Practical Advice from SOS Admissions

One of the most common questions from students applying to medical school is: “Exactly how many shadowing hours are required?” Unlike concrete admissions factors such as GPA or MCAT scores, shadowing hours can feel a bit ambiguous—but they’re equally important for your application. In this post, we’ll share clear, helpful guidelines on how many shadowing hours you should aim for, explain how shadowing differs from clinical experience, and suggest how you can highlight these experiences effectively when applying.

If you’d prefer personalized support for your medical school application, reach out to SOS Admissions by texting or calling 310-870-5428 or visiting our medical school admissions page.

Medical Student Shadowing a Physician in a Clinical Setting

How Many Shadowing Hours Are Recommended?

There isn’t a fixed universal number, but a good range to aim for is about 100–120 hours. While some schools set exact minimum requirements—often 25, 50, or even 100 hours—many don’t provide specific guidance. At SOS Admissions, we recommend shooting for the upper end of this range if possible, because it shows clear commitment and gives you plenty of meaningful experiences to draw from in essays and interviews.

Do All Medical Schools Require Shadowing?

Not all schools explicitly require shadowing, but admissions committees generally consider it essential. Even when shadowing is optional, having these experiences demonstrates you understand what you’re getting into with a medical career.

Quick tip: Always check the shadowing requirements listed on individual medical school websites—they vary widely!

Why Shadowing Matters (Even if Not Mandatory)

Shadowing gives you a real-world glimpse into the daily life of doctors, beyond textbooks or lectures. It helps you confirm your interest in medicine and gain insights you can discuss in your essays or interviews.

One of our previous students shared:

“Shadowing doctors helped me see how challenging yet rewarding medicine is. It taught me about empathy, teamwork, and dealing with unexpected problems.”

This hands-on insight strengthens your application considerably, even if shadowing isn’t officially required.

How to Ask a Doctor to Shadow Them (Without Awkwardness)

Asking a physician if you can shadow can be intimidating. Most doctors, however, remember their own days as students and are generally welcoming. Here’s a straightforward approach you can use:

“Hello Dr. [Name],
My name is [Your Name]. I’m a pre-med student hoping to gain insights into [specialty]. Would you be open to letting me shadow you briefly to observe your daily routines? I’m flexible regarding dates and would appreciate the opportunity. Thanks very much for your time!”

Should You Shadow Different Specialties?

Absolutely. Shadowing multiple specialties helps you better understand different types of medical practice. It’s useful to explore at least two or three different areas, such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, or surgery, to identify where your interests and strengths align.

Another student described it this way:

“I shadowed doctors in family medicine, oncology, and surgery. It gave me clarity on what I really wanted to pursue.”

Shadowing vs. Clinical Experience: What’s the Real Difference?

It’s easy to confuse these two. Here’s how they differ:

  • Clinical Experience: Hands-on patient interactions, such as working as an EMT, nursing aide, or medical assistant.

  • Shadowing: Observational experiences where you watch doctors perform their duties without directly caring for patients yourself.

Ideally, you want a balanced mix of both shadowing and clinical experiences in your application.

Is Virtual Shadowing Accepted by Medical Schools?

Yes, many medical schools now accept virtual shadowing, especially post-pandemic. However, the preference usually remains in-person experiences. When virtual shadowing is your only option, choose interactive sessions over passive viewing. Verify each school’s specific policy and clearly outline what you learned in your application.

How to Highlight Shadowing Experiences in Your Application

Don’t just list shadowing experiences—make them meaningful. Include them in your:

Talk about specific moments or insights you gained. Mention how shadowing deepened your desire to become a doctor or gave you a clearer perspective on patient care.

FAQs on Shadowing Hours for Medical School

1. Exactly how many hours should I aim for?
Around 100–120 hours generally covers most program expectations.

2. How do I ensure quality shadowing experiences?
Choose experiences that allow active engagement and interaction. Take notes and reflect afterward.

3. Are shadowing hours mandatory at every school?
No, not always—but they’re strongly recommended.

4. How can I find school-specific shadowing requirements?
Visit individual medical school admissions webpages or contact admissions offices directly.

5. Is virtual shadowing recognized?
Usually, yes, but verify directly with schools you’re applying to.

6. What’s the best way to ask a doctor about shadowing?
Be polite, straightforward, and flexible in your request. Most doctors are open to it.

7. Is clinical experience better than shadowing?
Both matter and strengthen your application in different ways. Try to obtain experiences in both areas.

8. As a Canadian student applying to U.S. schools, do I need shadowing hours?
Typically yes, but always confirm individual program guidelines.

9. Where can I find shadowing opportunities?
Reach out to your network, family physicians, college advisors, hospitals, or clinics.

Need Personalized Help with Your Medical School Application?

At SOS Admissions, our dedicated team can help you arrange shadowing experiences, enhance your application, or sharpen your essays. Let us simplify your med school admissions journey.

Best of luck in your journey towards becoming a doctor,
Your Friends at SOS Admissions