Leave the hobbies section blank?

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NeedToStudy

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Is it ok to just put nothing on this section?

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I have heard from multiple program directors/residents who review apps/ etc. that this section is actually very important because it is good material to talk about at an interview and more importantly, who wants boring residents at their program? These same people did tell me that they don't expect crazy stuff there (Ie. enjoying summiting mt. everest in my spare time), they want to just hear about what you enjoy doing outside of school/work,( ie. spending time with family, running, fitness, playing with my kids, going to football games).
 
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Is it ok to just put nothing on this section?
This is probably the most important section of your application when it comes to actual discussion topics during interviews. Even if the interviewer reads *nothing* else in your file, they'll glance at your hobbies/interests. I was asked about what I wrote in there at practically every interview, and I didn't even have anything particularly interesting (ex: cooking as a hobby came up numerous times).

You can leave it blank if you want, but you'd be better off putting at least something generic.
 
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I agree with the others: don't leave it blank. It's okay if it's something generic but it gives us something to talk about. For example if you say you enjoy hiking I might mention the numerous hiking paths we have in the area and we can spend a few minutes talking about that.
 
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My chairman actually tells the students to put less in the hobbies section. He thinks it's become bloated and said that if he reads another application that says their hobbies include reading, traveling, and cooking he's going to throw it in the trash (obviously kidding, but trying to get the point across). He says to put stuff in there if it is a legitimate hobby but not to feel the need to fill up space.
 
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My chairman actually tells the students to put less in the hobbies section. He thinks it's become bloated and said that if he reads another application that says their hobbies include reading, traveling, and cooking he's going to throw it in the trash (obviously kidding, but trying to get the point across). He says to put stuff in there if it is a legitimate hobby but not to feel the need to fill up space.
Agreed, there's definitely a limit--I've seen applicants list 20+ items, which gets ridiculous. But it's not good to leave that part of the application blank, either. Everyone should have a something to list that they would be able to talk about (i.e., if you list "reading," expect to be asked about the most recent book you read, favorite authors, etc). The more interesting/memorable the better.
 
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Agreed, there's definitely a limit--I've seen applicants list 20+ items, which gets ridiculous. But it's not good to leave that part of the application blank, either. Everyone should have a something to list that they would be able to talk about (i.e., if you list "reading," expect to be asked about the most recent book you read, favorite authors, etc). The more interesting/memorable the better.


Are programs usually receptive of students putting stuff like Gaming, and watching NBA on list of hobbies and interests
 
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NBA and college basketball consume much of my free time once fall starts. Hopefully program directors don't expect me to have finished Harrison's in my free time.
 
Just be honest and write "Internet porn".
 
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Aren't you even the teeniest bit curious what kind of questions they'd ask? :)
Well I kind of just thought the question was a formality. I didn't realize anybody actually looked at it.
 
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By the way is it bad to put playing video games as a hobby? Or is that just too immature (for those who are wondering I do have other hobbies)?
 
I just put like 3-4 things, short and sweet. I do enjoy gaming, but I didn't put that on there, guess I forgot. I did put investigating roller coaster g-forces through 1st-hand experience. ;)
 
I would be worried about any applicant that does nothing outside of medicine.
 
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By the way is it bad to put playing video games as a hobby? Or is that just too immature (for those who are wondering I do have other hobbies)?

It's a mixed bag. On the positive side, gaming requires focus, good eye-hand coordination, and cooperative skills (for multi-player games) which are all great things to have in a resident. On the negative side, programs may fear ending up with a resident who uses their 10-hour break in duty hours to go on World of Warcraft raids rather than sleep (or read).
 
It's a mixed bag. On the positive side, gaming requires focus, good eye-hand coordination, and cooperative skills (for multi-player games) which are all great things to have in a resident. On the negative side, programs may fear ending up with a resident who uses their 10-hour break in duty hours to go on World of Warcraft raids rather than sleep (or read).
I'm probably not going to put gaming to be honest. My favorite games are Grand theft auto and Batman arkham series. It doesn't really scream "mature" resident if you know what I mean.
 
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