*~*~*~* Official AMCAS "Work/Activities" Tips Thread 2021-2026 *~*~*~*

[Catalystik]

1) Does clinical research count as clinical experience?

2) Can I separate clinical research into two separate categories: clinical and research?

3) I have more clinical than research, can I put it in research to balance my application?

1) It depends on your role.
2) Yes, if you have enough hours in each category for them to stand on their own.
3) It could work.

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[Brandon M.]

1) It depends on your role.
2) Yes, if you have enough hours in each category for them to stand on their own.
3) It could work.

Thanks. I think I'll put the clinical research under the research/lab category as I already have a lot of clinical hours.

 

[hotwater3842]

Hello,

So, I've worked as a medical assistant and translator for two different offices (internal medicine pcp office and cardiology outpatient office). My role and responsibilities for both locations were pretty similar. Should I combine the two into one activity or keep them separate? I'm a little conflicted because the offices are under different specialties but I'm not sure.

 

[Catalystik]

Hello,

So, I've worked as a medical assistant and translator for two different offices (internal medicine pcp office and cardiology outpatient office). My role and responsibilities for both locations were pretty similar. Should I combine the two into one activity or keep them separate? I'm a little conflicted because the offices are under different specialties but I'm not sure.

You may list them together. You can include mention of each specialty in the title you give the space. But you'll want to include Contact info for the one not entered into the header within the narrative.

 

[Catalystik]

I started a mental health support project where I send emails with encouragement, tips, and resources for people dealing with anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It’s not really a blog or a club — it’s more of a support group/effort.

I didn’t think this would count as leadership since I run it by myself and it’s not part of an organization, and I’ve seen things like blogs/podcasts listed as hobbies or extracurriculars. Would this be something I can include on my application? I’m not sure how to categorize it.

Thanks. Any advice is appreciated!

Where do you get the contact information for those to whom you provide support? Do you have a Contact who can vouch for your involvement?

 

[r45v0s]

Where do you get the contact information for those to whom you provide support? Do you have a Contact who can vouch for your involvement?

People sign up voluntarily with their name and email address. And yes, I was planning on using my friend who helped me get started with it and helps out a little bit every once in a while.

 

[Catalystik]

People sign up voluntarily with their name and email address. And yes, I was planning on using my friend who helped me get started with it and helps out a little bit every once in a while.

Yes, you can include it on your application, whether as a Hobby (which doesn't require a Contact) or an Extracurricular. You can make the leadership-y and volunteer components apparent in your description. "Other" is another possible choice, since the activity includes many categories I suggest you might include your motivation for starting the effort (and any plan for making it grow).

 

[r45v0s]

Yes, you can include it on your application, whether as a Hobby (which doesn't require a Contact) or an Extracurricular. You can make the leadership-y and volunteer components apparent in your description. "Other" is another possible choice, since the activity includes many categories I suggest you might include your motivation for starting the effort (and any plan for making it grow).

Okay, thank you very much for your reply. It is much appreciated!

 

[applicant29999]

Hi everyone,

I've been a volunteer youth coach for several organizations, and for the past year, I've coached a middle school recreational soccer team. Would this be considered a leadership experience?

Leadership is often associated with founding organizations or holding formal titles, such as being a club director. However, I believe coaching could qualify as leadership since I was responsible for leading and organizing practices, coordinating games with other coaches, and mentoring the players.

That said, since I was leading younger students rather than my peers, would it be more appropriate to categorize this as a leadership role or as a non-clinical volunteer experience? I’d appreciate any insights.

Thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

Hi everyone,

I've been a volunteer youth coach for several organizations, and for the past year, I've coached a middle school recreational soccer team. Would this be considered a leadership experience?

Leadership is often associated with founding organizations or holding formal titles, such as being a club director. However, I believe coaching could qualify as leadership since I was responsible for leading and organizing practices, coordinating games with other coaches, and mentoring the players.

That said, since I was leading younger students rather than my peers, would it be more appropriate to categorize this as a leadership role or as a non-clinical volunteer experience? I’d appreciate any insights.

Thanks!

