*~*~*~* Official AMCAS "Work/Activities" Tips Thread 2021-2024 *~*~*~*

[alcandezw]

Hi! I have a question about combining two of my activities together under one entry. I wanted to combine two of my volunteer experiences to 1) save space 2) increase hours since they were done in same time in basically same location 3) one was an unofficial neighborhood donation effort and one was more official with a food pantry, so the former doesn't have an official leader/ member to put down as a contact. My question is do people just list contact information from one of the activities?

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[Catalystik]

Hi! I have a question about combining two of my activities together under one entry. I wanted to combine two of my volunteer experiences to 1) save space 2) increase hours since they were done in same time in basically same location 3) one was an unofficial neighborhood donation effort and one was more official with a food pantry, so the former doesn't have an official leader/ member to put down as a contact. My question is do people just list contact information from one of the activities?

Ideally you’d list someone from each activity to attest to your involvement (one in the header and the other in the narrative) even if it’s a co-volunteer, or a roommate who knows about it. If that’s not possible, just list one contact, but from the secondary activity’s decription make it evident that the experience was solitary.

 

[PassionFruit57]

Hello, I have a question about separating an activity. I have a leadership (VP) role at my University for a chapter of an organization known as Remote Area Medical. Our org is split into two parts, we have the University side which we use to both travel to healthcare clinics in remote areas of the U.S., we take student volunteers on these trips (I have a good amount of clinical volunteering I would like to use on my application from these trips). The other half of our org is we established a non-profit so we would be able to host a clinic in our city, so we are considered the host group (we have to look for sponsors, secure a location, find physician volunteers, etc. ), which I also play a role in. Based on your experience, would you separate these two parts of my club, the first as clinical volunteering, and the other as non-clinical volunteering (or leadership), or would you put it all under one category? (A note to keep in mind is I have over 1800 hours of clinical exposure, but that's from work, so I'd like to have some explicit clinical volunteering on my app. I have around 100-110 hours from my local hospital of volunteering from first two years at University, but that's not a lot).

 

[Catalystik]

Hello, I have a question about separating an activity. I have a leadership (VP) role at my University for a chapter of an organization known as Remote Area Medical. Our org is split into two parts, we have the University side which we use to both travel to healthcare clinics in remote areas of the U.S., we take student volunteers on these trips (I have a good amount of clinical volunteering I would like to use on my application from these trips). The other half of our org is we established a non-profit so we would be able to host a clinic in our city, so we are considered the host group (we have to look for sponsors, secure a location, find physician volunteers, etc. ), which I also play a role in. Based on your experience, would you separate these two parts of my club, the first as clinical volunteering, and the other as non-clinical volunteering (or leadership), or would you put it all under one category? (A note to keep in mind is I have over 1800 hours of clinical exposure, but that's from work, so I'd like to have some explicit clinical volunteering on my app. I have around 100-110 hours from my local hospital of volunteering from first two years at University, but that's not a lot).

I suggest that separating them would be your best plan, using Volunteer-Clinical and Leadership ( if your description supports that).

 

[PassionFruit57]

I suggest that separating them would be your best plan, using Volunteer-Clinical and Leadership ( if your description supports that).

On that note, would you suggest I combine my hours volunteering at the local hospital and just group it all with the trips?

 

[Catalystik]

On that note, would you suggest I combine my hours volunteering at the local hospital and just group it all with the trips?

Unless you are space-challenged, list the hospital volunteering separately.

 

[PassionFruit57]

Unless you are space-challenged, list the hospital volunteering separately.

Got it. Thank you so much. Also, based on how I described my activity, am I able to list it as non-clinical volunteering or is it simply leadership I don’t want to be dishonest about how I’m representing it. I founded the chapter with my friends, and it’s technically both an organization at our school and a non-profit to allow us to crowdfund for the clinic we are hosting in our city. I’m just not sure if the hours towards setting up and other things count as volunteering or if that’s just something else.

 

[Catalystik]

Got it. Thank you so much. Also, based on how I described my activity, am I able to list it as non-clinical volunteering or is it simply leadership I don’t want to be dishonest about how I’m representing it. I founded the chapter with my friends, and it’s technically both an organization at our school and a non-profit to allow us to crowdfund for the clinic we are hosting in our city. I’m just not sure if the hours towards setting up and other things count as volunteering or if that’s just something else.

