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What extracurriculars/activities did you do that resulted you into getting into a well-known college & later law and/or med school?
I'm a high school junior interested in either going the political science route or pre-med route with a focus in neuroscience.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Cynthia!
I love that you’re already thinking ahead—whether it’s law or medicine, getting into a top program is all about showing passion, commitment, and impact. Dina R. already gave some great advice about internships, volunteering, and hands-on experience, so let me build on that with some insights from my own journey.
I remember when I was at your stage, trying to balance academics, extracurriculars, and figuring out what I was really passionate about. It’s easy to get caught up in doing everything, but the real key is depth over breadth—finding something you truly care about and sticking with it long enough to make a real impact.
1. What Really Matters in Extracurriculars?
It’s not about having the longest list of activities. Schools care about:
Commitment – Sticking with something over time shows dedication.
Leadership – Taking initiative, whether that’s organizing an event, mentoring, or starting something new.
Impact – What difference did you make? Numbers, projects, and real-world change stand out.
Passion & Relevance – Activities that genuinely excite you will always be more meaningful than those done just to impress an admissions committee.
2. If You're Interested in Law or political science....
From what I’ve seen, those who thrive in this field usually have strong analytical skills, confidence in public speaking, and a deep interest in societal structures. Here are some extracurriculars that can help:
Debate & Public Speaking – Sharpens argumentation and communication.
Internships at a Law Office / Government Organization – Even small admin roles help you understand the system.
Community Service / Advocacy Work – Passion for justice and policy change stands out.
Writing / Journalism – Clear, persuasive writing is crucial, and publishing articles shows initiative.
Student Government / Leadership Roles – Demonstrates an ability to organize, negotiate, and lead.
3. If You’re Leaning Toward Med
This path is all about curiosity, resilience, and a genuine drive to help others. Many of us started off unsure but found clarity through real-world exposure. But remember you need your passion on this because it can get tough yet it's truly rewarding.
Hospital Volunteering / Shadowing – Firsthand experience with patient care is invaluable.
Research & Lab Work – Getting involved in scientific studies builds analytical skills and patience.
Science Competitions / Health-Related Clubs – Keeps you engaged beyond the classroom.
Community Health Outreach – Volunteering at clinics or public health programs shows compassion and initiative.
Mentorship / Teaching – Tutoring younger students in science or medicine-related topics develops leadership and communication skills.
4. What If You’re Still Deciding Between the Two? 🤔
That’s completely normal. Some people figure it out early; others (like me) need hands-on experiences before finding clarity. If you’re torn between law and medicine, focus on:
Leadership & Initiative – Organizing a project, starting a campaign, or running a club.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Debate, research, or working in a role that challenges you to analyze complex issues.
Real-World Exposure to Both Fields – Internships, volunteering, or shadowing in both areas will give you a clearer picture of what excites you most.
5. Making Your Experiences Stand Out
Show Depth, Not Just Participation – Instead of listing ten things, focus on a few that show real commitment.
Find a Unique Angle – What makes your journey different? A project you led, an impact you made?
Keep Track of Your Growth – Journaling or documenting your experiences will help later when writing applications.
Let Passion Lead, Not Just Strategy – Admissions officers can tell when someone is genuinely invested in something versus just checking a box.
I’ve seen plenty of people start off uncertain, take on different experiences, and eventually find what drives them. The key is staying committed, pushing past challenges, and letting your passion guide you. Whether you end up in a courtroom or an operating room, what will truly make you stand out is how much you care, how much you contribute, and how much you grow along the way.
