There is a common theme in the Work and Activities section of the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) application among exceptional medical school students — perseverance. While this isn’t a surprise, the authors of a study saw a lack of research on this topic and decided to do their own study.
Specifically, the researchers found that between 2017 and 2019, the “perseverance” and the “success in a practiced activity” themes had the largest difference in representation when comparing exceptional and low performing medical students who attended the Uniformed Services University, the military’s medical school.
The study was small (only 39 students) and had a few other limitations (ie, single institution studied, the definition of exceptional performers). However, the study suggests “that a difference may exist in how low and exceptional performers describe their activities and experiences that is consistent with theoretical expectations,” the authors wrote.” On the other hand, the study also revealed a few new themes among low performers, which included: witnessing teamwork, description of a future event, and embellishment of achievement.
An appreciation for or reflection of the value of teamwork, collaboration, interpersonal relationships and/or camaraderie
“Working in this club has allowed me to learn to be a leader and to learn to work as a team member. Every one of our events has taken a lot of teamwork and effort to put together and from this I now know how to work with people from different backgrounds and how to think in different ways which will allow me to become a better team member in the hospital when working with other healthcare professionals.” (L028)
Wisdom
Gaining of new insight, self-discovery, or awareness from an experience or activity, resulting in an examination of an internal thought process that leads to personal growth, either in clinical or non-clinical settings
“This experience also taught me patience and humility in having to admit mistakes or take responsibility for things that I sometimes could not control. All types of people, in different moods and with different perspectives and expectations, come through the store, and in order to help them, I must strive to understand and meet these expectations. I believe many of the lessons I learned in interacting with customers can be applied toward interacting with patients.” (L017)
Perseverance
An ability to overcome hardship, adversity, difficulty, or setback through hard work, commitment, or determination
“My semester of academic probation, however, sparked abundant long-term growth and productivity. I learned the hard way that the dignity associated with never giving up at one thing can come at too high a cost if overall performance is compromised. The solution I have chosen is to raise my standards, accepting only whole-hearted effort, and preemptively targeting weaknesses. I did not possess the necessary emotional tools to take advantage of courses early in college, but in time I have adapted my methods in order to get the most of this endeavor. I consider this a positive outcome.” (L006)
Passion
An intense interest in an activity or pursuit
“I began taking lessons during the summer, which helped me to understand my major from first-hand experience. I finished my training and earned my certificate the next year. I joined the team upon returning home from my study abroad. Once on the team, I competed in 2 national competitions as well as 1 regional competition.” (L030)
Success in a Practiced Activity
Demonstrating either implicitly or explicitly ongoing practice and dedicated engagement in an activity which led to an improvement in one’s ability or resulted in success
“This experience taught me how to lead by example, which forced me to prepare more, practice more, and perform better than other students in the studio. As a principal musician, I learned how to represent my section and the School of Music.” (L004)
Entrepreneurship
Taking initiative to accomplish, create, or improve something
“I started this club along with a classmate to increase awareness about the need for organ donation, help alleviate peoples’ concerns with organ donation, and to encourage people to sign up for the donation registry.” (L019)
Altruism
A genuine desire to selflessly help an individual or community and reflects an internal reward the student feels from their experience
“My service trips in college gave me a sense of direction that I carry with me every day. I deeply enjoyed being part of a group of people with a shared desire to serve others and the adventure of going someplace new to do it. On these trips, people were voluntarily taken out of their comfort zone and accepted work and accommodations that they would not have typically experienced. These sacrifices were made in order to serve others, and the people that went on these trips rarely had the same outlook on life when they returned as when they left.” (L022)
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