Owning own business on AMCAS?

[Scrub MD]

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Should I include that I owned my own business in my application? I never even thought about adding it until someone included all things that could make you stand out(college athlete, peace corp, own business, etc)?

I got to work with people everyday (which I liked and have stories to talk about). It was early in my education, taking some business classes years ago. Now I have been shadowing MD's, volunteering in ER, mentoring youth.

I am afraid that even though I am done with business that they may still think my heart isn't in medicine. I sold the business 2 years ago and have been focused on medicine.

I guess I am weighing out what's more important. Standing out and being independent or risk them questioning my commitment to medicine.

 

[SteveUTexas]

I put my business down on my AMCAS application. I think that the adcoms really eat that kind of stuff up. We discussed it at all of my interviews. So my advice is to put it down. It is something else to set you apart from the thousands of other applicants.

--Steve

 

[Scrub MD]

Did you just put it under work/activities or in your PS also? My top school is closed file so all the interviewer has is my PS.

Anyone else think I should include?

 

[CanuckRazorback]

Definitely put it down! It shows a lot of initiative and problem solving abilities.

 

[virilep]

Did you just put it under work/activities or in your PS also? My top school is closed file so all the interviewer has is my PS.

Anyone else think I should include?

I do. Why wouldn't you? I mean, sure they might ask questions but it shows maturity and intelligence. The fact that you sold it 2 years ago and now are focused on medicine is great. I mean, think about all the older applicants. people who were lawyers or businessmen, they have to put down what they did and people don't say "they've been doing this all their life, they shouldn't get in because they aren't focused.".... wierd way of putting it. but yeah, that's my take. and plus, standing out and being remembered is the most important thing. seems like u got something to use. use it.

 

[esc]

Put it on the app. I felt there are lots of skills from my work and business experience that will carry over. Medicine is as much about managing human interactions as it is managing disease.

Plus it shows that you can manage risks, responsibilities, and time. I was still involved day-to-day with the business throughout the application process and it made for great interview conversation material.

Running a business is no different from your other life experiences: you encounter successes and failures; you discover things you like and dislike about the work. It is a great experience that demonstrates how you became the person you are and why that makes you a strong candidate for them.

 

[tank you]

definately put it down. owning a business shows u have skills such as leadership, responsibility, time and stress management. all these qualities are needed to become a doctor as well.

 

[gary5]

You can mention it, but don't make a big deal of it. If you want to brag about your business, get an MBA.

 

[MollyMalone]

Absolutely put it down. Make as much or as little of it as you feel appropriate. It certainly shows a lot of initiative, problem-solving ability, responsibility, etc.

 

[myodana]

yes, just like all these people said... put it down. i owned my own pilates studio for about a year and a half, it was an amazing learning experience and taught me a lot about responsibility, leadership... etc. i don't think it can hurt you at all--just make sure you tie it to why you want to go into medicine.
(oh, and if your business was owning a porn shop, i might think twice!)

 

[Scrub MD]

Thanks for all your help. You all really made it clear that I should add it.