Great tips for entering your "Work/Activities" for AMCAS

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Should I mention my current gap-year job? I would normally think to leave it out because it will most likely be asked about in secondaries but I got the job while working with another company last summer and one of the things I worked on was a potential collaboration between both labs, so right now I have it in the description of my former job. I basically said that I also worked on establishing a relationship with Dr. blah blah who wanted to collaborate to test a specific drug. I am now working as a research assistant in his lab... Is this ok?

Also, if I was an exec member on a club that organized a medical mission trip should I just group both experiences in one? The trip was only for a week so it would fall under short term clinical volunteering but the exec position was all year and was leadership...

Thanks so much guys!
 
SodaScientist said:
1) Should I mention my current gap-year job? I would normally think to leave it out because it will most likely be asked about in secondaries but I got the job while working with another company last summer and one of the things I worked on was a potential collaboration between both labs, so right now I have it in the description of my former job. I basically said that I also worked on establishing a relationship with Dr. blah blah who wanted to collaborate to test a specific drug. I am now working as a research assistant in his lab... Is this ok?

2) Also, if I was an exec member on a club that organized a medical mission trip should I just group both experiences in one? The trip was only for a week so it would fall under short term clinical volunteering but the exec position was all year and was leadership...
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1) I think the way you handled it is just fine, since it sounds like you've just begun the new job and can't have much to fill up a new space.

2) If at all possible, I would try to use two spaces for these experiences: Leadership and Community Service. If space is tight, you could add other Short-term Volunteering in that same space and name it accordingly.
 
1. I always hear it's about quality not quantity.

So if I have about 9 meaningful activities on work/activities, is that enough? I feel like there is almost a minimum that one should include...

2. Also, would something like:
'I was in charge of refilling the stock carts and linen carts, assisting physicians by getting them materials they needed, and tending to patients' needs.
I wanted to gain first hand knowledge of the emergency room and wanted to understand the lives of doctors and what they had to go through. In addition, I wanted to help doctors and patients any way I could.
I learned how to communicate with patients, doctors and nurses and studied the proper way doctors interact with patients. I also gained a familiarity with the hospital environment and emergency situations.'

be enough for descriptions? I wanted to answer the what did you do/why did you do it/what did you learn. Should I go into more depth?
I notice a lot of descriptions may be repetitive and overlap.

Thanks again guys.
 
NYYk9005 said:
1. I always hear it's about quality not quantity.

So if I have about 9 meaningful activities on work/activities, is that enough? I feel like there is almost a minimum that one should include...

2. Also, would something like:
'I was in charge of refilling the stock carts and linen carts, assisting physicians by getting them materials they needed, and tending to patients' needs.
I wanted to gain first hand knowledge of the emergency room and wanted to understand the lives of doctors and what they had to go through. In addition, I wanted to help doctors and patients any way I could.
I learned how to communicate with patients, doctors and nurses and studied the proper way doctors interact with patients. I also gained a familiarity with the hospital environment and emergency situations.'

be enough for descriptions? I wanted to answer the what did you do/why did you do it/what did you learn. Should I go into more depth?
I notice a lot of descriptions may be repetitive and overlap.
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1) Nine experiences is fine. Filling up more with fluff will bore the adcomm. Don't do that.

2) You can do your descriptions however you like. Maybe some schools like to know all that stuff. Personally, I feel that adcomms have a very good grasp of what an ER volunteer does and do not need to see this list. If you could prune it, that would be nice. Maybe use bullet points that start with the verb. DON'T go into more depth. Don't be repetitive. be succinct. JMO.
 
Quality over quantity. Remember that cardinal rule. You don't need all 15 slots filled up. That is just the upper max so people don't give like 30 activities. 5 meaningful activities is better then 15 filler non meaningful activities.
 
I apologize if this question or one similar has been asked, but going through this thread is approaching finding a needle in a haystack! When listing shadowing experiences, would it be more appropriate to list it as community service/volunteer clinical or check the "other" box and list it as shadowing? Technically, it is clinical volunteering, but depending on who you ask, isn't viewed as such. Also, would it be more appropriate to name the physician in the contact field or simply list their name in the description? Thanks in advance!
 
UAbio9301 said:
1) When listing shadowing experiences, would it be more appropriate to list it as community service/volunteer clinical or check the "other" box and list it as shadowing? Technically, it is clinical volunteering, but depending on who you ask, isn't viewed as such.

2)Also, would it be more appropriate to name the physician in the contact field or simply list their name in the description? Thanks in advance!
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1) Shadowing should be listed under "Other." Even though you are present voluntarily, shadowing is not a community service as it is of no benefit to anyone but yourself.

2) If you have only shadowed one physician you can put the contact information in the header. If you are listing multiple physicians, then include the contact information in the narrative portion.
 
Catalystik said:
1) Shadowing should be listed under "Other." Even though you are present voluntarily, shadowing is not a community service as it is of no benefit to anyone but yourself.

