*~*~*~*Official AMCAS Work/Activities Tips Thread 2017-2018*~*~*~*

[Catalystik]

Would you say that 31.5 hours is enough to list something as its own activity or no? I did volunteer work at an Inpatient Rehab Center and I'm trying to fit it in the same slot as Hospital Greeter & Transporter, but I'm exceeding the 700 character count.

Yes, you can list it on its own, but I wish you could prune the Greeter and Transporter description so it would fit along side it. Aren't you running out of spaces by now?

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[Neuro244]

Yes, you can list it on its own, but I wish you could prune the Greeter and Transporter description so it would fit along side it. Aren't you running out of spaces by now?

If I create a separate slot for the Inpatient Rehab Center volunteer work, that'll make it a total of 13 slots that I've used up. I'm not sure if I will end up creating separate slots for other activities as well so at least I have another two spots open. I may have not mentioned this before, but I am a non-traditional student so I have a lot of activities.

 

[Force Healer]

14. How should I list publications? What if I have "submitted manuscripts," not actually accepted yet?
Publications are worthy of their own slot, even if you already have a "Research" slot. For a contact, use the PI that you worked with. For organization, you can use the name of the organization that publishes the journal. For date, use the publication date, or if accepted for publication but not yet published, use the acceptance date. In the description, it is a good idea to include enough of a citation for an adcomm member to find the paper if he/she is curious enough to look it up. Include enough of the author's list so that your place in the authorship can be determined, or state that you are the third author.

If a publication is only submitted or needs major revisions, then it is still a future activity which you cannot include. If it is published, accepted for publication, or accepted pending minor revisions then you can include it.

What if I have multiple publications... like more than ten (yes, seems crazy but it's true)?Would you suggest making an activity called "Publications" then listing each one like the examples you gave for shadowing? Sorry if this has already been asked!

 

[Catalystik]

What if I have multiple publications... like more than ten (yes, seems crazy but it's true)?Would you suggest making an activity called "Publications" then listing each one like the examples you gave for shadowing? Sorry if this has already been asked!

Here is an example of a super-condensed Publication entry using PMID#, thanks to tmax, which you could adapt for your own purposes. (Though I generally disagree with including submitted manuscripts, there might be a place for them when one can demonstrate super-productive involvement and has a proven pattern of acceptance):

Abridged bibliography in the following format:
Shortened Title; Shortened Journal/Book; Pubmed ID/Location/Status.

1st Author:
TSUP; BBA; PMID 22192777
Rhodopsin Superfamily; Nature; Submitted
Efflux Proteins: Microbial Efflux Pumps; Horizon Scientific Press; Accepted
Lead and Mercury Transporters (2 articles); Encycl. of Metalloproteins; ISBN 978-1-4614-1532-9 Jan. '13
MFS; FEBS J; PMID 22458847

2nd Author:
PTS; ELS; Search PTS on www.els.net
Transp. Protein Evol.; Protein Families; Accepted
4-JC; BBA; Submitted
ABC; JMB; Submitted

Co-author:
Phylogenetic char.; JMMB; PMID 22286036
APC; JMMB; PMID 22627175
Transposons; Mutagenesis; Accepted
Mer; WASP; Accepted

In case you have related Abstracts, Podium Presentations, Posters, they could be included in the same space with the pubs. The highest form of sharing a set of data with the world should be the primary listing (Publications, Abstracts, Posters/Presentations), but other venues can still be mentioned in the same space or in the affiliated Research space in precise or vague detail depending on space restraints (And I'd think this particularly important where a manuscript was submitted, but not yet accepted, if you use the format provided above). If you don't keep them hooked together like that, and use a different space instead, it would be far to difficult for a reader to keep them all straight for a highly-productive researcher.

Keep in mind that there's no one right way to do this. Personally, I feel this is so compact it makes my eyes bleed trying to sort out the entries. You might come up with a efficient, but more readable and informative format than the one provided (in which case, I'd love your permission to use it as another example, if you'd be so kind as to post an anonymized version).

Also, read post #2, item 20 on the first page of this thread for more ideas to streamline things.

 

[Neuro244]

Hey, Catalystik I will be getting feedback in the next couple of days from a willing fellow SDNer on my activities section, but in the mean time, I wanted to ask you something about it. If I am writing about a shadowing experience that I had in my narrative section, would it be a good idea to mention that the doctor and I are let's say both Christian or Jewish, or come from the same background? I was thinking I can open with this and say that we hit it off and had a similar background and it created a good relationship with the doctor.

Thanks

 

[Catalystik]

Hey, Catalystik I will be getting feedback in the next couple of days from a willing fellow SDNer on my activities section, but in the mean time, I wanted to ask you something about it. If I am writing about a shadowing experience that I had in my narrative section, would it be a good idea to mention that the doctor and I are let's say both Christian or Jewish, or come from the same background? I was thinking I can open with this and say that we hit it off and had a similar background and it created a good relationship with the doctor.

No, it's not a good idea. The background of the excellence of your relationship is not relevant to the activity. Even mentioning the excellence is not pertinent to what adcomms want to know.

 

[Neuro244]

In regards to picking your most meaningful experiences, I know the common thing to do is pick 1 clinical experience, 1 community service experience, and 1 research experience. If I have the first two but am not incorporating research as one of my most meaningful experiences, that shouldn't be an issue or look bad, should it? I'm putting down two things as most meaningful and making sure neither of them were in my personal statement.

