Looking for AACOMAS Activities Section examples? Your extracurricular activities and experiences are an important part of your DO school application and are one of the common DO school requirements. Many students have questions about what to include, how to structure this section and how many entries or what information to include. In this blog, we’ll see some AACOMAS activities section examples, plus go over the AACOMAS application requirements for your experiences and achievements and tips on how to write a killer AACOMAS activities section.
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AACOMAS Activities Section Examples: Experiences Category
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.
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.
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: One-on-one patient personal care aide. In addition to housekeeping, I provide direct patient care including patient transitions and transportation, medication administration, and patient hygiene. This requires extensive communication and coordination with team members to ensure the patient's needs are fully cared for. In this position I have learned to effectively multitask without sacrificing my quality of care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Volunteer for Potter Park Zoo performing various tasks. I assist in park grounds work, greeting park visitors, and working to prepare special park events. This role has allowed me to learn more about animals and their conservation while engaging with those in my community on a regular basis.
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.
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 tutoring 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.
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Achievements Category Examples
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’ll 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 we can see 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 year, 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’ll have to be quite concise and to the point.
When choosing which activities to include in your application, focus on quality over quantity. While it’s tempting to include everything you’ve ever done in every category, not all of your experiences will be relevant or enhance your application. Similar to AMCAS most meaningful experiences, choose the activities you have which are most relevant to osteopathic medicine, where you had the greatest impact or which had the biggest impact on you. Even if you don’t have an experience that fits in every category, that’s okay—focus on including experiences that are strong and demonstrate a solid commitment and your suitability for the DO profession!
6 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 6 tips on writing the best AACOMAS Activities Section.
FAQs
1. How do you write an AACOMAS activity section?
Your AACOMAS activities section will be filled out online. First you’ll need to choose a category and fill out important information such as dates, timeline, supervisor name and contact information. You’ll then have a 600-character limit for the description of your experience.
2. Does AACOMAS have most meaningful activities?
No, AACOMAS doesn’t have the option to mark an activity as “most meaningful” as the AMCAS application does. But you can and should include activities that are very meaningful and important to you.
3. What is the limit for AACOMAS activities section?
There is no limit to the number of entries you can put in the AACOMAS activities section, but each entry has a 600-character limit.
4. What are the categories for AACOMAS activities section?
The AACOMAS activities section is split into “Experiences” and “Achievements”. Experiences covers volunteer work, paid employment, healthcare experience and extracurricular activities. Achievements cover awards and honors, scholarships, research and publications.
5. Do I need to include entries in all categories for AACOMAS?
No. While you certainly can include an entry in every category, chances are you won’t have one for every single subcategory. For the AACOMAS activities section, it’s better to focus on the quality of an experience over trying to fill each category.
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 of your 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. These categories include paid and non-paid work, healthcare experience, volunteering, research experience, awards and scholarships, and more. When it comes to choosing what to include, focus on quality over quantity, and keep the entries relevant and meaningful to you and your medical school journey.
8. Should I combine entries in my AACOMAS activities section?
Some students might choose to combine some AACOMAS activities, such as shadowing hours, into one entry. You can certainly combine your shadowing hours into one entry, but this may be difficult if you have multiple, different shadowing experiences. Since there is no limit to the number of entries you can provide, it’s up to you how you present the information to the admissions committee.
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