If you call it Leadership, the activity should be mostly a leadership role. If it’s, say, 25% leadership and 75% volunteering otherwise, then call it Volunteer (which includes the leadership components), but include in the space’s title a reference to the leadership role. In the body of your decription mention the percent of the Toal Hours that were wholly leadership.

 

[chicandtoughness]

Hello, I have a question about separating an activity. I have a leadership (VP) role at my University for a chapter of an organization known as Remote Area Medical. Our org is split into two parts, we have the University side which we use to both travel to healthcare clinics in remote areas of the U.S., we take student volunteers on these trips (I have a good amount of clinical volunteering I would like to use on my application from these trips). The other half of our org is we established a non-profit so we would be able to host a clinic in our city, so we are considered the host group (we have to look for sponsors, secure a location, find physician volunteers, etc. ), which I also play a role in. Based on your experience, would you separate these two parts of my club, the first as clinical volunteering, and the other as non-clinical volunteering (or leadership), or would you put it all under one category? (A note to keep in mind is I have over 1800 hours of clinical exposure, but that's from work, so I'd like to have some explicit clinical volunteering on my app. I have around 100-110 hours from my local hospital of volunteering from first two years at University, but that's not a lot).

I did RAM as well! I would suggest you split it into two - one under leadership for involvement in your university chapter, and one under volunteering for the actual clinics! The work done and skillset used in the university chapter is significantly different than when you actually go into the field for the weekend clinics, so I think both deserve their time to shine

 

[pedneuro6894]

Hello!
So I'm combining my shadowing experiences into one activity. However, I saw that someone on here said to do it in this way:

1. 30 hours, 01/2024 - 04/2024. Dr. Spongebob, spine surgeon at the Krusty Krab. Clinic visits. *Contact listed in stuff above*
2. 12 hours, 04/2023 - 05/2023. Dr. Squidward, neurosurgeon at Bikini Bottom Hospital. Surgical cases. [email protected]
3. So on and so forth

But I've also received editing advice from multiple people to do it this way:
"I have had the opportunity to shadow in a variety of specialties, including A, B, C. Through these experiences, I have observed a Surgery A, B, and C. I learned that BLAH BLAH BLAH. This will help me as a physician BLAH BLAH BLAH"

So which one should I do? IMO, not every experience needs to have some profound, existential meaning. And that shadowing can simply be shadowing to figure out what it's like to be a physician, and I would assume that adcoms know what shadowing entails. However, I feel like there is this huge emphasis on the transformative nature of experiences and the reflection we have because of them in our writing. Does it really matter? Am I overthinking it?

 

[Catalystik]

Hello!
So I'm combining my shadowing experiences into one activity. However, I saw that someone on here said to do it in this way:

1. 30 hours, 01/2024 - 04/2024. Dr. Spongebob, spine surgeon at the Krusty Krab. Clinic visits. *Contact listed in stuff above*
2. 12 hours, 04/2023 - 05/2023. Dr. Squidward, neurosurgeon at Bikini Bottom Hospital. Surgical cases. [email protected]
3. So on and so forth

But I've also received editing advice from multiple people to do it this way:
"I have had the opportunity to shadow in a variety of specialties, including A, B, C. Through these experiences, I have observed a Surgery A, B, and C. I learned that BLAH BLAH BLAH. This will help me as a physician BLAH BLAH BLAH"

So which one should I do? IMO, not every experience needs to have some profound, existential meaning. And that shadowing can simply be shadowing to figure out what it's like to be a physician, and I would assume that adcoms know what shadowing entails. However, I feel like there is this huge emphasis on the transformative nature of experiences and the reflection we have because of them in our writing. Does it really matter? Am I overthinking it?

There's no "one right way" to enter your Shadowing experiences. You might consider a blend of the two approaches (so that hours in each specialty is apparent), but please avoid speculating how the activity will "help you as a physician." Impact: yes, if you wish. Reflect: yes, if there's space. But you're right that no one expects you to have had a profound existential experience. We all know what shadowing entails. A straight-forward detailing of the facts is all that's looked for

 

[pedneuro6894]

There's no "one right way" to enter your Shadowing experiences. You might consider a blend of the two approaches (so that hours in each specialty is apparent), but please avoid speculating how the activity will "help you as a physician." Impact: yes, if you wish. Reflect: yes, if there's space. But you're right that no one expects you to have had a profound existential experience. We all know what shadowing entails. A straight-forward detailing of the facts is all that's looked for

Okay thank you. And if I do a combined version, I won't have enough space to add all of their emails. So should I just put the contact of the physician I most recently shadowed above, or should I put someone like my wife or a roommate who can confirm that I did all that shadowing?

