The AMCAS Work & Activities section is one of the most crucial yet often misunderstood parts of the medical school application. While your GPA and MCAT scores demonstrate academic ability, your activities and experiences showcase your dedication, leadership, and readiness for a medical career.

At AcceptMed, we guide students in making the most of the AMCAS 15 Activities section by strategically selecting and describing experiences that stand out to admissions committees. Many applicants wonder what counts and what doesn’t, how to prioritize their most meaningful experiences, and how to write compelling descriptions that maximize impact.

Understanding the AMCAS 15 Activities Section

The AMCAS Work & Activities section allows applicants to enter up to 15 activities, covering areas such as:

• Clinical experience (paid or volunteer)
• Research and publications
• Community service and outreach
• Leadership roles
• Teaching and tutoring
• Shadowing and observational experiences
• Hobbies, sports, and artistic endeavors

Key Rules for the Activities Section:

• You can enter up to 15 experiences, but quality is more important than quantity.
• You must select three Most Meaningful Experiences, which allow for longer descriptions (up to 1,325 characters instead of 700).
• Each entry should focus on impact and personal growth, not just a list of responsibilities.

What Counts in the AMCAS 15 Activities Section?

Not every activity you’ve participated in belongs on your AMCAS application. Admissions committees want to see meaningful experiences that highlight your readiness for medicine. Here’s what should be included:

1. Clinical Experience (Paid or Volunteer) – YES

• Direct patient interaction (e.g., medical scribing, EMT, CNA, hospice volunteer).
• Shadowing physicians (though not required, it’s beneficial).
• Hospital volunteering (if you had direct patient exposure).

Example:
"As a medical scribe, I worked closely with physicians in a fast-paced ER setting, learning how clinical decisions are made. By documenting patient histories, I gained insight into the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, reinforcing my passion for evidence-based medicine."

2. Research Experience – YES

• Laboratory or clinical research, even if you weren’t published.
• Writing or co-authoring abstracts, posters, or journal articles.

Example:
"In a neuroscience lab, I investigated the effects of neuroinflammation on cognitive function. I presented my findings at a research symposium, developing critical thinking and data analysis skills that will inform my future clinical practice."

3. Community Service and Outreach – YES

• Non-medical volunteering that demonstrates compassion and leadership.
• Tutoring underserved students, mentoring programs, or food bank volunteering.

Example:
"At a free clinic, I helped uninsured patients navigate their healthcare options. Seeing their struggles reinforced my commitment to advocating for healthcare accessibility as a future physician."

4. Leadership Roles – YES

• Holding leadership positions in student organizations.
• Founding or organizing health-related initiatives.
• Leading a research team or mentoring students.

Example:
"As president of the Pre-Med Society, I organized mentorship programs connecting students with healthcare professionals, fostering a supportive pre-med community on campus."

5. Teaching and Tutoring – YES

• Tutoring in science courses, MCAT prep, or mentoring.
• Teaching roles, including being a TA or leading workshops.

Example:
"As an organic chemistry tutor, I helped students struggling with complex concepts by developing interactive lesson plans. Teaching reinforced my ability to communicate medical knowledge effectively."

6. Hobbies, Sports, and Artistic Pursuits – YES

• Competitive sports, music, theater, creative writing—if they were significant to your growth.
• Demonstrates work-life balance, commitment, and perseverance.

Example:
"As a marathon runner, I’ve learned discipline, endurance, and the importance of mental resilience—qualities that will serve me well in medical training."

7. Employment (Non-Medical) – YES (If Significant)

• If a job (such as waitressing, retail, or administrative work) taught valuable skills like teamwork, communication, or time management.
• If it was necessary to support yourself financially.

Example:
"Working as a barista, I developed strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage high-pressure situations, which will translate into patient care."

What Doesn’t Count in the AMCAS Activities Section?

Some activities are less relevant or do not add significant value to your application. Here’s what you should avoid including:

1. One-Time Events – NO

DON’T - Attending a medical conference for one weekend.
DON’T -  A single-day volunteering event.

DO - Instead, focus on long-term commitments that show dedication.

2. High School Activities – USUALLY NO

DON’T - Most high school activities are not relevant unless they continue into college.

DO - Exception: If you founded an organization or participated in a major long-term initiative that carried over into your undergraduate years.

3. Passive Memberships – NO

DON’T - Simply being a member of a club does not count.
DON’T - Only include organizations where you had an active leadership or involvement role.

DO - Instead, highlight your contributions and impact within an organization.

How to Choose Your 3 Most Meaningful Experiences

For your three Most Meaningful Experiences, you get an extra 1,325 characters (instead of the usual 700). This means you should:

• Choose experiences that define your journey to medicine.
• Describe not just what you did, but how it impacted you.
• Highlight what you learned and how it will shape you as a future physician.

Example of a Strong Most Meaningful Experience Entry:
"As a hospice volunteer, I provided companionship to terminally ill patients. One patient, Mr. J, shared his life stories with me, and I saw firsthand how emotional support is as vital as medical care. His gratitude showed me that medicine is not just about treating illness but also about providing comfort. This experience solidified my desire to be a compassionate, patient-centered physician."

Your activities section is more than just a list—it’s a chance to show admissions committees who you are beyond grades and test scores. By choosing meaningful experiences, writing compelling descriptions, and prioritizing impact over duties, you can make this section a powerful part of your application.

• Include clinical experience, research, leadership, and community service.
• Avoid generic descriptions—tell a story and highlight impact.
• Choose three Most Meaningful Experiences carefully, focusing on personal growth.
• Don’t waste space on passive memberships or one-time events.
• Use every character wisely—concise yet powerful descriptions make the difference.

By following these strategies, your AMCAS 15 Activities section will showcase your strengths, experiences, and dedication to medicine—helping you stand out in the competitive admissions process.