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

[Adnama]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This may have been asked already but after doing a quick search thread, I couldn't find it so I figured I'd ask again.

Does the order that we enter in our activities actually matter? I've been entering them in kind of randomly, but before I continued, I wanted to make sure it didn't matter, or if I should re-enter them in chronological order. Thanks.

If you do a print preview (under main menu) of your application they appear in chronological order and that is probably how adcoms will see them.

 

[tncekm]

I feel like you should not bring attention to it. 3 W's is hardly worth concern over fours years of school - things happen and I would imagine not many people will ask about it. So why put a big arrow pointing towards it?

That's what I originally thought, but I read a few times that it might be a good idea to explain inconsistencies like W's or time off from school, etc.

Thanks though! I'll keep it out of my PS for now. (Oh, and its been 6 years and around 156 semester units of school 😛)

 

[enjoydrywax]

I volunteered at an elementary school teaching science and doing cool science experiments with a bunch of 3rd graders. Should I put this under "Volunteering - Non-clinical" or "Teaching/Tutoring"

Also, I spent a lot of time during the week exercising/workingout. Sometimes this will mean weight lifting, other times it will mean swimming, and other times it will mean basketball or racketball with a few friends. Is this a hobby that I should put down? The reason I ask is because a lot of my other extracurriculars and even my personal statement have a central theme of exercising and eating right as a means for mental and physical health. What do you guys think?

 

[wavedoctor]

Couple of questions

1. I was 4th author on a submitted publication but right after we submitted it another competing group published similar results in a major journal, what is apparently referred to as "being swooped'. Anyways, how should I describe this on my activities. I'll have a portion labeled "undergraduate researcher", can I just put "4th author on submitted publication" or something like that?

2. I played NCAA sports for two years, then retired. Should I elaborate at all about my reasons for leaving the sport? or is this not appropriate. Also, is it ok if describe what I gained from it (e.g work ethic, time management skills, ect.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[fuzzywuz]

They ask you to enter hours/week.

What if there is an activity in which you've participated during the summer and academic year. Which hour do you put in the field? I know you can describe it indepth in the description area, but which number should be in the blank?

Thanks!!

 

[enjoydrywax]

They ask you to enter hours/week.

What if there is an activity in which you've participated during the summer and academic year. Which hour do you put in the field? I know you can describe it indepth in the description area, but which number should be in the blank?

Thanks!!

For situations like yours where my hours changed depending on other factors (summer, school year, other commitments, etc), I just leave it blank and explain the timing in one of my bullet points.

From what I have read so far in this thread, that's the best way to go.

 

[fuzzywuz]

For situations like yours where my hours changed depending on other factors (summer, school year, other commitments, etc), I just leave it blank and explain the timing in one of my bullet points.

From what I have read so far in this thread, that's the best way to go.

Thanks!

Another question just popped into my mind.

For activities that I did in HS that is relevant to medicine...can I include it in the activities section even though the activity does not extend into college?

For instance, I volunteered in the ER, outpatient OR, etc etc during my High School years...one of the activities actually extended into college though.

I guess my reason for including it is to show my commitment and depth of experience in the medical field.

 

[enjoydrywax]

Thanks!

Another question just popped into my mind.

For activities that I did in HS that is relevant to medicine...can I include it in the activities section even though the activity does not extend into college?

For instance, I volunteered in the ER, outpatient OR, etc etc during my High School years...one of the activities actually extended into college though.

I guess my reason for including it is to show my commitment and depth of experience in the medical field.

Never ever include high school activities/extracurrics unless you won the siemen's scholarship or something SUPER EPIC like that. I, too, have tons of high school hospital volunteering experience (in fact more than what I have now), but for some stupid ****ing reason ADCOMs think only the last four years of your life have any bearing on your hopes to attend medical school. fascists.

edit: if you really must mention it, mention it either in your PS or underneath a similar activity as a bulletpoint something like this:

- Started this activity because I really enjoyed doing it in HS at whatever hospital for over howevermany hours.

