Advice on Extracurricular Activities

[txyogagirl]

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What exactly should I list in this PTCAS section? Unfortunately, I've had very little time to do much besides work, school & observation hours. I've volunteered a few hours for a few organizations and will certainly include those. I also run & practice yoga. My concern is that you're asked to enter the number of hours for each activity. I'm concerned about how it might look that the time I've spent running and doing yoga (which is necessary for me to stay sane) far exceeds the few hours I've volunteered. Any advice?

 

[markelmarcel]

I'm concerned about how it might look that the time I've spent running and doing yoga (which is necessary for me to stay sane) far exceeds the few hours I've volunteered. Any advice?

Although the hours you've spent running and doing yoga may very well far exceed the observation hours, they want to know who you are as a person. Obviously you spend a lot of time staying fit/active. Personally, I think that contributes to showing them that you have a passion for the health industry. Especially yoga-- A lot of yoga and pilates moves can be really beneficial for some people in rehab dependent on what their injury was...

Don't downplay who you are as a person, simply because it outweighs the observation hours. (I mean, I'm 25 and I've been doing extra-cirricular activities since I was a senior in high school. Of course all of the things I've done are going to surpass my hours of observation, because I am a well-rounded individual. I exercise, I volunteer with various organizations, etc.)

So, put it down-- they are part of who makes you, you! 🙂

/end of my 0.02

 

[johncronejr]

I think you are way over-thinking this application. Just answer the questions truthfully and straightforward. Don't make more out of the questions than what they are asking.

 

[Muscles00GT]

im not quite sure i would list yoga or running on your extracurriculars unless it was part of a club or something. if this was just something you did on your own, applicants could make an endless list of activities they engage in..what they mean by extracurriculars are things like clubs, volunteer experiences, internships (paid/non paid), and just things in general that you went out of your way to become a part of. as an example, some of my extracurriculars included volunteer with athletic trainers, neurophysiology lab research assistant, University of Health Services clinical intern, Physiology lab Instructor, student fitness assessment center intern, habitat for humanity, relay for life, various other philanthropy activities, fraternity, etc.

i think the main point is that they want to see you're a well rounded individual and that you go out of your way to become involved in various activities.

 

[NATO]

I work full time, so unfortunately, I do not have time for PT-related activities to beef up my application. Has anyone put in their military experience down on their PT application? I worked overseas for over a year with NATO (hence the screen name) relating to the Red Cross relief efforts. Granted, it's not a direct PT activity, but I feel like it does have something to do with helping others. What do you think?

 

[markelmarcel]

I worked overseas for over a year with NATO (hence the screen name) relating to the Red Cross relief efforts. Granted, it's not a direct PT activity, but I feel like it does have something to do with helping others. What do you think?

I would... if you were paid, put it under the working experience, if it was volunteer put it under extracirricular. What a great opportunity you were given!!