Common AMCAS Work and Activities Section Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Don’t underestimate the importance of the AMCAS Work and Activities section! Let’s take a look at some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when completing this part of your medical school application:
Table of Contents:
- Mistake #1: Providing Fewer than 15 Activities
- Mistake #2: Including Too Many Research Activities
- Mistake #3: Not Including Team Participation
- Mistake #4: Having Only a Handful of Activities in One Area
- Mistake #5: Participating in Activities for Six Months or Less
- Mistake #6: Including Bullet Points in the Descriptions
Mistake #1: Providing Fewer than 15 Activities
Simply submitting an application with fewer than 15 activities can lead to a rejection. Recently, I reviewed the application of an aspiring medical student who was rejected last cycle; the only negative aspect of her application was the fact that she included only seven activities. It can hurt you big time to include fewer than the maximum number allowed.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication by using every space available to detail how well you have prepared yourself for medical school. If you have fewer than 15 activities, you can include relevant awards and honors, conferences you attended, or hobbies. Go out and get more experiences if you are short!
Mistake #2: Including Too Many Research Activities
If you have mostly participated in research activities throughout college, the selection committee will not feel bad rejecting you, as it will appear that you are already well on your way to embarking on a career in research or a PhD track. Although you do want to demonstrate your love of learning, present it from multiple angles: Become a teaching assistant. Teach or tutor for a nonprofit. Diversify your interests.
Mistake #3: Not Including Team Participation
Medicine is all about teamwork. If you prefer to work on projects by yourself, your activities will reveal that you are a loner. Push your own limits by challenging yourself to seek team experiences. You could try intramural sports, a new team hobby, or a medical mission. You will definitely be asked questions about what you contribute to a team; be ready to have a good response.
Mistake #4: Having Only a Handful of Activities in One Area
When looking at your activities, check to see if you have experience in the following categories: clinical experience, non-clinical volunteer work, leadership, research, and teamwork. If you’re lacking activities in any of these areas, you still have time to do something about it! Create balance in your Work and Activities section.
Mistake #5: Participating in Activities for Six Months or Less
It can be a red flag if an applicant has lots of short-term experiences. This pattern could indicate that you are difficult to work with or that you have difficulty making a long-term commitment and sticking to it. Ensure that you include some activities that you have participated in for at least one year or longer – the longer, the better.
Mistake #6: Including Bullet Points in the Descriptions
To put your best foot forward, take the time to write complete sentences for your activity descriptions. Using bullet points is risky; not only do you have to worry about formatting errors, but it looks sloppy. Take the time to do it right.
We hope these tips will help you create a Work and Activities section that you will be proud to submit. When compiling content for this section, do a little at a time. Pace yourself to ensure you have the time you need to do your best writing.
Do you need help with your medical school application? Work one-on-one with an Accepted advisor who will help you create a strong, successful, admission-worthy application. Request your free consultation today!
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