Best Medical Extracurriculars for High School Students

Applying to college with aspirations of becoming a doctor requires more than high test scores and a strong GPA. Now, medical school applicants are expected to demonstrate early commitment to the healthcare field, which starts with impressive extracurricular activities in high school. These activities help students build skills, gain insight into the medical profession, and develop a compelling application for both undergraduate and BS/MD programs.

The earlier students begin pursuing medical extracurriculars, the more time they have to gain valuable experience, take on leadership roles, and make informed decisions about their future in medicine. Below, we break down the top activities for high school students who want to build a competitive profile for a medical career.

Volunteer Work in Healthcare Settings

Spending time as a volunteer in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes is a great way for high schoolers to explore the realities of patient care. While most clinical roles for minors are non-medical, these experiences expose students to the healthcare environment and demonstrate dedication to the medical field. They also show commitment to community service and help applicants develop empathy, communication skills, and an understanding of patient care.

Look for formal volunteer programs offered by local hospitals or health networks. Admissions committees value applicants who show consistent engagement over time, so volunteering throughout multiple years of high school can be a key part of your story.

Summer Program Extracurriculars for Future Healthcare Professionals

Enrolling in a summer program designed for students interested in medicine is one of the best ways to explore different aspects of the healthcare field. These programs, offered by universities and medical schools across the United States, provide classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and sometimes even clinical exposure.

Top programs, such as those affiliated with medical schools, give students a chance to work on simulations, attend lectures by healthcare professionals, and explore topics like anatomy, public health, or medical ethics. Some may include research experience or offer opportunities for students to present projects, which will add depth to a college application.

Programs affiliated with organizations like the World Health Organization, universities, or state hospital networks are especially valuable and may give students early exposure to global health or underserved populations.

Shadowing Medical Professionals

Shadowing doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals helps students observe real-world healthcare in action. While many high school students won’t be able to perform clinical tasks, they can still learn a great deal about what different medical roles entail. This valuable experience can shape a student’s understanding of specific career paths, from emergency medicine to pediatrics.

Shadowing also demonstrates initiative and maturity. It shows medical school admissions committees that the student has taken active steps to gain firsthand insight into the field of medicine. Keeping a reflective journal about these experiences can be helpful when it comes time to write college and medical school applications.

Participate in HOSA – Future Health Professionals

HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a national student organization dedicated to preparing future healthcare workers. Participation in HOSA allows high school students to develop leadership skills, learn about health careers, and compete in events ranging from medical terminology to public health debates.

Students can run for leadership positions, qualify for national competitions, or complete community service projects related to healthcare. HOSA stands out as one of the most respected extracurricular activities for students aiming to pursue an MD or BS/MD program and shows a high level of engagement in the field.

Research Internships and Labs

Internships in university or hospital research labs provide another excellent path for motivated students. While competitive, such internships offer students a chance to gain early research experience, learn about data analysis, and contribute to ongoing scientific inquiries related to medicine or biology.

Some high schoolers even work on their own research projects with a mentor and present them at science fairs or academic conferences. Research experience helps build a strong foundation in scientific thinking and signals to medical school admissions committees that the student has engaged with complex material beyond the classroom.

Community Health Initiatives and Public Health Projects

Participating in or launching a public health campaign or wellness initiative can be one of the most impactful and creative ways to build a pre-med profile. These projects could involve organizing vaccination awareness events, leading mental health workshops, or developing educational materials on nutrition and disease prevention.

Public health activities allow students to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while engaging with real issues in their communities. These projects also show an early commitment to health equity and systems-based thinking—key values in modern medical education.

Join or Start a Medical Club at School

Starting or joining a school-based medical club can help students dive deeper into medical topics with peers. These clubs often host guest speakers, organize CPR or first aid certification training, and take field trips to local medical centers. They may also connect with local chapters of HOSA or participate in extracurricular healthcare-related competitions.

Taking on a leadership role within a club, such as president or outreach coordinator, shows initiative and the ability to work collaboratively. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who help create opportunities not just for themselves, but also for others with similar interests.

Take College-Level or Online Courses in Health Sciences

Some high school students choose to enroll in college-level biology, chemistry, or health science courses during the summer or school year. These courses can be taken in person or online and may even earn you college credit. Advanced coursework reflects academic rigor and shows you’re serious about preparing for medical school.

Online platforms and university pre-college programs offer opportunities to study bioethics, genetics, epidemiology, and more, allowing students to explore areas of the medical field not typically available in high school curricula.

How Do You Find Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities in Medical Extracurriculars?

Leadership and mentorship roles are some of the best activities to pursue if you’re a high school student preparing for a future in the medical field. These opportunities show colleges, and eventually med schools, that you’re not only committed to your chosen career but also capable of guiding others, communicating effectively, and handling responsibility in high-pressure environments.

To begin, look for leadership roles in existing medical extracurriculars. If you’ve already joined HOSA, volunteered at a hospital, or attended a summer program, ask about ways to take on more responsibility. Can you lead a team, coordinate schedules, or train new volunteers? Taking initiative in these spaces signals maturity and the capacity for personal growth, which admissions committees value highly.

Becoming a Mentor and Finding a Mentor

Mentorship is equally important. As you build experience, consider how you can mentor younger students interested in medicine. At the same time, seek established medical professionals, researchers, or college students on the med school track as mentors who can provide you with guidance. These relationships offer valuable insights and help you prepare for the stress and demands of a future in medicine.

Remember, leadership and mentorship should also involve direct engagement in the healthcare space. Whether you’re helping to manage a clinic schedule or organizing a blood drive, these roles often contribute to your hours of patient exposure, a critical metric for competitive medical school applicants.

College Applicants Can Build a Strong Foundation Early

If you’re dreaming of the medical school of your dreams, the journey starts long before college. By strategically selecting extracurriculars during high school, you can build a foundation of experience, develop your voice in the application process, and signal to admissions committees that you’re serious about pursuing medicine.

From volunteer work and summer programs to research internships and leadership in health-focused organizations, each activity is an opportunity to explore your interests and strengthen your story. Remember, it’s not just about racking up hours—it’s about gaining insight, showing dedication, and making a meaningful impact.

Ready to build a standout pre-med profile? Spark Admissions helps ambitious students plan competitive extracurricular paths that reflect their values and future goals. Contact us today to get started.

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