 

[Catalystik]

Okay thank you. And if I do a combined version, I won't have enough space to add all of their emails. So should I just put the contact of the physician I most recently shadowed above, or should I put someone like my wife or a roommate who can confirm that I did all that shadowing?

How many contacts did you have to list? Is the most-recent shadow also the most important, or the most hours? Was some of it too long ago for the doc to recall you? Do you have a WAMC post with all the details?

 

[pedneuro6894]

How many contacts did you have to list? Is the most-recent shadow also the most important, or the most hours? Was some of it too long ago for the doc to recall you? Do you have a WAMC post with all the details?

This is my actual list:

1. TBD (between 20-28 hours), 01/2024 - 04/2024. Dr. Blank1, orthopedic surgeon at Mercy. Clinic visits.
2. 12 hours, 04/2023 - 05/2023. Dr. Blank2, neurosurgeon at Sinai Hospital. Surgical cases.
3. 16 hours, 04/2023 - 05/2023. Dr. Blank3, critical care neurologist at Sinai Hospital. Bedside patient rounds in the ICU.
4. 30 hours, 04/2022 - 05/2022. Dr. Blank4, neurosurgical oncologist at Boston Children’s. Clinic visits and surgical cases.
5. 8 hours, 07/2021. Dr. Blank5, neurosurgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Clinic visits.

#4 is most hours and most important, #1 is a close second
The only one who may not remember me was #5 because it was only one day and through a research internship program at the school, so he probably had a bunch of people. But I did converse with him a few times over email so maybe he will. Everyone else should recall

 

[Catalystik]

This is my actual list:

1. TBD (between 20-28 hours), 01/2024 - 04/2024. Dr. Blank1, orthopedic surgeon at Mercy. Clinic visits.
2. 12 hours, 04/2023 - 05/2023. Dr. Blank2, neurosurgeon at Sinai Hospital. Surgical cases.
3. 16 hours, 04/2023 - 05/2023. Dr. Blank3, critical care neurologist at Sinai Hospital. Bedside patient rounds in the ICU.
4. 30 hours, 04/2022 - 05/2022. Dr. Blank4, neurosurgical oncologist at Boston Children’s. Clinic visits and surgical cases.
5. 8 hours, 07/2021. Dr. Blank5, neurosurgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Clinic visits.

#4 is most hours and most important, #1 is a close second
The only one who may not remember me was #5 because it was only one day and through a research internship program at the school, so he probably had a bunch of people. But I did converse with him a few times over email so maybe he will. Everyone else should recall

As surgical subspecialties predominate, summarizing them along the lines you previously suggested as "In addition to an ICU Neurologist, I had the opportunity to shadow Orthopedic and Neurosurgical specialists. Through these experiences, I have observed a Surgery A, B, and [a thing or two interesting in the clinic]. ***Note that in the eyes of many, watching surgeries does not meet the definition of "Shadowing," as you are not observing patient-physician interaction when someone is asleep.

I suggest including the Contact of the 30 hours #4 and for the Neurologist #3. For the rest, add a note at the end, like, More Contacts available on request.

 

[glycogensynthesis123]

Hi there,

I have had 3 TA positions throughout undergrad.

• General Biochemistry TA (3 semesters, 300 hours)
• Physical Chemistry TA (1 semester, 50 hours)
  • these first two are both in the Biochem department
• Introductory Biology TA (4 semesters, 250 hours)

My total hours of TA experience would thus be 600ish. Would it make more sense to list these as one experience on W/A? I have like 8-10 more experience in addition to these 3 that I am thinking about listing, so I think it would be good to save space by combining. However, my roles/duties/experience were different for each of these courses so that might complicate things. I was thinking I could put it down as one of my "most meaningful" experiences, partly because they were really important to me, and also so that I could have more characters to note any differences between them. Is combining TA experiences for different courses something people have done and you see as reasonable?

@Catalystik @TheDataKing

 

[Catalystik]

Hi there,

I have had 3 TA positions throughout undergrad.

