AMCAS: Brevity is the Soul of Wit

The AMCAS application consists of a maximum of fifteen work/activity descriptions, all of which must be maintained within a 1325 character requirement (including spaces). Do not fall into the trap of trying to fill the space. A brief, streamlined AMCAS is much more likely to be read – not scanned.

Imagine yourself as an admissions committee member who has scores – maybe hundreds – of AMCAS to review. You start to review an AMCAS that fills all of the allotted space. You are not going to look upon this favorably! You are seeking well-written, brief summaries of applicants’ accomplishments.

For help with your AMCAS descriptors please contact me. Showcasing your accomplishments optimally is essential.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: