Gaining Meaningful Experiences
Many students believe that they must complete a "checklist" of experiences that often include:
- Shadowing/Volunteering/Internship
- Research
- Joining Clubs
- Study Abroad
These are wonderful activities to consider, but when deciding what to do, please keep one idea in mind: What you do with your time helps define who you are in your application. Experiences are part of a personal brand. Medical schools will learn what applicants care about and who they are through experiences that align with interests, goals and passions.
There are many ways to gain experiences through campus resources, including:
- Health Related Internships through the Internship and Career Center (ICC)
- Create your own community service project using the ICC Community Service Database
- Opportunities to publish and present research through the Undergraduate Research Center
- Certificate Programs in Student Leadership
- Global Health Internships through Study Abroad
- Health Related Internships through the Washington Program
- Becoming a Peer Advisor through one of many departments, including the First Year Experience Office
- Becoming a Tutor through the many programs in SASC
- Participate in the planning of Cultural Events on campus
- Join or create a student club
- Volunteer at a Student Run Clinic
Be sure to keep track of your experiences using this helpful template. Whatever you choose to do, be sure you are dedicated, passionate about it, and motivated to pursue it for the right reason!
Choosing Experiences
Clinical Experiences