• General Biochemistry TA (3 semesters, 300 hours)
• Physical Chemistry TA (1 semester, 50 hours)
  • these first two are both in the Biochem department
• Introductory Biology TA (4 semesters, 250 hours)

My total hours of TA experience would thus be 600ish. Would it make more sense to list these as one experience on W/A? I have like 8-10 more experience in addition to these 3 that I am thinking about listing, so I think it would be good to save space by combining. However, my roles/duties/experience were different for each of these courses so that might complicate things. I was thinking I could put it down as one of my "most meaningful" experiences, partly because they were really important to me, and also so that I could have more characters to note any differences between them. Is combining TA experiences for different courses something people have done and you see as reasonable?

@Catalystik @TheDataKing

Yes, this is done. It's reasonable to group them, though if one led to a strong Leadership component (like managing multiple other TAs) you might consider listing that one separately. Using an MM space is a good strategy for getting more room for description.

 

[med12443i]

I have been leading a project in my neuroscience lab for the last 2 years. We have just submitted this manuscript to the journal. I am the sole first author (out of 3 including PI), and it is something I have worked very hard on. I would love to have this on my application because I it is the culmination of my research experience (~3000 hours). How can I include this?
@Catalystik

 

[Catalystik]

I have been leading a project in my neuroscience lab for the last 2 years. We have just submitted this manuscript to the journal. I am the sole first author (out of 3 including PI), and it is something I have worked very hard on. I would love to have this on my application because I it is the culmination of my research experience (~3000 hours). How can I include this?
@Catalystik

I suggest you use an MM space so you have lots of room for description to discuss your various roles. Include your project lead role in the title of the space.

From item #20 in post 2 of this thread (see Bolded paragraph below):

20. How do I describe my Research-related activities?
Some Research description guidelines (YMMV):

Each project can start with a one-sentence nontechnical description that a lay person can understand. After that feel free to use jargon, if you have space for more discussion. Borrowing from Gonnif: If you have XXX hours of research
1) and just describe your tasks in the lab, its unimpressive
2) if you discuss the connection to understanding research it's better
3) if you state/imply what personal characteristics this work says about you that's good
4) if you integrate this all along with social/professional interactions in lab, that's great
5) if you develop themes in this EC that interconnects with similar themes in other W&A along with PS and secondaries, thus showing a consistent pattern as a candidate, that would be the best

Feel free to sort them into more than one space if you have multiple experiences. If grouping them, sort by timeframe, project type or discipline, importance, by class credit/volunteer vs employment.

You will have to decide how to present these experiences to best represent you. Perhaps projects from long ago need less emphasis. Those most recent will likely serve you better if more detail is given.

Any poster, pub, or presentation that took place at a campus venue should be mentioned with the affiliated Research entry. Any that occurred at a regional/national location or appears in a journal deserves its own spot, if you have space. If any of those data sharings came out of the same project, they could be mentioned together in one spot tagged under the highest prestige format: National Pub > Regional Pub > Abstract in a national journal > National Poster/Presentation > Regional Poster/Presentation > abstract in a conference brochure > campus pub > campus poster/presentation.

Any format for citation is fine, including abbreviated versions when you are short on space. Long author lists can be shortened by stating your place on the list, the PIs name, and et al., titles can be shortened to general topic, PMID# can substitute for much of a citation if necessary. If the paper is accepted but not yet published, add (in press) in place of unknown information.

If the data set from the campus presentation was later presented in poster format at a regional conference and then finally published in a national journal, you would cite it under Publications and then mention after the citation in the same space, "Data also presented orally at DDDD College Research Symposium x/x/xx, and again as a poster that won second place at the YYY Conference in Tucson z/zz/zz date."

If you were not the presenter for your poster, but your name is on the author list, you can include it, but give credit to the presenter, as research is a team sport, and it's important to give credit where it is due. If you presented, it's fine to say so.

There is little value in using a Conferences Attended slot, if you have already mentioned the name of the conference in a Posters/Presentation or Publications entry.

A manuscript in preparation, or submitted, or under review doesn't belong on the application. It is NOT a publication. But if you feel compelled to mention it regardless, add it at the end of a Research description on the affiliated project. An exception might be if your productivity is proven (ie, you have many pubs already), in which case a submitted manuscript can be added to the same space as your cited publications, if room is available, and if your PI will include mention of it in their letter for verification.

If you wrote the grant that got funding or navigated an IRB process, mention it.

Use the MM space for impact, insights, how you were inspired, future directions. If some of the research description spills over into this space, you won't be the only one who's used it that way. Just be sure that at the 700 character mark you end a paragraph so it will flow smoothly into the MM space (which is distinguished by a blank line, like a paragraph break).

