How to Describe HOSA on the Common App: A Guide to Making Your Extracurricular Shine
So, you’re a member of HOSA – Future Health Professionals. You’ve spent countless hours learning about the healthcare field, practicing your skills, and maybe even competing in some exciting competitions. But now, you’re staring at the Common App, wondering how to translate all that HOSA experience into a compelling description that will impress college admissions officers.
Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to showcase your HOSA involvement in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Think of it this way: the Common App is your chance to tell the story of your HOSA experience. This is not just a dry list of activities; it’s an opportunity to highlight the skills, knowledge, and passions you’ve gained. You want to paint a picture that shows how HOSA has shaped you and prepared you for the future.
The Big Question: “What Activity Type is HOSA?”
Let’s address the elephant in the room (no, not the elephant in the operating room – although that would be a pretty interesting HOSA project): Where do you categorize HOSA on the Common App? Should it be “Academic,” “Extracurricular,” or something else entirely?
Here’s the deal: HOSA is a unique organization that blends academic learning with hands-on experience. It’s not just hanging out after school; it’s about diving deep into the world of healthcare.
So, the most accurate way to categorize it is the “Extracurricular” option. Think of it this way: HOSA is a club, but it’s a club with a distinct focus on healthcare and career exploration.
Crafting Your HOSA Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of crafting a description that showcases your HOSA experience. Remember, this is your chance to tell your story, so let your personality shine through:
1. Start with the Basics:
- Activity Name: “HOSA – Future Health Professionals” (You can even add a specific chapter name if you have one).
- Organization Name: “HOSA” or “HOSA – Future Health Professionals” (If your chapter has a unique name, you can use that too).
- Number of Years: State how many years you’ve been involved in HOSA.
2. Describe This Activity:
Now comes the fun part! This is where your description truly comes to life. Go beyond the basic “I was a member” and tell a compelling story. Here are some things you can highlight:
- Your Role: Did you hold a leadership position? Did you participate in competitions? Did you volunteer at a hospital? Mention your specific responsibilities and how you contributed to the organization.
- Skills You Developed: HOSA is all about developing skills that are essential for the healthcare field. Mention specific skills you’ve gained like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, or technical skills.
- Memorable Experiences: Was there a particularly impactful project you worked on? Did you win a competition? Did you learn a valuable lesson from a mentor or fellow member? Share a specific story that demonstrates your passion for healthcare and your commitment to HOSA.
3. Use Action-Oriented Verbs:
Make your description pop! Use vibrant, action-oriented verbs to showcase your active involvement in HOSA.
Instead of: “I was a member of the HOSA club.” Try: “I led the HOSA club’s fundraising efforts, organizing events that raised over \$1,000 for local charities.”
4. Quantify Your Accomplishments:
Use numbers and data to make your achievements tangible. How many hours did you volunteer? How many people did you help? What were your competition results?
Instead of: “I participated in HOSA competitions.” Try: “I competed in the HOSA state competition in Medical Terminology, placing in the top 10%.”
5. Talk About the Impact:
What did your involvement in HOSA teach you? How did it shape you as a person? How did it help you grow as a future healthcare professional?
Instead of: “I learned about healthcare.” Try: “My experiences in HOSA deepened my understanding of the healthcare field, inspiring me to pursue a career as a physician.”
6. Highlight Your Passion:
Let your genuine love for healthcare shine through. Be enthusiastic!
Instead of: “I was in HOSA.” Try: “I thrive in the fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment of HOSA, where I continually learn and grow alongside other passionate individuals.”
7. Be Honest and Authentic:
The most important thing is to be genuine. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Focus on what you’ve learned, what you’ve achieved, and what you’re passionate about.
8. Proofread Carefully:
Before submitting your application, make sure your description is free of typos and grammatical errors. A well-written description shows that you pay attention to detail and take pride in your work.
Examples of HOSA Descriptions for the Common App:
Here are some examples to inspire you:
Example 1 (Focus on leadership): * Activity Name: HOSA – Future Health Professionals * Organization Name: HOSA, [Chapter Name] * Number of Years: 3 years * Description: “As Vice President of [Chapter Name], I led the organization’s community outreach efforts, organizing volunteer opportunities at local hospitals and coordinating blood drives that collected over 200 pints of blood. I also helped plan and execute the annual HOSA conference, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for all attendees.”
Example 2 (Focus on competition success): * Activity Name: HOSA – Future Health Professionals * Organization Name: HOSA, [Chapter Name] * Number of Years: 2 years * Description: “My passion for medical terminology led me to compete in the HOSA state competition, where I earned a top-10 ranking. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing a career in healthcare and showed me the importance of precision and attention to detail. I am now preparing for the national competition, eager to further my knowledge and skills.”
Example 3 (Focus on personal growth): * Activity Name: HOSA – Future Health Professionals * Organization Name: HOSA, [Chapter Name] * Number of Years: 4 years * Description: “HOSA has been an integral part of my high school experience, fostering my growth as a future healthcare professional. I’ve gained valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking through hands-on projects, volunteer work, and leadership roles. HOSA has not only ignited my passion for medicine but also equipped me with the skills and knowledge to excel in my future endeavors.”
Remember:
Your HOSA description is a chance to tell your story! Share your experiences, showcase your skills, and highlight your passion for the healthcare field. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through and make it your own.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to articulate your HOSA experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re here to help you craft a compelling description that will make your application stand out. We can provide you with personalized guidance, tips, and resources to ensure your HOSA involvement is showcased in the best possible light.
The JobLoving Community is your ally in this journey. Let’s work together to create a description that truly reflects your passion for healthcare and your dedication to HOSA. Get in touch with us today!