2013-2014 application cycle secondary question

[ltho23]

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I've seen this question pop up a few times and would like your thoughts on the matter:

For the 2013-2014 application cycle (Summer 2013 through Summer 2014), please indicate activities, academics, employment, or other occupations to account for full-time activity (approx. 30-40 hours/week)

1. I am staying at my current job (research at a hospital) which I described both in my PS and elaborated on as one of my experiences. Seems like a simple sentence stating that I will continue working there should be sufficient.

2. I recently started volunteering at a community center, but the 30-40 hrs thing makes me think schools are just interest in the bulk of my time...should I mention it?

3. I am *hoping* to leave my job in April and go farm in Iceland (WWOOF) for 4 months before med school...should I mention this? It's a hypothetical and dependent on how promising my med school apps are looking.

Thanks!

 

[milkphlegm]

I got this secondary too, although now I forget what school it was for. Even though you've brought it up before, explain that you're continuing the activity you already described. I'd also include the volunteering, even if it is small. I think they're basically saying they want to know all your activities, not that they only want to know the most time intensive ones. I would also include the hypothetical. Obviously we can't all know the future, so there are things that will change and they must understand when asking this question. Just explain you're in the application process or its a prospective plan or something. Good luck!

 

[TheBossDoctor]

What if we only have 20-25 hours of activities at the moment?

 

[Ismet]

It doesn't need to be an exact answer, it's hypothetical after all. If you're going to be working and volunteering, write that. I'm sure that adds up to approximately 30-40 hours/week. The schools just want to see that you're doing something productive and hopefully somewhat medically relevant with your year and not just bumming around on your couch.