 

[fuzzywuz]

Never ever include high school activities/extracurrics unless you won the siemen's scholarship or something SUPER EPIC like that. I, too, have tons of high school hospital volunteering experience (in fact more than what I have now), but for some stupid ****ing reason ADCOMs think only the last four years of your life have any bearing on your hopes to attend medical school. fascists.

edit: if you really must mention it, mention it either in your PS or underneath a similar activity as a bulletpoint something like this:

- Started this activity because I really enjoyed doing it in HS at whatever hospital for over howevermany hours.

Thanks! You answered another question that JUST popped up. I will throw it into my PS.

My list of activities look so short.

 

[enjoydrywax]

I volunteered at an elementary school teaching science and doing cool science experiments with a bunch of 3rd graders. Should I put this under "Volunteering - Non-clinical" or "Teaching/Tutoring"

Also, I spent a lot of time during the week exercising/workingout. Sometimes this will mean weight lifting, other times it will mean swimming, and other times it will mean basketball or racketball with a few friends. Is this a hobby that I should put down? The reason I ask is because a lot of my other extracurriculars and even my personal statement have a central theme of exercising and eating right as a means for mental and physical health. What do you guys think?

bumping for some help..

 

[fuzzywuz]

bumping for some help..

Regarding that teaching experience, definitely put it down as Teaching/Tutoring

You can always emphasize in the description area how the experience was a service experience for you and etc etc. I guess labeling it as teaching is more accurate and reflective of the activity.

 

[FutureIHSDoc]

I have a few questions. If someone could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

1. I played a club sport for the first two years of college. It occupied about 10hr/week. Our team was pretty good - we traveled every weekend and went to Nationals one year. I quit when I transfered schools. Should I include this under "Extracurriculars" or "Intercollegiate Athletics"?

2. I was an Undergraduate TA for one of my classes. As part of my school's program for Undergrad TAs, I presented a poster about "learning strategies". Compared to other applicants who presented scientific posters, this seems insignificant. Should I give the poster its own title under the heading "posters" or should I just include it with being a TA?

3. Should I included my CPR certification?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[travelbug73]

Ok, since I did not get a response to my previous post, here are my activities and questions. Do I inlcude some or all of these activities? If so, under what category? Do I describe them or leave them as is?

Thank you for your time.

Almost 2.5 years volunteering (4 hours every week - about 250 hours so far) supplying hot beverages to patients and their families. I was actually interviewed for our institution's quarterly volunteer publication.

Some shadowing (about 30-40 hours or so total - Ob/Gyn , Oncology, Pathology). I don't have the contact information for some of these. For example, I shadowed an Ob/Gyn nurse and Physician for a whole day a few years ago. But, I don't have much information except the name of hospital where I shadowed. How do I include this?

A few friends and I used to teach computer lessons (Basic skills like how to turn on a computer and learning to use the Word processor and maybe some Excel) to some women in a shelter. We brought our own computers etc. We did this as 6-week courses, every Staurday from 8-12. I think we did about 3 such 6-week long courses.

Volunteered in a local food pantry once a month for a few months.

Worked with inner city kids and helped them with their homework, reading, math etc for a few months.

With the same group I did some habitat for humanity type of work and helped rebuild some houses. I mean, we did the floors, bathrooms, cabinets, doors, windows, all of it.

Volunteered as a therapist for an autistic kid for a few months (responded to a newspaper ad).

Volunteered in the ER many years ago (stocking and changing linen primarily) for 3 months. Again, in this case it is just the name of the hospital that I remember. I don't have contact information. The reason I don't have names and contact information is because I volunteered out of sheer interest and I did not know medical schools required this.

Many many years ago, well before I moved to the US, I used to volunteer in eye camps and go to a couple of villages once every two weeks to help with eye exams, teach people about hygiene, teach children to read and write etc. How do I include this information? These are not eye camps organized by any NGO or such, it was just a group of us that did it. I also used to volunteer at some charity hospitals. Not direct patient contact but stocking linen, transporting patients and such.

