*~*~*~*Official AMCAS Work/Activities Tips Thread 2017-2018*~*~*~*

[Catalystik]

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I shadowed multiple doctors at a non profit clinic 2 years ago. Usually, I never saw the same doctor more than once (and quite frankly I dont remember their names). The only viable contact that I have is of the director of the clinic who knows me well. How would I go about listing this?

I was thinking about putting the director as the contact and then in the 700 characters just explaining that I shadowed multiple doctors.

That would be fine, since you have a credible Contact. If you can, list specialties or summarize them (primary care, types of surgeons, subspecialists in Internal Medicine, eg). Add you spent 4-8 hours with each, or whatever is true.

 

[Catalystik]

I'm not sure how to approach a Presentations/Posters entry..
1. Experience Name: "Oral Presentation"?
2. Total Hours: is 0 fine? Or should I estimate the time it took to put the presentation together?
3. Organization Name: the conference name, or my school name?
4. Description: Orally presented (title) at (conference) on (date), and a citation?

1) Maybe "podium presentation, instead?

2) Should be the length of the talk, say 1 hour (even if it was 20 minutes). Prep time goes with the affiliated Research or Project Total Hours, unless it was not a science-based presentation.

3) Organization sponsoring the conference, or Conference name (unless you use the name elsewhere). Whether it was local or elsewhere, that should be clear.

4) Yes.

 

[SheraSkn]

That would be fine, since you have a credible Contact. If you can, list specialties or summarize them (primary care, types of surgeons, subspecialists in Internal Medicine, eg). Add you spent 4-8 hours with each, or whatever is true.

.

 

[salamander343]

3) Organization sponsoring the conference, or Conference name (unless you use the name elsewhere). Whether it was local or elsewhere, that should be clear.

4) Yes.

I'm guessing it counts as "clear" that it isn't local if I'm from Canada and the conference was in Kentucky.

Also, when the PI submitted my group's abstract, he just listed our names in alphabetical order since we're all pretty equal in terms of contribution to the project (although my contributions are slightly more significant). My name happens to be 2nd alphabetically, which makes it seem like I'm the 2nd authour. Should I just keep it like that?

 

[Catalystik]

1) I have a follow-up question. Is it okay that for the last two years I have been volunteering at the same clinic in a different department? i volunteer with pharmacists in packing medications. The contact would remain the same as above.

2) and to further complicate things, I also did a public health research project at the same clinic but the contact would be my research PI at a top 20 school

3) i have credible contacts for all of the above, but does everything look too 'convenient' as if I didnt try to find other opportunities? In reality I loved the clinic so much I actually approached my PI about the possible research project

1) Not a problem, but if you feel more variety would be beneficial, isn't there a lead pharmacist you could cite from your shift time?

2) Not an issue. I don't know that the site of the research need come into the conversation, if you feel sensitive about it.

3) That won't cross any adcomm mind, unless it's your mom who runs the clinic and that fact is discernable from the application. ("Try not to list a relative as a Contact for a critical EC, though shadowing isn't on that list, or use one for an LOR", is one of SDN's maxims.)

 

[Catalystik]

1) I'm guessing it counts as "clear" that it isn't local if I'm from Canada and the conference was in Kentucky.

2) Also, when the PI submitted my group's abstract, he just listed our names in alphabetical order since we're all pretty equal in terms of contribution to the project (although my contributions are slightly more significant). My name happens to be 2nd alphabetically, which makes it seem like I'm the 2nd authour. Should I just keep it like that?

1) Bingo!

2) You could, or better, you could say "co-authored."

 

[hebrewBAMmer]

1) It is up to you to decide which 14 activities are best worth mentioning on the appication. Considering the PhD research is the more recent and that the college-level involvement appears on your transcript, I don't feel it's essential for you to give long-ago details. Perhaps you could lightly touch on the general field in your PS as part of your path to medicine, unless it was unrelated to the tale you want to tell.

2) I could live with that (though only because you're a proven performer), though understand that it isn't encouraged to mention manuscripts in progress on a med school application. Consider saving that one for an update letter if it's accepted during the cycle. Perhaps you've seen the current discussion about this on the main forum page: Where to List Publication In Progress

It was pretty unrelated to the tale I wanted to tell (the PhD research was much more important for that).

