Do extracurriculars matter in med school? Am I wasting my time?

Hi! I am a first year medical student and I recently did some digging up on Foundation Year, and it says that in order to get the preferred placement, extra curriculars don't matter? I have been elected as MUN president and have been actively trying to be involved in many clubs and sports, but now I am doubting whether it is all necessary? Are these things we can put into CVs when applying for jobs or are the only things employers care about the number of publications I have done and number of internships? I know its early for me to think about this but I would much rather know now than worry about it in 5th year!

Thank you for your help! Much appreciated!

For foundation, you don't get a CV. You get an electronic form where you need to tick boxes against publications, prizes, etc.

Extra-curricular things might help you at specialty application level for showing things like leadership etc, but just as when you were applying for medical school, ECs are not supposed to be something you do to win points. They're supposed to be the things that help you develop as a person regardless of your professional identity, and things that you do for fun, that keep you sane in the midst of studying/working.

Thank you! So it would be best to focus on the grades and just do these activities more for fun than competition? I won't get penalized if I don't excel in any of these ECs, would I? Thanks again!

If you're a grad don't even bother though - you'll never repay it

Last estimate was £60k+, FML I welcome Debt Mountain.

I have a friend who's just starting grad med - he's looking at something like £130k on graduation