The Autobiographical or Character sketch is an important part of the medical school application process. It covers work, research, volunteering, awards, and extracurriculars. Volunteering and staying involved in your favorite hobbies is a great way to fill out the openings in your sketch. Be sure to keep information of all your contacts in order to complete your sketch quickly and efficiently.
As soon as possible. Medical schools love to see continuity. If you enjoy certain activities, continue to be involved in them throughout your university career. If you used to play soccer in high school, try intramurals in University.
Do what you love to do and do lots of it. Make time for the things you enjoy and integrate them into your schedule. The activities you pursue should reflect leadership and contribution to society. Doctors are the leaders in the medical community, so admissions committees like students that prove their leadership skills such as being a teaching assistant or taking on a supervisory role.
Sports facilities, hospitals, research centers, schools, old age homes - anywhere that grabs your interest will be perfect. While volunteering at a health-related facility is not absolutely necessary, it can help you determine if you are comfortable in that type of setting and can be an asset when applying to medical school.
Many medical schools also like to see that students have research experience, as it shows that you like to learn new things. Being able to work part-time while attending school is another positive attribute to show that you can handle multiple activities at once.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute