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

[Running Water]

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Okay I'm having some trouble figuring out if the way I am listing my scholarships/awards is correct, for example:

College of Sciences Scholarship
Received: 2007
Selection Criteria: accomplishments in research, academic achievements, and community involvement $1000 scholarship

College of Sciences Dean's List
Received: Fall 2005 through Spring 2007 (four semesters)
Selection Criteria: minimum GPA of 3.67

I then continue this for the rest of my scholarships/awards, writing no more for each than you see here. Do you guys think I need to explain more for each or am I good?

thanx in advance🙂

 

[gujuDoc]

Working for a video game company and being a gamer are two different matters altogether. So you can mention the job but don't list something like I was part of a club where we saw who could win xyz game and get to such and such level. That just sounds ******ed.


As per the job A situation, no don't list it separately. Use the description space to explain the hiatus and then return to the job.

The Health thing, i'd just go ahead and classify it as health as what you did was under a health center and some of the stuff was clinical. I mean technically playing arts and crafts with kids isn't really doing medical stuff for them but we always leave it under medical volunteer because of where we do it and the fact that we are still exposed to sick people and health issues. Similarly, this job still exposed you to health issues and such so I'd leave it as medical volunteer.

Thanks gujuDoc!



Sorry for the lack of clarity. I started job A, then took a yearlong hiatus to work at job B, then went right back to work at job A. I did a little bit of work for the job A people while at job B, it was mostly taking time off from A to work at B.




It is a committee that meets and discusses/decides health center policy such as fees, appointment structures, service policies and other assorted stuff. We also sponsor community health events (stress management, blood drives, CPR classes etc.). As VP, I ran meetings, mediated disputes and provided (sometimes unpopular) points of view, as well as assisted in running our events.

What if I don't know the name of anyone who might be a contact? I've had two jobs at very large companies and while I remember the names of my supervisors and coworkers, but not HR people or even people you could reach by calling the company. Is just the name of a supervisor acceptable?


Does it matter that job B above was for a large video game company and that my name appears on the product I worked on?

Thanks again!

 

[gujuDoc]

Okay I'm having some trouble figuring out if the way I am listing my scholarships/awards is correct, for example:

College of Sciences Scholarship
Received: 2007
Selection Criteria: accomplishments in research, academic achievements, and community involvement $1000 scholarship

College of Sciences Dean's List
Received: Fall 2005 through Spring 2007 (four semesters)
Selection Criteria: minimum GPA of 3.67

I then continue this for the rest of my scholarships/awards, writing no more for each than you see here. Do you guys think I need to explain more for each or am I good?

thanx in advance🙂

Based on my earlier discussion with LizzyM, I think that is enough info.

 

[cloosh]

thanks for the great tips.

i know quality is better than quantity, but what if you just recently did some "stuff." in my situation, i recently did about 20 hours of shadowing about 3 weeks ago. i also only recently volunteering at a pro bono clinic. both have been good experiences, but since they're so recent, would it look bad? i was going to talk about them in both my PS and work/activities.

 

[gujuDoc]

thanks for the great tips.

i know quality is better than quantity, but what if you just recently did some "stuff." in my situation, i recently did about 20 hours of shadowing about 3 weeks ago. i also only recently volunteering at a pro bono clinic. both have been good experiences, but since they're so recent, would it look bad? i was going to talk about them in both my PS and work/activities.

you can mention them and if you are still continuing them click the til present box.

 

[Running Water]

For the AMCAS, in the standardized test section, would it be acceptable to put in scores from my ACT and/or EMT exam (National Registry Exam)??????????

Assuming they are both good scores, this can only help right????

Thanx

 

[gujuDoc]

For the AMCAS, in the standardized test section, would it be acceptable to put in scores from my ACT and/or EMT exam (National Registry Exam)??????????

Assuming they are both good scores, this can only help right????

Thanx

You can mention it but I doubt it would make a difference on admissions.

 

[Running Water]

Hmm thanx for the reply. Maybe I won't put it.
Not sure if this is the right forum for it, but I was thinking of doing EDP, and the deadline says August 1. BUT, is this the last day for me to hit submit on my application or is this the day everything needs to be submitted AND verified (which would require me to submit earlier than the 1st)😱? Anyone know?