2) If you have only shadowed one physician you can put the contact information in the header. If you are listing multiple physicians, then include the contact information in the narrative portion.
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Agreed!!! Shadowing is never volunteering. The only time shadowing is considered something other then the OTHER category is when in it is part of a greater or bigger program such that you are combining the two.

For instance, the nationally recognized program Reach Out and Read has volunteer opps all over the country. At my own former school where I did it, they gave students the opportunity to both volunteer and shadow. So if you do both you can combine both under the same category if you choose not to split it.

If you do research which also involve shadowing and its part of the research along with the actual research it would not be other but listed as part of your research stuff unless you split it up.

Otherwise it is always OTHER.
 
I have like two poster presenations (same title but different locations). Can anybody tell me how to list them? It would be great if somebody has done that and can provide a little sample. thnx
 
Brooklyner said:
I have like two poster presenations (same title but different locations). Can anybody tell me how to list them? It would be great if somebody has done that and can provide a little sample.
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Assuming both presentations were not campus events, but rather regional or national meetings, and that you are one of the authors, I would list both under a single Presentations slot, picking the more prestigious of the two meetings for the header's date, location, and name of meeting. At the top of the narrative, put the title of the poster and the authors in proper order. You've already discussed the research behind the poster in Research, so no need to do that again. Say you presented twice and mention the second conference, saying, "Also presented at Conference name, City, and date and that you were the presenter. (If someone else presented, give them credit.)

If you won any contests with the poster, mention it here with name of award.
 
Question 1:
I did three research projects while at school, and all were published in the school journal (no national publications or anything major). Do I need to have two separate sections for the research itself and publications or can I put them together? Also, did presentations for two of them, but again, this was at the school level. Does this count or by presentations they mean at state and national conferences?

Just wondering since research, publications, and presentations are three different sections.

Question 2:

Also, should each research be mentioned separately, or all together. Asking because it was in three different subjects: Bio, Orgo, and Econ.


Question 3:
I am currently shadowing various physicians at a local trauma and burns unit. I have observed MDs in the following specialties: anesthesiology, critical care, general surgery, ENT, cardio, and ortho. Since this is a hospital, half of the doctors are residents while the other half are attendings and fellows. I guess my question is do I write down the name of every doctor I have shadowed or just a general overview of the type of specialties they belong to. Also, most of these doctors are rotating through general surgery and trauma, so even if they are an ENT, I have only seen them working at the trauma clinic (not really as an ENT). Do I write that down or just say I observed an ENT?

I am so confused 🙁
 
knightstale4 said:
Question 1:
I did three research projects while at school, and all were published in the school journal (no national publications or anything major). Do I need to have two separate sections for the research itself and publications or can I put them together? Also, did presentations for two of them, but again, this was at the school level. Does this count or by presentations they mean at state and national conferences?

Just wondering since research, publications, and presentations are three different sections.

Question 2:

Also, should each research be mentioned separately, or all together. Asking because it was in three different subjects: Bio, Orgo, and Econ.


Question 3:
I am currently shadowing various physicians at a local trauma and burns unit. I have observed MDs in the following specialties: anesthesiology, critical care, general surgery, ENT, cardio, and ortho. Since this is a hospital, half of the doctors are residents while the other half are attendings and fellows. I guess my question is do I write down the name of every doctor I have shadowed or just a general overview of the type of specialties they belong to. Also, most of these doctors are rotating through general surgery and trauma, so even if they are an ENT, I have only seen them working at the trauma clinic (not really as an ENT). Do I write that down or just say I observed an ENT?
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1) I would mention both the presentations and the publications at the end of the Research section, and not in their own spaces.

2) Each type of research should be listed separately, in three Research spaces.

3) It would be fine to refer to the residents generically as "resident staff of the hospital rotating through the ER" without naming them individually or their exact training program. Any physician you shadowed for a period of time should be mentioned by name and specialty, ideally, using one as a contact person. Others you met sporadically could be referred to as "staff physicians, and you can list their specialties."
 
Thanks 🙂 A couple more questions. I am determined to finish this today 🙂

Question 1:
I reviewed multiple chapters in a published book, and my name is mentioned in the preface. Should I write that I reviewed this book as part of the Writing Consultant section (since the two jobs were very similar), or give it its own section? The review took about 1 month since we were given chapters over a period of time.

Question 2:
Currently in training to become a Kaplan Bio teacher (meaning I have been hired, but haven't taught a class yet and will not be given a class till the training program is done). Do I list the job in my extracurriculars, or wait till secondaries/ interview?

Question 3:
Lizzy M said in earlier posts to mention why somebody joined a particular activity. Is this necessary? For some reason, I thought that the "why" should be discussed in an interview or secondary.
 
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knightstale4 said:
Question 1:
I reviewed multiple chapters in a published book, and my name is mentioned in the preface. Should I write that I reviewed this book as part of the Writing Consultant section (since the two jobs were very similar), or give it its own section? The review took about 1 month since we were given chapters over a period of time.