Thanks

 

[Neuro244]

No, it's not a good idea. The background of the excellence of your relationship is not relevant to the activity. Even mentioning the excellence is not pertinent to what adcomms want to know.

Alright, I will make sure to not include that in there then, thank you.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

Is it worth listing a cultural/social club that I founded. Consisted of hosting social events that raised awareness for that specific culture around campus (since it's a minority group on campus) and also ran a couple food/clothing drives.

I just realized I pretty much did the same thing for a religious club (also a minority group on campus). Should I group the two? Actually yea it would work perfectly I think. What do you think? Would this add much to my app?

 

[Catalystik]

Is it worth listing a cultural/social club that I founded. Consisted of hosting social events that raised awareness for that specific culture around campus (since it's a minority group on campus) and also ran a couple food/clothing drives.

I just realized I pretty much did the same thing for a religious club (also a minority group on campus). Should I group the two? Actually yea it would work perfectly I think. What do you think? Would this add much to my app?

Why would you hesitate to list activities that demonstrate your leadership? Grouping them sounds fine. Work into each description how the group has grown since you founded it and how/whether you set it up so it would continue as an entity after you are gone (if relevant). Contacts can be board members/co-officers, etc.

 

[Karsensis]

In answer to your questions:

2) I suggest you split out the two activities and list them separately, each with their own dates and hours: Employment and Community Serivce.

4) I feel that 100 hours is on the sparse side. I suggest you continue gaining more hours, for the sake of Secondaries, future update letters, and interview conversations. Perhaps you could cut the hours per week. If you decide to include future hours be sure to differentiate between completed and future hours at the time of application.

5) I agree that your other 15 shadowing hours are sparse, and that that would be a good category for the mission trip hours. How did you "assist" in surgery?

8) Yes, use Leadership. But remember that the prior years of general membership were not leadership and should not be included in the dates and hours you put in the header. If you want to mention them, briefly describe them as a part of the back story.

9) I think it will be more important to list the nonmedical community service you engaged in, even if you have to omit some clubs that had none.

10) Backpacking club could go under a Hobbies entry with other hobbies. I would like to see it included, even if grouped with other hobbies.

12) Omit it. I don't see this as adding to your appeal.

14) No. But you can group it with #7 if you have the space in the slot. Both can be taken out, as well, if needbe.

****Reorganize accordingly, if you're inclined, and let me know how many spaces you're at.

Thank you for your reply!
2) So you suggest listing my time in Korea as employment and not teaching?

4) Thank you for your advice! I will continue to volunteer then. How do I differentiate between current and future hours on my application?

5) Ok thank you I will list it as shadowing. I helped triage patients and with pre-op by taking and recording vital signs and assigning them to see certain surgeons based on their condition. I also assisted in surgeries like suction, cauterizing, and suturing. It was a very hands on experience.

9) Okay so I should list them as nonmedical community service and not as an extracurricular activity? Since they were different organizations who do I put as the contact? Also since I have more spaces available should I even be grouping them together or listing them out separately?

 

[Catalystik]

2) So you suggest listing my time in Korea as employment and not teaching?

4) Thank you for your advice! I will continue to volunteer then. How do I differentiate between current and future hours on my application?

5) Ok thank you I will list it as shadowing. I helped triage patients and with pre-op by taking and recording vital signs and assigning them to see certain surgeons based on their condition. I also assisted in surgeries like suction, cauterizing, and suturing. It was a very hands on experience.

9) Okay so I should list them as nonmedical community service and not as an extracurricular activity? Since they were different organizations who do I put as the contact? Also since I have more spaces available should I even be grouping them together or listing them out separately?

2) You have other Teaching entries. But how you tag it is up to you.

4) Use the Repeated feature. It works best to use the current month for the final date of the first timeframe and then again for the first date of the second timeframe. Alternatively, enter only the completed hours in the Total Hours space and note in the description that you intend to add XX more hours before [end date]. If you aren't absolutely positive you can do the extra hours, the latter approach is better.

5) If you aren't certified/qualified to do some of those things in the USA, it's best not to mention you did them internationally, as it wouldn't reflect well. Also, you'll need to take some of the time out, as I doubt you were always shadowing, while taking vital signs and triaging, eg. But if a nurse was present, you can call it nurse shadowing.

9) If you list them together, the Contact for the second and third organization would be added to your narrative. If you have the space, and sufficient hours for each, it would be fine to list each organization on its own.

 

[Neuro244]

In regards to picking your most meaningful experiences, I know the common thing to do is pick 1 clinical experience, 1 community service experience, and 1 research experience. If I have the first two but am not incorporating research as one of my most meaningful experiences, that shouldn't be an issue or look bad, should it? I'm putting down two things as most meaningful and making sure neither of them were in my personal statement.

Thanks

Hey, Catalystik

I posted this question up last night but still haven't received a response. I'm reposting it just in case you didn't see it. Thanks

 

[Catalystik]

In regards to picking your most meaningful experiences, I know the common thing to do is pick 1 clinical experience, 1 community service experience, and 1 research experience. If I have the first two but am not incorporating research as one of my most meaningful experiences, that shouldn't be an issue or look bad, should it? I'm putting down two things as most meaningful and making sure neither of them were in my personal statement.

No, it won't look bad that you aren't selecting a research experience as Most Meaningful.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

Would 4-6 hrs per week (for ~30wks for two yrs) of volunteering at a hospital be enough (above average) clinical volunteering? Or would more be needed?