I did see that discussion, although that seemed geared towards those who wanted to include it in its own section by itself. I was planning to list it along with other things under review and accepted. I can't actually submit the in preparation one until we get the previously submitted one back since they're tied together, so I figured it would be best to just put them all under one heading and clearly label.

 

[@Hazel-rah]

I want to include a more personal hobby/interest in my list, but can't decide between
1. Airbnb host and other homestays/host activity
2. An sport I do, like surfing, climbing, or triathlons

Any thoughts on how to choose? Should I try to fit both?

 

[OGLoc23]

Depends on the activities. Can you specify?

A couple are run-of-the-mill college clubs, including being on the board of a humanities club and editor of a student-run journal. I could reach out to some of the peers I worked with, but it would likely be extremely awkward.

The other is a presentation at an undergraduate philosophy conference I did a few years ago. The university that hosted the conference told me that while do they have records of recent conferences, records for older conferences including the one I presented at have been erased, so I definitely don't have anyone to list as a contact for this one.

 

[Catalystik]

I did see that discussion, although that seemed geared towards those who wanted to include it in its own section by itself. I was planning to list it along with other things under review and accepted. I can't actually submit the in preparation one until we get the previously submitted one back since they're tied together, so I figured it would be best to just put them all under one heading and clearly label.

I understand. Transparent explanations are always good to see.

 

[Catalystik]

I want to include a more personal hobby/interest in my list, but can't decide between
1. Airbnb host and other homestays/host activity
2. An sport I do, like surfing, climbing, or triathlons

Any thoughts on how to choose? Should I try to fit both?

Often Hobbies are grouped, so including both is fine. If you decided on one, it would be hard to pick. Airbnb host (though it seems like it should be a business with income) is sorta different and the others are exciting.

 

[Catalystik]

A couple are run-of-the-mill college clubs, including being on the board of a humanities club and editor of a student-run journal. I could reach out to some of the peers I worked with, but it would likely be extremely awkward.

The other is a presentation at an undergraduate philosophy conference I did a few years ago. The university that hosted the conference told me that while do they have records of recent conferences, records for older conferences including the one I presented at have been erased, so I definitely don't have anyone to list as a contact for this one.

Doesn't your school have a Student Affairs Office with a division for recognized student organizations? Might they have a record of your participation?

For the second, wasn't there a Philosophy Faculty Member that was aware of your presentation?

If not, do what you have to do.

 

[doctorinthemaking00]

I'm not sure if this has been asked before but if I received a scholarship or was on Honor's List, is it something worth mentioning? And if it is, what should I put in the "hours" box and contact person's info?

 

[@Hazel-rah]

Often Hobbies are grouped, so including both is fine. If you decided on one, it would be hard to pick. Airbnb host (though it seems like it should be a business with income) is sorta different and the others are exciting.

What do you mean "sorta different"?

I wrote the Airbnb description to expound upon "international exchange is a way of life for me" because I have done many other homestay activities. I do earn money for Airbnb but I'm not trying to brag about my business savvy and it isn't considered a business......

Is that worthwhile to include?

Or should I use my 15th space for exciting hobbies?

If I should include both, I can take out something else.... I categorized Airbnb as "Extracurricular Activities"

 

[Stumpyman]

Is an unpaid clinical internship supposed to be "community service"? I interned full-time at a large-city hospital - lots of patient contact but I never thought of it as a volunteering experience (since it was unpaid, I suppose it would be)

 

[Catalystik]

I'm not sure if this has been asked before but if I received a scholarship or was on Honor's List, is it something worth mentioning? And if it is, what should I put in the "hours" box and contact person's info?

A merit scholarship is worth mentioning, but not one based on need. If it's sizable, you can include the amount. Honors list isn't worth mentioning on its own, as your transcript speaks for itself. Hours are 0 or the time you spent sitting in an awards ceremony. Contact is the College Registrar who has a record of everything. Date is the last date something was earned.

 

[Catalystik]

1) What do you mean "sorta different"?

I wrote the Airbnb description to expound upon "international exchange is a way of life for me" because I have done many other homestay activities. I do earn money for Airbnb but I'm not trying to brag about my business savvy and it isn't considered a business......

Is that worthwhile to include?

Or should I use my 15th space for exciting hobbies?