I have a lot of other interests like learning new languages, hiking, traveling etc. I'm fluent in 3 languages and have a rudimentary knowledge of at least 3 more. Should I include those as well?

A bunch of physicians and I are currently working on establishing twinning programs in India in the field of pediatric oncology and infectious diseases. It has not gone anywhere yet, we are still in the process of identifying potential hospitals, and of course donors. Should I bother mentioning it?

 

[kpxnyc]

hey

i'm currently a masters student and performing research for my thesis. should i include the research in the work/activities section even though it's not really volunteer or paid work? i'm not sure if there's anywhere else in the application that i could write in detail about the research that i'm performing.

thanks for the help!

 

[pianola]

hey

i'm currently a masters student and performing research for my thesis. should i include the research in the work/activities section even though it's not really volunteer or paid work? i'm not sure if there's anywhere else in the application that i could write in detail about the research that i'm performing.

thanks for the help!

Of course you should! Why would you not?

 

[pianola]

Ok, since I did not get a response to my previous post, here are my activities and questions. Do I inlcude some or all of these activities? If so, under what category? Do I describe them or leave them as is?

Thank you for your time. Here are my $.02.

Almost 2.5 years volunteering (4 hours every week - about 250 hours so far) supplying hot beverages to patients and their families. I was actually interviewed for our institution's quarterly volunteer publication. Probably? Just...hot beverages?

Some shadowing (about 30-40 hours or so total - Ob/Gyn , Oncology, Pathology). I don't have the contact information for some of these. For example, I shadowed an Ob/Gyn nurse and Physician for a whole day a few years ago. But, I don't have much information except the name of hospital where I shadowed. How do I include this? Include. Up to you how to do it -- it's your experience.

A few friends and I used to teach computer lessons (Basic skills like how to turn on a computer and learning to use the Word processor and maybe some Excel) to some women in a shelter. We brought our own computers etc. We did this as 6-week courses, every Staurday from 8-12. I think we did about 3 such 6-week long courses. Yes.

Volunteered in a local food pantry once a month for a few months. Maybe, depends on whether it pushes you over 15 activities. If not, then yes.

Worked with inner city kids and helped them with their homework, reading, math etc for a few months. Same as above.

With the same group I did some habitat for humanity type of work and helped rebuild some houses. I mean, we did the floors, bathrooms, cabinets, doors, windows, all of it. Yes.

Volunteered as a therapist for an autistic kid for a few months (responded to a newspaper ad). Probably.

Volunteered in the ER many years ago (stocking and changing linen primarily) for 3 months. Again, in this case it is just the name of the hospital that I remember. I don't have contact information. The reason I don't have names and contact information is because I volunteered out of sheer interest and I did not know medical schools required this. Contact info = not a big deal. many years ago = ?

Many many years ago, well before I moved to the US, I used to volunteer in eye camps and go to a couple of villages once every two weeks to help with eye exams, teach people about hygiene, teach children to read and write etc. How do I include this information? up to you. Just describe what you did. These are not eye camps organized by any NGO or such, it was just a group of us that did it. I also used to volunteer at some charity hospitals. Not direct patient contact but stocking linen, transporting patients and such. include.

I have a lot of other interests like learning new languages, hiking, traveling etc. I'm fluent in 3 languages include, but not in this section -- biographical section asks you about this and have a rudimentary knowledge of at least 3 more probably include??. Should I include those as well?

A bunch of physicians and I are currently working on establishing twinning programs in India in the field of pediatric oncology and infectious diseases. It has not gone anywhere yet, we are still in the process of identifying potential hospitals, and of course donors. Should I bother mentioning it? If you can talk about the work intelligently and insightfully and you feel you've made a significant contribution then yes, probably.

Again just my 2 cents. For what it's worth.

 

[pianola]

I have a few questions. If someone could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

1. I played a club sport for the first two years of college. It occupied about 10hr/week. Our team was pretty good - we traveled every weekend and went to Nationals one year. I quit when I transfered schools. Should I include this under "Extracurriculars" or "Intercollegiate Athletics"? Up to you. I'd personally do the latter.