Succinctness is always good.

 

[med12443i]

I suggest you use an MM space so you have lots of room for description to discuss your various roles. Include your project lead role in the title of the space.

From item #20 in post 2 of this thread (see Bolded paragraph below):

20. How do I describe my Research-related activities?
Some Research description guidelines (YMMV):

Each project can start with a one-sentence nontechnical description that a lay person can understand. After that feel free to use jargon, if you have space for more discussion. Borrowing from Gonnif: If you have XXX hours of research
1) and just describe your tasks in the lab, its unimpressive
2) if you discuss the connection to understanding research it's better
3) if you state/imply what personal characteristics this work says about you that's good
4) if you integrate this all along with social/professional interactions in lab, that's great
5) if you develop themes in this EC that interconnects with similar themes in other W&A along with PS and secondaries, thus showing a consistent pattern as a candidate, that would be the best

Feel free to sort them into more than one space if you have multiple experiences. If grouping them, sort by timeframe, project type or discipline, importance, by class credit/volunteer vs employment.

You will have to decide how to present these experiences to best represent you. Perhaps projects from long ago need less emphasis. Those most recent will likely serve you better if more detail is given.

Any poster, pub, or presentation that took place at a campus venue should be mentioned with the affiliated Research entry. Any that occurred at a regional/national location or appears in a journal deserves its own spot, if you have space. If any of those data sharings came out of the same project, they could be mentioned together in one spot tagged under the highest prestige format: National Pub > Regional Pub > Abstract in a national journal > National Poster/Presentation > Regional Poster/Presentation > abstract in a conference brochure > campus pub > campus poster/presentation.

Any format for citation is fine, including abbreviated versions when you are short on space. Long author lists can be shortened by stating your place on the list, the PIs name, and et al., titles can be shortened to general topic, PMID# can substitute for much of a citation if necessary. If the paper is accepted but not yet published, add (in press) in place of unknown information.

If the data set from the campus presentation was later presented in poster format at a regional conference and then finally published in a national journal, you would cite it under Publications and then mention after the citation in the same space, "Data also presented orally at DDDD College Research Symposium x/x/xx, and again as a poster that won second place at the YYY Conference in Tucson z/zz/zz date."

If you were not the presenter for your poster, but your name is on the author list, you can include it, but give credit to the presenter, as research is a team sport, and it's important to give credit where it is due. If you presented, it's fine to say so.

There is little value in using a Conferences Attended slot, if you have already mentioned the name of the conference in a Posters/Presentation or Publications entry.

A manuscript in preparation, or submitted, or under review doesn't belong on the application. It is NOT a publication. But if you feel compelled to mention it regardless, add it at the end of a Research description on the affiliated project. An exception might be if your productivity is proven (ie, you have many pubs already), in which case a submitted manuscript can be added to the same space as your cited publications, if room is available, and if your PI will include mention of it in their letter for verification.

If you wrote the grant that got funding or navigated an IRB process, mention it.

Use the MM space for impact, insights, how you were inspired, future directions. If some of the research description spills over into this space, you won't be the only one who's used it that way. Just be sure that at the 700 character mark you end a paragraph so it will flow smoothly into the MM space (which is distinguished by a blank line, like a paragraph break).

Succinctness is always good.

Thank you! I was wondering if it would be any different if it was a first-author manuscript but I assume it is not. In that case, I think I will mention it at the end of my description and maybe even add the bioxriv DOI?

 

[Catalystik]

Thank you! I was wondering if it would be any different if it was a first-author manuscript but I assume it is not. In that case, I think I will mention it at the end of my description and maybe even add the bioxriv DOI?

That would be fine.

 

[shrooberry]

I suggest you use an MM space so you have lots of room for description to discuss your various roles. Include your project lead role in the title of the space.

From item #20 in post 2 of this thread (see Bolded paragraph below):

20. How do I describe my Research-related activities?
Some Research description guidelines (YMMV):

Each project can start with a one-sentence nontechnical description that a lay person can understand. After that feel free to use jargon, if you have space for more discussion. Borrowing from Gonnif: If you have XXX hours of research
1) and just describe your tasks in the lab, its unimpressive
2) if you discuss the connection to understanding research it's better
3) if you state/imply what personal characteristics this work says about you that's good
4) if you integrate this all along with social/professional interactions in lab, that's great
5) if you develop themes in this EC that interconnects with similar themes in other W&A along with PS and secondaries, thus showing a consistent pattern as a candidate, that would be the best

Feel free to sort them into more than one space if you have multiple experiences. If grouping them, sort by timeframe, project type or discipline, importance, by class credit/volunteer vs employment.