Question 2:
Currently in training to become a Kaplan Bio teacher (meaning I have been hired, but haven't taught a class yet and will not be given a class till the training program is done). Do I list the job in my extracurriculars, or wait till secondaries/ interview?

Question 3:
Lizzy M said in earlier posts to mention why somebody joined a particular activity. Is this necessary? For some reason, I thought that the "why" should be discussed in an interview or secondary.
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1) I would mention the book chapter review as part of the writing consultant entry.

2) The Kaplan training alone won't help much, and isn't space-worthy. After you begin the job, you can mention it in Secondaries or in update letters. Or if a Secondary asks for future plans, it's fine to list there.

3) It might occasionally be appropriate, especially if the reason wouldn't be self evident. Do you know what dragon boating is? Neither did I, so I appreciated an explanation. A reason like "It was fun," or "I wanted to learn about health carrer options," or "I wanted to hang with folks who love playing the zitar," are IMO self evident and don't need explanation. If you became a peer drug counselor becasue a family member had a problem, I think that is the sort of thing where your motivation is helpful to know.
 
For awards/honors, should I mention that I graduated Magna Cum Laudae, or is that evident on my transcript?

Thanks!
 
One more question--I am currently in training to be an EMT-Basic and will be certified at the end of August. I already mentioned this in my PS. Is it worth mentioning the training in my Work/Activities section?
 
vegan1 said:
For awards/honors, should I mention that I graduated Magna Cum Laudae, or is that evident on my transcript?
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If you already have an Honors/Awards space, I'd add it in with the others. I would not give Latin honors its own space, as your transcript speaks for itself that you did well academically.
 
vegan1 said:
One more question--I am currently in training to be an EMT-Basic and will be certified at the end of August. I already mentioned this in my PS. Is it worth mentioning the training in my Work/Activities section?
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I would imagine that this is on your transcript as past or future coursework. And honestly, until you use the training in a volunteer or paid position, it doesn't help you much. But other folks with such training have chosen to use a space to give detail about their coursework, especially when it adds significantly to their clinical experience. So you can add it if you wish.
 
One last question: Thanks for answering the previous ones 😀.

What should I write for research description. Can I just use the abstract of the paper?
 
knightstale4 said:
What should I write for research description. Can I just use the abstract of the paper?
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Your first paragraph should be a low-tech summation that a nonscience person could understand and what your contribution was, techniques mastered, and any other comments you feel important. The second paragraph can get into the good stuff for the sake of those in-the-know folks who might read it, but the whole abstract might be too much information, so use your judgement. JMO.
 
Catalystik said:
I would imagine that this is on your transcript as past or future coursework. And honestly, until you use the training in a volunteer or paid position, it doesn't help you much. But other folks with such training have chosen to use a space to give detail about their coursework, especially when it adds significantly to their clinical experience. So you can add it if you wish.
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Thanks for the advice, Catalystik!

I actually had not mentioned the EMT course under my coursework. I'm taking it at a community college, and since the course didn't count towards my degree or anything, I was kind of viewing it as more of an outside activity. I also was under the impression that community college courses are not given much weight as far as coursework goes. Should the class be listed under in progress coursework?
 
Thanks a ton Catalystik!

I have another question, when discussing my volunteer experience at a Children's hospital I am putting that I learned how to effectively multitask. How far should I go in explaining this? I often at one period of time would supervise the playroom, by myself, with as many as ten children at once. I not only had to ensure a safe environment but organize and participate in multiple activities at once as well as making sure everyone was getting the attention they needed and feeling well. This applied especially when multiple patients were hyper young toddlers who were to young to understand they were on IV's.

I really don't imagine it is necessary to make a paragraph explanation of the importance of being able to multitask while supervising many children but is worth explaining the enviroment I was often volunteering in? I realize anecdotes seem to be frowned upon but is this a case where one might be appropriate?

Thanks in advance!
 
mishaS said:
Thanks a ton Catalystik!

I have another question, when discussing my volunteer experience at a Children's hospital I am putting that I learned how to effectively multitask. How far should I go in explaining this? I often at one period of time would supervise the playroom, by myself, with as many as ten children at once. I not only had to ensure a safe environment but organize and participate in multiple activities at once as well as making sure everyone was getting the attention they needed and feeling well. This applied especially when multiple patients were hyper young toddlers who were to young to understand they were on IV's.

I really don't imagine it is necessary to make a paragraph explanation of the importance of being able to multitask while supervising many children but is worth explaining the enviroment I was often volunteering in? I realize anecdotes seem to be frowned upon but is this a case where one might be appropriate?

Thanks in advance!
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If it were me I would explain it in one line and not a paragraph. I think people realize what you mean by multitask. Just say you learned to multitask by effectively dividing your time between x amount of waiting rooms or patients, etc. So if it is like you have 2 full waiting rooms you can say between the 2 waiting rooms which were full of x amount of patients or if it is between different number of patients just say you learned to multitask in divying your time between multiple patients.

