Looking for AACOMAS activities section examples? The AACOMAS Activities and Achievements section is where osteopathic medical school applicants list extracurricular experiences such as healthcare work, research, volunteering, leadership roles, and employment. Strong entries explain your responsibilities, the impact of your work, and the skills you developed through each experience. Below, we provide AACOMAS activities section examples across several categories to help you structure effective descriptions for your DO school application.
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AACOMAS Activities Section Examples: Experiences Category
The experience category in the AACOMAS activities section includes activities such as clinical experience, research, volunteering, leadership roles, employment, and other meaningful involvement. These entries allow applicants to present the range of activities that contributed to their personal, academic, and professional growth and preparedness for osteopathic medicine.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #1
Experience Type: Extracurricular Activities
Recognition Type: Received Academic Credit
Title: Research
Employer: Michigan State University
Supervisor: Cassie Smith, Professor
Experience Dates: XX-XX
Status: Per-Diem
Hours per Week: 5
Total Weeks: 4
Total Hours: 20
Experience Details: Studied abroad in Australia, conducting environmental research. I investigated whether the dingo fence that stretches across three states of Australia had a negative impact on prey species. This culminated in an article I authored for my senior seminar course at MSU. This project provided me with real experience conducting research and writing scientific reports.
Why this Entry Works
This entry is effective because it explains the research question, the applicant’s role in the project, and the outcome of the work. It also demonstrates transferable skills such as scientific writing and data analysis, which are important for evidence-based medical practice. Including a tangible outcome, like the seminar paper, adds credibility and shows academic engagement.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #2
Experience Type: Healthcare Experience
Recognition Type: Compensated
Title: Patient Care Technician
Employer: DaVita
Supervisor: Leslie Reston; RN/Facility Administrator
Experience Dates: XX-Current
Status: Full-time
Hours per Week: 35
Total Weeks: 14
Total Hours: 490
Experience Details: Continued working as a dialysis patient care technician, accumulating an additional four hundred and ninety hours in this position. In this role I now have a total of one thousand and fifty-four hours. In addition to my previous responsibilities, I now serve as a preceptor to new technicians, preparing them for their career as a dialysis patient care technician. I have also begun studying to earn my Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician credential. I have improved my knowledge of dialysis and my ability to communicate with and mentor those new to the healthcare setting.
Why This Entry is Strong
This example demonstrates the applicant’s clinical exposure and professional growth within the same role. Not only did the applicant accumulate significant patient care hours but they also took on leadership responsibilities as a preceptor. Showing increased responsibility over time signals maturity and readiness for healthcare environments.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #3
Experience Type: Healthcare Experience
Recognition Type: Volunteer
Title: Personal Care Aide
Employer: Private Home
Supervisor: Shannon Holden
Experience Dates: XX-Current
Status: Part-time
Hours per Week: 8
Total Weeks: 23
Total Hours: 184
Experience Details: Provided one-on-one care for a patient in a home setting, assisting with mobility, medication administration, hygiene, and transportation. In addition to housekeeping, I coordinated with caregivers to ensure consistent and safe care. This position strengthened my communication and multitasking skills while reinforcing the importance of compassionate, patient-centered support.
Why This Entry Stands Out
This entry emphasizes direct patient interaction and compassionate care. The description demonstrates hands-on responsibilities while also reflecting on communication and teamwork. These qualities align with the patient-centered philosophy of osteopathic medicine.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #4
Experience Type: Healthcare Experience
Recognition Type: Compensated
Title: Medical Assistant
Employer: Superior Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists
Supervisor: David Henderson; Otolaryngologist
Experience Dates: XX-XX
Status: Full-time
Hours per Week: 40
Total Weeks: 76
Total Hours: 3,040
Experience Details: Worked as a medical assistant, directly collaborating with physicians, office staff, and patients. I performed patient triage, taking vitals and recording chief complaints and concise histories. I arranged and stocked exam rooms, as well as sterilized medical equipment using an autoclave. In this role I gained patient experience, improved my communication skills, learned about team-based care, and expanded my understanding of the medical field and various careers.