 

[gujuDoc]

Hmm thanx for the reply. Maybe I won't put it.
Not sure if this is the right forum for it, but I was thinking of doing EDP, and the deadline says August 1. BUT, is this the last day for me to hit submit on my application or is this the day everything needs to be submitted AND verified (which would require me to submit earlier than the 1st)😱? Anyone know?

Not sure.

 

[scotties123]

nevermind.

 

[gaki]

Hello, LizzyM or anyone else that has some ideas of what to do..

I was in an art therapy internship program that included sites in hospital settings and foster homes, and I later applied what I learned to a volunteer position in a psych unit at a hospital, where I ran art groups for patients. Is this clinical? its not like I was drawing bloods, but the nature of the activity included patient contact.

Also, is it possible to list the art group running as a "leadership" position? Maybe it doesnt count because they were patients. Kinda low in the "leadership" area here.. 🙄

thanks in advance for anyone with advice!

gaki

 

[LizzyM]

Hello, LizzyM or anyone else that has some ideas of what to do..

I was in an art therapy internship program that included sites in hospital settings and foster homes, and I later applied what I learned to a volunteer position in a psych unit at a hospital, where I ran art groups for patients. Is this clinical? its not like I was drawing bloods, but the nature of the activity included patient contact.

Also, is it possible to list the art group running as a "leadership" position? Maybe it doesnt count because they were patients. Kinda low in the "leadership" area here.. 🙄

thanks in advance for anyone with advice!

gaki

This could go either way. No one would fault you for labeling it Volunteer- Medical/Clinical but you could just as easily call it "non-clinical". To me, leadership means leading your peers, not patients. Leadership would be organizing a team of art therapy volunteers: handling scheduling, providing guidance and coaching to new volunteers, seeking funding, representing the group in interactions with hospital administration, etc. Not everyone has "leadership" experiences and I've never gotten the impression in my years on an adcom that it is essential.

 

[lucybug]

I volunteered on a political campaign in the district I live, is this something to mention or something to leave out?

 

[gaki]

This could go either way. No one would fault you for labeling it Volunteer- Medical/Clinical but you could just as easily call it "non-clinical". To me, leadership means leading your peers, not patients. Leadership would be organizing a team of art therapy volunteers: handling scheduling, providing guidance and coaching to new volunteers, seeking funding, representing the group in interactions with hospital administration, etc. Not everyone has "leadership" experiences and I've never gotten the impression in my years on an adcom that it is essential.

Thanks a lot for the speedy advice! I did supervise an animation intern and reorganized the staff and their workload a little at a small animation production office, but these things were not really part of my 'official' job description.. I just ended up doing it because no one else would. So maybe I will just leave the leadership area blank and try not to sweat it too much.
Thanks again 🙂

I have another question concerning the section regarding "disadvantaged".. does serious long term illness in the family throughout high school count as a "disadvantage"? Or are they talking more about financial difficulties or losing body parts or something like that?

One more question, concerning formatting.. If we group activities together under one entry (I was planning on making one entry each for things like deans lists, freelance jobs that account for a period of time, and internships) can we separate what would essentially be "subentries" by a simple double space? Or will our attempts to add such formatting be automatically removed? Is it ever appropriate to use things like dashes or numbers to create lists within the entry?

 

[LizzyM]

I volunteered on a political campaign in the district I live, is this something to mention or something to leave out?

If your political activities are a big part of who you are and you made a significant contribution to the cause and you intend to continue your involvement throught your life, then it might be worth mentioning to give a better picture of you. If you passed out campaign brochures on a couple of afternoons because you thought it might be a good way to meet people and enjoy political parties (if you catch my drift -- I know, I've done it too), then you might be better off leaving it out.

 

[LizzyM]

I have another question concerning the section regarding "disadvantaged".. does serious long term illness in the family throughout high school count as a "disadvantage"? Or are they talking more about financial difficulties or losing body parts or something like that?

Disadvantaged seems to be focused on financial disadvantage. More or less this is a response to those who say that it isn't just ethnic & racial minorities who should be represented among practicing physicians in America but that those who grew up in poverty and overcame economic hardships should be given some special consideration, too, because they may be disposed to go back to their roots and serve poor communities that don't have enough doctors.