2. I was an Undergraduate TA for one of my classes. As part of my school's program for Undergrad TAs, I presented a poster about "learning strategies". Compared to other applicants who presented scientific posters, this seems insignificant. Should I give the poster its own title under the heading "posters" or should I just include it with being a TA? I'd lump, up to you. Depends on how much effort you put into it.

3. Should I included my CPR certification? I did, but I lumped it in with some other things...up to you. If you can't lump it, I guess it's a tough call. Look at the rest of your activities and see if you think it adds a lot to have it there, relative to everything else.

Thanks in advance!!

For what it's worth. It's always up to you, of course.

 

[AirForceK10001]

LizzyM

A few questions about listing military experience on the application.

1. If you already have one entry for Scholastic Honors/Awards/Recognitions, would you break Military Honors/Awards/Recognitions out into its own section? Or just try to squeeze it into the Paid Employment - Military entry.

2. How would you handle an award that sounds like a joke in the civilian world, but is a big deal within my unit?

3. Do you have any advice on describing a military job in a manner that ADCOMs would find appealing?

4. Membership in professional organizations is heavily stressed and leadership in those organizations is encouraged. Since these are off duty memberships, would you put them under a Leadership - not listed Elsewhere heading? Or would you lump them together with entires such as {Insert Student Organization Name} Officer, putting it all under one Leadership entry?

5. I submitted an abstract to a national conference, it was accepted, but I was unable to present the poster due to a deployment. Would you classify that as a publication, since it made it to their website/conference guide? On that note, what do you consider to be a publication?

Thank you.

 

[JLC]

that's not a publication. Publication are usually reserved for articles or letters published in Journals. Abstracts are rarely ever published. Even if the conference has a program, it's pretty far to call it a publication although some people do, but think of the people who are reviewing your application, many of them will have published and know whats a publication and what's not

 

[AirForceK10001]

I didn't think it was, but I've heard of people using them that way.

 

[wavedoctor]

Couple of questions

1. I was 4th author on a submitted publication but right after we submitted it another competing group published similar results in a major journal, what is apparently referred to as "being swooped'. Anyways, how should I describe this on my activities. I'll have a portion labeled "undergraduate researcher", can I just put "4th author on submitted publication" or something like that?

2. I played NCAA sports for two years, then retired. Should I elaborate at all about my reasons for leaving the sport? or is this not appropriate. Also, is it ok if describe what I gained from it (e.g work ethic, time management skills, ect.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[otterpop]

how many characters are you guys using to describe each activity? most of mine are under 800 characters though we're given 1325. i'm trying to be brief. what about you guys?

 

[tncekm]

how many characters are you guys using to describe each activity? most of mine are under 800 characters though we're given 1325. i'm trying to be brief. what about you guys?

Most of mine are 200-300. My research > 1000 and my long affiliation w/ a family business > 1000 (b/c I've worked different positions over many different years, etc).

 

[Nemethyst]

Hey guys, I am a re-applicant this year,

I do work as an artist on the side. Its been a hobby since I was young, and have recently made it into a part time job. I do a lot of graphic design work (anything from comic-book art to touching up photos to working with my family's rental housing company for ads). I've also been taking up some opportunities to work with the community (art instruction for kids, not really classes but something fun to do).

I've also worked in my family's small rental housing company (~40 units), doing advertisements, as well as maintenance work and dealing with tenants. This is work experience, but does it really count as actual work experience since i was working for my parents?

Are either of these things relevant?

Also, I volunteered in an emergency room of an HMO (Kaiser) for about 2 years. I also shadowed doctors, surgeons, orthopedists, and radiologists through this experience. should i list these shadowing opps here, or separately? I've also done some other shadowing work with a pediatrician not in this volunteer position.

