How important are Work and Activity Descriptions?

[HotBoot]

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I'm currently working on my work and activity descriptions and was wondering how important they really are. As long as I convey what I did and why I did it/why it was impactful, is that enough? How do these rank in importance in the context of the rest of the application (ie GPA/MCAT, PS, ECs and hours).

Currently I am writing my descriptions with the general formula of: What did I do, why did I do it, why was it important. I know people like Dr. Gray emphasize anecdotes, but I'm choosing to only do that for MME descriptions.

 

[pdidd3]

I’d say in equal importance to personal statement because it is where your impact and demonstration of mission fit are evaluated, which is super important. ECs and hours don’t matter if you can’t write about them well.

 

[LunaOri]

You don’t need anecdotes for most of your activities descriptions, but can use them in your MME essays.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

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Thread 'Work/Activities Q&A - May 18, 2025 @ 9 PM Eastern'

Apr 28, 2025

The work and activities section on health professional school applications allows you to highlight how you have prepared for a career as a physician, dentist, or other healthcare professional. Dr. Chuck will detail what items should be included and how to approach this part of the application.

• WildWing
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Expert Advice Live

 

[Rachapkis]

Given how competitive medical school is, many people find themselves at the margins (whether that is on the margin of getting in at all, getting into an MD program, getting into their first choice, etc.). And, little things make a difference at the margins. I would not overwork or overthink your descriptions--they can be simple and straightforward--but make sure that they are internally consistent, cogent, and put your best foot forward. Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

Looking at only those applicants who are interviewed, I've not seen anecdotes in the W&A descriptions at my T20. That might tell you something....

 

[HotBoot]

Looking at only those applicants who are interviewed, I've not seen anecdotes in the W&A descriptions at my T20. That might tell you something....

That makes sense to me. I find it tiring to write anecdotes, so I can only imagine how tiring it would be to read hundreds of them. My only point of clarification would be whether they should be strictly professional (as in "I did that, I did this, and this was the impact") or whether they should be a little more personable (for example: "One of things I enjoyed most was speaking to kids about ***" or "This experience taught me ***"). I'm currently trying to marry the two so that it sounds professional without coming off as robotic.

 

[LizzyM]

Keep it short... rather than saying "one of the things I enjoyed most was speaking to kids about ...." say, "I enjoyed speaking to kids about..." The rest is filler.

 

[Goro]

I'm currently working on my work and activity descriptions and was wondering how important they really are. As long as I convey what I did and why I did it/why it was impactful, is that enough? How do these rank in importance in the context of the rest of the application (ie GPA/MCAT, PS, ECs and hours).

Currently I am writing my descriptions with the general formula of: What did I do, why did I do it, why was it important. I know people like Dr. Gray emphasize anecdotes, but I'm choosing to only do that for MME descriptions.

I hate the anecdotes. Save them for your essays.

 

[HotBoot]

Keep it short... rather than saying "one of the things I enjoyed most was speaking to kids about ...." say, "I enjoyed speaking to kids about..." The rest is filler.

Another question. How important is it that the primary is verified by June 27th. For example, I plan to submit on June 6th, so will likely be verified in the 1st-2nd week of July. Assuming I prewrite and have a quick turn around on my secondaries, is there a significant difference between the people who were verified by June 27th and those who were verified in July.

Will the people verified by day one get secondaries faster than those who were verified in early July?

 

[LizzyM]

I don't know how schools schedule the sending of secondaries. I do know that 1/4 of all applications arrive on day 1. Clearly, a school is not going to make its way through that bolus before the next bolus arrives and the next, and the next. With electronic applications it is really easy to sort on desired characteristics to fast-track some applicants by feeder school, GPA, MCAT, state, zip code, etc to prioritize some applicants over others without regard to arrival date. In the end, you will be reviewed and classified. I've likened the classifications to being placed on a broad staircase with more than one person on each stair. Those at the top go through the door to interview where there is a second staircase classifying you after interview.

Some applicants who arrive after you arrive may be placed on a higher stair. Your position on the inside staircase after interview may reflect your position on the first staircase, or you may move up or down a stair or two, or you might be sent to the bottom (that would not be good and happens rarely).

Accept that this is a long process that is going to play out from now until October at the earliest and through March or April at the worst.

Good luck!