But again, just one line. Don't make it a paragraph just to explain that thought.
 
So I have about 6 separate private practice shadowing experiences all of different specialties. Do I understand this correctly...all of these go under one section labeled "Other" and under Experience name I just put "Shadowing"?

But then how does this work for start/end date, and contact and city (these were during different months and cities and all diff docs). And I talk about all of the shadowing in the description box?

thanks for the help
 
vegan1 said:
Thanks for the advice, Catalystik!

I actually had not mentioned the EMT course under my coursework. I'm taking it at a community college, and since the course didn't count towards my degree or anything, I was kind of viewing it as more of an outside activity. I also was under the impression that community college courses are not given much weight as far as coursework goes. Should the class be listed under in progress coursework?
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You are required to list all post-high school coursework and submit a transcript. If you have not yet earned any CC grades, then list it as in progress or future coursework, depending on whether there is more to come. And CC grades carry the same weight in your application GPA, BTW.
 
mishaS said:
Thanks a ton Catalystik!

I have another question, when discussing my volunteer experience at a Children's hospital I am putting that I learned how to effectively multitask. How far should I go in explaining this? I often at one period of time would supervise the playroom, by myself, with as many as ten children at once. I not only had to ensure a safe environment but organize and participate in multiple activities at once as well as making sure everyone was getting the attention they needed and feeling well. This applied especially when multiple patients were hyper young toddlers who were to young to understand they were on IV's.

I really don't imagine it is necessary to make a paragraph explanation of the importance of being able to multitask while supervising many children but is worth explaining the enviroment I was often volunteering in? I realize anecdotes seem to be frowned upon but is this a case where one might be appropriate?
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I agree with gujuDoc about brevity. You should "show", not "tell." The word picture you painted with your bit of description was delightful and gave the flavor of what the job was like. Do that in your narrative description. You don't really have to say you learned to multitask, as it is evident in what you will portray.
 
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Sjs1234 said:
So I have about 6 separate private practice shadowing experiences all of different specialties. Do I understand this correctly...all of these go under one section labeled "Other" and under Experience name I just put "Shadowing"?

But then how does this work for start/end date, and contact and city (these were during different months and cities and all diff docs). And I talk about all of the shadowing in the description box?
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Don't fill in the header information. Leave it blank. Or list the first and last date of all the shadowing you did, but don't enter hours per week. Put the requested information with each shadowing activity as you list them. If they occurred over a definable time span, you could name the activity Fall Semester 08 Shadowing, or Junior Year Shadowing, eg. In the narrative put 15 hours ENT, Dr Mary Pullitout, Clifford, Ohio, [email protected].

etc. Then give a grand total at the end.

Alternatively, you could enter a date span in front of the hours for each.
 
Catalystik said:
You are required to list all post-high school coursework and submit a transcript. If you have not yet earned any CC grades, then list it as in progress or future coursework, depending on whether there is more to come. And CC grades carry the same weight in your application GPA, BTW.
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Thanks again--you saved my butt! I almost didn't list that course.

Now my question is, is it ok to leave the grade blank since it is a current course? And I am guessing that I send them a transcript in early September when I get my grade. Will this delay the evaluation of my application in any way?
 
vegan1 said:
Thanks again--you saved my butt! I almost didn't list that course.

Now my question is, is it ok to leave the grade blank since it is a current course? And I am guessing that I send them a transcript in early September when I get my grade. Will this delay the evaluation of my application in any way?
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Yes, you leave the grade blank since you haven't earned one.

AMCAS has a tracking system so they can find out schools you've enrolled in through an Educational Clearinghouse.

AMCAS instruction manual: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/2011amcasinstructions.pdf

p 19.
The Schools Attended section allows you to list every post-secondary institution where you were
enrolled for at least one course, even if credits have been transferred or if no credits were​
earned.

Colleges
List every post-secondary institution where you were enrolled for at least one course, even if​

credits have been transferred, no credits were earned, or you withdrew.

p 22.
Transcript Requirements
​
​
One official transcript is required from each U.S., U.S. Territorial, or Canadian post-secondary
institution at which you have attempted course work, regardless of whether credit was earned.
This includes but is not limited to:​


•
College-level courses attempted while in high school, even if they did not count toward a
degree at any college.
​
​
• ​

​

Colleges at which you originally attempted a course, even if transfer credit was
subsequently accepted by another school.
​
​
• ​

​

Colleges where you registered but did not earn any credit (e.g., incompletes, withdrawals,
failures, audits, etc.).
​
​
• ​

​

Courses that did not count toward a degree, regardless of whether credit was earned or
transferred.
​
​
• ​

​

Extension programs through which you attempted courses, if a separate transcript is
provided by the Extension Division.
​
​
• ​

​

Correspondence and home study programs.
​
​
• ​

​

Military education.
​
​
• ​

​

American schools overseas.
• U.S., U.S. Territorial, and Canadian medical schools.


