I originally applied for 2012 admission, got a few interviews, but didn't get in. A few of the schools said that I didn't have enough "leadership" experience. It was very frustrating to hear that because I purposely left some things that would fall under the leadership category off my appilcation. During college, I was ran numerous political campaigns and ballot initiatives. Nothing too crazy or extreme, but definitely partisan. Does it help or hurt more to put these on your application? WHen I apply this year around, I want to list these leadership activities, but I'm afraid if the reviewer doesn't agree with my politics, it will poison them to my application. Thoughts? Advice?
Should I include POLITICAL activities on my application?
- Thread starter Turpulus
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I had a leadership position in a partisan group at my college and put it on my AMCAS. Didn't affect my chances in the slightest.
Pretty sure admissions committees try to be as neutral as possible when it comes to these things. Political and religious activities are all over peoples' applications at times (having read some as a student interviewer).
Put it on your application.
Pretty sure admissions committees try to be as neutral as possible when it comes to these things. Political and religious activities are all over peoples' applications at times (having read some as a student interviewer).
Put it on your application.
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No one will care. You should include it.
(sent from my phone - please forgive typos and brevity)
(sent from my phone - please forgive typos and brevity)
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I have a somewhat similar situation, where a lot of my leadership/volunteer work is with causes that are typically seen as partisan (although I would argue otherwise).
For what it's worth, my philosophy (after getting input from a lot of people) is that I want schools to know ME. If a school is willing to accept me, but not my beliefs, well then as far as I'm concerned that school is really not willing to accept ME, and I'd much rather figure that out before paying any tuition.
I think it is a good idea though to think about how you would frame your work to someone across the aisle. I don't mean censor it, but be prepared to say these are the issues I really care about, and here is why you should see them as priorities also, and this is how it relates to my desire to be a doctor/help people/better my community.
Hope that helps!
For what it's worth, my philosophy (after getting input from a lot of people) is that I want schools to know ME. If a school is willing to accept me, but not my beliefs, well then as far as I'm concerned that school is really not willing to accept ME, and I'd much rather figure that out before paying any tuition.
I think it is a good idea though to think about how you would frame your work to someone across the aisle. I don't mean censor it, but be prepared to say these are the issues I really care about, and here is why you should see them as priorities also, and this is how it relates to my desire to be a doctor/help people/better my community.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for the responses! I didn't really work for any candidates, but I did work on the Michigan ballot initiative to end racial preferenfces in admissions. I know that these issues are near and dear to the admissions committees hearts, so that is why I originally left it out.
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If you come across as unreasonable or dogmatic in your beliefs, that will hurt you. If you present yourself as reasonable with well-formed, logical arguments for policies, then you won't have any problem.
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Exactly. Your interviewer might ask you a few questions about it and use it as a bridge to prod your thoughts about healthcare reform, but I doubt you'll have someone bluntly ask you about your political beliefs.
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I mean, I think most political organizations in USA today will be fine.
If you're doing stuff for the KKK or neonazis, you probably shouldn't put that on your app.
If you're doing stuff for the KKK or neonazis, you probably shouldn't put that on your app.
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Only put things that will make you look like a good doctor.
Who cares if you're an NRA member? I most definitely don't
I don't care whether you're a democrat, personally, I'm voting for Romney.
I don't want to know whether you worship Shiva or Allah either.
Now, if you were an AMSA or honor society member, well that's relevant.
Who cares if you're an NRA member? I most definitely don't
I don't care whether you're a democrat, personally, I'm voting for Romney.
I don't want to know whether you worship Shiva or Allah either.
Now, if you were an AMSA or honor society member, well that's relevant.
