When applying to medical school, extracurricular activities are more than just résumé fillers—they’re essential for showcasing your dedication, leadership, and passion for medicine. Admissions committees want to see that you’ve actively engaged with experiences that have prepared you for the challenges of medical school and beyond. Here are the top extracurriculars that can give your application a significant boost. 

If you're a student aspiring to medical school, you know how crucial it is to stand out in a competitive applicant pool. AcceptMed is here to help you navigate every step of the application process, from crafting a compelling personal statement to selecting the right extracurriculars. With a team of former admissions officers and expert advisors, AcceptMed provides personalized guidance tailored to highlight your strengths and tell your unique story.

‍

1. Clinical Volunteering 

Nothing demonstrates your commitment to medicine better than real-world experience in a healthcare setting. Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or community health centers shows admissions committees that you’ve had direct exposure to patient care and understand the realities of working in the field. 

Why it matters: 

Demonstrates compassion and dedication to helping others 

Shows you're comfortable in healthcare environments 

Provides valuable insight into the day-to-day work of healthcare professionals 

Pro Tip: Choose roles that allow for patient interaction, like helping in a free clinic or working in a nursing home. These experiences provide rich stories for your personal statement and interviews. 

‍

2. Shadowing Physicians 

Shadowing doctors gives you a first-hand look at the profession. It shows admissions committees that you’ve seen what doctors do day in and day out—and you’re still eager to pursue the career. Try to shadow in different specialties to get a well-rounded understanding of the medical field. 

Why it matters: 

Provides direct insight into the physician’s role and responsibilities 

Helps confirm your interest in a career in medicine 

Exposes you to different medical specialties 

Pro Tip: Make the most of your shadowing by asking thoughtful questions and reflecting on what you learn. Keep a journal of your experiences—it can help when writing your personal statement. 

‍

3. Research Experience 

Research is a great way to show your scientific curiosity and analytical thinking skills. Whether it’s basic science research, clinical research, or public health studies, being involved in research projects demonstrates that you’re invested in the advancement of medical knowledge. 

Why it matters:

Highlights your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities 

Shows that you can handle complex scientific concepts 

Prepares you for the research-heavy nature of medical school 

Pro Tip: Seek opportunities to present or publish your research. Having your name on a paper or presenting at a conference can significantly strengthen your application. 

‍

4. Leadership Roles 

Medical schools look for candidates who can lead, inspire, and take initiative. Whether you’re leading a student organization, heading a volunteer project, or organizing a campus event, leadership experience is a strong indicator that you can handle the pressures and responsibilities of being a physician. 

Why it matters: 

Demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and the ability to work with a team Shows that you’re capable of handling leadership roles in healthcare 

Enhances your ability to communicate effectively and manage resources 

Pro Tip: Don’t just join organizations—aim for leadership positions where you can make a tangible impact. Lead a fundraising campaign, start a health initiative, or organize an outreach program. 

‍

5. Community Service and Outreach 

Commitment to service is at the heart of medicine. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who are deeply invested in giving back to their communities, especially to underserved or vulnerable populations. Whether it’s organizing health fairs, tutoring, or mentoring, community service shows your dedication to making a difference. 

Why it matters: 

Shows that you are driven by service and social responsibility 

Reflects empathy and the desire to improve the lives of others 

Provides valuable experience working with diverse communities 

Pro Tip: Focus on long-term service commitments rather than one-off events. Long-term projects show that you’re committed and capable of making a lasting impact. 

‍

6. Teaching and Mentorship 

Being able to teach others is a valuable skill in medicine, whether you’re educating patients or guiding medical students as a future resident. Tutoring, mentoring younger students, or leading workshops are all ways to highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. 

Why it matters: 

Shows your communication and interpersonal skills 

Demonstrates leadership and a willingness to help others learn

Prepares you for the educational component of medicine 

Pro Tip: Tutoring science or healthcare-related subjects is a plus, as it aligns with your medical knowledge and interest. 

‍

7. Hobbies and Personal Interests 

While clinical experience and leadership are crucial, don’t underestimate the value of non-medical extracurriculars. Hobbies and interests—whether it’s playing an instrument, painting, running marathons, or hiking—add depth to your application and show that you’re a well-rounded individual. 

Why it matters: 

Shows balance between academics and personal life 

Demonstrates discipline, commitment, and time management 

Provides a unique talking point during interviews 

Pro Tip: Choose hobbies that showcase qualities like discipline, creativity, or teamwork. Activities like sports or music, for example, often demonstrate dedication and the ability to handle pressure—qualities that translate well into a medical career. 

‍

8. Global Health or Mission Trips 

Experiences that expose you to healthcare in other countries or underserved communities can be transformative. If you have the opportunity to participate in global health work or medical mission trips, it shows your commitment to healthcare on a global scale and your interest in addressing health disparities. 

Why it matters: 

Demonstrates cultural competency and adaptability 

Highlights your commitment to serving underserved populations 

Offers valuable clinical experience in challenging environments 

Pro Tip: Reflect deeply on what you learned during these experiences and how they shaped your perspective on healthcare. Admissions committees value self-awareness. 

‍

Extracurricular activities are a vital component of a competitive med school application. Aim for experiences that not only align with your interests but also allow you to develop skills like leadership, empathy, and resilience. Remember, quality is more important than quantity—depth and impact matter more than simply checking boxes.