You will have to decide how to present these experiences to best represent you. Perhaps projects from long ago need less emphasis. Those most recent will likely serve you better if more detail is given.

Any poster, pub, or presentation that took place at a campus venue should be mentioned with the affiliated Research entry. Any that occurred at a regional/national location or appears in a journal deserves its own spot, if you have space. If any of those data sharings came out of the same project, they could be mentioned together in one spot tagged under the highest prestige format: National Pub > Regional Pub > Abstract in a national journal > National Poster/Presentation > Regional Poster/Presentation > abstract in a conference brochure > campus pub > campus poster/presentation.

Any format for citation is fine, including abbreviated versions when you are short on space. Long author lists can be shortened by stating your place on the list, the PIs name, and et al., titles can be shortened to general topic, PMID# can substitute for much of a citation if necessary. If the paper is accepted but not yet published, add (in press) in place of unknown information.

If the data set from the campus presentation was later presented in poster format at a regional conference and then finally published in a national journal, you would cite it under Publications and then mention after the citation in the same space, "Data also presented orally at DDDD College Research Symposium x/x/xx, and again as a poster that won second place at the YYY Conference in Tucson z/zz/zz date."

If you were not the presenter for your poster, but your name is on the author list, you can include it, but give credit to the presenter, as research is a team sport, and it's important to give credit where it is due. If you presented, it's fine to say so.

There is little value in using a Conferences Attended slot, if you have already mentioned the name of the conference in a Posters/Presentation or Publications entry.

A manuscript in preparation, or submitted, or under review doesn't belong on the application. It is NOT a publication. But if you feel compelled to mention it regardless, add it at the end of a Research description on the affiliated project. An exception might be if your productivity is proven (ie, you have many pubs already), in which case a submitted manuscript can be added to the same space as your cited publications, if room is available, and if your PI will include mention of it in their letter for verification.

If you wrote the grant that got funding or navigated an IRB process, mention it.

Use the MM space for impact, insights, how you were inspired, future directions. If some of the research description spills over into this space, you won't be the only one who's used it that way. Just be sure that at the 700 character mark you end a paragraph so it will flow smoothly into the MM space (which is distinguished by a blank line, like a paragraph break).

Succinctness is always good.

Sorry to add onto this-- but I was wondering what if you have multiple projects that you work on at the same lab/with the same PI? I'm leading several projects simultaneously, at different stages, with most having to do with cancer health equity but some being more clinical focused! Do I just focus on the projects that have led to research productivity/I have done the most work on in my description and not mention the others?

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Catalystik]

I was wondering what if you have multiple projects that you work on at the same lab/with the same PI? I'm leading several projects simultaneously, at different stages, with most having to do with cancer health equity but some being more clinical focused! Do I just focus on the projects that have led to research productivity/I have done the most work on in my description and not mention the others?

Ideally, they'd all be mentioned. Either use more spaces, be extremely succinct, or write a general description that applies to all of them.

 

[pikachu8923]

Hello, I had a question about filling out the W&A contact title section;

I've had multiple contacts for different activities, but have since moved onto different roles. For example, I was going to use the program director for one of my volunteer activities, but she has since moved to a different position doing research now. I was curious if...
(1) When I put her contact title, should I put what it was for when I was volunteering for her, or should I put her new position/role of what she is doing now?
(2) Do I need to reach out to her to let her know that I put her as a contact for this application?

 

[AJS59]

Hello, I had a question about filling out the W&A contact title section;

I've had multiple contacts for different activities, but have since moved onto different roles. For example, I was going to use the program director for one of my volunteer activities, but she has since moved to a different position doing research now. I was curious if...
(1) When I put her contact title, should I put what it was for when I was volunteering for her, or should I put her new position/role of what she is doing now?
(2) Do I need to reach out to her to let her know that I put her as a contact for this application?

You don't have to reach out to her, but it's courteous to do so anyways. Not sure about #1 though

 

[Catalystik]

Hello, I had a question about filling out the W&A contact title section;

I've had multiple contacts for different activities, but have since moved onto different roles. For example, I was going to use the program director for one of my volunteer activities, but she has since moved to a different position doing research now. I was curious if...
(1) When I put her contact title, should I put what it was for when I was volunteering for her, or should I put her new position/role of what she is doing now?
(2) Do I need to reach out to her to let her know that I put her as a contact for this application?

