According to Kaplan Test Prep, the average acceptance rate for medical school in 2015 was only 39.3%. This basically means one thing – it is incredibly competitive. While it is, of course, important to maintain good grades and achieve a high score on the MCAT, there is also a plethora of other ways to make yourself a more competitive applicant. Being a well-balanced student is very important, which can be achieved by participating in a few of the following:

1. Clinical Shadowing

If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to shadow a doctor before medical school, it can be incredibly beneficial. This will allow you to get some experience in a clinical setting, which is very important to have. Shadowing will also give you a glimpse into a doctor’s daily life. It is best to shadow a variety of doctors in different fields of medicine to get an idea of what you would like the most. This can help you decide if you would also like to pursue that career or not.

2. Internship

Having an internship at some point during your undergraduate years can improve your application, as well as your knowledge in a potential medical field. There are many internships that offer an opportunity to participate in a clinical setting, as well as research. You can learn the various aspects of medical research while also seeing how a specific field of medicine operates. It can also take the place of a job, since many internships are paid.

3. Extracurricular Activities

There are a couple of important traits that can be shown through your participation in extracurricular activities. Participating in a science-based activity can show your commitment to the field, as well as an interest in pursuing science outside of the classroom. Choosing to participate in a different type of group is an easy way to show the admissions team your interests outside of science. By being in a couple of different extracurricular groups, it also shows that you have the ability to manage your time well between classes and group meetings/events.

4. Volunteer

Volunteerism is a common aspect between many successful medical students. Becoming a doctor requires a selfless attitude, which can be shown through volunteering in a variety of settings. It can be especially beneficial to volunteer in one setting for a long period of time to demonstrate that you can be committed to giving your time to one organization or group.

5. Life Experience

This is essentially how you spend your time outside of academics or the above opportunities. It is important to show medical schools that you have something to offer them that no other applicant can. This can be achieved through a multitude of ways. Studying abroad or going on a mission trip are just a couple examples of how to gain this experience.