Andrew Pace
The AMCAS Work and Activities section is an important part of your medical school application, as it allows admissions committees to learn about who you are as a person beyond your academic achievements. While hobbies and extracurricular activities may not be as important as notable clinical or research experiences, they can still add value to your application by demonstrating your commitment, passion, and personal growth. Including one to three hobbies is generally recommended, and these should be long-term passions that you can connect to your journey towards becoming a physician. For example, basketball can be a suitable hobby to include if you can articulate how it has taught you the value of teamwork, discipline, focus, and dedication. However, simply stating that you enjoy playing basketball for fun may not be sufficient, as admissions committees are looking for depth and activities that indicate a lifelong passion. Ultimately, the decision to include hobbies like basketball depends on how well you can showcase their impact on your personal development and how they align with your application as a whole.
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What You'll Learn
How many hobbies should you include?
The AMCAS application has 15 slots in the Work and Activities section, including research, extracurriculars, jobs, etc. Admissions committees are looking for depth, so it is recommended to include only two or at most three hobbies. When describing your hobbies, it is important to connect the activity to your personal growth and how it has impacted your relationship to medicine. Don't provide superficial reasons such as "I just play basketball for fun". Instead, discuss how basketball taught you the value of teamwork, discipline, focus, and dedication. These qualities can then be linked to your performance in college and other areas of your life.
It is also important to note that your hobbies provide admissions committees with insight into what you have to offer beyond your academic achievements. They want to see that you are a well-rounded candidate who can contribute to the diversity of their student body. Therefore, it is beneficial to include one or two unique hobbies that showcase your interests and passions outside of academics.
In terms of how many hobbies to include, it is generally recommended to stick to two or three. This will ensure that you have enough space to provide descriptive titles and concise descriptions of your experiences with each hobby. Make every word count and focus on the specific elements of the hobby that have impacted you and will continue to be practised throughout your future medical career.
Additionally, some applicants choose to group their hobbies together, especially if they have a large number of hobbies or if their hobbies are related. This can be an effective way to save space and provide a more comprehensive overview of your interests. However, others argue that separating each hobby can allow you to write more about each one and explain how meaningful each one is to you. Ultimately, the decision of how many hobbies to include depends on your own preferences and the specific activities you choose to include.
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What should you write about your hobbies?
When it comes to writing about your hobbies in your AMCAS application, it's important to remember that this is an opportunity for the admissions committee to learn about you as a person beyond your academic achievements and extracurricular activities. The key is to focus on the purpose of sharing your hobbies and how they relate to your personal growth and interests.
Firstly, it is recommended to limit your listed hobbies to one to three, as you only have space for up to 15 experiences in the Work and Activities section, which should also include research, extracurriculars, jobs, awards, and other activities. By being selective, you can make each hobby count and ensure they are unique and memorable.
When describing your hobbies, it is important to connect them to your personal growth and how they have impacted your relationship with medicine or your field of study. For example, if you enjoy basketball, instead of simply stating that you play the sport, you could explain how it has taught you the value of teamwork, discipline, focus, and dedication, and how these qualities have helped you excel in other areas of your life, such as your academic pursuits. You could also mention how basketball helps you maintain balance in your life, showcasing your ability to compartmentalize and prioritize.
Additionally, consider including a physical hobby, as this demonstrates your commitment to taking care of your health and well-being, which is essential for future healthcare providers. Hobbies like sports, running, swimming, hiking, or biking can showcase this aspect of your life.
Remember, the admissions committee is looking for depth, so avoid superficial reasons for including a hobby. Instead, dive into the specific elements of the hobby and how it has contributed to your development, skills, or perspective. This will help the committee understand your passions and talents beyond your academic achievements and determine if you are a good fit for their school.
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What are the benefits of including basketball?
Including basketball as a hobby on your AMCAS application can offer several benefits. Firstly, it showcases your passion and commitment to something outside of academics, demonstrating a well-rounded personality. Basketball can also highlight your teamwork skills, discipline, focus, and dedication, which are valuable traits in a collaborative medical environment. It indicates your ability to manage time and balance academics with extracurricular pursuits, reflecting good organisational skills.
Furthermore, basketball can provide an opportunity to discuss your personal growth and how it has impacted your relationship with medicine. For example, you can elaborate on how basketball taught you the unique dynamics of working with youth, the benefits of sports for overall development, and the gratification of giving back to the community. This demonstrates your understanding of the broader implications of healthcare and your willingness to contribute.
