Personal/Informal Extracurricular Activities?

[RockMyWorldPlz]

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So, I'm aware of all the traditional ECs. I volunteer at a hospital once per week, do Saturday builds with Habitat for Humanity every weekend, shadow physicians from time to time (maybe once per month), and am applying to complete a Senior Honors Thesis for my research experience. I know that's all good and dandy but what about my personal activities like weightlifting, running, swimming, alto saxophone practice, and piano practice? I've heard several places that you can put these things on your application. What does everyone think about that? Is it too irrelevant? Should I add these activities to my list? I log quite a few hours each week doing those personal activities because they are my way of relaxing. What are everyone's thoughts on using these on my applications? Thanks in advance.

 

[TheMagicCookie]

Sure. List activites or hobbies that make you unique (who you are). Med schools don't want to see person who only focused on the requirements for med school...they want a well rounded person who was able to have a life outside of class. I wouldn't list every single litte activity that you participate in, but the ones that are significant and that you have participated in for an extended period or competed in. I have ridden and shown horses since I was very little. This will be included in my app as it is partly the reason I am now working towards med school. I have a story behind it and plan on explaining it in interviews.

 

[Transmogrifier]

By all means! Questions about these often come up in interviews and it only helps to include them on your app, especially if you've done something extra with them. Yeah you play the piano for fun, but you also play for your church or for weddings. Or you really like to hike, and on top of that you joined a local club that goes out on weekends.

I talked to one of my interviewers for about 20 minutes just about photography! Show them you're a person beyond grades/mcat/shadowing/volunteering.