IMO it would be best to categorize the activity as non-clinical volunteering or Teaching, with the "Coach" title in the name you give the space. Individual readers may (or may not) give you credit toward Leadership when they read the description of your role, even though little of the interactions were with your peers.

 

[applicant29999]

IMO it would be best to categorize the activity as non-clinical volunteering or Teaching, with the "Coach" title in the name you give the space. Individual readers may (or may not) give you credit toward Leadership when they read the description of your role, even though little of the interactions were with your peers.

That sounds good, thanks for the reply!

 

[teaboy]

I am the founder and president of a tutoring club at my college. I plan to categorize this activity as leadership and title it "Founder and President". I will continue to serve as a tutor and advisor after graduation. Is it okay if I provide anticipated hours even though I will no longer hold the title of president or should I add " tutor and advisor after graduation" to the title? (Is there a character limit?) Thank you!

 

[Catalystik]

I am the founder and president of a tutoring club at my college. I plan to categorize this activity as leadership and title it "Founder and President". I will continue to serve as a tutor and advisor after graduation. Is it okay if I provide anticipated hours even though I will no longer hold the title of president or should I add " tutor and advisor after graduation" to the title? (Is there a character limit?) Thank you!

I suggest that you include only the Leadership hours in the header. You can add at the end of the entry “I hope to continue my involvement after graduation as tutor and advisor for xx hours/week through 8/2026.” There is a character limit for the title of ~62.

 

[teaboy]

I suggest that you include only the Leadership hours in the header. You can add at the end of the entry “I hope to continue my involvement after graduation as tutor and advisor for xx hours/week through 8/2026.” There is a character limit for the title of ~62.

Thank you!

 

[kirvoyant]

Would yall consider a residential assistant job as a non-clinical job or a leadership experience on the primary?

I was in charge of planning events, resolving conflict among residents, providing integral housing information

 

[Catalystik]

Would yall consider a residential assistant job as a non-clinical job or a leadership experience on the primary?

I was in charge of planning events, resolving conflict among residents, providing integral housing information

I’d consider it primarily nonclinical employment. Make your case for any peer leadership role that you took in the description. Unless you were in charge of managing or training other RAs, it was not solely Leadership.

 

[kirvoyant]

I’d consider it primarily nonclinical employment. Make your case for any peer leadership role that you took in the description. Unless you were in charge of managing or training other RAs, it was not solely Leadership.

I did lead multiple collaborative events by planning them and distributing tasks but I don’t know if that counts

 

[chilly_md]

I did lead multiple collaborative events by planning them and distributing tasks but I don’t know if that counts

No, leave it under employment then. RA is a very recognizable and fairly standardized role., so they'll understand what this entailed.

 

[Catalystik]

I did lead multiple collaborative events by planning them and distributing tasks but I don’t know if that counts

Sounds like "leadership," but it was not the majority of the hours you will claim for the activity. If there were enough hours for the leadership portion to stand on its own, you have the option to list them in their own space (but don't double count the hours).

 

[kirvoyant]

Sounds like "leadership," but it was not the majority of the hours you will claim for the activity. If there were enough hours for the leadership portion to stand on its own, you have the option to list them in their own space (but don't double count the hours).

I just realized the amcas classification for leadership includes “not listed elsewhere” so it would make sense to put my role under employment as it is still leadership but under employment. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Catalystik]

I’ve seen online that some applicants say they round their volunteer hours by 5-10 hours, others by 25-50 hours, and some by even 75-100+ hours (which definitely seems wrong). Is it common to round hours like this? What’s the typical percent error applicants are allowed to round to? I’m unsure how much rounding is supposed to be done, if any. Do admissions committees assume applicants round their hours?

List the number of hours that your Contact should honestly attest to. Don't play with fire.

 

[alpacalover2024]

I studied abroad through my university in an African country and not only took classes but conducted independent public health research in the rural communities living there as well. My time studying abroad was definitely one of the most meaningful things I did in college, but just generally in my life as well. does it make sense for study abroad to be one of my mme's, if the other 2 are a clinical research assistant position and a non-clinical volunteering position?

 

[chilly_md]

I studied abroad through my university in an African country and not only took classes but conducted independent public health research in the rural communities living there as well. My time studying abroad was definitely one of the most meaningful things I did in college, but just generally in my life as well. does it make sense for study abroad to be one of my mme's, if the other 2 are a clinical research assistant position and a non-clinical volunteering position?

