Filling out the AMCAS primary application is a significant challenge. Don’t let one section discourage you and don’t be afraid to show your artistic side! The section designated as “artistic endeavors” can be a bit vague, so I’m here to explain it for you today!
What is the artistic endeavors section of AMCAS?
The AMCAS primary is a collection of essays and descriptions of everyting you’ve ever done that you think medical schools might want to see. It consists of a personal statement, all of your grades, your MCAT score, and up to 15 different activities you can describe. Artistic endeavors is a category for one of these 15 activities.
How many AMCAS activities categories are there?
There are 19 categories for this so you have to pick what fits your activity best, but it encompasses everything, even hobbies! Here are the options:
Artistic Endeavors
Community Service/Volunteer – Medical/Clinical
Community Service/Volunteer – Not Medical/Clinical
Conferences Attended
Extracurricular Activities
Hobbies
Honors/Awards/Recognitions
Intercollegiate Athletics
Leadership – Not Listed Elsewhere
Military Service
Other
Paid Employment – Medical/Clinical
Paid Employment – Not Medical/Clinical
Physician Shadowing/Clinical Observation
Presentations/Posters
Publications
Research/Lab
Social Justice/Advocacy
Teaching/Tutoring/Teaching Assistant
How much space do I have for the artistic endeavors section on AMCAS?
Like all categories on the primary activities section of AMCAS, you have a character limit. In this case, you have a limit of 700 characters. You can unlock an additional 1325 characters if you check this as a “most meaningful experience” and this will give you much more room to appeal to the admissions committees! I have a detailed write up on all the activities sections and tips & strategies here.
What is included under artistic endeavors on AMCAS?
Well, this section is really just trying to figure out what you do that is considered art. It can be presentations, art pieces, , pictures, writings, photos, and much more. I’d say it is any kind of hobby that sets out to evoke an emotional reaction from the audience. This can include painting, photography, painting, microscopy, knitting, crocheting, etc. I think this really focuses on things that you may not count as a “hobby” as this is another section and it may be more of a competitive thing or something where you contribute to the field.
Sit down and consider whether this thing you do is more of a hobby or if it is some singular project you are proud of. Maybe you had an eagle scout project you did or you created sculptures that are at a local art showcase/museum. These are for sure what this section is trying to get at.
You can realistically use two sections for your art. One would be the actual hobby where you describe how photography has impacted your life and the other would be the endeavor which would be your actual art pieces. You can include any of the showcases, publishings, income, etc.