Ordering AMCAS Activities--Does it Matter?

[git r done]

So we only 🙂laugh🙂 have 15 slots for activities on the AMCAS application. Generally, you should put your top ECs first and then carry through with less involved ones, right? So I have a dillemma, I was really involved in like 14 activities. I know that sounds really crazy but how would you list them.

I actually have a few more significant medical related activities😱, but I don't have enough space😱. I want to include some non-reserach/clinical activities but I don't have room. Should I make room? How do I order these things?

Oh, and my numbers are solid and school is highly regarded.

Suggestions would be wonderful...especially if you have had this dilemma or are familiar with how ADCOMs view applications.

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[DrBowtie]

It reorder by start date IIRC.

 

[git r done]

It reorder by start date IIRC.

I'm sorry, I don't understand. What is IIRC?

 

[DrBowtie]

I'm sorry, I don't understand. What is IIRC?

If I remember/recall correctly. It's been 2 years but I'm pretty sure amcas reorders them based on activity start date.

 

[bonsaitree1]

Yes, everything will be automatically sorted by chronological order regardless of your entry order.

 

[git r done]

Thank you both...so just go ahead and list everything in any random order and AMCAS will relist it in chronological order.

Just to make sure, the ADCOMS will see activities that I started freshmen year first even if they are not carried until now? Also, do adcoms read the complete list of EC because I was awarded the prestigious awards this year and so they will be at the end of my application.

 

[klmnop]

Thank you both...so just go ahead and list everything in any random order and AMCAS will relist it in chronological order.

Just to make sure, the ADCOMS will see activities that I started freshmen year first even if they are not carried until now? Also, do adcoms read the complete list of EC because I was awarded the prestigious awards this year and so they will be at the end of my application.

I think they are in reverse chronological order... ie the most recent is first. Why does it matter though. They are not idiots, they can see the dates and they will be able to determine fairly easily what you have been up to and when... Its kind of the point of the application.

If they don't read the whole application its because you f-ed something up beforehand thats inexcusable... but yeah, they look through the whole thing if you pass their statistical cut-offs.

 

[flip26]

I think they are in reverse chronological order... ie the most recent is first. Why does it matter though. They are not idiots, they can see the dates and they will be able to determine fairly easily what you have been up to and when... Its kind of the point of the application.

If they don't read the whole application its because you f-ed something up beforehand thats inexcusable... but yeah, they look through the whole thing if you pass their statistical cut-offs.

Pretty sure this is incorrect - they are in chron order, first date listed first...can create a pretty incongruous list, but there isn't much you can do about it.

 

[tremulousNeedle]

The activities section of the AMCAS application we review is fairly condensed, typically into 2-4 pages. Most of the time I have a clear understanding of the activity by its title and I don't bother reading the entire description. I'll only read the description if I need more information; keep them brief, but informative. Dates are used mainly to gauge an applicant's level of commitment.

I think they are in reverse chronological order... ie the most recent is first.

Not accurate, according to the 2011 AMCAS Instructions (this is always a good place to start):
http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/2011amcasinstructions.pdf
Work and activities will appear on your application in chronological order and cannot be rearranged. Medical schools will be able to sort your activities in any order which they choose to see them

This is on page 56 of the PDF file, in red letters.

-admissions committee interviewer / senior medical student

 

[klmnop]

Pretty sure this is incorrect - they are in chron order, first date listed first...can create a pretty incongruous list, but there isn't much you can do about it.

Just looked at the one I printed out, most recent is first.

 

[Ahmed786]

Should u fill up all 15 or does it look like you are tryin too hard if you do that??

 

[tremulousNeedle]

Just looked at the one I printed out, most recent is first.

This is not the case for the 2011 AMCAS. The way a student views their own app is different than how schools view the apps.

Should u fill up all 15 or does it look like you are tryin too hard if you do that??

If you have 15 meaningful activities go for it, but some adcom members don't like it when applicants use generic filler activities, especially when you're utilizing all 15 slots.

 

[klmnop]

Should u fill up all 15 or does it look like you are tryin too hard if you do that??

Put all clinical/volunteer/research/leadership positions. If it doesn't fit in one of those categories don't do it.

If you have over 15, pick those with highest leadership role/longest duration/most similar to physician work.

ie. don't put that you were a volunteer janitor for 3 years if you have 2 years as a nursing home volunteer.

 

[klmnop]

This is not the case for the 2011 AMCAS.

Good to know

The way a student views their own app is different than how schools view the apps.

I went and talked to an adcom after a rejection and he had the exact same printout in front of him with some comments he had made on it. So, it probably depends on the school/individual.

 

[tremulousNeedle]

I went and talked to an adcom after a rejection and he had the exact same printout in front of him with some comments he had made on it. So, it probably depends on the school/individual.

Correct. Not that it is pertinent to this thread, but schools can completely modify the printout if they choose; that decision is probably based on their familiarity with the system and what most interests them in an application.