Hey guys,

Great forum you all have here---just found it and wanted to dive in and ask a few questions if you don't mind.

I'm almost done with my sophomore year at UCLA and am majoring in biology but am intending to go to med school after I graduate (I hope!) so I was wondering what kind of experience should I get to show on my applications.

I volunteered at a local blood bank last summer for a couple of months and found that to be very rewarding but i'm not sure whether the admissions committees will want me to have actual hands-on patient interaction like working as an observer or volunteer in some clinic or if working at a place like a blood bank will be enough.

Also, does regular charity work like working at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen show a compassionate and humane side to an applicant or is it better if I just stick with hospital-related extracurriculars?

Thanks guys.