You would not wait until September, rather you'd get a transcript sent now that says you're enrolled and the course is in progress. Get a copy for you and a copy for AMCAS.

​
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​

​
 
A quick question regarding shadowing.
I spent a year shadowing physicians at a local hospital my senior year of high school. I had clinical rotations around the hhospital. I observed several heart bypass surgeries, mastectomies, coloectomies, coloscopies, hysterectomies...for example....

I spent 2hrs twice a week for a year...

Now should I put this down as Shadowing experience.....there were so many doctors that I shadowed and I don't have any of their names...should I perhaps put the name of my teacher...The RN coordinator???

Please let me know ASAP....thanks a lot
 
I have a couple of questions regarding the Works/Activities section on AMCAS. I'd really appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. Am I listing my activities correctly?

1. Hospital Volunteer and Shadowing
So I've been volunteering at a hospital and have been shadowing doctors and nurses in between (about 25% of total time volunteered). Basically, I've volunteered in Pediatrics (~55 hrs), Emergency Room (~60 hrs), and Critical Care (so far 8-10 hrs) spanned over ~ 2 years.

Would I just give the breakdown and explain that I volunteered and shadowed together?

And who would I list as the Contact person (The director of volunteer services?)

2. Certified NJ EMT-B
I went on calls as an observer for 7 months, then took a course and got certified (3 months), and have been continuing to work as a Volunteer EMT at the same Volunteer Ambulance Corps. (6 months so far).

3. Research (Big One)
I've been doing research in the same lab for the past 3 yrs. I've worked for 10 weeks (35 hrs/wk) during each summer as part of a program at my school and continued research on my time (7-9 hrs/wk) during my sophomore and junior academic years. I've worked on 3 projects and have three manuscripts in preparation.

Is it ok to list and briefly describe all this in one entry or should I break it down? And how many hours/wk should I list?

Also, I have 2 book chapter publications that are currently submitted and in press - Should I list these separately as Publications?

4. Research Abroad
I spent 4 weeks doing research abroad at a university in Europe during my sophomore summer.

5. Alpha Epsilon Delta / Health Professions Club
These are the two clubs that I have been involved in and have a leadership position in AED. I'm listing them separately.

6. Work Study - Office Assistant
I worked at our Undergraduate Admissions Office for 3 semesters (8-10 hrs/wk).

7. Peer Tutoring
I've tutored for 4 semesters and will be continuing during the fall through the Academic Center at our school that offers free tutoring to all undergrad students, but pays the tutors.

8. Awards and Scholarships
Should I just use one category to list my awards and scholarships (I have about 7)

9. I have also done lots of community service at my temple - but I don't know if I should include that. I guess it kind of falls under religious.

10. Hobbies?
Should we write down personal interests? I would think that's just filling space, but I don't want to come across as if I have no personal activities not part of the list here.

Sorry for the long post and if similar questions were already answered. Thanks for all the help!
-genius247
 
Linette said:
A quick question regarding shadowing.
I spent a year shadowing physicians at a local hospital my senior year of high school. I had clinical rotations around the hhospital. I observed several heart bypass surgeries, mastectomies, coloectomies, coloscopies, hysterectomies...for example....

I spent 2hrs twice a week for a year...

Now should I put this down as Shadowing experience.....there were so many doctors that I shadowed and I don't have any of their names...should I perhaps put the name of my teacher...The RN coordinator???

Please let me know ASAP....thanks a lot
Click to expand...

Hmm normally you are not supposed to list high school experiences but if you really feel it important then do so I guess. But if you have shadowing from college lump it with that so that you can show its consistent with activities done in college and continued post high school.
 
genius247 said:
I have a couple of questions regarding the Works/Activities section on AMCAS. I'd really appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. Am I listing my activities correctly?

1. Hospital Volunteer and Shadowing
So I've been volunteering at a hospital and have been shadowing doctors and nurses in between (about 25% of total time volunteered). Basically, I've volunteered in Pediatrics (~55 hrs), Emergency Room (~60 hrs), and Critical Care (so far 8-10 hrs) spanned over ~ 2 years.

Would I just give the breakdown and explain that I volunteered and shadowed together?

And who would I list as the Contact person (The director of volunteer services?)

2. Certified NJ EMT-B
I went on calls as an observer for 7 months, then took a course and got certified (3 months), and have been continuing to work as a Volunteer EMT at the same Volunteer Ambulance Corps. (6 months so far).

3. Research (Big One)
I've been doing research in the same lab for the past 3 yrs. I've worked for 10 weeks (35 hrs/wk) during each summer as part of a program at my school and continued research on my time (7-9 hrs/wk) during my sophomore and junior academic years. I've worked on 3 projects and have three manuscripts in preparation.