I've been tutoring science courses for high school and college students for a bit. It hasn't been through a service, but I have been paid for it. I think i've done about 50 hours worth of tutoring. I am also exploring opportunities to tutor through online services and other services. Is this a worthwhile thing to include?

Also, should we list Deans honors list if it was only one semester?

Should we list future intent in enrolling in post-bacc?

 

[mcaliboyw]

Hey this is sort of out of left field but does anyone know why the paid employment designator for work/activities is divided into military and non-military? Why the distinction?

 

[LizzyM]

Hey this is sort of out of left field but does anyone know why the paid employment designator for work/activities is divided into military and non-military? Why the distinction?

Because someone thinks that it is relevant. It is very, very rare to see anyone with military employment, at least among the hundreds of applications I've seen in the last couple of years.

 

[LizzyM]

Hey guys, I am a re-applicant this year,

I do work as an artist on the side. Its been a hobby since I was young, and have recently made it into a part time job. I do a lot of graphic design work (anything from comic-book art to touching up photos to working with my family's rental housing company for ads). I've also been taking up some opportunities to work with the community (art instruction for kids, not really classes but something fun to do).

I've also worked in my family's small rental housing company (~40 units), doing advertisements, as well as maintenance work and dealing with tenants. This is work experience, but does it really count as actual work experience since i was working for my parents?

Are either of these things relevant?

They are unusual. They do take a significant amount of time outside of your classroom work and you have earned money doing these things. I'd suggest that you list them.

Also, I volunteered in an emergency room of an HMO (Kaiser) for about 2 years. I also shadowed doctors, surgeons, orthopedists, and radiologists through this experience. should i list these shadowing opps here, or separately? I've also done some other shadowing work with a pediatrician not in this volunteer position.

List the volunteer thing for 2 years (impressive) and slip in to the description that if has afforded you the opportunity to shadow surgeons, orthopedists, radiologists and other physician specialists.

I've been tutoring science courses for high school and college students for a bit. It hasn't been through a service, but I have been paid for it. I think i've done about 50 hours worth of tutoring. I am also exploring opportunities to tutor through online services and other services. Is this a worthwhile thing to include?

If the "for a bit" is the last two months then this is worth listing (6 hrs/week). If it has been spread over more than a year (<1 hr/wk) then it might be too infrequent to list. In between 2 mos and a year -- your call. Don' list what hasn't happened yet.

Also, should we list Deans honors list if it was only one semester?

Not noteworthy. Anyone who has the gpa for med school has made the Dean's list once or eight times.

Should we list future intent in enrolling in post-bacc?

I think that it goes in the planned coursework section, not in experience.

 

[Nemethyst]

Thanks LizzyM!

One more thing, as a reapplicant, I know I'm supposed to rewrite my PS, but do I have to rewrite the descriptions of my Skills/Activities as well, or just add what new things i've done since then?

Thanks again!

 

[LizzyM]

Thanks LizzyM!

One more thing, as a reapplicant, I know I'm supposed to rewrite my PS, but do I have to rewrite the descriptions of my Skills/Activities as well, or just add what new things i've done since then?

Thanks again!

If you think that they were well written the first time, I don't see any point in rewriting.

 

[moto_za]

Do I have to list the hours per week for a publication? My advisor said yes, but how should I do it if necessary? Also, how important is it to list the country where the research was done or published? Can I just leave it blank?

 

[LizzyM]

Do I have to list the hours per week for a publication? My advisor said yes, but how should I do it if necessary? Also, how important is it to list the country where the research was done or published? Can I just leave it blank?

Some of these fields can be left blank if they do not apply. Use your judgment.

 

[AirForceK10001]

Hoping this didn't get lost in the shuffle.

LizzyM

A few questions about listing military experience on the application.

1. If you already have one entry for Scholastic Honors/Awards/Recognitions, would you break Military Honors/Awards/Recognitions out into its own section? Or just try to squeeze it into the Paid Employment - Military entry.