One more question, concerning formatting.. If we group activities together under one entry (I was planning on making one entry each for things like deans lists, freelance jobs that account for a period of time, and internships) can we separate what would essentially be "subentries" by a simple double space? Or will our attempts to add such formatting be automatically removed? Is it ever appropriate to use things like dashes or numbers to create lists within the entry?

I don't know anything about the mechanics of entering the material. I only see the finished product.

 

[healthyvideo]

This seemed worthy of its own thread, rather than being buried on page 31 of the "official" thread. (Sorry if you disagree!) No I dont.
http://www.healthismoney.blogspot.com👍

 

[Tensyle]

I worked in real estate for about 7 years, from highschool thru college, and I had to use my Spanish (learned from highschool) all seven years to help interpret for the primarily hispanic population in this realestate business. But I'm not fluent in Spanish...just enough to understand and communicate...Do I write this down in the "languages I can speak" section, or should I just try and work it in the description of my responsibilities for the realestate firm?

Second, I am gonna start working on a clinical research project in August, so can I make that as a 'future activity' and use it as one of my 15 activities, and provide a description of what I will be doing? Or can I not mention it cuz I havent started it yet?

Third, is it necessary to list SAT and ACT scores on my application, cuz i really dont remembe what they were or the dates I took them...

Thats all I can think of right now..thanks so much for the help....

I appreciate it!!!!!!!!!

 

[gujuDoc]

I worked in real estate for about 7 years, from highschool thru college, and I had to use my Spanish (learned from highschool) all seven years to help interpret for the primarily hispanic population in this realestate business. But I'm not fluent in Spanish...just enough to understand and communicate...Do I write this down in the "languages I can speak" section, or should I just try and work it in the description of my responsibilities for the realestate firm?

Second, I am gonna start working on a clinical research project in August, so can I make that as a 'future activity' and use it as one of my 15 activities, and provide a description of what I will be doing? Or can I not mention it cuz I havent started it yet?

Third, is it necessary to list SAT and ACT scores on my application, cuz i really dont remembe what they were or the dates I took them...

Thats all I can think of right now..thanks so much for the help....

I appreciate it!!!!!!!!!

SAT and ACT is only necessary to list on secondaries that ask specifically for them but not necessary to mention on AMCAS.

You can list that future activity and say when the start dates will be and what you role will be and what you hope to gain out of doing it.

If you list a language, you risk the chance of getting interviewed by a spanish interviewer which they have sometimes done to people to test whether they are telling the truth. If you don't think you'd be able to answer back in that sort of situation, then I'd just list under your activity description for real estate that you used some spanish for communication.

 

[Tensyle]

SAT and ACT is only necessary to list on secondaries that ask specifically for them but not necessary to mention on AMCAS.

You can list that future activity and say when the start dates will be and what you role will be and what you hope to gain out of doing it.

If you list a language, you risk the chance of getting interviewed by a spanish interviewer which they have sometimes done to people to test whether they are telling the truth. If you don't think you'd be able to answer back in that sort of situation, then I'd just list under your activity description for real estate that you used some spanish for communication.

dhanyavaad, gujudoc 😉

 

[okay]

My question has to do with the allocation of the 15 spots. I have used up all of the spots, for a total of 12 activities and 15 awards/ honors in 7 and 8 spaces, respectively. My concern is whether I am placing too much emphasis on certain awards and not enough on the activities that I was involved in. If someone could please have a look at my mdapps (http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=6754), where I have essentially included my work/activities section verbatim and let me know your thoughts, I would really appreciate it.

 

[Running Water]

Quick question:
When filling out the AMCAS PS (and the work/activities section) how should we do formatting?
i.e.

blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
(leave space)
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah

or should i do it like this btwn paragraphs:

(spaces)blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
(spaces)blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah

this is really trite i know but just wanted to make sure it won't be unreadable to adcomms.

 

[SnoPearl]

Disadvantaged seems to be focused on financial disadvantage. More or less this is a response to those who say that it isn't just ethnic & racial minorities who should be represented among practicing physicians in America but that those who grew up in poverty and overcame economic hardships should be given some special consideration, too, because they may be disposed to go back to their roots and serve poor communities that don't have enough doctors.