Hope this helps—feel free to ask anything! You got this and I believe in you mate! 😎
If you're still figuring things out, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to get more clarity: What kind of problems do I love solving—human, ethical, technical, or scientific? Do I enjoy debating and constructing arguments, or do I prefer analyzing data and solving structured problems? Would I rather work with policies and systems that shape society, or directly help people with their health? What kind of work environment excites me—a courtroom, a lab, a hospital, or something else? If You Like… …Building Arguments, Debating, and Thinking About Justice → Try Law Do I enjoy reading and analyzing complex texts (laws, cases, policies)? Can I see myself advocating for others, either in court or in negotiations? Do I enjoy public speaking, writing persuasively, or researching legal frameworks? Am I comfortable with long hours of studying, writing, and interpreting legal documents? …Science, Problem-Solving, and Helping People Physically → Try Medicine Do I enjoy learning about biology, chemistry, and how the human body works? Am I comfortable working in high-pressure environments, like hospitals or emergency situations? Can I see myself dedicating years to studying and training before practicing? Does the idea of directly improving someone’s health excite me?
start journaling your experiences. Sounds simple, but hear me out. As you explore law, medicine, or any other field, take notes on what excites you, what bores you, and what challenges you in a good way. Write down moments that make you think, "I could do this forever," or "This isn’t for me." Over time, you’ll see patterns emerge—what you're drawn to, what drains you, and what fuels your passion. It’s easy to get lost in options, but your gut instincts are valuable. Capture them now, and they’ll help you later when you have to make the big decisions. Many students of my own have done this and was helpful and effective.
And Again.... Reading about law or medicine is one thing, but seeing the day-to-day reality is completely different. Find a way to shadow a lawyer in court or a doctor in a clinic. Even just a day or two can give you insights no textbook or YouTube video can. Pay attention to the energy of the environment, the kind of work they actually do (not just the glamorous parts), and how they interact with people. Does it excite you? Bore you? Stress you out in a good or bad way? Experience is the best way to know if a path is truly right for you.
I love that you’re already thinking ahead—whether it’s law or medicine, getting into a top program is all about showing passion, commitment, and impact. Dina R. already gave some great advice about internships, volunteering, and hands-on experience, so let me build on that with some insights from my own journey.
I remember when I was at your stage, trying to balance academics, extracurriculars, and figuring out what I was really passionate about. It’s easy to get caught up in doing everything, but the real key is depth over breadth—finding something you truly care about and sticking with it long enough to make a real impact.
1. What Really Matters in Extracurriculars?
It’s not about having the longest list of activities. Schools care about:
Commitment – Sticking with something over time shows dedication.
Leadership – Taking initiative, whether that’s organizing an event, mentoring, or starting something new.
Impact – What difference did you make? Numbers, projects, and real-world change stand out.
Passion & Relevance – Activities that genuinely excite you will always be more meaningful than those done just to impress an admissions committee.
2. If You're Interested in Law or political science....
From what I’ve seen, those who thrive in this field usually have strong analytical skills, confidence in public speaking, and a deep interest in societal structures. Here are some extracurriculars that can help:
Debate & Public Speaking – Sharpens argumentation and communication.
Internships at a Law Office / Government Organization – Even small admin roles help you understand the system.
Community Service / Advocacy Work – Passion for justice and policy change stands out.
Writing / Journalism – Clear, persuasive writing is crucial, and publishing articles shows initiative.
Student Government / Leadership Roles – Demonstrates an ability to organize, negotiate, and lead.
3. If You’re Leaning Toward Med
This path is all about curiosity, resilience, and a genuine drive to help others. Many of us started off unsure but found clarity through real-world exposure. But remember you need your passion on this because it can get tough yet it's truly rewarding.
Hospital Volunteering / Shadowing – Firsthand experience with patient care is invaluable.
Research & Lab Work – Getting involved in scientific studies builds analytical skills and patience.
Science Competitions / Health-Related Clubs – Keeps you engaged beyond the classroom.
Community Health Outreach – Volunteering at clinics or public health programs shows compassion and initiative.
Mentorship / Teaching – Tutoring younger students in science or medicine-related topics develops leadership and communication skills.
