I am trying to get into some straight med programs, and have quite a few ECs under my belt (some were summer research, others were jobs, etc.). I was wondering how many EC’s you can mention via listing on the Common App, since I’ve heard that the cap is 10. Also, since I’m applying to straight med programs, should I list majority of my medical activities + research (about 7 things) with three slots (assuming there is a total of 10) for other stuff, or should I do a more even split? Thanks!
10 is correct. If there is something you can’t fit on the app, you can always ask your counselor to mention it in the rec letter. Re what to list, I think whatever is most important goes first. If you have always been involved in the band, you should list that. Prioritize what is important in your life, not just medical stuff. They want to admit people, not robots.
D listed most important first, but also combined things into one entry if they were related. I can’t remember now if there was an additional section for honors/awards, if so some ECs could go in either section.
It’s technically 10, but it’s often possible to combine relate EC’s and expand on them in the Additional writing section.
Don’t use the rec letter for this. Just add it to the Additional Information section. Clearly label it and be succinct (bullet lists are good).
Would this be a good example of combining? I started a Music for the Helpless band and Health for the Helpless club (raise and donate money to a new nonprofit every month) so could I bunch these two together? Also, which of the following would be most impressive? a) school president b) Science Olympiad executive board or c) volunteering at a Hospital/Hospice? Thanks so much guys!
You have to be sure volunteering is in the activities section. It doesn’t have to be your top activity, but I don’t think it should be hiding at the bottom either. And I may be wrong, but I have understood that the additional comments section is mainly used to relay some important information that you don’t have room for elsewhere, not just for adding more activites. And yes, I don’t see why you can’t combine Music and Health for the Helpless.