Does it matter when the financial hardships were in your life? I came to the US when I was 6 and for about 8 years or so my family had very little money to live on. Things are better now and I wouldn't by any means consider myself disadvantaged at present. Should I make any mention of the past in the disadvantaged section or just leave it out altogether?

 

[LizzyM]

Does it matter when the financial hardships were in your life? I came to the US when I was 6 and for about 8 years or so my family had very little money to live on. Things are better now and I wouldn't by any means consider myself disadvantaged at present. Should I make any mention of the past in the disadvantaged section or just leave it out altogether?

Hardships about age 0-18, not now. You indicated that your family was in financial hardship for 8 years starting when you were age 6. This is roughly equivalent to grades 1-8. Did your family's financial difficulty cause you to have a substandard grammar school education? If so, then you might be justified in claiming financial disadvantage. If you ate plain food & slept 4 to a bed but managed to attend a private school on scholarship then the "disadvantage" might be less and something that you would be less likely to mention. Don't get caught playing the world's smallest violin because no one on the adcom likes that song.

 

[ksf]

Hi,
I had some questions about how best to write down some of my experiences for AMCAS so I was really hoping you guys could help me…

• For one of my positions (an internship) I know that my supervisor, the main person I really worked with, is gone and to where I’m not entirely sure. Who should I put down as a contact?

• I received departmental honors (biochem), for my GPA along with a year-long thesis and a required poster session I presented at. Should I put this honors as a separate category? Or, should I include it under my research work in that lab (I kind of want to put it separately to highlight it, but I’m not sure if that’s entirely appropriate).

• Regarding the poster I presented above, should I just include that in my honors (or lab) description, or should I create a new “poster” category and put it in there?

• I was thinking of putting down dean’s list since I have the room (only 11 or so activities total) but I was wondering if I should, since I had it for my first 3 semesters, than I transferred to a different school where my GPA wasn’t as high (dropped ~ 0.2-0.3). Would including it be sort of like a red flag? Also, if I do include it, should I bundle it with my departmental honors?

• Should I bundle all my hobbies/traveling/etc. together into one category?

• I’m currently working in a lab and will be one of the authors on an upcoming publication which we’ll probably submit within August. What’s the best/appropriate way to mention this in my description? Something along the lines of “currently writing a paper for submission” or?

I know that’s a lot, but I really appreciate any help you guys could give me. Thanks so much!

 

[TopDocChick]

I have had three children in the past 5 years and as a result I have been either pregnant or nursing a baby for 4 of my 5 years at school. In my culture we marry young and I didn't decide to become a doctor until after my first child was born. I have remained focused on my goal and have prioritized school and my kids over everything else (my husband does the housework). As a result, my activities seem sparse. Now that my youngest is 2, I am president of the biochem club and I volunteer more hours for tutoring sciences at school. I have kept my GPA at a 3.9 but I have never had the flexibility to go to conferences or work part time. My husband has supported me throughout. We are done having kids until at least after medical school, and I have the experience of juggling kids with school, so in my eyes, this should be a plus - but I don't know what adcoms will think.

OK, so my activities are few and my real question is - can I mention my kids to explain why? Can they be considered an activity? Also, I have 2 summers that I don't account for because those were the summer's that my second and third kids were born - should this be mentioned?

Also, my Personal Statement is done and I only briefly mention that I have children because I don't want it to be all about my kids. I have enough other things about me that I felt it would sidetrack my statement.

Thanks for your input.

 

[poly800rock]

Quick question:
When filling out the AMCAS PS (and the work/activities section) how should we do formatting?
i.e.

blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
(leave space)
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah

or should i do it like this btwn paragraphs:

(spaces)blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
(spaces)blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah

this is really trite i know but just wanted to make sure it won't be unreadable to adcomms.

i also have this same question.

I also have a question concerning musical instruments as an hobby. I've been in and out of bands for the past 10 years of varying success, with touring and a few records released. Is it ok to mention this?

 

[LizzyM]

i also have this same question.

I also have a question concerning musical instruments as an hobby. I've been in and out of bands for the past 10 years of varying success, with touring and a few records released. Is it ok to mention this?

