Few questions on work/experiences section and PS

[polishgravy]

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Hi everyone,

I'd like your advice on whether I should include the following in the work/experiences section:

1) 1.5 years in fraternity. I wasn't super-involved, but I was brotherhood chair for a year, which means I organized bonding events for the brothers. I also learned a whole lot about accountability and teamwork.

2) I was a project manager for a business when I was 16. I organized inventory, set up a pretty awesome website, and made a few sales. Again, nothing directly related to medicine but great leadership and communication skills. The business is still running today.


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3) In my PS, I talk about my heart condition, WPW. I've had a procedure 2 years ago, and it's been a non-issue since. But it was a catalyst for my medical path. I've heard conflicting opinions on whether to include it, mostly because a couple of my editors think the adcoms would consider me a health risk. Opinion?

4) I have a pretty set structure for each experience in my work experiences section:

What I did. The results I got. How it's influenced me in my path to medicine and/or How I've grown from the experience.

Would you say that's a safe way to approach it?

5) The MedEdits book suggests that experiences you mention at length in your PS should not be one of your most meaningful experiences in the work/experiences section. What is your opinion on that?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Catalystik]

1) 1.5 years in fraternity. I wasn't super-involved, but I was brotherhood chair for a year, which means I organized bonding events for the brothers. I also learned a whole lot about accountability and teamwork.

2) I was a project manager for a business when I was 16. I organized inventory, set up a pretty awesome website, and made a few sales. Again, nothing directly related to medicine but great leadership and communication skills. The business is still running today.


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3) In my PS, I talk about my heart condition, WPW. I've had a procedure 2 years ago, and it's been a non-issue since. But it was a catalyst for my medical path. I've heard conflicting opinions on whether to include it, mostly because a couple of my editors think the adcoms would consider me a health risk. Opinion?

4) I have a pretty set structure for each experience in my work experiences section:

What I did. The results I got. How it's influenced me in my path to medicine and/or How I've grown from the experience.

Would you say that's a safe way to approach it?

5) The MedEdits book suggests that experiences you mention at length in your PS should not be one of your most meaningful experiences in the work/experiences section. What is your opinion on that?

1) Consider including the Leadership activity only, since you have something relevant to say about it.

2) HS activities aren't going to help you much. I wouldn't list it unless you continued as an employee after HS graduation.

3) How is one more opinion going to make up your mind? In your case, if you want to keep it, I think its much less concerning to name your condition than to vaguely refer to 'a heart condition', many of which might have a less optimal outcome than you've experienced.

4) Yes.

5) Unless you have mostly new material to include in the expanded section, I'd agree. It's good to avoid duplication of material.

 

[polishgravy]

Thanks!

 

[mimelim]

1) Consider including the Leadership activity only, since you have something relevant to say about it.

2) HS activities aren't going to help you much. I wouldn't list it unless you continued as an employee after HS graduation.

3) How is one more opinion going to make up your mind? In your case, if you want to keep it, I think its much less concerning to name your condition than to vaguely refer to 'a heart condition', many of which might have a less optimal outcome than you've experienced.

4) Yes.

5) Unless you have mostly new material to include in the expanded section, I'd agree. It's good to avoid duplication of material.

+1, especially #3, you have nothing to hide, so don't. Being vague could potentially raise flags.