I’ve moved your question to our main thread about the AMCAS work/activities section.

That is appropriate. It seems like you would have a lot to talk about since there is a research component as well.

 

[Catalystik]

I studied abroad through my university in an African country and not only took classes but conducted independent public health research in the rural communities living there as well. My time studying abroad was definitely one of the most meaningful things I did in college, but just generally in my life as well. does it make sense for study abroad to be one of my mme's, if the other 2 are a clinical research assistant position and a non-clinical volunteering position?

Yes.

 

[g0ldendoodle]

I have two internships I’m trying to classify.

-20 hr/week for one semester working on care quality, continuity of care, basic patient interactions with a chief resident and nurse administrator in a large hospital clinic, unpaid but received 8 credit hours of college credit and completed a poster presentation (was a graduation requirement, thesis-lite for non-honors students)

-20 hr/week for one summer while taking classes working on provider/patient satisfaction, med tech assessments and training, lots of care observation in a large hospital department, unpaid

Also, I have around 60 shadowing hours with 5 different physicians but the 2nd most hours one retired and I’m not sure of current contact info, and the 3rd most hours one was a resident who tragically passed away. Should I just put the contact info of someone who would’ve known them (but wouldn’t know anything about me?) or a general office contact info, or just omit these? I could reasonably verify the shadowing with texts/emails and a contemporaneous journal where I logged hours and key highlights.

 

[Catalystik]

I have two internships I’m trying to classify.

1) -20 hr/week for one semester working on care quality, continuity of care, basic patient interactions with a chief resident and nurse administrator in a large hospital clinic, unpaid but received 8 credit hours of college credit and completed a poster presentation (was a graduation requirement, thesis-lite for non-honors students)

2) -20 hr/week for one summer while taking classes working on provider/patient satisfaction, med tech assessments and training, lots of care observation in a large hospital department, unpaid

3) Also, I have around 60 shadowing hours with 5 different physicians but the 2nd most hours one retired and I’m not sure of current contact info, and the 3rd most hours one was a resident who tragically passed away. Should I just put the contact info of someone who would’ve known them (but wouldn’t know anything about me?) or a general office contact info, or just omit these? I could reasonably verify the shadowing with texts/emails and a contemporaneous journal where I logged hours and key highlights.

1) & 2) List them under "Other," as this is the appropriate designation for activities that cross more than one category. You could carve some of the physician observation out (if any) and include it with your shadowing, but you have enough in that category anyway.

3) List the Contact info for the first most shadowing hours in the header. Include a general office Contact in your description to cover others.

 

[JakAttk]

I have about 1200 research hours, but no papers or first-author posters yet. I have a second-author poster that I did not present (the first author presented it at a conference), and a paper in prep (wrapping up experiments, expect to submit in a few months, though things could take longer). Should I include either or both of these as a separate activity, include them at the end of my research description or most meaningful, or just not list them?

 

[Catalystik]

I have about 1200 research hours, but no papers or first-author posters yet. 1) I have a second-author poster that I did not present (the first author presented it at a conference), and 2) a paper in prep (wrapping up experiments, expect to submit in a few months, though things could take longer). Should I include either or both of these as a separate activity, include them at the end of my research description or most meaningful, or just not list them?

1) Was the paper presented at a) a regional or national conference, or was it presented at b) a campus symposium where you go to school? If the latter, you can mention it in the Research space. If the poster underwent a competitive vetting process before being accepted for one of the former, you can give it it's own space. But give credit to the presenter.
2) A paper in preparation is not worth mentioning on the AMCAS application.

 

[chilly_md]

I have about 1200 research hours, but no papers or first-author posters yet. I have a second-author poster that I did not present (the first author presented it at a conference), and a paper in prep (wrapping up experiments, expect to submit in a few months, though things could take longer). Should I include either or both of these as a separate activity, include them at the end of my research description or most meaningful, or just not list them?