Many applicants mention music as a hobby, advocation, or even employment. go for it if you want to highlight it as an outside interest.

 

[LizzyM]

I have had three children in the past 5 years <snip> As a result, my activities seem sparse.

OK, so my activities are few and my real question is - can I mention my kids to explain why? Can they be considered an activity? Also, I have 2 summers that I don't account for because those were the summer's that my second and third kids were born - should this be mentioned?

Also, my Personal Statement is done and I only briefly mention that I have children because I don't want it to be all about my kids. I have enough other things about me that I felt it would sidetrack my statement.

Thanks for your input.

Go to www.nytimes.com click on opinion and then read the letter dated July 27 regarding "A Shortage of Doctors" Pray that you don't end up before an adcom with Dr. Sataline's attitude. (if you are reading this after July 27 you may need to do an archive search). Some people are always going to fear that a woman with children will have divided loyalties and be less dedicated than a man in the same position.


The adcom wants to see someone who is prepared to diagnose and treat patients. They want someone with the skills necessary to be a successful student and a good doctor. They will compare your application with the applications of those who have dedicated themselves to research, service activities, scholarship, and employment. There have been a few recent, successful female applicants with one or more children so it can be done.

There may be major concerns about your responsibilities with regard the children including how the children will be cared for while you are in school (including when the children are sick or when you are in the hospital overnight during clinical rotations). Expect those questions to come up during interviews. Keep in mind too, that where you live while in medical school will determine where your children are educated (unless your husband plans to homeschool) and apply to schools keeping that geographic reality in mind.

 

[cloosh]

hey does shadowing go under community service or "other"? i would assume other since you really don't do anything yourself.

 

[LizzyM]

hey does shadowing go under community service or "other"? i would assume other since you really don't do anything yourself.

other is a good choice for that activity, imho

 

[WurangBlang]

is it ok to add a ball room dancing(which i learned in a college class) as a work/activities? or it's just a garbage?

 

[LizzyM]

is it ok to add a ball room dancing(which i learned in a college class) as a work/activities? or it's just a garbage?

It would be fine to add it if it is an important part of who you are. Sometimes the applicants all blur together and something that sets you part from the crowd is an interesting tag. It is also the sort of thing to mention if you are asked what you do for fun.

 

[TopDocChick]

Go to www.nytimes.com click on opinion and then read the letter dated July 27 regarding "A Shortage of Doctors" Pray that you don't end up before an adcom with Dr. Sataline's attitude. (if you are reading this after July 27 you may need to do an archive search). Some people are always going to fear that a woman with children will have divided loyalties and be less dedicated than a man in the same position.


The adcom wants to see someone who is prepared to diagnose and treat patients. They want someone with the skills necessary to be a successful student and a good doctor. They will compare your application with the applications of those who have dedicated themselves to research, service activities, scholarship, and employment. There have been a few recent, successful female applicants with one or more children so it can be done.

There may be major concerns about your responsibilities with regard the children including how the children will be cared for while you are in school (including when the children are sick or when you are in the hospital overnight during clinical rotations). Expect those questions to come up during interviews. Keep in mind too, that where you live while in medical school will determine where your children are educated (unless your husband plans to homeschool) and apply to schools keeping that geographic reality in mind.

I don't know how to put it across to the Adcoms, but my path is more like the male doctors path. I am probably done having kids (can't say it definitively cuz hubby gets mad), and he is the stay at home dad who cooks, does laundry, gives baths, drives carpools, etc etc etc. The only reason my undergrad was slowed down was because he couldn't nurse the babies or carry them in his womb. There is less fear in me then a single girl who doesn't know what will happen when she decides to have children. I know what its about and I am choosing to forgo the role of day to day nurturer in order to go to medical school and I am comfortable doing that because my husband is a great hands on father. This explanation was all to wordy and I might just explain it to Adcoms at the interviews. By your above post were you recommending that i don't mention my kids at all or that I should mention them but expect to be questioned?

I saw the article and feel that it doesn't apply to me because as I said before, I have already had my kids, i won't be missing rotations due to pregnancy. If the kids get sick, my husband will watch them. I spend every Saturday completely focused on my kids and on Sunday my husband takes over again for the week. It worked in undergrad, and I plan on having it work in medical school. Of course during crunch time I won't see them for 2 weeks straight or so, but we know the sacrifices and my husband wants to see me succeed and has supported me and will continue to support me all the way through. I do feel it is a unique case. i just wonder if it should be mentioned on my app or wait until interview?

