Leadership & Extracurricular Involvement

Because doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and veterinarians are the leaders on a team of healthcare providers, professional schools value leadership skills in applicants. Leadership skills can be developed in a variety of ways, and one does not need to be in an official leadership role to develop these skills. The Division of Student Affairs provides information about leadership skill development opportunities at UMBC. The Center for Democracy and Civic Life also hosts leadership development programs, including STRiVE, a 5-day leadership development program for public purposes, which takes place each year in January.

Students are encouraged to explore student organizations to connect with peers who share their interests. With over 250 campus organizations at UMBC, there is a club or organization for almost any interest area. Please visit the Student Organizations webpage for more information about the student-run organizations at UMBC.

Pre-Health Societies

Pre-health student organizations provide a venue for socializing with students with a shared career interest, and they may organize activities such as volunteer service, presentations from professional school admissions representatives, information sessions about various aspects of preparation for professional school, and more. Students can learn more about student-run pre-professional societies by visiting the relevant pages on myUMBC Groups. Student organization leaders use Groups to communicate information about upcoming meetings, events, resources, and information about the leadership for the group. Some groups will also use Discord or other platforms to communicate with members.

Below are links to the myUMBC Group pages for each of the pre-professional health societies, as well as other student organizations that may be of interest to pre-health students.

Pre-Medical Society

Pre-Dental Society

Pre-Optometry Society

Pre-Veterinary Society