AMCAS activities section- better to group or split?

<p>Some biologists prefer to group closely related animal lineages as one species, while other biologists prefer to treat each individual lineage as its own species.</p>

<p>Likewise, some pre-meds like to put closely related activities in one category in the Postsecondary work/experiences section, while others like to fill up space by having each activity fill its own space.</p>

<p>For example, the “splitter” pre-med may have a separate category for summer research internships, basic lab chores, grants obtained, presentations, publications, and regular semester work. The “grouper” pre-med may combine all of these under one broad “Research” category.</p>

<p>Which is the better way to fill out the activities section of the AMCAS?</p>

<p>Also, is it recommended to fill out all the space that is required?</p>

<p>If I follow the “grouper” mindset, I can fill out about 6 categories(Research, volunteering, Academic Honors, Clinical Experience, Computer Skills, Hobbies). Obviously, if I split each grouping, I can easily go over 15.</p>

<p>And search saves the day, just found this super helpful thread…</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pre-med-topics/627589-amcas-application-format-what-does-look-like.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pre-med-topics/627589-amcas-application-format-what-does-look-like.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I wonder why I couldn’t find that in my initial search.</p>

<p>this question was extensively discussed on SDN as well. basically use up your 15 slots strategically. in my view there is no reason to group stuff if you are only filling out 6 out of the 15 slots but of course grouping would be a great idea if you would end up leaving something out by not grouping</p>

<p>Fill out all 15 slots (your competitors do), but strategically group. Use non-grouped activities to highlight specific points of excellence or specific unique entries.</p>