 

[DrPatel1987]

Hey Lizzy M or Gujudoc,

I have couple of questions:

1) I took an independent study course that allowed me to be part of a treatment refractory group that formulates diagnosis and treatment strategies for refractory cases at at a psychiatric hospital. I did not take this course for grade or credits, but rather took it to get clinical exposure. Should I list it in my activities? (What type: Other?).

2) Also, I played variety of intramural sports for 2 years, should I list them?

3) I am also the executive editor for IMPULSE (Neuroscience journal). For the description do I just state:IMPULSE is the first international, online neuroscience journal for undergraduate publications. Duties as an executive editor involved reviewing the submitted manuscript, collating reviews from other associate editors, recruiting peer reviewers, and presenting at annual undergraduate neuroscience conferences.

4) I also presented at a annual SYNAPSE conference this year, do I need to explain what is SYNAPSE, since it is an undergraduate neuroscientists conference?

My name was also on several abstracts that were presented at Society of neuroscience conference, but I wasn't able to attend it. Should I combine these two into one activity? Or should I list SYNAPSE as a Presentation, and list the other ones under Abstract?

Thank you very much for your help.🙂

 

[LizzyM]

I am probably done having kids (can't say it definitively cuz hubby gets mad), and he is the stay at home dad who cooks, does laundry, gives baths, drives carpools, etc etc etc. <snip> I do feel it is a unique case. i just wonder if it should be mentioned on my app or wait until interview?

It is up to you. Mention it as it may explain why your extracurricular activities are a little "thin" or don't mention it because you don't want to shine a spotlight on what some old timers may consider a liability.

Have you considered that one or more of your letter writers may mention it in terms of your excellent time management skills?

 

[LizzyM]

Hey Lizzy M or Gujudoc,

I have couple of questions:

1) I took an independent study course that allowed me to be part of a treatment refractory group that formulates diagnosis and treatment strategies for refractory cases at at a psychiatric hospital. I did not take this course for grade or credits, but rather took it to get clinical exposure. Should I list it in my activities? (What type: Other?).

You could list it as volunteer/clinical if you actually contributed to the discussion but if you were merely there to observe the discussions then you might call it "other".

2) Also, I played variety of intramural sports for 2 years, should I list them?

If it is something about yourself that you'd like the adcom to know, then list them.

3) I am also the executive editor for IMPULSE (Neuroscience journal). For the description do I just state:IMPULSE is the first international, online neuroscience journal for undergraduate publications. Duties as an executive editor involved reviewing the submitted manuscript, collating reviews from other associate editors, recruiting peer reviewers, and presenting at annual undergraduate neuroscience conferences.

Good description. I'd substitute the word research for publications in your description.

4) I also presented at a annual SYNAPSE conference this year, do I need to explain what is SYNAPSE, since it is an undergraduate neuroscientists conference?

I wouldn't know what it is and I would assume that most adcom members wouldn't know. Do explain on the application. List that as a presentation.

My name was also on several abstracts that were presented at Society of neuroscience conference, but I wasn't able to attend it. Should I combine these two into one activity? Or should I list SYNAPSE as a Presentation, and list the other ones under Abstract?

Thank you very much for your help.🙂

List these as abstracts separate from attendance at the SYNAPSE conf.

 

[ksf]

edit

 

[ksf]

Hey LizzyM, I have a few questions:

• For one of my positions (an internship) I know that my supervisor, the main person I really worked with, is gone and to where I’m not entirely sure. Who should I put down as a contact? Should I just put them down, even though they aren't there anymore?

• I received departmental honors (biochem), for my GPA along with a year-long thesis and a required poster session I presented at. Should I put this honors as a separate category? Or, should I include it under my research work in that lab (I kind of want to put it separately to highlight it, but I’m not sure if that’s entirely appropriate). Also, should I put my poster presentation in it's own activity/category, or should I bundle it with another activity (like my research position)?.

