Ellie McCluey | November 14th, 2024

The career trajectory for a pre-med student is far from set in stone. While future consultants intern in New York, aspiring lawyers gain experience on Capitol Hill, and engineers work for a diverse array of engineering firms, the best way for pre-meds to spend their summers is much more ambiguous. Here are some of the best ways to spend your summer.

Conduct research

Research is among one of the most highly valued aspects of an aspiring medical student’s application. According to the AAMC, the average amount of research hours was 1,486 for a matriculant, demonstrating that medical schools ascribe high value to such experience. As a research institution, Vanderbilt offers countless opportunities to get involved in research. For instance, the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program provides a stipend for undergraduate students to conduct 10 weeks of research over the summer. Additionally, the AAMC lists several opportunities through universities across the United States.

Shadow

Shadowing is another hallmark requirement of a medical school application. While the Vanderbilt Pre-Medical Society match program generously offers students the opportunity to shadow physicians throughout the school year, it doesn’t hurt to gain more exposure across several disciplines during the summer. 

Volunteer

Whether it be clinical or non-clinical, volunteering demonstrates a dedication to the well-being of others. The AAMC reports an average of 490 volunteer hours for matriculants. Clinical volunteering opportunities exist in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, emergency departments, and hospice centers. Non-clinical volunteering can be just as valuable, allowing pre-med students to pursue a cause they feel passionate about. 

Prepare for the MCAT

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for all medical school applicants in the United States. Studying typically takes anywhere from 3 to 9 months, depending on the time dedicated weekly. The summer is a perfect time to spend 3 months studying full-time (30-40 hours per week). While it may seem daunting to spend the summer studying, it relieves a huge burden from trying to study concurrently with classes during the school year.

Gain clinical experience

Some of the most rewarding experiences for pre-med students occur through clinical experience. Whether it be working as a scribe, certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, medical assistant, or phlebotomist, the skills and experience garnered through these positions is invaluable: the opportunity to conduct patient interactions first-hand is something that can’t be achieved in other settings. However, getting certified for these positions requires the completion of a class and passing a general examination to acquire a license. Classes are typically offered through community colleges and local hospitals and can last anywhere from a few months to a couple weeks depending on the time of year and the frequency of meeting. 

Attend a summer enrichment program

Enrichment programs provide students with integrated opportunities to shadow physicians, conduct research, and attend workshops aimed at building foundational skills for a career in medicine. For instance, the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is one of the most widely recognized programs, with locations across the United States. The enrichment program provides academic enhancement in the basic sciences and quantitative subjects, teaching unique study strategies for individual and group learning. Additionally, students receive clinical exposure through rotations in healthcare settings and simulations. It also emphasizes career development, financial literacy, and an understanding of health policy through various workshops and seminars.

Do something you love

I encourage you to pursue other passions and interests. Sometimes the best experiences are when you allow one passion to feed the other. Perhaps you’re interested in business and want to pursue an internship in healthcare administration. Maybe you enjoy public policy and decide to work on a local political campaign. Or maybe you decide to start your own business selling artwork. All of the above are valuable experiences that will lead to growth and valuable skills for the medical field and areas beyond. 

Relax

The most valuable thing you can do during the summer is take time to relax. As a pre-med student, the school year is extremely stressful and demanding, and giving yourself a chance to recharge is essential. Take time to pursue hobbies like reading, hiking, traveling, or anything that helps you stay balanced — after all, these activities will be key in helping you navigate the four years after college graduation!

References

Applying to Medical School: AMCAS Application Cycle Numbers for 2023 Matriculated Applicants. 

Summer Health Professions Education Program. Retrieved November 14, 2024, from https://www.shpep.org/ 
VUSRP. Vanderbilt University. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://www.vanderbilt.edu/immersion/vusrp/