 

[8HourStudier]

Quick question. If I have been volunteering at a particular hospital since I was 15 (freshman year of high school), should I just act as if I started volunteering when I entered college or can I discuss how I have been volunteering there since I was 15? I did 600 hours and volunteered on 7 wards (with hands-on patient experience!) before I even entered college, so it would be shame to pretend as if it never happened.

 

[Catalystik]

Would 4-6 hrs per week (for ~30wks for two yrs) of volunteering at a hospital be enough (above average) clinical volunteering? Or would more be needed?

It's not clear if you meant to say for ~30 weeks for each of two years (total of 60 weeks) or for ~30 weeks over two years (total of 30 weeks), but regardless, if you end up with at least 150 hours, you'll be fine.

 

[Catalystik]

Quick question. If I have been volunteering at a particular hospital since I was 15 (freshman year of high school), should I just act as if I started volunteering when I entered college or can I discuss how I have been volunteering there since I was 15? I did 600 hours and volunteered on 7 wards (with hands-on patient experience!) before I even entered college, so it would be shame to pretend as if it never happened.

So long as you continue to volunteer at that same hospital into the college years, aka after HS graduation, you can list all the dates and hours on your med school application. However, adcomms are more interested in what you did during the college years, so consider using the repeated feature to divide the hours into two timeframes, or alternatively overtly stating in the narrative how many of the Total Hours you put in during college.

It's also fine to mention the HS volunteering in your Primary application essay about your personal path to medicine.

 

[Neuro244]

I had a question in regards to how to list a particular activity as someone who is looking at my activities has brought up a possible issue. One of my activities is listed as Community Service/Volunteer----Medical Clinical for when I volunteered in the physical therapy department of a hospital. I mentioned that I shadowed and observed physical therapists as they worked with post-surgical liver patients in a special gym program they had, as well as watched them in different departments working with patients who needed help with walking and mobility. On occasion, however, I also helped out with clerical duties and assisted patients with their walking. I did this by pushing a wheelchair behind the patient until he or she was ready to sit down, while the actual PT's walked them. The person I've shown this activity for says that based on my description, it sounds like it's more shadowing rather than clinical volunteer work. What's your opinion on this, and/or would you need to read my narrative for this section in order to give me a better answer?

 

[Catalystik]

I had a question in regards to how to list a particular activity as someone who is looking at my activities has brought up a possible issue. One of my activities is listed as Community Service/Volunteer----Medical Clinical for when I volunteered in the physical therapy department of a hospital. I mentioned that I shadowed and observed physical therapists as they worked with post-surgical liver patients in a special gym program they had, as well as watched them in different departments working with patients who needed help with walking and mobility. On occasion, however, I also helped out with clerical duties and assisted patients with their walking. I did this by pushing a wheelchair behind the patient until he or she was ready to sit down, while the actual PT's walked them. The person I've shown this activity for says that based on my description, it sounds like it's more shadowing rather than clinical volunteer work. What's your opinion on this, and/or would you need to read my narrative for this section in order to give me a better answer?

If you just watched, it was shadowing. The clerical duties were non-clinical volunteering. Pushing the wheelchair behind the patient, even though the PT escorted them is Clinical. Holding equipment for the PT while they work with a patient, or doing any other useful task that helps while in the presence of the patient is Clinical. The key to deciding on the category in which to list it would be what percent of the time you did each component. If you want to "spin it" into one of those categories, then you should de-emphasize or omit the others. It would also be OK to split out the PT shadowing hours and add that to your Shadowing entry, if you don't double count the hours.

 

[Neuro244]

If you just watched, it was shadowing. The clerical duties were non-clinical volunteering. Pushing the wheelchair behind the patient, even though the PT escorted them is Clinical. Holding equipment for the PT while they work with a patient, or doing any other useful task that helps while in the presence of the patient is Clinical. The key to deciding on the category in which to list it would be what percent of the time you did each component. If you want to "spin it" into one of those categories, then you should de-emphasize or omit the others. It would also be OK to split out the PT shadowing hours and add that to your Shadowing entry, if you don't double count the hours.

I see what you're saying, I'm thinking that maybe I could "spin" it in the direction of shadowing because as you mentioned previously, my hours (25) are a bit on the short side. Having said that, however, would that be a good idea since this isn't shadowing of an actual MD, but rather, a different health care professional? When you mentioned in an earlier post that 50 hours is average for shadowing, were you referring to shadowing an MD specifically, or any type of healthcare professional? Considering my clinical hours are high, do you think it's best to just go with putting this under shadowing and de-emphasizing other aspects, or simply leave it as clinical?

Thanks

 

[Catalystik]

I see what you're saying, I'm thinking that maybe I could "spin" it in the direction of shadowing because as you mentioned previously, my hours (25) are a bit on the short side.
1) Having said that, however, would that be a good idea since this isn't shadowing of an actual MD, but rather, a different health care professional?
2) When you mentioned in an earlier post that 50 hours is average for shadowing, were you referring to shadowing an MD specifically, or any type of healthcare professional?
3) Considering my clinical hours are high, do you think it's best to just go with putting this under shadowing and de-emphasizing other aspects, or simply leave it as clinical?

1) Yeah, calling it shadowing is fine, but it isn't going to add to the physician shadowing.

2) MD only.

3) You didn't answer my question about the percent time spent with helping patients. If that's because it was, say, 10% or less of the time, then why not just classify the activity as nonclinical?

 

[Neuro244]

1) Yeah, calling it shadowing is fine, but it isn't going to add to the physician shadowing.

2) MD only.

