When it comes to medical school applications, most students focus on clinical experience, research, and shadowing physicians—and for good reason. Admissions committees want to see that applicants understand what it means to work in medicine. However, the most competitive applicants go beyond the traditional pre-med checklist by engaging in unique extracurriculars that set them apart.

At AcceptMed, we help students craft standout applications by identifying experiences that highlight their unique qualities, passions, and leadership skills. While clinical hours and research are important, medical schools also value diverse experiences that showcase skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.

Teaching and Tutoring: Proving Your Ability to Educate Others

Why It Matters: Medicine is as much about educating patients as it is about diagnosing and treating conditions. Teaching experience shows that you can simplify complex concepts, communicate effectively, and exhibit patience—all essential skills for a future physician.

Examples of Strong Teaching Experiences:

• Tutoring high school or college students in science, math, or writing.
• Serving as a teaching assistant (TA) for a difficult course.
• Leading an MCAT prep group or mentoring younger pre-med students.
• Volunteering for educational outreach programs in underserved communities.

How to Highlight It on Your Application: Instead of just listing “Tutor” in your Work & Activities section, focus on your impact. Did you help struggling students improve their grades? Did you create a new teaching strategy that worked well? Admissions committees want to see evidence of leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills in your experiences.

Crisis Hotline Volunteering: Developing Emotional Intelligence

Why It Matters: Physicians regularly handle high-stress situations, and emotional intelligence is key to delivering compassionate care. Volunteering for a crisis hotline or mental health support service allows you to develop skills in active listening, empathy, and decision-making under pressure.

Examples of Strong Crisis Support Experiences:

• Working for a suicide prevention hotline or mental health crisis text line.
• Volunteering at a domestic violence or sexual assault support center.
• Assisting in grief counseling programs.

How to Highlight It on Your Application: Focus on the depth of the experience, not just the number of hours. Explain how handling difficult conversations helped you grow as a communicator and future physician.

Medical Writing and Science Communication: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Why It Matters: Physicians not only diagnose and treat patients but also educate the public on important health issues. Writing about medicine, research, or health policy demonstrates intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and the ability to translate complex ideas for a broader audience.

Examples of Strong Medical Writing Experiences:

• Writing articles on medical topics for school newspapers, blogs, or online publications.
• Contributing to science magazines or healthcare-focused newsletters.
• Starting a social media page or podcast focused on medical education or public health.

How to Highlight It on Your Application: Show how your work has had an impact—did your articles reach a large audience? Did you break down a complex health issue in a way that improved public understanding? These details can make your application stand out.

Leadership in Non-Medical Clubs and Organizations

Why It Matters: Leadership is one of the most sought-after qualities in a medical school applicant. However, leadership doesn’t have to come from a pre-med club. In fact, leading in a non-medical setting can make your application more memorable.

Examples of Strong Leadership Roles:

• Holding an executive position in a cultural, sports, or debate club.
• Organizing fundraising events or leading student government initiatives.
• Starting your own club or organization related to a personal passion.

How to Highlight It on Your Application: Medical schools want leaders who take initiative. Don’t just list your title—explain the challenges you overcame, the impact you made, and how it shaped your ability to lead.

Hands-On Community Service: Showing Your Commitment to Service

Why It Matters: Medicine is a service profession, and direct community engagement shows that you’re genuinely committed to helping others. Medical schools appreciate applicants who have gone beyond clinical environments to serve their communities.

Examples of Strong Community Service Experiences:

• Volunteering in homeless shelters or food banks.
• Helping refugees, immigrants, or underprivileged youth gain access to education or healthcare.
• Participating in international service trips (if they involve sustainable and ethical service).

How to Highlight It on Your Application: Focus on long-term commitment rather than one-time experiences. Schools want to see that service is part of your core values, not just a box you’re checking for applications.

Public Health Initiatives: Showing Interest in System-Level Change

Why It Matters: Medical schools increasingly value applicants who understand public health issues, including health disparities, preventive care, and policy change. Involvement in public health demonstrates big-picture thinking and a proactive mindset.

Examples of Strong Public Health Experiences:

• Conducting public health research on issues like vaccine hesitancy or access to care.
• Advocating for health policy changes through student organizations.
• Developing community-based health initiatives, such as a free screening program.

How to Highlight It on Your Application: Medical schools value students who want to make a systemic impact on healthcare. If you’ve led public health projects, explain their scope, goals, and outcomes.

Choosing the Right Extracurriculars to Strengthen Your Application

• The best med school applicants don’t just check off boxes—they build a well-rounded story that highlights their strengths, passions, and leadership.
• Extracurriculars like teaching, crisis volunteering, science communication, leadership, and community service can make your application stand out.
• Depth matters more than quantity—focus on meaningful involvement rather than spreading yourself too thin.
• Showcase the impact of your experiences in your AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS Work & Activities section, emphasizing leadership, growth, and the skills you developed.