Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer 2025
Written by: Tressa Huizinga, Pre-Health Peer Advisor
The semester is coming to an end, and I am sure most of you are starting to make plans
for this summer. While the summer is a great time to take a break from school, it
is also a great time to strengthen your application since you most likely have more
time! Below are some opportunities you may consider adding to your summer plans.
Gain Clinical Experience
Many pre-health tracks require some number of clinical experiences. Even if your pre-health
track does not require clinical experiences, I suggest that you get some exposure.
I have learned so much not only about healthcare through my clinical experiences,
but I have also learned so many things about myself and have made many connections!
When looking for clinical experience, it might be a good idea to consider getting
a certification to become an MA, CNA, EMT, etc. Not all clinical jobs require certifications,
but summer is a great time to get certifications and gain experiences you can add
to your application!
Gain Volunteer Experience
There are tons of volunteer opportunities over the summer! Volunteering is a great
way to show professional schools your dedication and passion for helping others. When
looking for volunteer opportunities, make sure that it is something you are passionate
about so that, when you are reflecting on your experiences in your application, the
people reviewing it can
truly see your passion. If you’re not sure where to find volunteer opportunities check
out VolunteerMatch.
Gain Shadowing Experiences
Getting shadowing experiences over the summer is also a great idea. It is usually
easier to find a time that works best for you and the provider because you most likely
don’t have as heavy of a class schedule, or no classes at all. Shadowing is important
so that you see what the day-to-day looks like in the profession, and that you can
truly see yourself in that role. Shadowing is also a great way to make connections!
Prepare for MCAT/DAT/OAT/GRE/ETC.
If the professional school you are applying to requires an entrance exam, summer is
a great time to start preparing. If you’re interested, start looking at different
prep courses to help guide your studies. Make an appointment with a Pre-Health Advisor
if you have any questions about preparing for these exams!
Research Programs
Maybe you don’t need to prepare for an entrance exam quite yet. Summer is a great
time to start researching the programs you’re interested in. You most likely have
a year of college under your belt and might have a better idea of where you would
like to end up for professional school. Start researching programs in different areas
you’re interested in.
Create a spreadsheet and write down the different prerequisite courses, the amount
of volunteer or patient contact hours needed, the cost of attendance, etc. for your
top schools.
Take Time for Yourself!
While clinical experience, volunteering, shadowing, and entrance exams are very important
parts of the application process, continue to do those things outside of healthcare
that bring you joy! Continue your hobbies, maintaining relationships, and taking care
of yourself. Your interests outside of healthcare are things that might get brought
up in interviews, and interviewers love talking about them just as much as your experiences
in healthcare! There are so many ways to build upon your application over the summer,
but there is no “right” way to do it. If you’re unsure about where to start meet with
a Pre-Health advisor to talk about your specific situation. Advisors can give you
more specific information for you and your pre-health track, and they work throughout
the summers so feel free to meet with
them then!