• I was thinking of putting down dean’s list since I have the room (only 10 or so activities total) but I was wondering if I should, since I had it for my first 3 semesters, than I transferred to a different school where my GPA wasn’t as high (dropped ~ 0.2-0.3). Would including it be sort of like a red flag?

• I’m currently working in a lab and will be one of the authors on an upcoming publication which we’ll probably submit within August. What’s the best/appropriate way to mention this in my description? Something along the lines of “currently writing a paper for submission” or? And also, since I'm getting paid for this work would this position be "Research/Lab" or "Paid Employment"? Does it matter, or is one better to mention then the other?

Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate it.

 

[LizzyM]

For one of my positions (an internship) I know that my supervisor, the main person I really worked with, is gone and to where I’m not entirely sure. Who should I put down as a contact? Should I just put them down, even though they aren't there anymore?

Sure, put down someone who isn't there anymore. In the unlikely event that the adcom contacts the agency, the person who handles the phone call will put the call through to someone who can verify your activities (based on old files) or explain the personal change and the lack of records.

I received departmental honors (biochem), for my GPA along with a year-long thesis and a required poster session I presented at. Should I put this honors as a separate category? Or, should I include it under my research work in that lab (I kind of want to put it separately to highlight it, but I’m not sure if that’s entirely appropriate). Also, should I put my poster presentation in it's own activity/category, or should I bundle it with another activity (like my research position)?.

Put the research as that is really important to some schools. If you have room for the poster, put that down too as it shows that you've developed those skills, too. The dept honors are not very impressive to adcoms.

I was thinking of putting down dean’s list since I have the room (only 10 or so activities total) but I was wondering if I should, since I had it for my first 3 semesters, than I transferred to a different school where my GPA wasn’t as high (dropped ~ 0.2-0.3). Would including it be sort of like a red flag?

I've never seen a adcom member who was impressed by someone's place on a dean's list or made mention of the lack of such an honor.

I’m currently working in a lab and will be one of the authors on an upcoming publication which we’ll probably submit within August. What’s the best/appropriate way to mention this in my description? Something along the lines of “currently writing a paper for submission” or? And also, since I'm getting paid for this work would this position be "Research/Lab" or "Paid Employment"? Does it matter, or is one better to mention then the other?

Papers being prepared for submission aren't very impressive. (If wishes were horses then beggars would ride.) List the employment (if it is f/t after college graduation), or research, if you are still in school. Once the paper is accepted for publication, you can add this as an update to your file which is great when you go to the interview or when you want to get off the waitlist.

 

[custard]

So I know I should be grouping similar things together but I have a problem regarding the start and end dates (since you can't leave them blank on the form). Basically I shadowing two docs in the same specialty (diff hospitals) and there's a year between me shadowing the first one and the second one. Do I group them and write the start and end dates including this gap year (making it look like I spent a lot of time doing this) and then explain the dates in the description section or do I list them separately (I have room)?

Thanks!!

 

[LizzyM]

So I know I should be grouping similar things together but I have a problem regarding the start and end dates (since you can't leave them blank on the form). Basically I shadowing two docs in the same specialty (diff hospitals) and there's a year between me shadowing the first one and the second one. Do I group them and write the start and end dates including this gap year (making it look like I spent a lot of time doing this) and then explain the dates in the description section or do I list them separately (I have room)?

Thanks!!

Go with separate listings.

 

[ctgxant]

Hi LizzyM, I was curious about whether or not I should put down weightlifting as an extracurricular? It has been a big part of my life for the last couple of years and I have helped trained several people, though by no means am I professional trainer.

Another question, and probably more important, is about the length of these descriptions. I know you've said to keep it short and simple, but is it terrible to go a little more in depth after the initial first paragraph where i give a general description of the activity?

 

[LizzyM]

Hi LizzyM, I was curious about whether or not I should put down weightlifting as an extracurricular? It has been a big part of my life for the last couple of years and I have helped trained several people, though by no means am I professional trainer.

Another question, and probably more important, is about the length of these descriptions. I know you've said to keep it short and simple, but is it terrible to go a little more in depth after the initial first paragraph where i give a general description of the activity?

Weightlifting is a fine extracurricular. Do mention that you've trained people as this shows that it hasn't been a solitary pursuit.

