Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts (2024-2025)
/A complete list of med school secondary prompts to help you get ahead and stay organized during your admissions process
We recommend using this resource alongside our Secondary Essay Premium Example Hub, which includes a sample essay in response to every prompt required by every MD and DO program in the US and Canada. It’s even been featured by outlets including U.S. News & World Report, making it a convenient and reliable tool for your application process.
(Note: This list is continually updated. We are now adding med school secondary essay prompts for 2024—2025. If you notice that a specific school’s prompts need to be updated, please email contact@shemmassianconsulting.com with details.)
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Click on the state, territory, or country below to view the med schools there:
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*Denotes a school with a time-sensitive guideline for submission (e.g., requirement to submit within 2 weeks of receipt).
Alabama
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
Describe how specific attributes of ACOM’s mission and core values align with your professional goals and personal attributes? (250 words)
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine promotes values and equity from various cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Discuss the role that diversity played in your decision to become an osteopathic medical school applicant. (250 words)
What are your personal attributes that demonstrate the osteopathic philosophy? (500 words or less)
University of Alabama School of Medicine
2024–2025
State of Residence Section:
Non-Alabama Resident with Ties to Alabama: Describe any ties or meaningful experiences you have had related to the state of Alabama or UAB Medical Center (1500 characters)
(All Applicants) If the area you spent most of your life before college differs from where you currently consider your permanent address, please explain (1500 characters)
Essay Section:
Where do you see yourself in your medical career fifteen to twenty years from now? (750 characters)
Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics or experiences that would add to the learning environment for your classmates. (750 characters)
Describe a patient interaction with the healthcare system. This could be a direct patient observation (in person or virtual) during a shadowing/clinical experience or a personal experience within the healthcare system. What did you learn from this experience? (750 characters)
Describe a fulfilling or challenging community service experience and how you grew personally from the experience. (750 characters)
UAB Medicine provides quality health care and compassionate service to every patient, every time, regardless of their individual differences or circumstances. Our academic medical center attracts patients from across the world who represent many cultures, religions, lifestyles, and economic backgrounds. Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment? (750 characters)
(OPTIONAL): Describe your identity and how it has impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients. (750 characters)
(OPTIONAL): Please share any information you want us to know about you that is not included in your AMCAS application or in this secondary application. (750 characters)
Additional Experiences Section (from previous cycles; may apply to 2024—2025 also):
You have a separate page to add any experiences that you did not have listed on your AMCAS application.
University of South Alabama College of Medicine
2022–2023
Although interests may change, what areas of medicine are you primarily interested in at the current time? (200 characters)
Out-of-State Applicants: Although our primary obligation is to residents of the State of Alabama, we do consider competitive applicants from neighboring states and applicants with strong ties to the State of Alabama. Please write a brief essay explaining your ties to the State of Alabama. (2000 characters) (optional)
The learning community at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine benefits from the inclusion of students with broad life experiences, as well as students from diverse backgrounds. The Admissions Committee encourages you to share life experiences that you may have had and/or important factors in your background that illustrate your readiness for practicing medicine in a multicultural society. (3500 characters) (optional)
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Arizona
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Arizona: How to Get In)
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
ATSU-SOMA’s osteopathic medical education model includes training at one of our partner Community Health Center (CHC) sites. 1) Describe any previous CHC or free clinic experience that you have had. 2) Describe how learning at a CHC will enhance your osteopathic medical school experience. (500 words)
Describe any gaps that lasted longer than three months that may have occurred during or following undergraduate/posttgraduate educational programs. (500 words)
ATSU-SOMA emphasizes self-directed learning in small group sessions. What experiences have you had that will help you be successful in this educational model? (500 words)
Describe any hrs/week of employment that may have coincided/impacted your academic work during each semester. (500 words)
Which field of osteopathic medicine are you interested in pursuing? Explain why you chose this field. (500 words)
Describe what you have learned from your experiences with osteopathic physicians. If you do not have any of the above, please explain why you are applying to an osteopathic medical school. (500 words)
Describe your understanding of SOMA by answering ONE of the following questions: (500 words)
What unique feature of SOMA appeals to you? What specific feature of SOMA concerns you?
What would be your strongest attribute as a SOMA student? What would be your weakest?
How do you plan to be involved with medically underserved populations in your medical career? How have your past volunteer experiences influenced your plans?