Why This Entry Is Effective
This example balances specific clinical duties with skills development. The applicant describes concrete responsibilities such as patient triage and sterilizing equipment and provides key insights on teamwork and patient communication. This helps admissions committees quickly understand both the scope and impact of the role.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #5
Experience Type: Healthcare Experience
Recognition Type: Volunteer
Title: Family Medicine Shadowing
Employer: Cornerstone Family Practice
Supervisor: Shelley Dean
Experience Dates: XX-XX
Status: Per-Diem
Hours per Week: 4
Total Weeks: 4
Total Hours: 16
Experience Details: Shadowed family medicine primary care provider. I observed many visits, including annual physicals, and learned the importance of preventative care. Outside of the exam room, I was shown the work taken to finish charts, as well as communicating with patients through the patient portal. I was introduced to a variety of pathology and observed the qualities of empathy and compassion that medical professionals provide to comfort and communicate with patients.
Why this Entry Works
This entry focuses on learning and observation, which is the primary goal of shadowing experiences. The applicant discusses exposure to preventative care and clinical workflow beyond the exam room, demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the physician’s role rather than passive observation.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #6
Experience Type: Non-Healthcare Employment
Recognition Type: Compensated
Title: Donation Attendant
Employer: Goodwill Industries
Supervisor: Jason Schmidt; Regional Manager
Experience Dates: XX-Current
Status: Part-time
Hours per Week: 20
Total Weeks: 8
Total Hours: 160
Experience Details: Part-time donation attendant for Goodwill Industries where I quickly identify and organize donations. I am responsible for maintaining a clean storefront, preparing donation carts for transport, and providing upbeat and friendly customer service. Working in this position I have improved my ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.
Why This Entry Is Effective
This example shows transferable professional skills even though the job is outside healthcare. The applicant highlights responsibility, customer interaction, and independent work. Admissions committees value these experiences because they demonstrate work ethic and reliability.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #7
Experience Type: Non-Healthcare Volunteer or Community Enrichment
Recognition Type: Volunteer
Title: Volunteer Advocate
Employer: MSU Center for Survivors
Supervisor: Kate Dawson; Volunteer Coordinator
Experience Dates: XX–Current
Status: Per-Diem
Hours per Week: 11
Total Weeks: 5
Total Hours: 55
Experience Details: Volunteer advocate for Michigan State's 'Center for Survivors,' supporting those impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence. I have twelve- and twenty-four hour shifts working both the crisis hotline and general chat, providing emotional support by helping survivors process their emotions and directing them to available resources. Volunteering as an advocate, I have greatly improved my interpersonal skills, ability to think on my feet, and my capacity to empathize with others.
Why this Entry is Strong
This entry demonstrates service to vulnerable populations and emotional intelligence. The applicant describes crisis support responsibilities and the development of empathy and interpersonal skills. These qualities are highly valued in physicians practicing patient-centered care.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #8
Experience Type: Non-Healthcare Volunteer or Community Enrichment
Recognition Type: Volunteer
Title: General Park Volunteer
Employer: Potter Park Zoo
Supervisor: Kelly Gibbons; Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
Experience Dates: XX–Current
Status: Per-Diem
Hours per Week: 3
Total Weeks: 3
Total Hours: 9
Experience Details: Volunteered at Potter Park Zoo supporting grounds maintenance, visitor engagement, and special events. I greeted guests, helped prepare park activities, and assisted staff with daily operations. These duties strengthened my communication skills and deepened my appreciation for community education and wildlife conservation.
Why this Entry Works
This example illustrates community engagement and initiative outside academics by describing interaction with the public and involvement in community events. Non-clinical activities help show that the applicant is well-rounded and involved with their community beyond clinical settings.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #9
Experience Type: Research
Recognition Type: Compensated
Title: Research Assistant
Supervisor: Dr. Neil Callahan
Experience Dates: XX–XX
Status: Part-time
Hours per Week: 10
Total Weeks: 8
Total Hours: 80
Experience Details: I actively participated in a research study focusing on the role of gut microbiota in neurological disorders. The project examined the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and neurological conditions. Working under the guidance of Dr. Callahan, I conducted literature reviews, assisted in participant recruitment and data collection, and analyzed the collected biological samples using advanced molecular techniques. I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of neurologists and microbiologists, to interpret the research findings and develop potential therapeutic interventions.
