What activity slot should I take out for my gap year job?

[iwanttobedoctorpls]

So as of right now, I have all 15 activities slots filled up. But, I will be starting my MA gap year job this May/June so I was hoping to include it as a slot. I do have a previous MA job listed so I don't know if I should just mention my new job in that slot or replace one of my other less-meaningful activities. I have an honors/awards activity for 3 merit scholarships I received in my time as an undergrad (one with the dean's name in it). I also have a cultural dance show that I participated in one semester (30 hrs). Should I take out one of these activities or mention it in the MA slot? the only thing is that I will be working front desk until about July (after the current MA leaves) so I'm not sure how I would say that too. thanks!

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[LizzyM]

School-specific merit scholarships are nice for you but really don't impress an adcom so if something has to go, I'd say it could be that. Furthermore, there is a section of the application that asks how you paid for college and the percentage that was paid by merit scholarships is included there so the adcom will see what a hot shot you are.

 

[iwanttobedoctorpls]

School-specific merit scholarships are nice for you but really don't impress an adcom so if something has to go, I'd say it could be that. Furthermore, there is a section of the application that asks how you paid for college and the percentage that was paid by merit scholarships is included there so the adcom will see what a hot shot you are.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[LunaOri]

I would drop the “cultural dance show”. 30 hours is insignificant.

 

[LizzyM]

I would drop the “cultural dance show”. 30 hours is insignificant.

But it does counter the "all work and no play" look that an applicant has if there isn't something fun and non-medically related on the application. It's not the hours, it's the mindset.

For me, the dance show > merit scholarships.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Merit scholarships mean nothing unless it's a nationally/internationally competitive one (from Rhodes to Jack Kent Cooke). You don't need to mention your institutional scholarships unless it's a full four-year honors program with an Oxford summer (for example). But yes, the impact isn't huge.

I also tend to discount or ignore activities with fewer than 50 hours (except shadowing). Alternatively, if you have been doing said cultural dance since elementary or high school and you continue during college, you can list as a hobby and mention your performance at your cultural show.