Get Involved
College is about more than academics. Getting involved outside the classroom helps you build meaningful relationships, explore your interests, develop new skills, and grow as a future healthcare professional.
UConn offers hundreds of student organizations, service opportunities, and leadership experiences. We encourage you to pursue activities that genuinely interest you—whether that's mentoring youth, working with older adults, advocating for health equity, participating in research, or joining a cultural, recreational, or professional organization. The experiences that matter most are the ones that matter to you.
Looking for health-related organizations? Explore our list of health professions student groups by clicking here!
*Want your organization to be featured on this list? Email our office at premed_predental@uconn.edu with the contact information and a short description that you'd like us to share!*
It's also important to remember that not all valuable experiences are healthcare-related. Medical, dental, PA, and other health professions programs value applicants who demonstrate a commitment to serving others in any setting. Community service, tutoring, coaching, or volunteering with causes you're passionate about can be just as impactful as clinical involvement because they help show admissions committees what motivates you and how you contribute to your community.
Don't see an organization that matches your interests? Consider starting one! UConn Student Activities provides resources to help students create new organizations and bring their ideas to campus.
Reflect on your Experiences
Simply participating in activities isn't enough—take time to reflect on what you're learning from each experience. How are you growing? What challenges have you overcome? Which core competencies are you developing?
Regular reflection will help you better understand your experiences and prepare you to write compelling application essays and discuss your journey during interviews. All experiences can be tied back the core competencies in some way!
Seek Leadership Opportunities
Leadership isn't about holding the highest title—it's about making a positive impact.
Whether you serve as the president of an organization, organize a fundraiser, mentor new members, or step up to solve a problem, leadership can be demonstrated in countless ways. These experiences help you develop skills (i.e. core competencies) that are essential in healthcare, including communication, teamwork, initiative, and the ability to guide and support others.
As you become involved on campus and in your community, look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities and contribute in meaningful ways. Every experience has the potential to help you grow as a future health professional.
Stay Connected
Interested in seeing highlights about fellow pre-health students and alumni, reading features on student groups and campus centers, and staying up-to-date with campus events?
Follow our Instagram (@uconn_premed_predental) so you never miss out on connecting with other Huskies!
To read about the clubs our alumni dedicated themselves during their time on campus, make sure to check out our alumni spotlights! We have spotlights from people that matriculated into almost all of the major health professions, including allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, optometry, and podiatry.