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AACOMAS:
Work/Activities
Contains:
Helpful Materials:
List of Activities w/ Contact Information
Job/Volunteer Descriptions
General Structure (600 characters):
Describe the setting and activity in approximately one sentence
Describe the biggest accomplishment or most tangible result
Discuss the qualities you demonstrated
Types:
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Extracurricular Activities: for example, academic clubs and competitive teams. Do not include paid work experience in this section.
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Non-Healthcare Employment: Paid work done outside of the health care field or a research lab; for example, a retail or restaurant job.
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Non-Healthcare Volunteer or Community Enrichment: Volunteer work done outside of the health care field; for example, working for Habitat for Humanity, tutoring students, participating in or working for a fundraiser walk or blood drive, etc.
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Healthcare Experience: Both paid and unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care, but may still have patient interaction; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patients and/or their rooms, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record keeping information, working as a scribe, CNA (depending on job description), medical assistant, etc.
Types:
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Awards: received as a prize, such as trophies and medals.
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Honors: received as a special distinction for work done, including Dean's List and memberships in honor societies.
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Presentations: Presentations delivered in person and virtually, at on-campus and regional and national conferences, or in public-speaking engagements.
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Publications: Any work publicized through media organizations, including newspapers and journals.
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Scholarships: Scholarships earned based on academic, athletic, and other achievements.
via AACOMAS
What kind of experiential learning experiences should I seek?
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Pursue things that interest you – volunteering, student organizations related to your interests, study abroad, part-time employment in a health setting
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Medical schools look for students who are active and show a wide range of experiences
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Meaningful experiences over a long list of smaller activities (quality over quantity)
Do I need to have medically related experiences?
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Not necessarily, but it is important to show medical schools that you understand the complexities of a healthcare setting and its services
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Want to demonstrate your care for others – volunteering in community programs or teaching or coaching
Career Center
Advice