15 whole EC's?

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pikachoo

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Is it better to just fill out the list with your actual, meaningful ECs or just write 15 things you can think of that you've done? I have, at most like, ~7 long-term, meaningful projects and activities that I've been a part of after my first 2 years at college and will be continuing into next year.

I have a lot of hobbies that I'm passionate about, like painting and instruments, but I don't do these professionally so are they worth including? It still won't hit 15, lol.. I've seen that 15 isn't the "goal" but a max, but I also don't want it to look like I'm doing a bare minimum
 
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Is it better to just fill out the list with your actual, meaningful ECs or just write 15 things you can think of that you've done? I have, at most like, ~7 long-term, meaningful projects and activities that I've been a part of after my first 2 years at college and will be continuing into next year.

I have a lot of hobbies that I'm passionate about, like painting and instruments, but I don't do these professionally so are they worth including? It still won't hit 15, lol.. I've seen that 15 isn't the "goal" but a max, but I also don't want it to look like I'm doing a bare minimum
About 9-10 activities are the average listed. Having at least 5 is a good idea. Don't fluff up the spaces and just ramble on to fill more spaces.

I definitely suggest including a Hobbies space. In a sea of look-alike applicants, they can help set you apart. And adcomms want to know that you have leisuretime activities that can help you manage stress. If you have any hobbies that you share with a wider audience, you can also consider adding an Artistic Endeavors space.
 
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I would do a healthy balance. Don't put just 7 but don't feel the need to fill it with bull****. Aim for double digits is my recommendation and try for some balance - add in a hobby or 2, an award, job, etc.
 
Food for thought: At least two of my interviews consisted of the interviewer going straight down my printed amcas app and asking me about every experience. Just something to keep in mind when crafting yours
 
About 9-10 activities are the average listed. Having at least 5 is a good idea. Don't fluff up the spaces and just ramble on to fill more spaces.

I definitely suggest including a Hobbies space. In a sea of look-alike applicants, they can help set you apart. And adcomms want to know that you have leisuretime activities that can help you manage stress. If you have any hobbies that you share with a wider audience, you can also consider adding an Artisitc Endeavors space.

Definitely 100%, I wrote about photography exercise etc and sports I play- first question I was asked was about my favorite MLB team as it was the same as the interviewers!
 
Food for thought: At least two of my interviews consisted of the interviewer going straight down my printed amcas app and asking me about every experience. Just something to keep in mind when crafting yours
Do they allow you to bring in props for interviews? One of my hobbies is better explained through pictures than through words.
 
Do they allow you to bring in props for interviews? One of my hobbies is better explained through pictures than through words.

You can include a URL in the description (as in, figure out a way to try and describe it in words and then say "for a better understanding there's a sample of my work at www.myweirdhobby.com")
 
Personally, I initially entered 15 and then forced myself to whittle it down to 9. It's tough, but pick 4-6 of them you can nix.
 
Then you are requiring an adcom to go out look at the link and read more about when he/she has another 50 applications to read.

Right, that's why I included "figure out a way to try and describe it in words." Some readers are definitely curious enough to look it up if it sounds interesting enough!
 
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I haven't seen this work yet.
I guess I was a student screener & interviewer with much more time on my hands-I would look up major (MAJOR) awards and if something sounded cool I'd look it up. Fourth year is a magical time!
 
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