Is Meditation Good To Provide As An Activity On Aacomas?

Unlocking the Potential of Meditation on Your AACOMAS Application

In the competitive arena of medical school applications, standing out from the crowd is paramount. While academic achievements and test scores are the bedrock of an application, extracurricular activities paint a picture of who you are beyond the numbers. But, with so many applicants volunteering, researching, and participating in clinical experiences, how can you differentiate yourself? Here’s where an unexpected hero might enter the scene: meditation.

A Deep Dive into the Benefits of Including Meditation

Meditation, often sidelined as merely a personal hobby, can in fact, be a golden nugget on your American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) application. Let’s explore why:

1. Reflecting a Holistic Approach to Medicine

Osteopathic medicine prides itself on taking a holistic approach to patient care, focusing not just on the physical symptoms but also on the mental and spiritual well-being of patients. By engaging in meditation, you resonate with this philosophy, showcasing a personal commitment to understanding and practicing holistic health – a key trait for future DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).

2. Demonstrating Personal Wellness and Stress Management

Medical school is no walk in the park, and admissions committees know this all too well. Applicants who practice meditation exhibit a proactive approach to maintaining personal wellness and managing stress – skills that are indispensable in the high-pressure environment of medical training and practice.

3. Highlighting a Unique Interest

While not entirely unheard of, meditation is still a less common activity on medical school applications. This uniqueness can serve as a conversation starter in interviews, providing an opportunity to delve into discussions on mindfulness, mental health, and your personal journey with meditation.

How to Seamlessly Incorporate Meditation into Your Application

So, you’re sold on the idea, but how exactly do you weave meditation into your AACOMAS application without it coming across as just another attempt to stand out? Here’s the lowdown:

• Extracurricular Activities Section: Include meditation as an extracurricular activity, mentioning any specific techniques you practice, retreats attended, or groups you’re part of. Highlighting leadership or teaching roles within these groups can further elevate your application.

• Personal Statement: Integrating meditation into your personal narrative can help admissions committees understand its impact on your personal and academic life. Discuss how it has shaped your perspective on healthcare, helped you overcome challenges, or inspired you to pursue osteopathic medicine.

• Secondary Applications and Interviews: These provide additional platforms to delve deeper into your meditation practice. Be prepared to discuss any insights gained, how it has influenced your approach to challenges, and its role in your future medical career.

Wrapping It Up

In a nutshell, including meditation on your AACOMAS application is not just “thinking outside the box”; it’s a strategic move that aligns with the ethos of osteopathic medicine. It offers a glimpse into your commitment to holistic health, your personal well-being, and your unique perspective on medicine. Remember, it’s not just about listing meditation as an activity, but articulately conveying its significance in your journey toward becoming a physician. So, as you polish that application, don’t shy away from sharing this integral part of your life. It could very well be the highlight that sets you apart from the sea of applicants.