.
Date Published: 8/28/24
Introduction
As a high schooler, you might think that the most you can do is just take science classes. Well, this is simply not true! Colleges want to see that you have made an impact on science and that you are genuinely interested in It! There are many things you can do to show your interest in science/medicine, but the most important thing to know is that you should not just do this for college. You should become the most well-rounded scientifically because it is your passion, and you are happy doing it! The following are the best opportunities for you!
Volunteer
Volunteering as a high schooler shows the initiative that many future places of work and college love to see! It shows that you spent your time helping others just for the good of it!
Volunteering in scientific or medical settings as a high schooler not only demonstrates your passion for these fields but also provides invaluable hands-on experience. Whether you're assisting in a research lab, shadowing healthcare professionals, or participating in community health initiatives, volunteering allows you to gain practical knowledge, develop essential skills, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Additionally, volunteering offers opportunities to network with mentors or like-minded peers and even meet new friends. This could open doors to research opportunities or a future internship. Ultimately, volunteering enables you to make a positive impact on your community while enriching your own educational journey and personal growth.
Internships
Internships might seem impossible to get at a high school, but you would be surprised that there are many all over the country who want you to succeed. There are paid and unpaid internships that both demonstrate your willingness to dive deep into a subject you love. It demonstrates a true passion for science while devoting your time to possible difficult labor.
Additionally, these internships can foster the opportunity for a mentor to write a Recommendation for your college for you. This will further show off your desirable characteristics while providing a thought-provoking experience! Possible Internships include places at local community colleges under a professor, institutions of Health (such as the NIH), healthcare companies (AstraZeneca, Kaiser Permanente, etc.), and more!
Please remember that many internships are considered jobs and are expected to be a full-time commitment. If you plan on doing one in the summer, it is suggested to limit other activities during this time. Also, many are competitive, so it is recommended to apply to many in your area!
Camps, Workshops, Conferences
To many people's surprise, there are also camps/workshops specifically designed for high schoolers to help them learn more about the medical/science community! These workshops show that you were interested in beginning your journey early and wanted to hear more from professionals. They demonstrate compassion for the subject. The best way to find camps in your area is to look up "Science camps in ________" or "Medical workshops in _______"
Another great opportunity is conferences. Conferences are where medical professionals share insights into the field, and you can ask questions. They take place all over the world and demonstrate your thirst for knowledge and continued growth outside the classroom. Many are online and example conferences include The Global Health Conference (Johns Hopkins), National Student Leadership Conference, and HOSA.
Health/Science Related Clubs
While joining a club at your school can show some interest in engaging with peers on current topics, it’s a fairly average choice. On the other hand, creating or leading a club has a much greater impact and makes you stand out more significantly.
Starting or co-leading a club clearly demonstrates initiative and leadership—qualities that are highly valued in college applications. For example, founding a club focused on Current Health Issues can highlight your passion for educating others and raising awareness about global concerns. To start a club, reach out to the faculty member in charge of Student Affairs and secure a teacher to sponsor your club.
Science Fairs - Win
Anyone can participate in a Science Fair, but it shows true leadership and intelligence to win one. Additionally, a Science Fair can create an end goal for a possible project that is science-related, and winning one can show that the project could have an impact on people.
If your school does not offer one, there are many state competitions to join (which are even more competitive), and you can even ask to bring one to your school. Emailing your assistant principal is most likely the best option for beginning a Science Fair at your school!
Shadowing
Shadowing doctors offers a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the daily life of medical professionals. Unlike other extracurriculars, shadowing allows you to observe patient interactions and medical procedures. It shows a proactive approach to exploring your interest in medicine.
To arrange shadowing experiences, start by reaching out to local hospitals, clinics, or healthcare professionals. It’s important to follow any guidelines they have for shadowing, such as confidentiality agreements or vaccination requirements. Shadowing multiple doctors across different specialties can offer a broader perspective and help you determine which areas of medicine most interest you.
Tutoring
Tutoring in science or related subjects is an excellent way to reinforce your own knowledge while helping others succeed. As a tutor, you can improve your communication skills, learn to explain complex concepts, and develop patience.
To begin tutoring, offer your services through your school, community centers, or local tutoring programs. You might also consider starting a tutoring club or offering online tutoring sessions. By taking on a leadership role in tutoring, you can further enhance your application by demonstrating initiative and a commitment to helping others.
Health Initiatives
Participating in public health initiatives can showcase commitment to making a positive impact on a large scale. These activities allow you to address health challenges in your community, likd promoting vaccination awareness, organizing health screenings, or advocating for better nutrition and exercise habits.
To start, look for opportunities with local public health departments, non-profits, or global health organizations. You might also consider starting your own initiative or club focused on a specific health issue. This experience can help develop skills in leadership, communication, and advocacy.
Conclusion
To conclude, you do not need to do ALL of these activities to become the most well-rounded in your interest. Simply doing what you are interested in the most will have the best effect on yourself. I STRONGLY suggest not just doing these things "for college" but because you actually want to. This will lead to a much more enjoyable time throughout your high school experience.
Works Cited
“Volunteering in High School: The Benefits.” CollegeVine, 24 Feb. 2023, www.collegevine.com/livestreams/534/volunteering-in-high-school-the-benefits.
“The Importance of Internships for High School Students.” National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), 12 Mar. 2022, www.nshss.org/blog/the-importance-of-internships-for-high-school-students.
“How to Find High School Research Opportunities.” TeenLife, 15 Apr. 2023, www.teenlife.com/blogs/how-find-high-school-research-opportunities.
“Starting a Club in High School.” Princeton Review, 9 May 2023, www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/starting-a-club-in-high-school.
“Shadowing a Doctor: How to Get Started.” AAMC, 22 Jan. 2023, www.aamc.org/what-we-do/shadowing-doctor-how-to-get-started.
“Benefits of Tutoring: A Guide for High School Students.” Varsity Tutors, 18 Aug. 2023, www.varsitytutors.com/resources/blog/benefits-of-tutoring-guide-for-high-school-students.
“The Role of Public Health Initiatives in High School Education.” American Public Health Association (APHA), 7 June 2023, www.apha.org/role-of-public-health-initiatives-in-high-school-education.