Additionally, basketball can be a conversation starter during interviews, allowing you to share unique experiences and showcase your authenticity. It can set you apart from other applicants by presenting a more holistic view of your interests and values. Including basketball can also indicate your ability to handle stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial in the demanding field of medicine.
However, it is essential to provide context and elaborate on how basketball has contributed to your personal growth and development. Simply stating that you enjoy playing basketball may not be sufficient. Ensure that you connect your hobby to specific elements of your character and how it has influenced your journey towards a career in medicine.
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Where do hobbies fit in the AMCAS application?
The AMCAS application is composed of nine sections: three sections under background information, coursework, work and activities, letters of evaluation, medical schools, essays, and standardized tests. The work and activities section is where your hobbies should go. This section has a 700-character limit for each activity, and you can include up to 15 experiences. However, only three of these can be designated as "most meaningful" and further expanded upon in a separate section with a 1,325-character limit.
The work and activities section is an opportunity for the admissions committee to learn about you as a person, beyond your pre-med-related activities. It is where you can discuss your day-to-day work during undergrad and, if applicable, your gap years before medical school. It is also where you can describe all the details: whom you worked with, how many hours you dedicated, and what you learned or gained from the experience.
When it comes to hobbies, it is recommended that you include one to three hobbies, leaving at least 12 spots for other activities that should be prioritized, such as clinical work or volunteering. The key is to focus on quality, not quantity. Admissions committees are looking for depth, so don't provide superficial reasons for your hobbies. Instead, connect the activity to your personal growth and how it has impacted your relationship with medicine. For example, if one of your hobbies is basketball, perhaps it has helped you develop a team and community spirit and taught you social values.
While hobbies may not be as important as other experiences on your application, they are still valuable. Effectively utilizing hobbies in the experiences section of your application can show that you are a well-rounded candidate with a lot to offer the student body. However, some sources advise against including hobbies in the AMCAS application, arguing that they should be saved for secondary essays, interviews, or the personal statement.
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What are some common mistakes to avoid?
When listing activities on your AMCAS application, there are several common mistakes that you should avoid to create the best possible impression on admissions committees. Firstly, it is important to focus on yourself and your experiences, rather than the organisation or team you worked with. While it is good to show that you are a team player, the admissions committee wants to learn about you, your motivations, and your personal growth. Therefore, you should avoid writing too little about yourself and your experiences, and ensure that you provide meaningful insights into your journey and how your experiences have contributed to your growth.
Another mistake to avoid is listing activities from high school. Generally, the most recent activities and experiences are the most relevant, as they reflect the person you are today. However, this does not apply to the personal statement section, where you can include childhood stories or high school experiences as long as they are important moments that contributed to your journey. Additionally, do not forget to include all your leadership positions, awards, honours, and recognitions. These are essential in demonstrating your depth and commitment, and providing a well-rounded picture of your accomplishments.
When it comes to hobbies, it is recommended to include one or two unique hobbies that indicate a lifelong passion. Choose hobbies you've had since high school, as they better showcase your passion and commitment. If you include a more recent hobby, be prepared to explain why you have such a passion for it and how it has significantly impacted you. Ensure that your hobbies demonstrate valuable attributes and qualities such as resilience, compassion, dedication, teamwork, and cultural competency.
Finally, avoid the temptation to fill in every activity slot. Each activity must be meaningful, and you should express this through the length of your commitment to it. Including passing interests or short-lived experiences may cause the admissions committee to question your ability to commit. Instead, focus on quality over quantity, and provide detailed and meaningful descriptions that showcase your experiences, skills, and how your activities have impacted your path to becoming a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary to include hobbies in your AMCAS application. However, hobbies can be a great way to showcase your passions and talents, and help admissions committees learn about who you are as a person beyond your academic achievements.
It is recommended that you include no more than two or three hobbies in your AMCAS application, as you will also need to include other experiences such as clinical work, research, and community involvement.
Yes, you can include basketball as a hobby on your AMCAS application, especially if you have been playing for a long time and it has helped you develop valuable skills such as teamwork, discipline, and dedication. However, make sure to focus on the impact and personal growth gained from the hobby rather than just stating that you play basketball.
AMCAS does not verify the hours you spend on each activity. However, you should provide an accurate estimate of the hours spent on your hobby. If you have been playing basketball for a long time, you can estimate the number of hours per week and the number of weeks per year you dedicate to this hobby.