1) Assuming her contact email is the same, you can either use her current role in the header and explain the context within which you knew her (and her previous title) in your description, or vice versa.
2) Best to ask if it's OK.

 

[sciencerules135]

As reapplication nears, I started redrafting my activities. Should the descriptions just outline your role or should you talk about what you learned? Specifically for shadowing, what should be included?

 

[Catalystik]

As reapplication nears, I started redrafting my activities. Should the descriptions just outline your role or should you talk about what you learned? Specifically for shadowing, what should be included?

See posts #1261-66 above.

 

[Coolguy23]

I have four different types of publications that I want to list on my application, A book chapter, a peer-reviewed paper, an abstract, and an oral presentation. Do I list all of these in one section together or do they each get their own section on AMCAS?

 

[Catalystik]

I have four different types of publications that I want to list on my application, A book chapter, a peer-reviewed paper, an abstract, and an oral presentation. Do I list all of these in one section together or do they each get their own section on AMCAS?

An oral presentation is not a Publication, but if it is related to the same research as your accepted manuscript, it can go in the same space anyway. Ditto with the Abstract (unless it has a PubMed ID#, in which case it is considered a pub). You are not giving a lot of detail, and there are many nuances for how to list these items. See Post 2 of this thread, item #20.

 

[River777]

Hello, I'm wondering if I should include "unofficial" volunteer activities on my W/A. I have extensive personal experience tutoring/practicing English/reviewing applications for low SES immigrants from my ethnic background. These activities weren't done through an official org, just personal connections through distant family friends/neighbors. I've dedicated a significant amount of time over the past couple of years, probably 700-800 hours since 2017, and it aligns with the kinds of populations I hope to serve in the future.

 

[Catalystik]

Hello, I'm wondering if I should include "unofficial" volunteer activities on my W/A. I have extensive personal experience tutoring/practicing English/reviewing applications for low SES immigrants from my ethnic background. These activities weren't done through an official org, just personal connections through distant family friends/neighbors. I've dedicated a significant amount of time over the past couple of years, probably 700-800 hours since 2017, and it aligns with the kinds of populations I hope to serve in the future.

Of course you can list it. While you could list yourself as the Contact, consider instead picking a neighbor or other non-related individual to attest to the activity (after reviewing with them the scope of the activity).

 

[for.the.hope.of.it.all]

If I am splitting up being a clinical research coordinator into two activities to demonstrate the different roles I took on, would this be an appropriate way to title the experience names?
Clinical Research Coordinator (Clinical Duties)
Clinical Research Coordinator (Research Duties)

 

[Coolguy23]

An oral presentation is not a Publication, but if it is related to the same research as your accepted manuscript, it can go in the same space anyway. Ditto with the Abstract (unless it has a PubMed ID#, in which case it is considered a pub). You are not giving a lot of detail, and there are many nuances for how to list these items. See Post 2 of this thread, item #20.

I just realized that there is a "presentations" section on AMCAS. So I'll just list the oral there.

The abstract is technically related to the manuscript that has already been accepted in that it is from the same project, but it is the actual abstract for a manuscript that I am in the process of submitting right now. Does that mean that I can't list the abstract at all?

Also the book chapter has been accepted, but the textbook itself has not been published yet. Am I unable to list it as a publication at this stage?

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

 

[Catalystik]

If I am splitting up being a clinical research coordinator into two activities to demonstrate the different roles I took on, would this be an appropriate way to title the experience names?
Clinical Research Coordinator (Clinical Duties)
Clinical Research Coordinator (Research Duties)

Yes, though you might want to make the titles more different so they won't be confused.

 

[Catalystik]

1) I just realized that there is a "presentations" section on AMCAS. So I'll just list the oral there.

2) The abstract is technically related to the manuscript that has already been accepted in that it is from the same project, but it is the actual abstract for a manuscript that I am in the process of submitting right now. Does that mean that I can't list the abstract at all?

3) Also the book chapter has been accepted, but the textbook itself has not been published yet. Am I unable to list it as a publication at this stage?

1) Fine.
2) If you feel compelled to mention it, add it to your Research description, but it's best not to list an almost submitted paper at all. Save it for update letters.
3) (Assuming this is a science-based book and chapter) If you can properly cite the book chapter with everything included except pages and date of publication, you can list it as a publication, using the date on the acceptance letter. If revisions are required, then wait. Include anticipated date of publication in the narrative.