Is it ok to list and briefly describe all this in one entry or should I break it down? And how many hours/wk should I list?

Also, I have 2 book chapter publications that are currently submitted and in press - Should I list these separately as Publications?

4. Research Abroad
I spent 4 weeks doing research abroad at a university in Europe during my sophomore summer.

5. Alpha Epsilon Delta / Health Professions Club
These are the two clubs that I have been involved in and have a leadership position in AED. I'm listing them separately.

6. Work Study - Office Assistant
I worked at our Undergraduate Admissions Office for 3 semesters (8-10 hrs/wk).

7. Peer Tutoring
I've tutored for 4 semesters and will be continuing during the fall through the Academic Center at our school that offers free tutoring to all undergrad students, but pays the tutors.

8. Awards and Scholarships
Should I just use one category to list my awards and scholarships (I have about 7)

9. I have also done lots of community service at my temple - but I don't know if I should include that. I guess it kind of falls under religious.

10. Hobbies?
Should we write down personal interests? I would think that's just filling space, but I don't want to come across as if I have no personal activities not part of the list here.

Sorry for the long post and if similar questions were already answered. Thanks for all the help!
-genius247
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1. Volunteer director is always contact point of any volunteer activity unless there is a more direct contact available.

2. Sounds good as you mentioned it. Don't know what the specific question is for this one.

3. Research, I would just explain the length of time at different points in the description section. However, if you have published or have posters or presentations or attended conferences. You might want to make separate entries for those. There are tabs for each of those categories.

4-6 sound right. And yes do split the leadership and the membership role in AED. That is what I did.

7. Tutoring can be listed as either Tutoring/teaching or paid employment. You pick how you categorize it. That is a tough call for me.

8. Yes group them together unless there are any that are important enough to warrant their own separate category like something like Goldwater scholars.

9. Yes list your volunteerism with the temple.

10. Don't list stuff just to add fluff. If you did something interesting like the poster above who composed music and does scuba diving, then add it. If it is like fooling around on a guitar that you don't know how to play well or going shopping its not the stuff to list on an app. Only list it if it sounds unique and like something that would interest a potential interviewer.
 
gujuDoc said:
1. Volunteer director is always contact point of any volunteer activity unless there is a more direct contact available.

2. Sounds good as you mentioned it. Don't know what the specific question is for this one.

3. Research, I would just explain the length of time at different points in the description section. However, if you have published or have posters or presentations or attended conferences. You might want to make separate entries for those. There are tabs for each of those categories.

4-6 sound right. And yes do split the leadership and the membership role in AED. That is what I did.

7. Tutoring can be listed as either Tutoring/teaching or paid employment. You pick how you categorize it. That is a tough call for me.

8. Yes group them together unless there are any that are important enough to warrant their own separate category like something like Goldwater scholars.

9. Yes list your volunteerism with the temple.

10. Don't list stuff just to add fluff. If you did something interesting like the poster above who composed music and does scuba diving, then add it. If it is like fooling around on a guitar that you don't know how to play well or going shopping its not the stuff to list on an app. Only list it if it sounds unique and like something that would interest a potential interviewer.
Click to expand...

Thank you for answering my long list of questions. So I should split my membership and leadership postion in AED into two categories? Or should I just list it as a leadership and say that I was also a member since ---- before I got the leadership position?

For hobbies I was thinking biking (I often just bike to school) and learning how to play the Harmonium. But, I will leave them out.

Should the descriptions be in first person or describe in third person?

Thank you!
-genius247
 
genius247 said:
Thank you for answering my long list of questions. So I should split my membership and leadership postion in AED into two categories? Or should I just list it as a leadership and say that I was also a member since ---- before I got the leadership position?

For hobbies I was thinking biking (I often just bike to school) and learning how to play the Harmonium. But, I will leave them out.

Should the descriptions be in first person or describe in third person?

Thank you!
-genius247
Click to expand...

Use which ever way for first or 3rd person you feel gets your point across.

Yes split the membership and leadership.

List leadership as leadership not listed elsewhere and list membership as extracurriculars/hobbies/avocations for the membership in the organization.

You had different responsibilities in one vs. the other I feel. Great to emphasize the two different aspects.
 
I have 9 meaningful boxes full of hobbies, volunteering, shadowing and employment. But I realized last night I didnt make one for awards/organizations/etc.

How vital is it to mention that I was on the Dean's list for 6 out of 8 semesters, etc? I was a member of PAMSA at my school for a year, and attended meetings regularly for that same duration. But since then I have not.(6 months ago). I was 'nominated' to be apart of the Golden Key Scholars, and College of Arts & Sciences Honors. There may be 2 or 3 additional things, but that would be the bulk of it. Is it even worth mentioning? It would appear so, mediocre to my other experiences, like I am just trying to get a tenth box.
 
jlquick said:
I have 9 meaningful boxes full of hobbies, volunteering, shadowing and employment. But I realized last night I didnt make one for awards/organizations/etc.