2. How would you handle an award that sounds like a joke in the civilian world, but is a big deal within my unit?

3. Do you have any advice on describing a military job in a manner that ADCOMs would find appealing?

4. Membership in professional organizations is heavily stressed and leadership in those organizations is encouraged. Since these are off duty memberships, would you put them under a Leadership - not listed Elsewhere heading? Or would you lump them together with entires such as {Insert Student Organization Name} Officer, putting it all under one Leadership entry?

5. I submitted an abstract to a national conference, it was accepted, but I was unable to present the poster due to a deployment. Would you classify that as a publication, since it made it to their website/conference guide? On that note, what do you consider to be a publication?

Thank you.

 

[LizzyM]

LizzyM

A few questions about listing military experience on the application.

1. If you already have one entry for Scholastic Honors/Awards/Recognitions, would you break Military Honors/Awards/Recognitions out into its own section? Or just try to squeeze it into the Paid Employment - Military entry.

Your choice. It might fit better under the heading "awards"

2. How would you handle an award that sounds like a joke in the civilian world, but is a big deal within my unit?

Leave it out, if it won't mean anything to the adcom, or leave it in and explain the heck out of it in the free text section and/or hope that your commander describes the award in your LOR

3. Do you have any advice on describing a military job in a manner that ADCOMs would find appealing?

Focus on the development of leadership skills and managing people.

4. Membership in professional organizations is heavily stressed and leadership in those organizations is encouraged. Since these are off duty memberships, would you put them under a Leadership - not listed Elsewhere heading? Or would you lump them together with entires such as {Insert Student Organization Name} Officer, putting it all under one Leadership entry?

Not sure of the question. If you belong to a group, list it and describe your leadership of the group in the text. One entry for each group. Edit out organizations that aren't the most impressive (if you can't fit everything).

5. I submitted an abstract to a national conference, it was accepted, but I was unable to present the poster due to a deployment. Would you classify that as a publication, since it made it to their website/conference guide? On that note, what do you consider to be a publication?

Thank you.

No, list it as a presentation. Note in the free text that it was accepted but not presented due to your deployment.

A publication appears in a book or serial (what the rest of us call a magazine or journal). Serials are published on a regular schedule and are sold by subscription. Many serials are published by academic/professional associations and are distributed to members of the association as well as to others. (e.g. the New England Journal of Medicine is published by the Massachusetts Medical Society)

 

[AirForceK10001]

Thank you LizzyM, your answers are appreciated.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[jyb5011]

So I just have a few quick questions:

Is it better to make the activities section more like a resume (bullet points) or more of an essay type section with complete paragraphs?

If I shadowed my brother (who is a surgeon) should I put down the name of his partner or is it okay to put down my brother for shadowing?

Would language proficiency go down under the activities section?


Thanks

 

[LizzyM]

So I just have a few quick questions:

Is it better to make the activities section more like a resume (bullet points) or more of an essay type section with complete paragraphs?

I think that bullet points are very effective but some people are successful using the essay format. It is your choice.

If I shadowed my brother (who is a surgeon) should I put down the name of his partner or is it okay to put down my brother for shadowing?

List the person you shadowed.

[quote

Would language proficiency go down under the activities section?[/quote]

No, there is a separate slot for that on the AMCAS-- it goes along with demographic information.

 

[jyb5011]

I worked for a breast cancer organization throughout high school for a family I knew. The organization raised over 800,000 dollars for Fox Chase Cancer Center and in college I started a club with another friend (Breast Cancer Foundation) to run fundraisers, etc. We did a few different things but then nobody would help me out with the club after a time and it fell through. Should I bother putting this on the activities list or will it make sounds negative?

Also, I dropped a class my sophomore year and briefly stated it in my PS (said my extreme load of activities and work caused me to drop it or something like that). Should I mention this at all in the PS or is it not necessary?

 

[mz10]

Hi Lizzy M,

I worked in a research lab for two and a half years. I started during winter break as a volunteer, thereafter I received 1 unit credit during the spring and fall sessions. After the initial winter break, I was paid by my PI's grant to work up to 20 hours per week during the summers and winter breaks. Then I received a major research scholarship >$15,000 that paid for two summers of full time research and one academic year. I'm not sure how to categorize these since I have volunteered, received school credit, been paid by my PI's grant and recieved a scholarship.

