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Hobbies: Hobbies are not superficial. Yes, your medical experiences, volunteer work, noteworthy club positions, and academic accolades are going to outrank this in the W&A. But, you have fifteen unique entries to fill, and you want to show different dimensions of yourself.
Naturally, we’ve had clients write about being dedicated pianists and distance runners. But there’s room for more eccentricity here too. We once advised a client to write about being a "Disney Adult." She was hyper-involved in a club for enthusiasts. It might sound silly—but it’s also compelling, right? In a W&A full of impressive internships, volunteer posts, and shadowing experiences, it was a fun surprise. Your hobby isn’t just something that fills your time, it’s something that fills you out; our Disney Adult was this very specific person.
Many admissions experts (us included) will tell you that you don’t need to stretch and make your hobby connect with your goals for medical school or your career in medicine. Often, though, there is a natural connection, and if so, you can make it. Our Disney mega-fan was interested in pediatrics, and one could easily see how this cheerful, child friendly hobby could aid her as a physician. Either way, there should be a takeaway. What have you gained from having this hobby in your life? What does it say about you? Has being in a five-piece rock band made you better at compromise? Has your love of wild makeup tutorials made you bolder and improved your confidence? Does cooking bring out your detail-orientated or improvisational nature? Has your hobby helped you stay steady when things go haywire? Beyond how it might aid her in pediatrics, our Disney Adult made it clear that Disney was essentially her yoga practice. It kept her connected to others and grounded even in times of stress.
Interested in learning more about crafting a successful medical school application? Check out Apply Point's offerings here.
Naturally, we’ve had clients write about being dedicated pianists and distance runners. But there’s room for more eccentricity here too. We once advised a client to write about being a "Disney Adult." She was hyper-involved in a club for enthusiasts. It might sound silly—but it’s also compelling, right? In a W&A full of impressive internships, volunteer posts, and shadowing experiences, it was a fun surprise. Your hobby isn’t just something that fills your time, it’s something that fills you out; our Disney Adult was this very specific person.
Many admissions experts (us included) will tell you that you don’t need to stretch and make your hobby connect with your goals for medical school or your career in medicine. Often, though, there is a natural connection, and if so, you can make it. Our Disney mega-fan was interested in pediatrics, and one could easily see how this cheerful, child friendly hobby could aid her as a physician. Either way, there should be a takeaway. What have you gained from having this hobby in your life? What does it say about you? Has being in a five-piece rock band made you better at compromise? Has your love of wild makeup tutorials made you bolder and improved your confidence? Does cooking bring out your detail-orientated or improvisational nature? Has your hobby helped you stay steady when things go haywire? Beyond how it might aid her in pediatrics, our Disney Adult made it clear that Disney was essentially her yoga practice. It kept her connected to others and grounded even in times of stress.
Interested in learning more about crafting a successful medical school application? Check out Apply Point's offerings here.