Your question was moved to our main Work and Activities thread.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Should being captain of a College (D3) sports team be listed separately as a leadership activity, or just be a part of the description of the "Intercollegiate athletics" activity. If it should be separated, how should I handle the hours? I have estimated the total hours I spent on practices, matches, etc. but I don't feel that I can quantify "captain" hours separately.

Similarly, I took on a leadership role in an MA job. I would like to somehow split the leadership up from the clinical hours because I have a lot that I would like to discuss about both aspects of the job. The problem is, there was no official title change when I took on the leadership position. My contact will be the physician I worked with, and she did refer to me at one point as the "team lead" but that was not an official title or part of my job description. If i do separate it out like that, it would feel weird to put all the hours in the "team lead" role under leadership (would be about 2500 hours) because most of those hours would be better classified as clinical experience even though I was in a leadership role. How would you recommend approaching this?

 

[Catalystik]

Should being captain of a College (D3) sports team be listed separately as a leadership activity, or just be a part of the description of the "Intercollegiate athletics" activity. If it should be separated, how should I handle the hours? I have estimated the total hours I spent on practices, matches, etc. but I don't feel that I can quantify "captain" hours separately.

Similarly, I took on a leadership role in an MA job. I would like to somehow split the leadership up from the clinical hours because I have a lot that I would like to discuss about both aspects of the job. The problem is, there was no official title change when I took on the leadership position. My contact will be the physician I worked with, and she did refer to me at one point as the "team lead" but that was not an official title or part of my job description. If i do separate it out like that, it would feel weird to put all the hours in the "team lead" role under leadership (would be about 2500 hours) because most of those hours would be better classified as clinical experience even though I was in a leadership role. How would you recommend approaching this?

Note that the leadership tag is "Leadership-not listed elsewhere," so keeping the leadership hours with the other activity is fine, especially if you can't honestly quantitate the number of hours for each portion. You could include the leadership title, like Team Captain or Team Lead (your official title doesn't matter) in the name of the space and use the narrative to state the onset date and role description.

Alternatively, give the active leadership hours an honest estimate that would be supported by your Contact, don't include those hours with the Sport Team or general MA hours, and take advantage of the extra space if you'd have a lot to say about the new role.

 

[beepbeepboopbop02]

Hey all, I'm wondering how I should go about referencing a preprint in my activities section, or if I should avoid it entirely. I did a research internship last summer and helped create the main "item" that is the focus of the research itself, and the paper has since been submitted. I am second author of it, however it technically remains a "preprint" (I think this is what they're called when they haven't undergone peer review yet...?). I don't know how to talk about this on my activities, however it was a pretty major position for me and I spent a lot of time on it. In other words, it feels wrong placing it under "publications" since it is not officially published yet.

Any advice as to how to go about this? Thank you! 🙂

 

[Doctor-S]

Hey all, I'm wondering how I should go about referencing a preprint in my activities section, or if I should avoid it entirely. I did a research internship last summer and helped create the main "item" that is the focus of the research itself, and the paper has since been submitted. I am second author of it, however it technically remains a "preprint" (I think this is what they're called when they haven't undergone peer review yet...?). I don't know how to talk about this on my activities, however it was a pretty major position for me and I spent a lot of time on it. In other words, it feels wrong placing it under "publications" since it is not officially published yet.

Any advice as to how to go about this? Thank you! 🙂

Did you submit the research paper to a peer-reviewed journal, or to a non-peer-reviewed journal, or to something else such as medRxiv or bioRxiv (used for the distribution of preprints, which are complete, but unpublished manuscripts)? Hoping for a review or waiting for referee?

Based on your post, your submitted research paper can be entered under "research" at this time.

If it is published in the future, it can be entered as a "publication" with its DOI.

 

[diltiazemm]

Hi all!

I'm currently writing my AMCAS application, and I noticed that a lot of applicants include at least one Honors/Awards/Recognitions in their W/A.

I've already maxed out the 15 slots, but I was curious if it was an expectation to have an activity dedicated to Honors/Awards/Recognitions?

Right now, my hobby/EC slots are:
1. Ultrarunning: I've done 2x50k and one 6-hour race. Super fun outlet for me.
2. Cartooning: Just a personal passion - I do live portrait drawing at local art events 🙂
3. Language learning: I taught myself Spanish for use at work and my free clinic, and am currently doing a medical Spanish course. I'm also learning Vietnamese to connect with family and patients.