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Why do you believe AZCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking? (1500 characters)
Why should AZCOM accept you into this year's class? (1500 characters)
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix*
Time-sensitive considerations: "30 days after invitation or December 1st"
2024–2025
What achievement are you most proud of in your life? What aspect(s) of this achievement will you bring to our medical school? (1000 characters)
The UA College of Medicine - Phoenix practices Inclusive Excellence, which celebrates the differences, talents, and unique qualities of all individuals. Please describe how you will pursue Inclusive Excellence in your studies while contributing to the collaborative environment at the College of Medicine - Phoenix. (1000 characters)
Servant Leadership is a Core Value and Attribute we deem essential for our students to possess. To us, it is service to others where one possesses personal humility along with a strong professional will. Describe a time where you have practiced this skill or have seen this in another. What traits were exemplified, and how will you apply these traits to your career in medicine? (1000 characters)
Throughout your application you have given us a sense of how you intend to contribute to the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix. We would now like to know about how you anticipate the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix will contribute to your goals and passion for medicine. What aspects of our program and community appeals most to you, and how do you plan to make use of specific resources and opportunities here? (1000 characters)
Please reflect on your entire application, is there anything you would like to further share with the Admissions Committee? Items to consider: connection(s) to Phoenix and/or our medical community, your plan during this application season, gap(s) in your education, personal, academic, or COVID-related challenges. Do not repeat any information already mentioned in the primary or secondary applications. (1000 characters)
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson*
Time-sensitive considerations: "Submit your secondary application and fee to the College of Medicine – Tucson within 30 days from the date it was initially sent by 11:59 p.m. Arizona time or January 2, 2025 — whichever day comes FIRST."
2024–2025
Please share a meaningful experience you have had working or volunteering in the health professional field or a time in your past in which you were responsible for the care and well-being of someone else. What did you learn from this as it relates to becoming a physician? (350 words)
Discuss a time in your life in which you have failed at something other than an academic experience. How did you confront the failure and what did you learn from it? Please describe how you typically approach challenges that you face in your life. (350 words)
"The mission of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Office of Admissions is to select a diverse cohort of students who will become the future leaders in advancing health care to the distinct communities that comprise Arizona and the United States. Consistent with the mission of The University of Arizona College of Medicine, selection of individuals with a demonstrated commitment to serve as care providers, physician scientists, clinical leaders, medical educators and/or public health experts, including advocates for rural and urban underserved populations, is highly valued. Applicants seeking admission should exhibit qualities of altruism, academic excellence, leadership and dedication to becoming lifelong learners through research endeavors and academic development." Please describe the role(s) you can play in helping the College of Medicine to achieve its mission. (350 words)
Describe the effect that your experiences with engaging diversity have had on your own growth and development. Provide an example and describe how it will impact your career in the medical profession. (350 words)
Share any disruptions in your academic/volunteer/work/personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (no limit)
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Arkansas
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
List any significant volunteer, community service and/or mission experiences you have had that is not listed on your AACOMAS application. Provide the organization name, hours/week, duration of experience, as well as a brief description of your duties.
Please tell us about any healthcare experiences you have had that are not listed on your AACOMAS application. Provide organization name, hours/week, duration of experience, and a brief description of your duties.
How do you plan to fulfill the ARCOM Mission in your practice as a physician?
What challenges do you expect to personally face most in the next 10 years as a healthcare professional?
How do you expect to overcome these challenges?
Describe an experience where you interacted with a person or people from a different background than you (ability, religion, gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, citizenship/ nationality, sexual orientation).
How did that interaction impact your mindset of the role of a physician?
If you are in a difficult basic science class and feel you are not fully grasping the information given in lecture, how would you alter your study habits or techniques to better understand the material and complete the course successfully?
What is a recent book you read that impacted the way you think about today's world?
Please explain how this book impacted the way you think about today's world.
How did you hear about ARCOM? (No limit)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
2021–2022
Non-Arkansas residents who have strong ties to Arkansas are given preference over non-residents without strong ties to the state. Therefore, if you have strong ties to Arkansas (you have lived in Arkansas, you have a parent or close relative who resides in Arkansas, you attend(ed) an Arkansas college, etc.), you must describe your ties to Arkansas in a letter to be uploaded using the Upload Documents section of this application.
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California
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in California: How to Get In)
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
CHSU-COM values a diverse student body that reflects our region and our world. Please explain how you personally would contribute to diversity at CHSU-COM. (250 words)
Describe some common healthcare disparities that may be found in a resource-limited area, such as the California Central Valley. How might the presence of CHSU-COM help to alleviate those disparities? (250 words)
California Northstate University College of Medicine
2024–2025
Please note: Questions 1 to 6 have a stated limit of 250 words, though the space provided for submitting responses allows 1785 characters. We recommend developing your responses based on the stated limits.