 

[Coolguy23]

1) Fine.
2) If you feel compelled to mention it, add it to your Research description, but it's best not to list an almost submitted paper at all. Save it for update letters.
3) (Assuming this is a science-based book and chapter) If you can properly cite the book chapter with everything included except pages and date of publication, you can list it as a publication, using the date on the acceptance letter. If revisions are required, then wait. Include anticipated date of publication in the narrative.

Thank you so much!

 

[sciencerules135]

Would a TA position go under leadership?

 

[Coolguy23]

Would a TA position go under leadership?

There is a TA section

 

[sciencerules135]

Another question, one of my clinical volunteering positions I also was a mentor and trained new people. Would I have that as two separate activities? one explaining my clincal role and one under leadership explaining my role as a mentor.

 

[Catalystik]

Would a TA position go under leadership?

Not unless you managed a group of other TAs. I suggest either Teaching or Employment.

 

[Catalystik]

Another question, one of my clinical volunteering positions I also was a mentor and trained new people. Would I have that as two separate activities? one explaining my clinical role and one under leadership explaining my role as a mentor.

Yes. Mentoring is not leadership (it's a form of teaching), but Training others is, so emphasize that aspect.

 

[chickenloverr5]

Hello, I have a question about a grant from high school.

During my time in high school, I was the leader of a club that provides community service. I applied for and was awarded a major international grant to fund a service project in my community. After winning this grant, we were able to keep doing the project every year and now it is an annual event. Would this be okay to add to my primary application? I know the rule of thumb is to not add anything from high school if you didn’t continue for a substantial amount of time in college.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Hello, I have a question about a grant from high school.

During my time in high school, I was the leader of a club that provides community service. I applied for and was awarded a major international grant to fund a service project in my community. After winning this grant, we were able to keep doing the project every year and now it is an annual event. Would this be okay to add to my primary application? I know the rule of thumb is to not add anything from high school if you didn’t continue for a substantial amount of time in college.

How have you continued after you graduated from high school with this organization? Have you gotten other grants with similar community impact? Are you personally still organizing this event?

 

[Catalystik]

Hello, I have a question about a grant from high school.

During my time in high school, I was the leader of a club that provides community service. I applied for and was awarded a major international grant to fund a service project in my community. After winning this grant, we were able to keep doing the project every year and now it is an annual event. Would this be okay to add to my primary application? I know the rule of thumb is to not add anything from high school if you didn’t continue for a substantial amount of time in college.

How have you continued after you graduated from high school with this organization? Have you gotten other grants with similar community impact? Are you personally still organizing this event?

Adding on: were you involved during college with any similar organization.

 

[chickenloverr5]

How have you continued after you graduated from high school with this organization? Have you gotten other grants with similar community impact? Are you personally still organizing this event?

Adding on: were you involved during college with any similar organization.

Yes, I joined the college version of the same organization my freshman year and was in it throughout college. I also won an award during my time in the organization and was a board member. I assisted the college version of this organization in receiving funding from my undergrad to do similar service projects.

 

[Catalystik]

Yes, I joined the college version of the same organization my freshman year and was in it throughout college. I also won an award during my time in the organization and was a board member. I assisted the college version of this organization in receiving funding from my undergrad to do similar service projects.

Yes, you can include the info about the HS grant award as part of the back story for your college involvement.

 

[mxldbb]

If I performed two very similar clinical roles at the same hospital, but one was paid and one was volunteer, could I combine them and specify that in the description, or do I have to separate them out? I'm guessing the latter but wanted to double check-- I'm not sure if I have the space to list them separately (but could leave out the volunteer role if necessary)!

 

[Catalystik]

If I performed two very similar clinical roles at the same hospital, but one was paid and one was volunteer, could I combine them and specify that in the description, or do I have to separate them out? I'm guessing the latter but wanted to double check-- I'm not sure if I have the space to list them separately (but could leave out the volunteer role if necessary)!

Did the volunteer role lead to the offer of employment? Or were they simultaneous? How many hours do you have for each? Would they have the same Contact?

 

[mxldbb]

Did the volunteer role lead to the offer of employment? Or were they simultaneous? How many hours do you have for each? Would they have the same Contact?

The volunteering came first but had no relation to the job offer. I volunteered for 30-40ish hours and worked for ~200. Different contacts.