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As described in other sections of our website, health professions educators have been articulating the core competencies that are essential for their fields. Increasingly, they are seeking students who have demonstrated evidence of these skills before applying for admission.

One key element that is gaining increasing attention is experiential learning through participation in community service and involvement in health care contexts and in health-related research. More than in the past, schools are seeking students who have demonstrated a genuine interest and awareness of the field. They also perceive these as wonderful settings to gain some of the interpersonal, intrapersonal, thinking and reasoning, and scientific competencies.  

Before applying to medical school you will need to gain some experience working in a clinical setting. The Health Professions Advising Office and Civic Engagement maintain a directory of health care volunteer opportunities in the greater Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia area. Read the. Set a time to meet with the prehealth advisor to discuss your specific goals and interests, any specific constraints you’re facing, and to consider the types of volunteer experiences that would enable you to offer service to others while exploring your fields of interest.

Civic Engagement

New college students may want to participate in one of the many established community service programs through Civic Engagement, which maintains a database of local volunteer opportunities and a library of interesting and useful publications for students seeking volunteer opportunities. Students volunteering in the greater Philadelphia area are also eligible for partial reimbursement of their transportation costs to and from their service site.

Career Planning

Career Planning provides many resources to help students find summer internships, and the career counselors will assist with resumes, cover letters, and mock interviews. Of particular interest to prehealth students is Career Planning’s extern program. Bryn Mawr College alumnae invite current students to shadow them at work during winter or spring break. Visit Career Planning to fully explore their resources.