4. What If You’re Still Deciding Between the Two? 🤔
That’s completely normal. Some people figure it out early; others (like me) need hands-on experiences before finding clarity. If you’re torn between law and medicine, focus on:
Leadership & Initiative – Organizing a project, starting a campaign, or running a club.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Debate, research, or working in a role that challenges you to analyze complex issues.
Real-World Exposure to Both Fields – Internships, volunteering, or shadowing in both areas will give you a clearer picture of what excites you most.
5. Making Your Experiences Stand Out
Show Depth, Not Just Participation – Instead of listing ten things, focus on a few that show real commitment.
Find a Unique Angle – What makes your journey different? A project you led, an impact you made?
Keep Track of Your Growth – Journaling or documenting your experiences will help later when writing applications.
Let Passion Lead, Not Just Strategy – Admissions officers can tell when someone is genuinely invested in something versus just checking a box.
I’ve seen plenty of people start off uncertain, take on different experiences, and eventually find what drives them. The key is staying committed, pushing past challenges, and letting your passion guide you. Whether you end up in a courtroom or an operating room, what will truly make you stand out is how much you care, how much you contribute, and how much you grow along the way.
Hope this helps—feel free to ask anything! You got this and I believe in you mate! 😎
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Cynthia
Thank you, Doc Frick! Your support is like a boost of energy — it keeps the ideas flowing and the inspiration growing. Here's to more shared wisdom and a world that’s constantly changing for the better!
Dr H
Thanks Leo Nine your support means a lot I am happy to have it on this journey.
Dr H
Thank you, Doc Ashley! Your support is always appreciated. Let's keep making strides and sharing the knowledge!
Dr H
You are very welcome Cynthia, I appreciate your kind words dear.
Dr H
Updated
Dina R.’s Answer
Hi, Cynthia!
I always say "begin with the end in mind", so I love that you're already considering your future and preparing to be a desirable candidate when you're ready to apply to programs/jobs.
Since you're in a big city, you might have a lot of opportunities both at your school or off-campus that would tie in nicely to your future goals.
For example, can you volunteer, temp, or intern (even if it's in the mailroom or doing light admin work) at a local law firm so that you can learn the lingo and get an idea of the cases that are being worked on? This is a great way to make connections as well and get your co-workers to keep you in mind after you get your degree as well as understand the differences in specialty practices like family estate law and corporate litigation.
For the med school example, can you volunteer, temp, or intern at local health or community clinics, or with a small medical private practice? Even if, for now, the setting isn't directly related to neuroscience, you may still learn valuable skills like how to manage an electronic health records system, contacting patients to confirm their appointments, and how research/statistics is used in the science profession through grants/programs.
At your school, are there clubs or programs that place students into the community to gain fieldwork experience? If so, consider setting aside at least one weekend day each week during the school year, or more than that each week during the summer/winter breaks (making sure that your schoolwork doesn't get affected, of course).
I always say "begin with the end in mind", so I love that you're already considering your future and preparing to be a desirable candidate when you're ready to apply to programs/jobs.
Since you're in a big city, you might have a lot of opportunities both at your school or off-campus that would tie in nicely to your future goals.
For example, can you volunteer, temp, or intern (even if it's in the mailroom or doing light admin work) at a local law firm so that you can learn the lingo and get an idea of the cases that are being worked on? This is a great way to make connections as well and get your co-workers to keep you in mind after you get your degree as well as understand the differences in specialty practices like family estate law and corporate litigation.
For the med school example, can you volunteer, temp, or intern at local health or community clinics, or with a small medical private practice? Even if, for now, the setting isn't directly related to neuroscience, you may still learn valuable skills like how to manage an electronic health records system, contacting patients to confirm their appointments, and how research/statistics is used in the science profession through grants/programs.
At your school, are there clubs or programs that place students into the community to gain fieldwork experience? If so, consider setting aside at least one weekend day each week during the school year, or more than that each week during the summer/winter breaks (making sure that your schoolwork doesn't get affected, of course).
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Cynthia