Why this Entry is Effective
This entry outlines multiple components of the research process, including literature review, recruitment, and data analysis. It also emphasizes collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating scientific literacy and teamwork.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #10
Experience Type: Teaching Experience
Recognition Type: Compensated
Title: Private tutor
Employer: Lakehead Tutoring Company
Supervisor: Angela Cisco
Experience Dates: XX-XX
Status: Part-time
Hours per Week: 15
Total Weeks: 16
Total Hours: 240
Experience Details: As a private tutor to students in high school, I fostered their academic success and boosted their confidence. I tailored my teaching methods to meet the unique learning needs and goals of each student. I implemented structured lesson plans, conducted regular assessments, and tracked student progress to identify areas for improvement and adapt teaching strategies. I fostered a positive and encouraging learning environment, promoting open communication and a growth mindset. I had the privilege of witnessing students' academic growth, improved study habits, and increased self-confidence.
Why This Entry Works
This example shows teaching ability and mentorship, which are valuable skills in medicine. The applicant demonstrates adaptability by tailoring instruction to different students’ needs. By discussing the student’s academic progress and confidence growth, the applicant also illustrates real impact.
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AACOMAS Activities Section: Achievements Category Examples
The achievements category is the section where applicants can list any awards, honors, and recognitions they received during academic, extracurricular, or professional activities. The purpose of these entries is to allow applicants to showcase accomplishments granted by formal institutions or organizations.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #11
Type: Honors
Name: Dean's List
Organization: Michigan State University
Date: XX-XX
Description: The Dean's List recognizes undergraduate students who have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or better while taking a minimum of 12 credits. I received these honors for Spring 20XX semester, as well as Fall 20XX, Fall 20XX, and Fall 20XX.
Why this Entry Works
This entry clearly identifies the academic standard required for the honor. By including the GPA requirement and multiple semesters, the applicant demonstrates consistent academic performance, which admissions committees value.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #12
Type: Award
Name: Eagle Scout Award
Organization: Boy Scouts of America
Date: XX-XX
Description: I received the Eagle Scout award for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout within the Boy Scouts of America. As part of my journey, I planned and organized a project with the Beautification Committee of Marquette to alter and improve a bike path along Lake Superior. Scouting allowed me to build my leadership ability, communication skills, and physical abilities by earning merit badges.
Why this Entry is Strong
This example demonstrates long-term leadership development and community service. The applicant also explains their Eagle Scout project, showing initiative and project management skills, which reflect perseverance and leadership.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #13
Type: Presentations
Name: "Improving Healthcare Access in Underserved Communities"
Organization:
Date: XX-XX
Description: A community outreach initiative, led by myself and a group of medical students, aimed at improving healthcare access in underserved communities. The presentation highlighted our team's efforts to address the healthcare disparities faced by marginalized populations. The initiative involved organizing health fairs and educational workshops in partnership with local community organizations and healthcare providers. The presentation shared lessons learned and recommendations for future outreach efforts, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive care and sustainable community partnerships.
Why This Entry Stands Out
This entry focuses on advocacy and public health engagement. The applicant describes organizing community outreach activities and presenting findings. Their involvement in all aspects of the initiative demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and commitment to addressing healthcare disparities.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #14
Type: Publications
Name: "Exploring the Intersection of Medicine and Art: A Collection of Medical Illustrations"
Organization: Journal of Artistic Medicine
Date: XX-XX
Description: This publication showcased a unique collaboration between medical students and professional artists, resulting in a collection of captivating medical illustrations. The project aimed to bridge the gap between art and medicine, highlighting the importance of visual representation in the field of healthcare. It features a diverse range of illustrations that visually communicate complex medical concepts and conditions. This project not only demonstrates the creative talents of medical students but also emphasizes the significance of art in enhancing medical education and communication.
Why This Entry is Effective
This entry combines creativity with medical communication. By contributing to a publication, the applicant demonstrates the ability to communicate complex medical ideas visually, which reflects interdisciplinary thinking and academic engagement.
AACOMAS Activities Section Example #15
Type: Scholarships
Name: Michigan State University 4-H Scholarship
Organization: Michigan State University
Date: XX-XX
Description: Michigan State University awards merit scholarships to entering students who meet the specific criteria. The MSU 4-H Scholarship is awarded to six entering students who have membership in a 4-H Club and have demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to the community through 4-H Club projects and achievements.
Why this Entry Works
This entry shows recognition from an external organization based on leadership and community involvement. Scholarships signal that an applicant’s contributions have been validated by others, reinforcing credibility and achievement.