Would it be worth it to substitute one of these instead?:
- Biological Sciences Distinction (acquired by completing a year-long independent research project, writing a thesis paper, and presenting a poster).
- Merit scholarship (acquired after committing to my school - it's the UC Regents scholarship, if that helps).

I just find my awards to be unremarkable... One of them I earned before even starting college, and the other is already fleshed out in my research essays. But, my hobby/EC essays aren't really medical/science oriented.

I'd appreciate any advice. Sorry if this post is a bit disjointed! Thank you in advance for the help☺️

 

[LizzyM]

Frankly, because we can see your GPA and your transcript, I don't find academic honors such as Dean's List to be particularly helpful. If you won a prize that is given to only one student per year at your school, or a prize that is awarded to only one person per year in the country, or something extraordinary (Carnegie Medal for life-saving bravery) or something just quirky like being on Jeopardy!, then okay but otherwise I would hope that there are 15 more interesting things to put on your application.

I don't find language learning to be particularly helpful given that there is another section of the application, IIRC, that asks your languages and your fluency level. Don't waste a spot on something that is already shown elsewhere.

 

[Super_Student21]

Hey everyone, I hope you all are well. I have a question about this one extracurricular I do (and have been doing for a very long time). It came to mind because I didn’t really think of it and have been reflecting on my activities.

I am an electrician who starting training when I was 16 as an apprentice. I am now 21 and by the time I will apply to medical school (approx 3 more years) I will be able to sit for a licensing exam because I would have accumulated more than 8000 hours. (I am at around 6500). In conjunction with working as an EMT, I am able to pay for college and support myself

Would medical schools see this as a positive? Could including this hurt or help my application? Is it possible for me to tailor this to my advantage?. I became an electrician at this time because my father is a tradesman who wanted me to become educated but have something to fall back on.

Thanks everyone

 

[diltiazemm]

Hey everyone, I hope you all are well. I have a question about this one extracurricular I do (and have been doing for a very long time). It came to mind because I didn’t really think of it and have been reflecting on my activities.

I am an electrician who starting training when I was 16 as an apprentice. I am now 21 and by the time I will apply to medical school (approx 3 more years) I will be able to sit for a licensing exam because I would have accumulated more than 8000 hours. (I am at around 6500). In conjunction with working as an EMT, I am able to pay for college and support myself

Would medical schools see this as a positive? Could including this hurt or help my application? Is it possible for me to tailor this to my advantage?. I became an electrician at this time because my father is a tradesman who wanted me to become educated but have something to fall back on.

Thanks everyone

I don't see how this hurts. If it's the primary way that you support yourself, then that's awesome. As long as you can provide a strong reason why you want to become a physician over electrician, I think you'll be fine.

IMO it's actually quite unique 🙂 You could definitely use that experience to highlight your strengths. These kinds of non-clinical jobs are even mentioned on the W/A tips thread:

5. Is work experience really that important for me to list? Who is going to care if I worked at a grocery store for 2 years, 20 hours a week, while in college? The Work/Activities section is there for you to show off all of your skills. Holding down a job while continuing to be a learner (student) is a huge skill that not every medical student can bring to the table. It also shows commitment, reliability, and an ability to tolerate some suckage, something that every job has, no matter how much you may love it on some days.

 

[chilly_md]

Hi all!

I'm currently writing my AMCAS application, and I noticed that a lot of applicants include at least one Honors/Awards/Recognitions in their W/A.

I have moved your question and LizzyM's answer to it to our main thread for the W/A section.

 

[beepbeepboopbop02]

Did you submit the research paper to a peer-reviewed journal, or to a non-peer-reviewed journal, or to something else such as medRxiv or bioRxiv (used for the distribution of preprints, which are complete, but unpublished manuscripts)? Hoping for a review or waiting for referee?

Based on your post, your submitted research paper can be entered under "research" at this time.

If it is published in the future, it can be entered as a "publication" with its DOI.

Hello, it is bioRxiv! So I should put it under "research" then? Thank you for your help.