How vital is it to mention that I was on the Dean's list for 6 out of 8 semesters, etc? I was a member of PAMSA at my school for a year, and attended meetings regularly for that same duration. But since then I have not.(6 months ago). I was 'nominated' to be apart of the Golden Key Scholars, and College of Arts & Sciences Honors. There may be 2 or 3 additional things, but that would be the bulk of it. Is it even worth mentioning? It would appear so, mediocre to my other experiences, like I am just trying to get a tenth box.
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Your transcript and GPAs make mentioning anything related to honoring you for your grades unnecessary. Phi Beta Kappa is considered to be an exception (relies on more than academic accomplishment). PAMSA might be something to mention if you got something important out of it, but generally club membership alone isn't going to help much.

Nine boxes is fine. No fluff needed. You're good.
 
I wanted to add one (or two) more entries for my activities, but want to avoid adding "fluff".

Should I add Honor Roll (multiple semesters) or being a general member of a school organization (either a medical related one, or a social/networking one)?

Would one be looked at more favorably than the other?
 
exponential said:
I wanted to add one (or two) more entries for my activities, but want to avoid adding "fluff".

Should I add Honor Roll (multiple semesters) or being a general member of a school organization (either a medical related one, or a social/networking one)?

Would one be looked at more favorably than the other?
Click to expand...
Don't use a box for honor roll. If a club you joined was meaningful in some way to you, then add that.
 
Hi all, first time poster and would appreciate help!

I've read through most of this thread and I know its generally unacceptable to include high school activities in your work/activities section, but I was wondering if you thought this would fly since I consider it one of my most important life/leadership experiences.

In high school I worked at a rather large country club in food service department. The club had both full service bar and restaurant areas and held several large functions (weddings, conferences). I started working there as a food runner, then waiter/bartender, and after about a year promoted to a supervisor. This job entailed what I feel was exceptional responsibility for my age. I trained and directed a rather large staff, some of whom where four times my age. My superiors also delegated several of their duties (scheduling, inventory maintenance, accounting) to me on a regular basis. There were many busy nights when I was left to run the club single-handedly. Overall, the experience taught me a lot about how to interact with people (especially from a position of leadership).

I worked there from my sophomore year of high school until the the second semester of my freshman year of college (when I went home for weekends/breaks), so there was some overlap with my post-high school life. However, I would not say that this time was "increased level of participation," since my job required more of a full-time commitment, that which I could offer in high school but not being away at college.

I really want to include this because it is by far the strongest "leadership" activity I have ever had, but what do you think?
 
Ramble On said:
Hi all, first time poster and would appreciate help!

I've read through most of this thread and I know its generally unacceptable to include high school activities in your work/activities section, but I was wondering if you thought this would fly since I consider it one of my most important life/leadership experiences.

In high school I worked at a rather large country club in food service department. The club had both full service bar and restaurant areas and held several large functions (weddings, conferences). I started working there as a food runner, then waiter/bartender, and after about a year promoted to a supervisor. This job entailed what I feel was exceptional responsibility for my age. I trained and directed a rather large staff, some of whom where four times my age. My superiors also delegated several of their duties (scheduling, inventory maintenance, accounting) to me on a regular basis. There were many busy nights when I was left to run the club single-handedly. Overall, the experience taught me a lot about how to interact with people (especially from a position of leadership).

I worked there from my sophomore year of high school until the the second semester of my freshman year of college (when I went home for weekends/breaks), so there was some overlap with my post-high school life. However, I would not say that this time was "increased level of participation," since my job required more of a full-time commitment, that which I could offer in high school but not being away at college.

I really want to include this because it is by far the strongest "leadership" activity I have ever had, but what do you think?
Click to expand...

The bolded part is the important part to consider in saying why it is ok to list it.

It is always ok to list something started before college if even for a semester it was continued into college. So YES go ahead and put it on the amcas.

Just like volunteering started in high school at an organization can be put down if it is continued into college even for 1 or 2 semesters.
 
1) I have been reading this thread, and have also read the article by Jessica Freedman, MD. I saw that some people mentioned that some schools want narratives, while top tier schools want brevity. I am applying to some top tier schools along with other schools, so will it be detrimental for me to use the narrative approach?

2) If I group too many things together, does it look like I'm just trying to squeeze too many activities in? For example, I did a 3 internships abroad (in 3 different countries), all through the funding of one organization at my school, so I am listing this as "CPGC Fellowships." Or should each internship receive its own entry? The in-country organizations were all different...

3) Are conferences attended worth mentioning? I didn't think so at first, but since its one of the categories, I'm unsure. I went to the Black Solidarity Conference at Yale every year and the Unite for Sight conference a couple of times.

4) I've been involved with performance dance, non-professionally, since I was 8 years old. I have performed at cultural shows and weddings, and joined dance groups in high school & college. It's something I am passionate about and I think it shows a different side of me, so I'd like to include it. Any thoughts on what would be the best way to do so?