3) You didn't answer my question about the percent time spent with helping patients. If that's because it was, say, 10% or less of the time, then why not just classify the activity as nonclinical?

If memory serves me right, in regards to how I spent my time there, I would say the breakdown would look something like this:

Clerical duties: 10%
Observing physical therapists working with patients in different departments/their gym program: 60%
Helping PT's with patients: 30%

 

[Neuro244]

I had a question in regards to clumping activities of the same/similar type into one slot.

1. When we list the hours in the main header do we incorporate the total hours for both activities or just one? For instance, If I was a Hospital Greeter and Transporter for 50 hours at one hospital and 40 hours at another hospital, in the total hour's section would I write 90, or would I simply write 40 for one of them, and then go on to mention the total hours for the other position in the narrative like the examples given at the very beginning of this thread?

2. If you do write 90 in order to incorporate all of the hours on the main header, in the narrative space would you go on to say UCLA: 40 hours, and Kaiser: 50 hours, or what's the best and most efficient way to list it without taking up too many characters?

 

[Catalystik]

I had a question in regards to clumping activities of the same/similar type into one slot.

1. When we list the hours in the main header do we incorporate the total hours for both activities or just one? For instance, If I was a Hospital Greeter and Transporter for 50 hours at one hospital and 40 hours at another hospital, in the total hour's section would I write 90, or would I simply write 40 for one of them, and then go on to mention the total hours for the other position in the narrative like the examples given at the very beginning of this thread?

2. If you do write 90 in order to incorporate all of the hours on the main header, in the narrative space would you go on to say UCLA: 40 hours, and Kaiser: 50 hours, or what's the best and most efficient way to list it without taking up too many characters?

1) It depends on the activities that you're clumping and the timeframes, but for your specified purpose, you would put a 90 in the header's Total Hours space.

2) Yes, you would include the subtotal for each of the included activities in the narrative of that activity.

 

[Catalystik]

If memory serves me right, in regards to how I spent my time there, I would say the breakdown would look something like this:

Clerical duties: 10%
Observing physical therapists working with patients in different departments/their gym program: 60%
Helping PT's with patients: 30%

If you took out the shadowing and listed those hours in the Shadowing space, then helping the PTs directly with patients would be more than 50% of the remaining time spent, and you could keep the "Clinical" tag.

But don't feel you need to list all the PT observation hours in the shadowing space, as some will feel it odd that you have more of that than physician shadowing.

 

[Neuro244]

If you took out the shadowing and listed those hours in the Shadowing space, then helping the PTs directly with patients would be more than 50% of the remaining time spent, and you could keep the "Clinical" tag.

But don't feel you need to list all the PT observation hours in the shadowing space, as some will feel it odd that you have more of that than physician shadowing.

If you took out the shadowing and listed those hours in the Shadowing space, then helping the PTs directly with patients would be more than 50% of the remaining time spent, and you could keep the "Clinical" tag.

But don't feel you need to list all the PT observation hours in the shadowing space, as some will feel it odd that you have more of that than physician shadowing.

It sounds like it's getting quite technical and a bit on the complicated side with this one activity that I have.

1. If I was to beef up my physician shadowing hours to 50, could I then leave this as a shadowing experience for the 31.5 hours, or would that still seem odd considering I have that much shadowing for physical therapists?

2. Having said that, however, getting hours to shadow physicians is much more challenging than physical therapists, so can you use that as a saving grace, or do adcoms not care for that?

 

[Neuro244]

1) It depends on the activities that you're clumping and the timeframes, but for your specified purpose, you would put a 90 in the header's Total Hours space.

2) Yes, you would include the subtotal for each of the included activities in the narrative of that activity.

Another example that I'm trying to clump into one slot is the following:

I volunteered in the 24-hour pharmacy (December 2014-February 2016) of a hospital and also as a volunteer in the pulmonary/sleep apnea department (November 2014-April 2015) in the same hospital.

Moreover, would it be alright to clump these under one slot as they will both be considered as volunteer----Non-Medical/clinical, even though technically in the pharmacy I helped patients/customers find OTC medications and relayed their questions/concerns to the pharmacy staff?

 

[Catalystik]

1. If I was to beef up my physician shadowing hours to 50, could I then leave this as a shadowing experience for the 31.5 hours, or would that still seem odd considering I have that much shadowing for physical therapists?

2. Having said that, however, getting hours to shadow physicians is much more challenging than physical therapists, so can you use that as a saving grace, or do adcoms not care for that?

1) It wouldn't seem odd if the physician shadowing has more hours.

2) I'm not clear on what you're asking.

 

[Catalystik]

Another example that I'm trying to clump into one slot is the following:

I volunteered in the 24-hour pharmacy (December 2014-February 2016) of a hospital and also as a volunteer in the pulmonary/sleep apnea department (November 2014-April 2015) in the same hospital.

Moreover, would it be alright to clump these under one slot as they will both be considered as volunteer----Non-Medical/clinical, even though technically in the pharmacy I helped patients/customers find OTC medications and relayed their questions/concerns to the pharmacy staff?

It would be fine to group them, as many adcomms will not consider pharmacy volunteering to be "clinical" in a way that they are looking for. But if you explain what you did in the pharmacy in terms of providing customer service (though many were not current, bracelet-wearing patients), you'd still get "credit" in their minds for using your people skills.

 

[nb23]

Hi Catalystik,

Very awesome what you are doing here. I was wondering if you would be willing to offer any feedback you might have on my Work/Activities topics?