If I should include both, I can take out something else.... I categorized Airbnb as "Extracurricular Activities"

1) By "sorta different" I mean I've never seen it listed before, so it might help you stand out. Do you think that's worthwhile? I do. You can group hobbies into one space, so maybe you could think of it in that light, rather than EC (maybe focusing on how international exchanges are an interesting way to have a closer acquaintance with internationals than tourists get).

 

[Catalystik]

Is an unpaid clinical internship supposed to be "community service"? I interned full-time at a large-city hospital - lots of patient contact but I never thought of it as a volunteering experience (since it was unpaid, I suppose it would be)

Did you get course credit for it? What was your role or duties? If primarily shadowing, that is not considered a community service.

 

[yogitee]

Can you divide the 80 hours into physician, PA, PT, athletic trainers, etc.? It's fine to mention other healthcare shadowing, but the MD portion should be specified.

I don't think that 20 hours of research is worth mentioning.

I could probably split it out between provider type, that's a great suggestion. Should i mention that the original purpose was to do research or just ignore that entirely? im worried if adcoms contact the clinic they would be confused unless i put something about the research aspect.

 

[rurmann]

I read somewhere that you should not have one of your most meaningful work experiences be repeated in the personal statement. Is it really that much of a problem, I worked as a ER scribe and list it as MM but I also have a paragraph in my PS about how important the experience was. Will it really make that much of a difference?

 

[drgomally]

If you have an artistic endeavor, such as playing piano or painting, would it be ok to put yourself down as a contact?

 

[Catalystik]

I could probably split it out between provider type, that's a great suggestion. Should i mention that the original purpose was to do research or just ignore that entirely? im worried if adcoms contact the clinic they would be confused unless i put something about the research aspect.

I don't think it will hurt to mention and that it was an entre to the clinic experience that segued into other directions.

 

[Catalystik]

I read somewhere that you should not have one of your most meaningful work experiences be repeated in the personal statement. Is it really that much of a problem, I worked as a ER scribe and list it as MM but I also have a paragraph in my PS about how important the experience was. Will it really make that much of a difference?

I disagree with that advice, as you can't foretell which schools will split up the application so some sections are evaluated by different screeners. As every school doesn't have the same person read both the PS and the Activities section, I feel each needs to stand alone. Try not to be repetitious and perhaps try to vary the emphasis in each place: use varied vocabulary, maybe add new anecdotes, put insights, lessons learned, and future direction into a MM essay, and description, role, and results in Activities, or a different mix as suits you. The PS can possibly use another anecdote, and give an overview of the highlights, but described in a different way.

 

[Catalystik]

If you have an artistic endeavor, such as playing piano or painting, would it be ok to put yourself down as a contact?

Yes. Or a past teacher will do.

 

[drgomally]

In addition, would it be reasonable to put down shadowing as one of your most significant activities? Let's say you have around 60 hrs.

 

[rurmann]

I disagree with that advice, as you can't foretell which schools will split up the application so some sections are evaluated by different screeners. As every school doesn't have the same person read both the PS and the Activities section, I feel each needs to stand alone. Try not to be repetitious and perhaps try to vary the emphasis in each place: use varied vocabulary, maybe add new anecdotes, put insights, lessons learned, and future direction into a MM essay, and description, role, and results in Activities, or a different mix as suits you. The PS can possibly use another anecdote, and give an overview of the highlights, but described in a different way.

Much appreciated advice! I worked there for more than a year, so I definitely have plenty of anecdotes and experiences to draw from. Thank you

 

[Catalystik]

In addition, would it be reasonable to put down shadowing as one of your most significant activities? Let's say you have around 60 hrs.

Yes, it's reasonable.

 

[natre_]

One of my most meaningful activities was a research experience from freshman year as it was a foundation laying experience for the rest of research in undergrad. I joined another lab and worked there also. For my activities, should I make these separate? Because I want to mention how my freshman research experience was meaningful, but I also need to mention the most recent research I've done. Or should I combine them into one and in meaningful box just talk about my freshman research experience?

 

[Catalystik]

One of my most meaningful activities was a research experience from freshman year as it was a foundation laying experience for the rest of research in undergrad. I joined another lab and worked there also. For my activities, should I make these separate? Because I want to mention how my freshman research experience was meaningful, but I also need to mention the most recent research I've done. Or should I combine them into one and in meaningful box just talk about my freshman research experience?

It would be best to give each research experience its own space.