Just a note, once I recieved the scholarship, I was no longer paid by my professors grant.

Should some of these go under "paid employment"? Can I just lump my research as one and mention my paid experience in the text box?

Thank you in advance!

 

[LizzyM]

Hi Lizzy M,

I worked in a research lab for two and a half years. I started during winter break as a volunteer, thereafter I received 1 unit credit during the spring and fall sessions. After the initial winter break, I was paid by my PI's grant to work up to 20 hours per week during the summers and winter breaks. Then I received a major research scholarship >$15,000 that paid for two summers of full time research and one academic year. I'm not sure how to categorize these since I have volunteered, received school credit, been paid by my PI's grant and recieved a scholarship.

Just a note, once I recieved the scholarship, I was no longer paid by my professors grant.

Should some of these go under "paid employment"? Can I just lump my research as one and mention my paid experience in the text box?

Thank you in advance!

List this as research. Describe the details in the text section. If you have an extra spot, list the $15,000 grant funding as this is very impressive.

 

[LizzyM]

I worked for a breast cancer organization throughout high school for a family I knew. The organization raised over 800,000 dollars for Fox Chase Cancer Center and in college I started a club with another friend (Breast Cancer Foundation) to run fundraisers, etc. We did a few different things but then nobody would help me out with the club after a time and it fell through. Should I bother putting this on the activities list or will it make sounds negative?

Also, I dropped a class my sophomore year and briefly stated it in my PS (said my extreme load of activities and work caused me to drop it or something like that). Should I mention this at all in the PS or is it not necessary?

Will either of these impress an adcom member?

Dropping one class is no big deal. Telling the adcom you were over extended with extracurriculars is not flattering. Better to say nothing than to make an excuse that could make you look foolish.

 

[mz10]

Hi Lizzy M,
Thanks for yourreply to my previous post. I have another question. What category should i put for my posters presented since the abstracts were also published? Actually, I need some clarification, is an abstract published if I can find it online? If so, my two abstracts from two poster presentations at two different conferences can be found online, what looks more impressive, "poster presentation, or publication"?

thank you

 

[Nqoire]

Hello LizzieM,

Thank you so much for your help in this thread.

I have 4 questions.

1) Due to classes taken in high school, I've only spent two years in university. Can I include some volunteer and work experiences from the last few years of high school to round out my experience section?

2) Is it worthwhile to note the following experiences:
I taught US History to middle school students at a private coop school for two years.
I've coached high school debate for five years.
I work as a Spanish interpreter at a local Catholic parish for Sunday classes.

3) How do I note experiences where I volunteered at the same place for unassociated weeklong periods, like once in the summer, once during Spring break, once during Christmas break, etc?

4) How do I note work experience when I work there full time during the summer and school breaks, but not during the school year? I can't figure out how to estimate the hours per week. When I'm working, it's 40 hours, but then there are month long periods where I don't work. If I say I've been employed for 2 years at 40 hours a week, then that is more than I've actually worked.

Thanks for the time!

 

[LizzyM]

Hi Lizzy M,
Thanks for yourreply to my previous post. I have another question. What category should i put for my posters presented since the abstracts were also published? Actually, I need some clarification, is an abstract published if I can find it online? If so, my two abstracts from two poster presentations at two different conferences can be found online, what looks more impressive, "poster presentation, or publication"?

thank you

I think that you should be modest and list it as a poster presentation and then give the URL of the online abstract. Save "publication" for print journals.

 

[LizzyM]

Hello LizzieM,

Thank you so much for your help in this thread.

I have 4 questions.

1) Due to classes taken in high school, I've only spent two years in university. Can I include some volunteer and work experiences from the last few years of high school to round out my experience section?

No.

