what to write for extracurriculars?

[chrissyxf]

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Hi All,
First, thanks to those who are willing/able to help 🙂
Second, I'm working on writing up my extracurriculars for AMCAS. I've never seen the application before so I'm not quite sure what to expect. What is it that schools are looking for us to write about a given extracurricular? Also, should I give every job I held or only those that are important to me? i.e. I worked for 2 years as an admin in a medical school doing filing and paperwork and basic presentations while i was attending undergrad. This would only be important to show that I was working 20 hours a week while going to school...is it something to include? do people normally use all 15 spots? thanks!

 

[Pons Asinorum]

Don't be scared at the number of posts - but start at the end of this thread:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=202513&page=71

...and read through a few pages. There is more great info there than can be recreated in your new thread. Note that the "new" AMCAS will have shorter blocks (~700 characters instead of ~1300 characters) for entering your EC's and there is some new ranking/exposition of your self-selected most important EC's. Read through that thread and refine your questions and repost them here, and we'll discuss.

 

[mauberley]

Hi All,
First, thanks to those who are willing/able to help 🙂
Second, I'm working on writing up my extracurriculars for AMCAS. I've never seen the application before so I'm not quite sure what to expect. What is it that schools are looking for us to write about a given extracurricular? Also, should I give every job I held or only those that are important to me? i.e. I worked for 2 years as an admin in a medical school doing filing and paperwork and basic presentations while i was attending undergrad. This would only be important to show that I was working 20 hours a week while going to school...is it something to include? do people normally use all 15 spots? thanks!

I'd start with this monstrosity of a thread [edit: exactly what Pons posted] for any questions about entering in work/activities. 🙂

I would stick to jobs that are meaningful to you and support your application. Don't include something just to fill out space. Keep your descriptions short and sweet, but do indicate, if it's not obvious, what the significance of the activity is to you. The work/activity section generally accounts for your time and shows that you're not just sitting on your butt, especially as a non-trad post-bachelor's.

For your specific question about your admin position, I'd include it for the reason you stated only; it doesn't seem like you got any other benefit out of it. If it does tie in with your narrative, I would expect you would talk about it in your PS.