 

[r45v0s]

I shadowed an MD who worked closely with an APRN. The majority of the hours were spent observing both of them together, though I have a few hours with just the APRN (which I don’t plan to include). On the application, should I list only the MD in my shadowing activity, or should I include both the MD and APRN?

 

[chilly_md]

I shadowed an MD who worked closely with an APRN. The majority of the hours were spent observing both of them together, though I have a few hours with just the APRN (which I don’t plan to include). On the application, should I list only the MD in my shadowing activity, or should I include both the MD and APRN?

There’s no reason to include the APRN’s name.

 

[lionelrigby]

- is it worth it to include undergraduate research from 10+ years ago?

- for reapplicants, would contacts from the prior cycle ever be contacted? ive had two people tell me they cannot be a contact for my activity, and i made the mistake of putting them before they could confirm (applied in a rush). so i will be updating my new app with new activities and new contacts

 

[diltiazemm]

- is it worth it to include undergraduate research from 10+ years ago?

- for reapplicants, would contacts from the prior cycle ever be contacted? ive had two people tell me they cannot be a contact for my activity, and i made the mistake of putting them before they could confirm (applied in a rush). so i will be updating my new app with new activities and new contacts

You should be OK, since the research was during your undergraduate years (I'm assuming you're non-traditional). Just make sure you have activities in the interim that continue to demonstrate your interest/passion for medicine! This link has good info: How old can AMCAS activities be for a nontrad?

And as far as I know, people don't really reach out to contacts 🤷‍♀️... Unless the activity is really farfetched or suspicious.

 

[lionelrigby]

I have another question about activities, sorry for asking. I know this is less of priority, but because it was a weak point I want to make sure I get it right this time.

I am asking for perspective on a volunteering situation. I volunteer in a faith-based shelter, but it's been becoming more uncomfortable recently. The staff members comment about my faith or try to critique it, and some stereotypical jokes about my ethnicity from staff. They really don't mean any harm, they're just trying to banter and genuinely love their faith.

I usually just laugh about it, but that ends up encouraging it more. But recently I've had enough and brought it up and its been generally addressed to the team (I didn't mention who they were, I don't want anyone to lose their jobs).

The problem is that I need one of these people to verify my activity as a contact. So I am not sure what to do in case of retaliation..

any perspective is greatly valued

 

[Catalystik]

I have another question about activities, sorry for asking. I know this is less of priority, but because it was a weak point I want to make sure I get it right this time.

I am asking for perspective on a volunteering situation. I volunteer in a faith-based shelter, but it's been becoming more uncomfortable recently. The staff members comment about my faith or try to critique it, and some stereotypical jokes about my ethnicity from staff. They really don't mean any harm, they're just trying to banter and genuinely love their faith.

I usually just laugh about it, but that ends up encouraging it more. But recently I've had enough and brought it up and its been generally addressed to the team (I didn't mention who they were, I don't want anyone to lose their jobs).

The problem is that I need one of these people to verify my activity as a contact. So I am not sure what to do in case of retaliation..

any perspective is greatly valued

Can you ask someone who was not involved in the "banter?" Is there anyone else higher in the pecking order who knows about your contributions that you might use? You'd need to have a conversation with anyone you pick to be sure it's OK with them and to have a correct email. During that conversation you should be able to get a feel for whether they are a safe person to list. Last-resort options would be to pick a co-volunteer, or to use yourself.

 

[lionelrigby]

Can you ask someone who was not involved in the "banter?" Is there anyone else higher in the pecking order who knows about your contributions that you might use? You'd need to have a conversation with anyone you pick to be sure it's OK with them and to have a correct email. During that conversation you should be able to get a feel for whether they are a safe person to list. Last-resort options would be to pick a co-volunteer, or to use yourself.

I can do that with another employee. I just didn't know if the person I list has to officially verify the number of hours, because the official activity coordinator was involved in this. I have someone else who can vouch for me but has no access to my hours, wondering if that is fine.

 

[Catalystik]

I can do that with another employee. I just didn't know if the person I list has to officially verify the number of hours, because the official activity coordinator was involved in this. I have someone else who can vouch for me but has no access to my hours, wondering if that is fine.

As long as this person feels comfortable vouching for the dates of service & hours you will claim, it's fine.