1.Afterschool Program Leader at an elementary school in a very underserved neighborhood in East Baltimore (50 hours) *most meaningful*
2.Personal transformation during a year off from college. Worked 40 hours per week, fended for myself, and took a few classes online. This may seem like an odd choice, but my grades were really poor before this year and then stellar afterward so it fits with the story of my application as a non-trad. I learned a lot about what it means to be self-sufficient while working a minimum wage job and this experience gave me a ton of motivation to return to school and succeed. Really showed me the value of being able to participate in meaningful and fulfilling work. *most meaningful*
3.Independent research study on Monoclonal Antibodies as a Novel Therapy for Cancer (500 hours)
4.Academic Achievements/Honors (wondering if I should group #3 into this section?)
5.Medical Scribe (3000+ hours). Already talked about this in my PS so I don't want to go too in depth. Should I group this with #6?
6.Work Experience (4 jobs, excluding the two mentioned above, since the age of 16).
7.Physician Shadowing (30 hours shadowing Cardiologists)
8.Hobbies
9.Volunteer at the Survival Center as a shelf-stocker and shopping assistant (550 hours but in high school)

Do you think I am making a mistake by not choosing scribing as a MM experience? As I mentioned, I wanted to avoid talking about it again since I already did in my PS. I was also wondering if it would be acceptable to choose my independent research study as one my MM experiences? I loved having the freedom to be creative and do my own investigation, and it helped build confidence in my ability to think critically and succeed without the guidance that is typical of other college courses.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Force Healer]

Also, I'm still in my undergrad and don't plan on entering medical school for a couple of years, but it looks like having numbers of hours done on each activity is important for the AMCAS. Should I start calculating hours I've done on each activity already? How do people usually do this? What if I've been doing the activity for a while and it has variable hours that were not recorded? Sorry if this has already been asked.

 

[Catalystik]

Hi Catalystik,

Very awesome what you are doing here. I was wondering if you would be willing to offer any feedback you might have on my Work/Activities topics?

1.Afterschool Program Leader at an elementary school in a very underserved neighborhood in East Baltimore (50 hours) *most meaningful*
2.Personal transformation during a year off from college. Worked 40 hours per week, fended for myself, and took a few classes online. This may seem like an odd choice, but my grades were really poor before this year and then stellar afterward so it fits with the story of my application as a non-trad. I learned a lot about what it means to be self-sufficient while working a minimum wage job and this experience gave me a ton of motivation to return to school and succeed. Really showed me the value of being able to participate in meaningful and fulfilling work. *most meaningful*
3.Independent research study on Monoclonal Antibodies as a Novel Therapy for Cancer (500 hours)
4.Academic Achievements/Honors (wondering if I should group #3 into this section?)
5.Medical Scribe (3000+ hours). Already talked about this in my PS so I don't want to go too in depth. Should I group this with #6?
6.Work Experience (4 jobs, excluding the two mentioned above, since the age of 16).
7.Physician Shadowing (30 hours shadowing Cardiologists)
8.Hobbies
9.Volunteer at the Survival Center as a shelf-stocker and shopping assistant (550 hours but in high school)

A) Do you think I am making a mistake by not choosing scribing as a MM experience? As I mentioned, I wanted to avoid talking about it again since I already did in my PS.
B) I was also wondering if it would be acceptable to choose my independent research study as one my MM experiences? I loved having the freedom to be creative and do my own investigation, and it helped build confidence in my ability to think critically and succeed without the guidance that is typical of other college courses.

2) Good choice for MM.

4) No. Let the research stand on its own in a separate space.

5) No. It's OK if you don't fill the space.

6) Hopefully the HS jobs continued after HS graduation if you are going to list them.

7) Somewhat sparse hours. I like to see at least 40, preferably 50 (the average listed).

9) We don't encourage including HS activities, but there's no rule against it.

A) If you've said all you need to say about transformation, impact, future direction, etc, it's fine not to make the activity MM.

B) Yes. You did have some oversight by a faculty person, right?

 

[Catalystik]

Also, I'm still in my undergrad and don't plan on entering medical school for a couple of years, but it looks like having numbers of hours done on each activity is important for the AMCAS. Should I start calculating hours I've done on each activity already? How do people usually do this? What if I've been doing the activity for a while and it has variable hours that were not recorded? Sorry if this has already been asked.

Many start keeping an on-line log, like an Excel spreadsheet. It's a good idea to keep track on your own, even if there is a computer where you sign in or a hand-written log, as over a few years it's remarkable how these things are suddenly not reliably available anymore.

If you're not sure of the hours you've invested in past activities, make a good-faith estimate, or fill in a 99, 999, or 9999 for the Total Hours, also making a note in the description that the hours are not knowable (common for life-long dance or music involvement, for example).

 

[nb23]

2) Good choice for MM.

4) No. Let the research stand on its own in a separate space.

5) No. It's OK if you don't fill the space.

6) Hopefully the HS jobs continued after HS graduation if you are going to list them.

7) Somewhat sparse hours. I like to see at least 40, preferably 50 (the average listed).

9) We don't encourage including HS activities, but there's no rule against it.

A) If you've said all you need to say about transformation, impact, future direction, etc, it's fine not to make the activity MM.

B) Yes. You did have some oversight by a faculty person, right?

Thank you for the response.

6) Sorry, I should have been more specific. I had 4 different Summer jobs while in college.

7) I will make sure to get at least another 20 hours at the family practice/urgent care where I scribe.

9) I will leave it out.