2) Is it worthwhile to note the following experiences:
I taught US History to middle school students at a private coop school for two years.
I've coached high school debate for five years.
I work as a Spanish interpreter at a local Catholic parish for Sunday classes.

does this include at least some of the time that you've been in college? If so, then yes, you can include it. I don't know if it will be considered "worthwhile"

3) How do I note experiences where I volunteered at the same place for unassociated weeklong periods, like once in the summer, once during Spring break, once during Christmas break, etc?

List the date of the most recent occurence & in the text note that you also volunteered there in December 2007, April 2007, etc.

4) How do I note work experience when I work there full time during the summer and school breaks, but not during the school year? I can't figure out how to estimate the hours per week. When I'm working, it's 40 hours, but then there are month long periods where I don't work. If I say I've been employed for 2 years at 40 hours a week, then that is more than I've actually worked.

Thanks for the time!

List the most recent break and show it as 40 hours. In the text, note the other time periods and that these were 40 hours as well. Or give each time period its own slot.

 

[Nqoire]

Thanks for the response!

I attended community college full time for the last year of high school (2005-2006). Do the experiences and volunteer activities I had there apply to the work/activites section?

Should I note scholarships I have recieved or the fact that I am a member of honor societies?

Should I note that I have run two marathons?

Also, how should I note details of an experience? Is something like this appropriate?

XYZ General is a rural hospital with a small ER.
-Worked as an ER Tech.

or should it have more detail?

 

[LizzyM]

For the love of all that is holy, please read the instructions for filling out the work/activities section before you post here:

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/amcas2009instructionmanual061808.pdf

The work/activities section begins on page 87.

Interestingly, although most adcoms think that almost nothing that you did in HS should be listed, that isn't in the official instructions. Proceed at your own risk.

 

[premed8844]

1. ) I know that LizzyM said that you don't really need to list a study abroad experience because its already on your transcript, but is there any instances where they want to know more about it? If it was listed as an activity what information would the schools want to see?

2. ) I worked at a bank full time for 2 summers of undergrad, and another part time job for one semester (answering phones) should I list them just so they know what I was doing?

3. ) In my personal statement I mentioned a program that I was involved with in high school, and I know normally you don't enter those activities, but should I in this instance?

Thank you!!

 

[iduwanna]

1. ) I know that LizzyM said that you don't really need to list a study abroad experience because its already on your transcript, but is there any instances where they want to know more about it? If it was listed as an activity what information would the schools want to see?

2. ) I worked at a bank full time for 2 summers of undergrad, and another part time job for one semester (answering phones) should I list them just so they know what I was doing?

3. ) In my personal statement I mentioned a program that I was involved with in high school, and I know normally you don't enter those activities, but should I in this instance?

Thank you!!

1) Leave them something to ask you about in the interview.

2) Yes. List 'em.

3) You already mentioned it in the PS, correct?

 

[little rock]

Hi guys, this question is directed to LizzyM.

I am wondering about how to classify a research experience: I won a competition and was awarded a $4500 research scholarship. The data that came from that was published and I was given second authorship. I also gave an oral presentation, and won second prize for a poster competition from this research.

I was thinking that I should create one experience under 'Research/Lab' and describe what I did in the lab, and mention that I won a scholarship in that write up. I would create a second experience under 'Publication' and mention that I won 2nd in a poster competition.

How does this setup look? Many thanks; your replies in this thread have been extremely helpful.

 

[LizzyM]

Hi guys, this question is directed to LizzyM.

I am wondering about how to classify a research experience: I won a competition and was awarded a $4500 research scholarship. The data that came from that was published and I was given second authorship. I also gave an oral presentation, and won second prize for a poster competition from this research.

I was thinking that I should create one experience under 'Research/Lab' and describe what I did in the lab, and mention that I won a scholarship in that write up. I would create a second experience under 'Publication' and mention that I won 2nd in a poster competition.

How does this setup look? Many thanks; your replies in this thread have been extremely helpful.

This seems fine. If it was a national meeting of professionals as well as students, then I'd add the poster presentation and mention the prize there rather than with the publication.