Thanks!
 
Bambella820 said:
1) I have been reading this thread, and have also read the article by Jessica Freedman, MD. I saw that some people mentioned that some schools want narratives, while top tier schools want brevity. I am applying to some top tier schools along with other schools, so will it be detrimental for me to use the narrative approach?

2) If I group too many things together, does it look like I'm just trying to squeeze too many activities in? For example, I did a 3 internships abroad (in 3 different countries), all through the funding of one organization at my school, so I am listing this as "CPGC Fellowships." Or should each internship receive its own entry? The in-country organizations were all different...

3) Are conferences attended worth mentioning? I didn't think so at first, but since its one of the categories, I'm unsure. I went to the Black Solidarity Conference at Yale every year and the Unite for Sight conference a couple of times.

4) I've been involved with performance dance, non-professionally, since I was 8 years old. I have performed at cultural shows and weddings, and joined dance groups in high school & college. It's something I am passionate about and I think it shows a different side of me, so I'd like to include it. Any thoughts on what would be the best way to do so?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

1. You worry too much. You can use the narrative approach. Just don't be overly wordy to the point that you are dancing around the issue rather then saying what you mean to say. Make them concise. And you will be fine. Quality is what matters. And if done right narratives can still show conciseness. I used narratives for mine granted I didn't apply top tiers, but I don't think top tiers will think it detrimental that you used narratives. Just make it concise and only include what is necessary for you to get your point across.

2. Regarding the fellowships, again it won't look like grouping too much together since the parent organization is the same one, so again you are worrying too much about that.

3. Yes mention your conferences. They are worth mentioning if you have space.

4. If you have space include it in Artistic endeavors category or hobbies.
 
When filling out work/activities section, I noticed that some people in this thread have discussed things in great detail in paragraph/story form. Is it acceptable to just put "this is what the aim of the job was, job responsibilities include yadda yadda..."? Most of my sections are only using about 400 or so characters, and I know some folks say the less filler the better, but I'd really like some reassurance that I'm not making my work seem unimpressive.
 
echolalia16 said:
When filling out work/activities section, I noticed that some people in this thread have discussed things in great detail in paragraph/story form. Is it acceptable to just put "this is what the aim of the job was, job responsibilities include yadda yadda..."? Most of my sections are only using about 400 or so characters, and I know some folks say the less filler the better, but I'd really like some reassurance that I'm not making my work seem unimpressive.
Click to expand...

I've said it a thousand times on here, but I'll say it again.

Make it concise. Make it concise. Make it concise.

If concise can be done in story form and it helps you get your point across do it. If concise is done in non narrative form and it sells you the best you can sell yourself, then great.

Use what works for you.
 
gujuDoc said:
I've said it a thousand times on here, but I'll say it again.

Make it concise. Make it concise. Make it concise.

If concise can be done in story form and it helps you get your point across do it. If concise is done in non narrative form and it sells you the best you can sell yourself, then great.

Use what works for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the 1001st time. I'll be submitting my application today, then.
 
I have a question, and I apologize if this has been asked before. I did volunteer work at a hospital in cardio unit. While there, I was lucky enough to shadow a cardiovascular surgeon for a few days and even got to attend one of his surgeries! Shouls these activities all be grouped under my "volunteering at X hospital" or should I make one activity for "volunteering" and another for "shadowing/surgery attendance"? Thank you!
 
DoctorWatson57 said:
I have a question, and I apologize if this has been asked before. I did volunteer work at a hospital in cardio unit. While there, I was lucky enough to shadow a cardiovascular surgeon for a few days and even got to attend one of his surgeries! Shouls these activities all be grouped under my "volunteering at X hospital" or should I make one activity for "volunteering" and another for "shadowing/surgery attendance"? Thank you!
Click to expand...
To make sure it's noticed, it would be better to carve out that time and list it separately under Other, name it Physician Shadowing. Include your other shadowing in the same space (at least I hope there's more).
 
Catalystik said:
To make sure it's noticed, it would be better to carve out that time and list it separately under Other, name it Physician Shadowing. Include your other shadowing in the same space (at least I hope there's more).
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help! There is more. I have also shadowed my uncle, who is a general surgeon. I have approx 50 hours shadowing him. However, will this be looked down upon during apps and interviews? Should I not even mention my time spent shadowing him? I'm afraid my experience won't be taken as seriously due to the fact that he is my uncle.
 
DoctorWatson57 said:
Thanks for your help! There is more. I have also shadowed my uncle, who is a general surgeon. I have approx 50 hours shadowing him. However, will this be looked down upon during apps and interviews? Should I not even mention my time spent shadowing him? I'm afraid my experience won't be taken as seriously due to the fact that he is my uncle.
Click to expand...
Shadowing a family member is perfectly acceptable, so include those hours. Just don't have him write you a LOR, as that would not be appropriate.
 
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