A) I've been thinking about it, and I feel as though there is likely more I could write about. If what I have to say is substantial, would you favor that over the volunteer work at the after school program?

B) Yes, I did have faculty oversight for it. Normally they are 1 credit at my school but they let me do a 3 credit one so it was fairly substantial. Glad to hear I can discuss it.

Thank you again for your help.

 

[Catalystik]

6) Sorry, I should have been more specific. I had 4 different Summer jobs while in college.

7) I will make sure to get at least another 20 hours at the family practice/urgent care where I scribe.

9) I will leave it out.

A) I've been thinking about it, and I feel as though there is likely more I could write about. If what I have to say is substantial, would you favor that over the volunteer work at the after school program?

B) Yes, I did have faculty oversight for it. Normally they are 1 credit at my school but they let me do a 3 credit one so it was fairly substantial. Glad to hear I can discuss it.

6) They can be grouped, or not, depending on whether you have something interesting to say about them, or if you just want adcomms to know what kept you busy in the college years.

7) Sounds good. Some adcomms will view scribing as a form of shadowing, while others want you to have an experience where you aren't distracted by work requirements. Having more will make sure everyone is happy.

A) Pick the one you have the most to say about without repeating too much, if both were meaningful to you.

B) Sounds perfect.

 

[Neuro244]

1. For describing a poster presentation at somewhere such as the Western Psychological Association Convention, do you suggest highlighting the fact that it's difficult to get an invitation to present there?

2. Do you have any general or specific advice when describing poster presentations in the narrative space for AMCAS?

Thanks

 

[Catalystik]

1. For describing a poster presentation at somewhere such as the Western Psychological Association Convention, do you suggest highlighting the fact that it's difficult to get an invitation to present there?

2. Do you have any general or specific advice when describing poster presentations in the narrative space for AMCAS?

1) Only if you can objectively cite their selectivity statistics, eg, Poster was one of 29 chosen out of 345 candidates.

2) The citation alone is sufficient. Make it clear you you were present. If you co-presented, make that known. If you got an award for it, state that. The number of hours you list will tell us how long you stood next to the poster.

 

[Neuro244]

I went ahead and took off "Dean's List since I am in fact low on space, you're right. I'm not sure if I would still receive the medallion, but perhaps I might of. This is what I currently have, what's your opinion on what I should further prune?


I went ahead and edited some of the things as you suggested since my room was limited. This is what I have now, and I'm at 694 characters (I couldn't explain the award too much). How does this look now?

Also:

Dean's List Scholar- 12/2008, 6/2007
Los Angeles Pierce College

Dean's List Scholar- 6/2009, 6/2008, 12/2007
Los Angeles Pierce College

Dean's List Scholar- 12/2013
Los Angeles Valley College
Admissions and Records, (818) 947-2553

President's List Scholar- 6/2009, 12/2008, 6/2008
Los Angeles Pierce College

Certificate of Achievement-5/2013, 12/2012, 5/2012, 12/2011
California State University Northridge
Admissions and Records, (818) 677-3700

Honors Convocation- 5/2013
California State University Northridge
Admissions & Records, (818) 677-3700
I received an award for outstanding undergraduate academic performance by having a cumulative GPA of 3.87.

Here is the final edited version with the narrative space containing 614 characters. How does it look in your opinion?

Main Header-

Experience Name- Full Time Dean's List Scholar
Award Date- December 2013
Contact: Admissions and Records, (818) 555-5555 (not putting the number on this post for privacy reasons)
Organization Name- Los Angeles Pierce College

Narrative Space-

Also:

Los Angeles Valley College
Admissions & Records, (818) 555-5555
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar- 12/2013

California State University Northridge
Admissions & Records, (818) 555-5555
Certificate of Achievement-5/2013, 12/2012, 5/2012, 12/2011
Honors Convocation- 5/2013
Recognition that was given to graduating seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better; my GPA was 3.87.

Los Angeles Pierce College
Admissions & Records (818) 555-5555
Dean's List Scholar- 12/2008, 6/2007
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar- 6/2009, 6/2008, 12/2007
President's List Scholar- 6/2009, 12/2008, 6/2008
President Honor List Reception- 5/2009

 

[nb23]

6) They can be grouped, or not, depending on whether you have something interesting to say about them, or if you just want adcomms to know what kept you busy in the college years.

7) Sounds good. Some adcomms will view scribing as a form of shadowing, while others want you to have an experience where you aren't distracted by work requirements. Having more will make sure everyone is happy.

A) Pick the one you have the most to say about without repeating too much, if both were meaningful to you.

B) Sounds perfect.

Thank you so much, Catalystik.

 

[Catalystik]

Here is the final edited version with the narrative space containing 614 characters. How does it look in your opinion?

Main Header-

A) Experience Name- Full Time Dean's List Scholar
Award Date- December 2013
Contact: Admissions and Records, (818) 555-5555 (not putting the number on this post for privacy reasons)
Organization Name- Los Angeles Pierce College

Narrative Space-

Also:

1) Los Angeles Valley College
Admissions & Records, (818) 555-5555
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar- 12/2013

2) California State University Northridge
Admissions & Records, (818) 555-5555
Certificate of Achievement-5/2013, 12/2012, 5/2012, 12/2011
Honors Convocation- 5/2013
Recognition that was given to graduating seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better; my GPA was 3.87.

