- Joined
- Jan 22, 2020
- Messages
- 41
- Reaction score
- 28
Hi all,
I am an MS1 who is doing fine in classes, but I have neglected to do any serious extracurriculars until now. I'm concerned I am not doing enough, as I know that even just doing well in classes isn't enough (not at a competitive school). I currently study a decent amount daily, but I don't think I am ready to take on anything like research. This semester, I plan to join one or two student interest groups for a specialty or two I am considering, focus on doing well in classes, and then add extracurriculars like research and actual leadership/volunteering, maybe in the summer. Is this a flawed plan? Do I need to be doing all of these things now? I know that for leadership in some clubs, longevity matters, and so I am worried that starting too late--even now--the sparse leadership opportunities are passing me by.
I do decently well on the exams but know there is much room for improvement based on my study habits, so I am tempted to double down on academics, as I feel like it will be easier for me to distinguish myself there (in clinical years) as opposed to extracurriculars which have never been my strong suit.
Side note:
I could study forever; I feel guilty that I am not doing much compared to my peers doing dual degrees, specific programs, etc, especially with this notion of maximizing efficiency to the point where even just sitting in class instead of 2x-ing feels like a waste. Any tips on "productivity guilt?"
I am an MS1 who is doing fine in classes, but I have neglected to do any serious extracurriculars until now. I'm concerned I am not doing enough, as I know that even just doing well in classes isn't enough (not at a competitive school). I currently study a decent amount daily, but I don't think I am ready to take on anything like research. This semester, I plan to join one or two student interest groups for a specialty or two I am considering, focus on doing well in classes, and then add extracurriculars like research and actual leadership/volunteering, maybe in the summer. Is this a flawed plan? Do I need to be doing all of these things now? I know that for leadership in some clubs, longevity matters, and so I am worried that starting too late--even now--the sparse leadership opportunities are passing me by.
I do decently well on the exams but know there is much room for improvement based on my study habits, so I am tempted to double down on academics, as I feel like it will be easier for me to distinguish myself there (in clinical years) as opposed to extracurriculars which have never been my strong suit.
Side note:
I could study forever; I feel guilty that I am not doing much compared to my peers doing dual degrees, specific programs, etc, especially with this notion of maximizing efficiency to the point where even just sitting in class instead of 2x-ing feels like a waste. Any tips on "productivity guilt?"