The AMCAS Work & Activities section gives you the chance to showcase up to 15 experiences, with the option to designate three as ‘Most Meaningful’. Many applicants assume that these must be their most prestigious, high-impact experiences—such as conducting groundbreaking research, leading a large organization, or shadowing at a world-renowned hospital. But this assumption can lead to a missed opportunity to create a truly compelling application.

At AcceptMed, we help students craft strong medical school applications that go beyond just listing impressive experiences. Admissions committees don’t just want to see what you’ve done—they want to understand who you are, how you think, and what drives you as a future physician. Choosing your Most Meaningful activities wisely can help convey your authentic passions, personal growth, and values, rather than just focusing on prestige.

The Purpose of the ‘Most Meaningful’ Designation

The Most Meaningful section of AMCAS is more than just another activity description—it’s a space to provide a deeper reflection on how an experience has shaped you.

What Medical Schools Want to See:

• Personal growth—how the experience helped you develop as a future physician.
• Lasting impact—how the experience influenced your perspective on medicine, leadership, or patient care.
• Deeper connection—why this activity holds a special place in your journey.

What the ‘Most Meaningful’ Section Is NOT About:

• Simply listing prestigious titles or high-impact research projects.
• Choosing experiences based on how ‘impressive’ they look on paper.
• Rewriting your resume instead of adding personal insights.

Key Takeaway: Medical schools already see your credentials. The ‘Most Meaningful’ section is your chance to show what truly shaped you.

Why Your ‘Most Meaningful’ Activities Should Be Personal, Not Just Prestigious

Many applicants assume they should highlight their most prestigious or medically relevant activities. While these can certainly be part of your selection, they shouldn’t be chosen just because they sound impressive.

Example of an Impressive (But Generic) Most Meaningful Entry:
"During my research internship at [prestigious hospital], I worked under a leading cardiologist and contributed to a published paper. I learned valuable skills in data analysis and clinical research."

What’s missing? Personal impact, emotion, and deeper connection to the applicant’s journey.

Example of a Less Prestigious (But Stronger) Most Meaningful Entry:
"My time volunteering at a local hospice changed my perspective on patient care. I learned to communicate with patients facing the end of life, listening to their stories and providing comfort. One patient, Mr. G, reminded me that healing isn’t just about medicine—it’s about connection. This experience solidified my desire to practice compassionate, patient-centered care."

Which example tells us more about the applicant’s values and future in medicine? The second one.

Key Takeaway: A ‘Most Meaningful’ activity doesn’t have to be impressive—it should be deeply personal and transformative.

How to Choose the Right ‘Most Meaningful’ Activities

Not sure which experiences to pick? Use these three key questions:

1. Did this experience significantly change or shape me?

• Did it influence my career goals, mindset, or personal growth?
• Did I gain skills or insights that will make me a better physician?

2. Do I have a compelling personal story to share about this experience?

• Can I describe a specific moment that impacted me deeply?
• Can I reflect on how this experience shaped my perspective on medicine?

3. Would this experience be ‘Most Meaningful’ to me even if it weren’t impressive?

• Would I still feel connected to this activity even if it wasn’t highly prestigious?
• Does it reflect my core values and motivations?

Key Takeaway: Your ‘Most Meaningful’ activities should be the ones that had the greatest impact on YOU—not just the ones that sound the most impressive.

How to Write a Strong ‘Most Meaningful’ Description

Once you’ve selected your Most Meaningful experiences, you’ll need to write a compelling, well-structured description.

Structure for a Strong ‘Most Meaningful’ Entry:

1. Hook/Personal Story: Start with a short, vivid moment or reflection.
2. Experience and Growth: Describe what you did and how it shaped you.
3. Takeaway and Future Impact: Connect it to your future in medicine.

Example of a Well-Written Entry:
"When I first stepped into the free clinic, I felt like an outsider. I had no medical training, but I wanted to help. Over the months, I learned to assist with intake, translate for Spanish-speaking patients, and observe how doctors built trust with underserved populations. One moment stands out: a woman held my hand after I helped her navigate her first-ever doctor’s visit. That moment solidified my desire to advocate for accessible healthcare. This experience didn’t just prepare me for medical school—it taught me what kind of doctor I want to be."

Why This Works:

• Starts with a personal, engaging moment.
• Clearly describes growth, impact, and takeaways.
• Connects experience to future goals in medicine.

Key Takeaway: Strong ‘Most Meaningful’ descriptions focus on personal impact, not just what you did.

Meaning Over Prestige

• Medical schools value reflection, growth, and authenticity—not just impressive titles.
• Choose experiences that had a real impact on you, not just the ones that sound the most prestigious.
• Your writing should go beyond what you did—focus on the emotions, lessons, and insights gained.
• Use a compelling structure with a personal story, experience summary, and takeaway.