3) Los Angeles Pierce College
Admissions & Records (818) 555-5555
Dean's List Scholar- 12/2008, 6/2007
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar- 6/2009, 6/2008, 12/2007
President's List Scholar- 6/2009, 12/2008, 6/2008
President Honor List Reception- 5/2009

Since your header (A) has info about Los Angeles Pierce College, I suggest that part (3) [as I've numbered them] should go directly below the header so you don't need to repeat the college name and Contact again. Of course, the header date seems to match the date in part (1). Is 12/2013 the date by which you got all the recognitions in the space? If you are listing them in reverse chronological order, you might instead prefer to change the header info to match what you have in part (1). But again, so need to repeat the Contact and college name in that case.

Also, consider naming the space something more general so as to include all the stuff in the space, like Collegiate Recognitions, instead of A) Full Time Dean's List Scholar.

 

[Neuro244]

Since your header (A) has info about Los Angeles Pierce College, I suggest that part (3) [as I've numbered them] should go directly below the header so you don't need to repeat the college name and Contact again. Of course, the header date seems to match the date in part (1). Is 12/2013 the date by which you got all the recognitions in the space? If you are listing them in reverse chronological order, you might instead prefer to change the header info to match what you have in part (1). But again, so need to repeat the Contact and college name in that case.

Also, consider naming the space something more general so as to include all the stuff in the space, like Collegiate Recognitions, instead of A) Full Time Dean's List Scholar.

12/2013 is when I received the awards as listed in the main header, and in part 1, but the other awards (parts 2 and 3), are different dates as shown above.

1. If I go ahead and change the header info to match what I have in part 1, then there's no point because then it won't match part 1 anymore because that's the only award I ever received from Los Angeles Valley College, and then it would be a different college below it. Maybe I'm not getting what you're saying, do you know what I mean?

2. If I do change it to Collegiate Recognitions, then how would I emphasize or let them know that the one in the main header is supposed to be a Full-time Dean's list scholar award if the name won't be written there anymore?

 

[Neuro244]

1) A faculty advisor or an officer would be a good choice.

2) Put in the hours for the ceremony, or a zero.

3) List the criteria for induction.

This is what I have as my final version for the section of Honor societies. However, the only issue I'm having is finding any sort of contact information to fill out, so that's why I left it blank. Besides that, how does the following entry look to you?

Main Header:

A. Experience name-Recognition for superior academic achievement
B. Date-8/2014
C. 4 hours
D. Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
E. Contact first and last name-
F. Contact's Title-
G. Contact's phone/email-

Narrative:

Phi Kappa Phi membership is earned through a personal invitation and is given to seniors that have completed at least 90 credit hours with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution, and rank in the top 10 percent of their class.
0 hours

Also:

Psi Chi International Honor Society (CSUN), 9/2012
Contact-
Requirements for admission:
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all course work, 2. A GPA of at least 3.0 in all psychology courses, 3. Majoring/minoring in psychology or a psychological program by nature, 4. Have completed at least 45 semester units of college coursework, 5. Have completed a minimum of 9 units of psychology that were taken at CSUN.
4 Hours

 

[Catalystik]

12/2013 is when I received the awards as listed in the main header, and in part 1, but the other awards (parts 2 and 3), are different dates as shown above.

1. If I go ahead and change the header info to match what I have in part 1, then there's no point because then it won't match part 1 anymore because that's the only award I ever received from Los Angeles Valley College, and then it would be a different college below it. Maybe I'm not getting what you're saying, do you know what I mean?

2. If I do change it to Collegiate Recognitions, then how would I emphasize or let them know that the one in the main header is supposed to be a Full-time Dean's list scholar award if the name won't be written there anymore?

1) Why does it say "Los Angeles Pierce College" in the header if the award came from "Los Angeles Valley College" (according to what you wrote in part 1)? I think each of us is not getting what the other person means to communicate. I will leave it up to you to convey the information in a logical, organized manner as you deem best.

2) You would add "Full-time Dean's list scholar award" under the appropriate college in the narrative.

 

[Catalystik]

This is what I have as my final version for the section of Honor societies. However, the only issue I'm having is finding any sort of contact information to fill out, so that's why I left it blank. Besides that, how does the following entry look to you?

Main Header:

A. Experience name-Recognition for superior academic achievement
B. Date-8/2014
C. 4 hours
D. Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
E. Contact first and last name-
F. Contact's Title-
G. Contact's phone/email-

Narrative:

Phi Kappa Phi membership is earned through a personal invitation and is given to seniors that have completed at least 90 credit hours with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution, and rank in the top 10 percent of their class.
0 hours

Also:

Psi Chi International Honor Society (CSUN), 9/2012
Contact-
Requirements for admission:
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all course work, 2. A GPA of at least 3.0 in all psychology courses, 3. Majoring/minoring in psychology or a psychological program by nature, 4. Have completed at least 45 semester units of college coursework, 5. Have completed a minimum of 9 units of psychology that were taken at CSUN.
4 Hours

That looks fine.

Did you save any email communications from the honor societies? You might use that email for the Contact and fill in First name: Office Last name: Staff, so the name of the final printout will say "Office Staff". Or maybe the saved email has a person's name and title, and you could use that.

 

[Neuro244]

1) Why does it say "Los Angeles Pierce College" in the header if the award came from "Los Angeles Valley College" (according to what you wrote in part 1)? I think each of us is not getting what the other person means to communicate. I will leave it up to you to convey the information in a logical, organized manner as you deem best.

2) You would add "Full-time Dean's list scholar award" under the appropriate college in the narrative.

