Is research considered "extra-curricular?"

[Robanada]

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I've been working in an organic chemistry research lab for 2 years, and before that, an analytical lab for a few months. Does presenting a poster of the research count as an "extra-curricular activity," or a "non-academic accomplishment?"
I would consider it to be the former because it goes beyond the curriculum associated with my major requirement (the organic synthesis required for my chemistry major is very, very basic, and I've learned so much about synthesis in the lab). I seriously doubt, however, that it is a "non-academic accomplishment," although I could be mistaken- I'm not on any admissions committee. What does SDN think?

 

[NickNaylor]

I would consider it extracurricular as well. Why do you need to make such a distinction?

 

[Robanada]

Ah, thanks.

Different secondaries ask for different things- some ask for a significant extracurricular activity, and others ask for significant non-academic accomplishments. I think that the research is a lot more significant in the way that it made an impact than some award I received or some personal accomplishment. I'd like to put down the research if possible, so I just want to make sure that I know exactly when and when I can't use it.

 

[NickNaylor]

Ah, thanks.

Different secondaries ask for different things- some ask for a significant extracurricular activity, and others ask for significant non-academic accomplishments. I think that the research is a lot more significant in the way that it made an impact than some award I received or some personal accomplishment. I'd like to put down the research if possible, so I just want to make sure that I know exactly when and when I can't use it.

I would definitely consider a research award more of an academic accomplishment, even if it's not a formal part of your curriculum. Either way extracurricular would be what I would label it as.

Good luck.

 

[music2doc]

I think I know which secondary you are referring to as that exact phrasing sounds VERY familiar. Regardless, I would think of a non-academic accomplishment as something you accomplished that does not involve the general realm of academics (e.g., research, studying, etc). Establishing an organization or program or overcoming a chronic illness might be examples for this.... Consider what you learned and how it goes beyond what you learned in academics. You want to show you are more than just a book-smart nerd who sits around all day studying.

 

[Robanada]

I would definitely consider a research award more of an academic accomplishment, even if it's not a formal part of your curriculum. Either way extracurricular would be what I would label it as.

Good luck.

Thanks!

I think I know which secondary you are referring to as that exact phrasing sounds VERY familiar. Regardless, I would think of a non-academic accomplishment as something you accomplished that does not involve the general realm of academics (e.g., research, studying, etc). Establishing an organization or program or overcoming a chronic illness might be examples for this.... Consider what you learned and how it goes beyond what you learned in academics. You want to show you are more than just a book-smart nerd who sits around all day studying.

Yeah, that's the same vibe I'm getting, too. I wonder if it would be better to show a personal athletic accomplishment or a personal artistic accomplishment... any ideas? The artistic accomplishment is definitely more unique than the athletic one, but then it still doesn't look like I get out much. Plus I alluded to it in my primary- so I'm thinking going with the athletic one?
See a Challenge>Set a Goal>Train>Accomplish?

 

[music2doc]

Thanks!



Yeah, that's the same vibe I'm getting, too. I wonder if it would be better to show a personal athletic accomplishment or a personal artistic accomplishment... any ideas? The artistic accomplishment is definitely more unique than the athletic one, but then it still doesn't look like I get out much. Plus I alluded to it in my primary- so I'm thinking going with the athletic one?
See a Challenge>Set a Goal>Train>Accomplish?

Arts or athletics would work. Maybe try both and show some people. See which one people seem to think is more relevant/better written/more you/etc.

 

[Robanada]

Arts or athletics would work. Maybe try both and show some people. See which one people seem to think is more relevant/better written/more you/etc.

Ah, good idea, I'll do that.