Medical School: many people want to attend, few are admitted. So, what can you do to set yourself apart? And what resources can you find in Raleigh to assist you in attaining that acceptance letter? Whether conducting research, shadowing, or volunteering, N.C. State is surrounded by numerous opportunities to not only strengthen your resume, but also allow students to attain the experience necessary for medical and other professional schools.
Research is one essential aspect of a CALS student’s experience: it emphasizes discovery-based instruction to students not attainable in lecture halls. Conveniently, N.C. State is located adjacent to Research Triangle Park. RTP harbors many honorary individuals, including recipients of the Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes, in addition to winners of the National Science Foundation Award and Presidential Award. Presently spanning 6,971 acres, Research Triangle Park is considered a “center of innovation.” This provides NC State students with an awesome (and convenient) opportunity to gain unique, discovery-based education through hands-on instruction.
If you are seeking shadowing experience or internships, NCSU is located a mere 4 miles from REX Hospital, and within 10 miles of WakeMed Hospital. If you want to branch out and experience individual practices, Raleigh is filled with fine facilities at which you can expand your outlook on medicine. I currently shadow an attending physician in WakeMed’s Emergency Department. The diversity of illnesses and interactions with patients I witness in just an eight hour day is amazing. Dr. Saad advises me to “doctor hop,” allowing me to not only observe a variety of patients but also a variety of physician’s diagnostic methods of treatment. Whether grabbing lunch with a doctor and discussing different aspects of medicine, or learning what to look for on a CT scan or X-ray, the physicians and faculty at WakeMed have significantly strengthened my knowledge of the medical field.
Volunteer opportunities in Raleigh are also very prevalent. There are countless organizations in need of assistance, and they are more than happy to receive help from N.C. State students. Students can discover and learn more about these volunteer opportunities through on-campus clubs, the CALS Career Services Office, and the CSLEPS (Center for Student Leadership, Ethics, and Public Service) website. These resources can all help you find the volunteer program that is right for you. I utilized the CSLEPS website and began volunteering at the medical clinic at Urban Ministries over a year ago.
So yes, the competition for acceptance to Medical School is tough. Fortunately, N.C. State and Raleigh have more resources than you can imagine, helping you create your own unique resume and compete with the very best applicants.
About Us
- CALS Ambassadors
- We are Outreach Advisor Ambassadors who are specially trained to work with prospective students and represent the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We assist with recruiting events and school outreach including college and career fairs and our Spend-a-Day-at-State program. We also participate in commodity field days, trade and farm shows, alumni board meetings, Dean's tours, and legislative events. Be sure to read all of our blog pages! Do you have a question or want more information about CALS or NCSU? PLEASE email us at cals_ambassadors@ncsu.edu as we would love to hear from you!