1. Oh, I see what you're saying. The reason it says Los Angeles Valley College in the narrative space under number 1 is because I figured if the header already has "Full-Time Dean's List Scholar" for Los Angeles Pierce College, then there's no point in mentioning it in the narrative space and so I listed Los Angeles Valley College right away. I see how that can be confusing, sorry about that. I went ahead and changed the main header name to "Collegiate Recognitions" as you suggested. In terms of the chronology of things, yes I'm doing it from most recent to oldest. However, I'm thinking of doing what you said where I make the next recognition (number 1) in the narrative match the header in order to avoid repeating contact info. Essentially that means I'm going to mention things from oldest to newest. What do you think of this version now as I have made some tweaks?

Main Header:

A. Experience Name- Collegiate Recognitions
B. Award Date- December 2013
C. Contact: Admissions and Records, (818) 719-6404
D. Organization Name- Los Angeles Pierce College

Narrative:

Full-Time Dean's List Scholar

Also:

1. Dean's List Scholar- 12/2008, 6/2007
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar- 6/2009, 6/2008, 12/2007
President's List Scholar- 6/2009, 12/2008, 6/2008
President Honor List Reception- 5/2009

2. California State University Northridge
Admissions & Records, (818) 677-3700
Certificate of Achievement-5/2013, 12/2012, 5/2012, 12/2011
Honors Convocation- 5/2013
Requirements to receive honors:

1. Complete a minimum of 30 units of work in letter-graded courses at CSUN.
2. Earn a GPA of 3.50 or above in all work taken at CSUN and cumulatively (transfer and CSUN work).

3. Los Angeles Valley College
Admissions & Records, (818) 947-2553
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar-12/2013

 

[Neuro244]

That looks fine.

Did you save any email communications from the honor societies? You might use that email for the Contact and fill in First name: Office Last name: Staff, so the name of the final printout will say "Office Staff". Or maybe the saved email has a person's name and title, and you could use that.

Yeah for one of them I have her name but am wondering If I should contact her to see if she'd be able to confirm me becoming a member if they contact her, or just trust that things will work out since that seems pretty tedious to do.

Also, for the main header award, I'm thinking of changing the organization name to the following since it's a part of CSUN:

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society CSUN Chapter 163

 

[Catalystik]

1. Oh, I see what you're saying. The reason it says Los Angeles Valley College in the narrative space under number 1 is because I figured if the header already has "Full-Time Dean's List Scholar" for Los Angeles Pierce College, then there's no point in mentioning it in the narrative space and so I listed Los Angeles Valley College right away. I see how that can be confusing, sorry about that. I went ahead and changed the main header name to "Collegiate Recognitions" as you suggested. In terms of the chronology of things, yes I'm doing it from most recent to oldest. However, I'm thinking of doing what you said where I make the next recognition (number 1) in the narrative match the header in order to avoid repeating contact info. Essentially that means I'm going to mention things from oldest to newest. What do you think of this version now as I have made some tweaks?

Main Header:

A. Experience Name- Collegiate Recognitions
B. Award Date- December 2013
C. Contact: Admissions and Records, (818) 719-6404
D. Organization Name- Los Angeles Pierce College

Narrative:

Full-Time Dean's List Scholar

Also:

1. Dean's List Scholar- 12/2008, 6/2007
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar- 6/2009, 6/2008, 12/2007
President's List Scholar- 6/2009, 12/2008, 6/2008
President Honor List Reception- 5/2009

2. California State University Northridge
Admissions & Records, (818) 677-3700
Certificate of Achievement-5/2013, 12/2012, 5/2012, 12/2011
Honors Convocation- 5/2013
Requirements to receive honors:

1. Complete a minimum of 30 units of work in letter-graded courses at CSUN.
2. Earn a GPA of 3.50 or above in all work taken at CSUN and cumulatively (transfer and CSUN work).

3. Los Angeles Valley College
Admissions & Records, (818) 947-2553
Part-Time Dean's List Scholar-12/2013

Much better.

 

[Catalystik]

Yeah for one of them I have her name but am wondering If I should contact her to see if she'd be able to confirm me becoming a member if they contact her, or just trust that things will work out since that seems pretty tedious to do.

It won't hurt to try, or to ask about a general email and name you can use for confirmation purposes.

 

[Neuro244]

1) Only if you can objectively cite their selectivity statistics, eg, Poster was one of 29 chosen out of 345 candidates.

2) The citation alone is sufficient. Make it clear you you were present. If you co-presented, make that known. If you got an award for it, state that. The number of hours you list will tell us how long you stood next to the poster.

This what I ended up writing for my poster presentation descriptions, would you mind looking it over and giving me your thoughts/feedbacks on it? If it's too much then no worries, but if you can, then that would be great. Here it is:

Main Header:

A. Experience Name-Co-Authored Poster on “Predictors of College Students’ Level of Nutritional Knowledge”
B. Presentation date-April 2013
C. Total Hours-10 hours
D. Organization Name-93rd Western Psychological Association (WPA) Convention


Narrative:

As a co-author, I orally presented and displayed my research poster at the WPA convention to students and professors from multiple universities. At this convention, students and professors discussed and presented any research they have conducted or contributed to in the field of psychology.
6 hours

Also:

2/2013
I presented the same poster at California State University Northridge's (CSUN) 17th Annual Student Research & Creative Works Symposium. This symposium was a student conference that featured oral and poster presentations. The purpose of it was to showcase excellence in scholarly research and creative activity conducted by CSUN students across all academic disciplines.
4 hours