(REQUIRED) Why have you chosen to apply to CNUCOM? (250 words maximum)
(REQUIRED) Did you have a Pre-Health Advisor at your undergraduate institution? If so, please tell us about your experience. How did it help you in your journey to to apply to medical school? If not, please let us know how you worked independently to find out more about applying to medical school and the path of your journey to apply? (250 words maximum)
(REQUIRED) In which direction would you like to see healthcare progress over the next decade? (250 words maximum)
(REQUIRED) If your education has not been continuous since high school, please explain why. Examples of discontinuities include time taken off while obtaining your undergraduate degree, in addition to gap years. (250 words maximum)
(REQUIRED) If you have previously applied to medical school, what have you accomplished since that time that would warrant your admission now? (250 words maximum)
(REQUIRED) Is there anything you would like the Admissions Committee to know that is not reflected elsewhere in your application? (250 words maximum)
(OPTIONAL) How do you feel about standardized tests? How did you prepare for the MCAT? What tools or preparatory courses/material did you use and how did you study? Do you feel like your score reflects how you will perform in medical school? From what you have learned, do you think it will help you in the way you will study or prepare for USMLE exams? (1000 characters)
California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine
2024–2025
Diversity comes in many forms. How do you think you might contribute to the diversity of the class? (150 words)
Describe the last time you were criticized by a peer or supervisor. How did you handle it? (150 words)
Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. Why was this person difficult? How did you handle that person? (150 words)
What would be the best example that shows you are a person of integrity? (150 words)
If given the opportunity to attend medical school, where would you see yourself in ten years? (150 words)
If you were enrolled in fewer than 12 units/credits for more than 1 semester/2 quarters during your undergraduate education, please provide a brief explanation below. (If not applicable, please enter N/A in the box below) (150 words)
Drew/UCLA Joint Medical Program Drew University of Medicine and Science*
Time-sensitive considerations: "28 days after receipt of the supplemental application invitation"
2023–2024
The university’s vision statement is “Excellent health and wellness for all in a world without health disparities”. Describe how you envision yourself contributing to the CDU vision statement. (1200 characters)
Describe your commitment to transforming the health of diverse and underserved communities. (800 characters)
Detail the key motivational factors in your decision to apply to the CDU MD Program. (1200 characters)
Please describe a personal experience in which you have encountered discrimination. (800 characters)
How will you utilize your medical knowledge and skills to contribute positively to your community after completing medical school? (800 characters)
Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Kaiser Permanente Medical School)
2024–2025
During your career as a physician, you will potentially encounter obstacles, and be required to overcome challenges. Please describe your experience with a situation that had an unfavorable outcome, including your reaction, how you might have responded differently, and what you learned about yourself. (250 words)
Kaiser Permanente is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity for all. How will you contribute to the diversity of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine? (250 words)
Lifelong learning is an essential process for continued professional development. This includes reflection and being open and responsive to constructive feedback. Please tell us about an area of intellectual exploration you’re passionate about, and your approach to exploring this area. (250 words)
Based on your own experiences, how do you believe an understanding of the social determinants of health can be applied to address social justice issues within healthcare? (250 words)
(OPTIONAL) Have you previously applied to medical school? If yes, please describe your accomplishments since you last applied that would promote your acceptance? (250 words)
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
2023–2024
What makes LLUSM particularly attractive to you? (275 word limit)
Our medical curriculum integrates spiritual, ethical, and relational issues from the Christian perspective into the practice of medicine. Religion courses and weekly chapel services are part of this program. Please respond to the preceding statements as they relate to your personal educational and career goals. (275 word limit)
What personal attributes make you a desirable candidate for admission to LLUSM? (275 word limit)
Identify experiences in your life that illustrate your service to others. (275 word limit)
Discuss how your spiritual origins, development, and experiences have influenced and been integrated into your daily life. (275 word limit)
Please describe your current involvement (or reason for not being involved) with a church or religious group. (275 word limit)
If you have already graduated, briefly describe your activities since graduation and your planned activities prior to matriculation into medical school. (275 word limit)
Behavioral Expectations. LLU has expectations which include respect for all persons and high standards of personal and professional conduct. This includes abstinence from alcohol, nicotine, cannabinoids, and illicit drugs/substances in all forms. Please describe any use of the above substances within the past year. (No word limit)
Stanford University School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Stanford Medical School)
2023–2024