How to Create Your AACOMAS Activities Section
The AACOMAS Activities section, also known as the AACOMAS Experiences and Achievements section, is similar to the AMCAS Work and Activities section. In the AACOMAS activities section, you will list all your extracurriculars for medical school, shadowing and clinical experience, awards, paid work and healthcare experience as well as any clinical research as a premed that you completed.
As shown above, your AACOMAS activities section is a part of the “supporting information” aspect of your DO medical school application, which also includes your AACOMAS letters of recommendation and AACOMAS personal statement. Your activities section for AACOMAS will be split into two broad categories: Experiences and Achievements.
It’s important to categorize your Experiences and Achievements correctly in your application. Here’s an overview of the different categories if you’re not sure how to categorize an experience:
AACOM asks applicants to include activities you’ve completed within the last 10 years and at the collegiate level and above. While you can certainly include experiences outside of this recommendation, they should be strongly relevant to your application to DO schools and add something to your overall candidacy. You also should include only activities you’ve completed, not “planned” or future activities.
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While there is no limit to the number of experiences you can include, every entry will have a 600-character limit for the description. This means you will have to be quite concise and to the point.
When choosing which activities to include in your application, focus on quality over quantity. Although it may be tempting to include every activity you’ve participated in, admissions committees are interested in experiences where you had meaningful responsibilities or personal growth. Like AMCAS most meaningful experiences, start by listing your more impactful experiences first, such as clinical work, volunteering, research, or leadership roles, and then select from this list activities that best demonstrate a solid commitment and your suitability for the DO profession.
When writing the descriptions of your chosen activities, briefly describe what you did using a specific example from the experience. Transition into what key insights you gained and how you intend to apply these insights to inform your future career goals. This structure helps admissions committees quickly understand the significance of your involvement while adhering to the character limit.
7 Tips on How to Craft a Killer AACOMAS Activities Section
So, how do you put together a great AACOMAS Activities Section? How do you choose the right experiences? How do you write strong descriptions that accurately capture what your experiences mean? There is a lot of advice out there on how to approach this detail-oriented section of your DO school application. Read on for our top 7 tips on writing the best AACOMAS Activities Section.
FAQs
1. How do you write an AACOMAS activity section?
Your AACOMAS activities section is completed online through the AACOMAS application portal. For each category, you will first need to choose a category and provide details such as dates, timeline, supervisor’s name and contact information. Each entry also includes a short description of your experience, which has a 600-character limit for the description of your responsibilities and involvement.
2. Does AACOMAS have most meaningful activities?
No, AACOMAS does not include a “most meaningful” like the AMCAS application does. This means that applicants must focus on selecting meaningful experiences and provide clear descriptions within the AACOMAS activities section.
3. What is the limit for AACOMAS activities section?
AACOMAS allows applicants to list multiple experiences in their activities section. Each entry has a 600-character limit.
4. What are the categories for AACOMAS activities section?
The AACOMAS activities section is divided into categories: “Experiences and Achievements. The experiences categories covers volunteer work, paid employment, healthcare experience and extracurricular activities. The achievements category includes awards and honors, scholarships, research and publications.
5. Do I need to include entries in all categories for AACOMAS?
No. You are not required to include entries in every category in the AACOMAS activities section. Many applicants will not have experiences that for every single subcategory. Rather than trying to fill every subcategory, it is better to focus on the quality of an experience and how it prepared you for medical school.
6. Do all my AACOMAS activities need to be DO-related?
No. While it’s an asset to have direct experience with osteopathic medicine, such as shadowing a DO or working in a DO medical clinic, not all your AACOMAS activities will be directly related to the study of osteopathic medicine.
7. What should I include in my AACOMAS activities section?
Your AACOMAS activities section includes both experiences and achievements that reflect your academic, extracurricular, and professional work. Subcategories include paid and non-paid work, healthcare experience, volunteering, research experience, awards and scholarships, and more. These entries provide a comprehensive overview of your background before you start the next phase of your medical school journey.
8. Should I combine entries in my AACOMAS activities section?
Some applicants choose to combine some AACOMAS activities, such as shadowing experiences, into one entry. This approach is effective if the experiences are similar or occurred within the same clinical setting. However, if your experiences involve different physicians or locations, listing them as separate entries will be clearer for the admissions committee.
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