Warning: semi- sassy post.
I tutor a kid in gen chem, and he is actually a really nice guy, but 1) he LOVES to randomly start conversations with other science majors about why evolution is wrong, and is pretty much completely close-minded to listening to counter-arguments. so there's that.
Second, he studies ALL the time. Now, let it be known that I have a great appreciation for people who aren't "naturally intelligent" and thus have to sometimes put in that extra effort (compared to others) in order to succeed. HOWEVER, when I say that he studies all the time, I mean that's preeetty much the ONLY thing he does, aside from attend class, eat, and sleep.
As per his own account, he has not had ANY experience with
--shadowing
--medical OR non-medical volunteering (at least since coming to college- he is a sophomore)
--paid employment.
(He just recently began a small research project, as an extra thing with
myyyyy research advisor, after I went out of my way to introduce them and ask if he had any projects this guy could help out on). He's really excited to be starting research at "a younger age than the majority of pre-meds" (not sure if that's true, but also-- you're welcome dude).
But when I gently remind him to "start getting your foot in the door with these other things too", and to not under-estimate the importance of volunteering, etc. etc., he just keeps bringing up the fact that
2 labs in one semester is a lot to handle, so he has to put all his focus into that.
typically, this then leads me into a moment of silence, as I force myself to keep a neutral expression and refrain from making any scoffing sounds
and without fail, he follows this up with the comment "but my parents are taking me to africa this summer, sooooo that'll look pretty good on my app when I apply."