 

[Stumpyman]

Did you get course credit for it? What was your role or duties? If primarily shadowing, that is not considered a community service.

No course credit - shadowing was part of the internship but the majority of it was patient companionship, patient transport, general on-the-floor volunteering (getting patients things, assisting the staff), and asking patients to answer a (voluntary) questionnaire for a public health-related research project.

 

[Catalystik]

No course credit - shadowing was part of the internship but the majority of it was patient companionship, patient transport, general on-the-floor volunteering (getting patients things, assisting the staff), and asking patients to answer a (voluntary) questionnaire for a public health-related research project.

You might consider taking the shadowing hours and their separate hours and adding to your Shadowing entry. The remaining hours could reasonably be called a community service, and listed as such.

 

[lickerwhicker]

Hi! I read on the first page that you shouldn't repeat the organization name in the title you give the activity. Like if you say that you're "Treasurer of Alpha Epsilon Delta," don't put "Alpha Epsilon Delta" as the organization. I also read that if adcoms can't immediately understand what your organization is about, that you should rename it. For example, you could say your title is "Treasurer of Pre-Med Society" and for the Organization Name, you can put "Alpha Delta Epsilon."

Is this true? I am not really sure what's wrong with putting your organization name in your activity title, especially if you briefly explain in your description what your organization is about. Thank you!

 

[Catalystik]

I read on the first page that you shouldn't repeat the organization name in the title you give the activity. Like if you say that you're "Treasurer of Alpha Epsilon Delta," don't put "Alpha Epsilon Delta" as the organization. I also read that if adcoms can't immediately understand what your organization is about, that you should rename it. For example, you could say your title is "Treasurer of Pre-Med Society" and for the Organization Name, you can put "Alpha Delta Epsilon."

Is this true? I am not really sure what's wrong with putting your organization name in your activity title, especially if you briefly explain in your description what your organization is about.

I think the point is to avoid repetition, which can be tedious to the reader, not to say it's "wrong" to do it otherwise. So, it's fine to write what your inner muse tells you to write and ignore the suggestion.

 

[Fdsa2495]

Can I list multiple hobbies under 1 Hobby section, these hobbies all share some commonality . I do have a single hobby that I really enjoy doing and it has a religious aspect to it (for instance playing an instrument during prayers) but there are other hobbies too that I have (like playing another instrument and singing prayers at church). Also, what do you guys think about including religion in the application or should I avoid this completely?

 

[Catalystik]

1) Can I list multiple hobbies under 1 Hobby section, these hobbies all share some commonality .

2) I do have a single hobby that I really enjoy doing and it has a religious aspect to it (for instance playing an instrument during prayers) but there are other hobbies too that I have (like playing another instrument and singing prayers at church).

3) Also, what do you guys think about including religion in the application or should I avoid this completely?

1) Yes.

2) If you are sharing yor musical talent in such a way, consider entering it as an Artistic Endeavor instead of a Hobby. But Hobby is fine too, and doesn't require a Contact to be listed.

3) Your question lies outside the scope of this thread. Consider posting this question in the main forum (or Searching for another thread that already addressed the topic), but be more specific about what you want to include.

 

[Shreman]

I am working for a health-related startup that is building in app for children with autism. We're mainly analyzing clinical trial data/setting up another clinical trial, but I will not directly engage with patients. Just to confirm, that should be labeled "Paid Employment - Non Medical/Clinical", correct?

 

[Catalystik]

I am working for a health-related startup that is building in app for children with autism. We're mainly analyzing clinical trial data/setting up another clinical trial, but I will not directly engage with patients. Just to confirm, that should be labeled "Paid Employment - Non Medical/Clinical", correct?

Yes, unless the research component is dominant enough to call it Research.

 

[hat]

Sorry for an obvious question that has probably been asked, but I'm having finding an answer. When listing multiple activities under one section (ie all the physicians you have shadowed under "Shadowing"), does it matter whether they are listed oldest-to-newest or newest-to-oldest? Currently I have them all listed from oldest on top, to newest on bottom, with the information in the fields relevant to the oldest (top) listing, and the information manually entered for all the newer (lower) listings. Is that okay?

 

[Catalystik]

Sorry for an obvious question that has probably been asked, but I'm having finding an answer. When listing multiple activities under one section (ie all the physicians you have shadowed under "Shadowing"), does it matter whether they are listed oldest-to-newest or newest-to-oldest? Currently I have them all listed from oldest on top, to newest on bottom, with the information in the fields relevant to the oldest (top) listing, and the information manually entered for all the newer (lower) listings. Is that okay?