Please keep these descriptions short. These things are being read by faculty members who volunteer to read med school applications. Most of us spend 7 hours per week, or more, for five months slogging through applications. (I read >880 last year). Last year I heard a lot of griping from other adcom members about the length of the descriptions (the space for the description was longer last year than it had been in years past although most adcom members hadn't been informed of the change).

 

[BananaMonkey]

Hello,

I was involved in my college EMS organization for 3 years, but I held different responsibilities throughout. This was a major commitment in my college life, and I often put in 30-40 hrs/week to this organization (being on duty, administrative work, training, etc.). So my question is, should I list it as ONE activity, or perhaps break it down by year or by position?

Also, my organization has awards each year, and they named the "Best Ambulance Driver" award after me. I think this is neat, but is this application-worthy? I am leaning towards no, but I thought I'd ask just in case.

 

[gujuDoc]

Hello,

I was involved in my college EMS organization for 3 years, but I held different responsibilities throughout. This was a major commitment in my college life, and I often put in 30-40 hrs/week to this organization (being on duty, administrative work, training, etc.). So my question is, should I list it as ONE activity, or perhaps break it down by year or by position?

Also, my organization has awards each year, and they named the "Best Ambulance Driver" award after me. I think this is neat, but is this application-worthy? I am leaning towards no, but I thought I'd ask just in case.

You can list the award if you feel it is important and list it separately. However, I'd list all your duties and positions together in the description area.

 

[BananaMonkey]

You can list the award if you feel it is important and list it separately. However, I'd list all your duties and positions together in the description area.

Hmm, I really feel they sort of deserve separate entries. I figure two entries:

1) being a general member, hours, training, etc
2) Official positions held

Thoughts? I mean, this was my big activity in college. It didn't leave time for much else, so I feel that only giving it 1 slot on the app doesn't do it justice...

 

[007xx]

To all of you experienced applicants: please help the new SDN member... 😕

1) What is expected from AMCAS to be supplied in the "contact" information concerning name and title? What if a job or volunteer work, etc. occurred many years ago and I have no idea who the contact is at the present time? Would general information, such as "Volunteer Coordinator" or "Human Resources" be deemed acceptable?

2) Concerning collegiate activities, such as honor, service, and sorority organizations - should you list them if they were over five years ago? And if so, are you still a member according to AMCAS after graduation? Also, if you list them, who in the world would you submit for contact info???

3) As far as the EMT thing: what if you trained one spring/summer during college at a rural EMS site and became certified in your state, but never practiced as an EMT. I don't want to neglect my training and expired certification despite the fact that I never practiced as an EMT. So, I can't list this in the "Course Work" section, b/c there was no grade, but if I enter it in the "Work/Activities" section, I am clueless about dates to enter, location, contact, etc.

I appreciate anyone who read through all of that and is willing to help - thank you. I am sure I'll have some more questions to come. 🙄







Should you include honor/service memberships from college (even if you graduated a few years ago)? If so, who in the world would be the contact name and... what dates should you list if you have already graduated?

2)

 

[booswim542]

1. Yes, I think "Volunteer Coordinator" would be appropriate, however, you could also call the hospital and ask who the volunteer coordinator is - plus, it is often on their website.

2. If you did it in college, then yes, you can list it. As long as it is not blocking out other pertinant things you have done more recently (since you have a limit of things to list). I don't think you are still a member, but I am not sure who to ask. For the contact, it would probably be best to put the current advisor, esp. if the past advisor is no longer at the university.

3. You can list EMT training as an activity, and enter the course dates. Be sure to explain that you just took the course, but make just leave out that you did not actually practice. Put the contact as whoever coordinates the course, and put the location as the city you trained in.

You should do a bit of research and call around or look on websites to find the current advisors/directors for your programs. Or you can try to figure out who was there when you were involved and see if they can still be contacted. It may take some work, but I believe it's necessary.

 

[007xx]

I really appreciate your response, b/c I'm going crazy at this point. OK...

Concerning the hospital volunteering, there is no contact person on the website - I have been struggling w/ this kind of stuff all day.😱 That's why I truly want to ascertain, "What will AMCAS deem as being sufficient?"

Also, I just don't understand how putting the current advisor for an organization would supply AMCAS w/ info about my officer/member status from over five years ago?