If asked, I'd have said to use reverse chronological order, as the most recent contact is most likely to remember you. If another contact seems more reliable to you, or would legitimate most of the shadowing hours, any order could be picked. So no matter what you did, you're fine.

 

[hat]

If asked, I'd have said to use reverse chronological order, as the most recent contact is most likely to remember you. If another contact seems more reliable to you, or would legitimate most of the shadowing hours, any order could be picked. So no matter what you did, you're fine.

Thanks! I am planning to give all of my contacts a heads up anyways, so it sounds like that should work.

 

[Dr. Souk]

Thanks as well that answered a dilemma for me as well 🙂

 

[paran0idandr0id42]

I have a weird situation in which one of my contacts cannot verify employment per corporate policy, so they instead use a phone number (and my SSN?), so I wrote this out instead at the bottom of my work experience

"Per [COMPANY] policy, my employment cannot be verified by my contact. Call X-XXX-XXX-XXXX, code XXXXX to verify. If needed, I can be contacted by phone to provide my SSN."

Does this sound ok?

 

[Catalystik]

Not sure if this matters too much, but what should I put for "Contact's title" when listing artistic endeavors? Is "Self" acceptable?

For listing yourself as the contact: Perhaps, Musician, Artist in Training, Cellist, Poet, Film Writer, Novelist, Photographer, . . .. But you might also consider an old instructor, an agent, a co-member of a band, a publisher, etc, depending on what you're talking about.

 

[Bionista]

Thank you!

Also forgot..how important is what we put for "Experience Name"? I am trying to make them sound the best that I can but I hope they're good enough. (If it matters).

An example -

For my equestrian competing and horseback riding hobby I put "Equestrian Sports". Is this too vague?

Thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

I have a weird situation in which one of my contacts cannot verify employment per corporate policy, so they instead use a phone number (and my SSN?), so I wrote this out instead at the bottom of my work experience

"Per [COMPANY] policy, my employment cannot be verified by my contact. Call X-XXX-XXX-XXXX, code XXXXX to verify. If needed, I can be contacted by phone to provide my SSN."

Does this sound ok?

No problem. You handled it fine.

 

[Catalystik]

Also forgot..how important is what we put for "Experience Name"? I am trying to make them sound the best that I can but I hope they're good enough. (If it matters).

An example -

For my equestrian competing and horseback riding hobby I put "Equestrian Sports". Is this too vague?

Sounds good to me.

For more ideas, see item 18 in post #2 of this thread, which is the FAQ: *~*~*~*Official AMCAS Work/Activities Tips Thread 2017-2018*~*~*~*

 

[Ayahuasca]

Tried searching for this, but couldn't find anything.

I'm clumping all my posters and presentations under 1 slot.

What should I put as the date? Right now I just have it as the most recent one.
Who should I put as a contact? A PI?
Should I be listing contact info for each poster/presentation? I don't think I have room for that. Right now I'm just listing title, names of relevant people, date and location.

 

[sunny234]

Tried searching for this, but couldn't find anything.

I'm clumping all my posters and presentations under 1 slot.

What should I put as the date? Right now I just have it as the most recent one.
Who should I put as a contact? A PI?
Should I be listing contact info for each poster/presentation? I don't think I have room for that. Right now I'm just listing title, names of relevant people, date and location.

Based on previous replies - choose the most recent poster/pres for date, use someone who can attest to your presence (associated PI or the coordinator responsible for your poster session), don't list contact info for each poster (but do list title, location, and authors)

 

[sunny234]

Question regarding most meaningful activities - should one of them be a clinically related activity? I had previously mentioned a clinical activity in my personal statement and so did not chose it as an MM again, but I saw Catalystik's note that the same person may not be reviewing both aspects of your application.
I have written my MM paragraphs already, but can change them if necessary.
Thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

Question regarding most meaningful activities - should one of them be a clinically related activity? I had previously mentioned a clinical activity in my personal statement and so did not chose it as an MM again, but I saw Catalystik's note that the same person may not be reviewing both aspects of your application.
I have written my MM paragraphs already, but can change them if necessary.
Thanks!

You are not obliged to have a clinically-related MM.