Are there any current or pending disputes concerning your academic status? If yes, please explain. (300 character limit)
Was your enrollment status ever interrupted during your undergraduate or graduate program, not including summer term (e.g. medical, personal, or academic reasons, military service, other)? If yes, please explain. (150 character limit)
PRACTICE SETTING
What do you see as the most likely practice scenario for your future medical career? Choose the single answer that best describes your career goals and clinical practice setting:Academic Medicine (Clinical)
Academic Medicine (Physician Scientist)
Non-Academic Clinical Practice
Health Policy
Health Administration
Primary Care
Public Health/Community Health
Global Health
Please describe your motivation for this practice scenario. Why do you feel you are particularly suited for this practice scenario? What knowledge, skills and attitudes have you developed that have prepared you for this career path? (1000 characters)
CURRICULAR INTERESTS
How will you take advantage of the Stanford Medicine Discovery Curriculum and scholarly concentration requirement to achieve your personal career goals? (1000 characters)BACKGROUND
Describe in a short paragraph your educational and family background. (For example) I grew up in New York City, as the 3rd child of a supermarket cashier and a high school principal. I attended Mann High School where my major interests were boxing and drama. (600 characters)CONTRIBUTION TO LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Please describe which aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you to make a distinctive contribution to Stanford Medicine. (2000 characters)Please describe how you have uniquely contributed to a community with which you identify. (1000 characters)
ADVOCACY
Please describe an experience/ situation when you advocated for someone else. (1000 characters)ANYTHING ELSE?
Please include anything else that will help us understand better how you may uniquely contribute to Stanford Medicine? (OPTIONAL) (1000 characters)
There is also a Health Belief and Attitude Survey (15 questions) where you will select your response (from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree).
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
Are you a TUCOM re-applicant who has previously interviewed? If yes, what was the result of that interview and what changes, if any, have you made which should effect a different outcome? (3000 characters)
Have you attended any TUCOM information sessions on campus, at another location, or virtually? If yes, please list the event(s) in which you participated. (3000 characters)
Please describe your understanding of osteopathic medicine including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Please include your personal exposure to osteopathic medicine (if any) and demonstrate your understanding of the osteopathic principles and history of the profession. (3000 characters)
Please describe your hobbies (or non-academic pursuits) and how they will influence your success as an Osteopathic medical student and/or Osteopathic physician in the future. (3000 characters)
Please discuss how your life experiences and personal characteristics will contribute to your future success as an outstanding osteopathic physician. (3000 characters)
When considering medical schools, what criteria are important to you and how does TUCOM align with those criteria? (3000 characters)
Have you graduated or do you plan to graduate from a High School or equivalent (e.g. GED, ATB, etc.) - OR - College whose primary method of instruction is English? (3000 characters)
Have you ever had a criminal conviction (this includes a judge or jury verdict, guilty plea, a plea of no contest or nolo contendere, and/or juvenile offenses), or any criminal conviction that you are currently appealing? (3000 characters)
University of California – Davis School of Medicine
2023–2024
(Optional) Discuss any elements of your application that you feel might be concerning to the Admissions Committee. (This could include explanation of metric trends, institutional actions, legal violations, etc.) Please enter N/A if no concerns to report. (500 characters)
(Optional) Do you have a connection to Northern or Central California? (Yes/No) Please explain. (500 characters)
Activities: Please list the activities you would like to be considered in your application to UC Davis. The secondary activities may be used to highlight your experiences specifically relevant for UC Davis. You may use your most meaningful experiences listed in your initial AMCAS application or select/add others that may be relevant to UC Davis. Please only list three. The admissions committee will review all AMCAS application activities as well; this an opportunity to highlight your most meaningful and/or relevant to UC Davis School of Medicine.
Prompt for activities: Briefly describe this activity and its significance. How did it prepare you for a medical career? Include any supporting information (e.g. your contribution to the project or accomplishment as well as links to any publication, etc) (500 characters each activity)
Scholarly Pathways questions:
Rural-PRIME:
Are you interested in applying to the Rural-PRIME program? [yes/no] Please describe how your experiences with rural communities make you a good fit for the Rural-PRIME program.
Describe your future plans to serve a rural underserved community.
TEACH-MS: Are you interested in applying to the TEACH-MS program? [yes/no] Please tell us what experiences have shaped your desire to be a primary care physician in urban underserved communities.
ACE-PC: Are you interested in applying to the ACE-PC? [yes/no] Please tell us what attributes or experiences would make you a good fit for an accelerated program in primary care.
REACH: Are you interested in applying to the REACH program? [yes/no] Please tell us about your ties to Central California and what you have done, or plan to do, to make a positive change in Central California.
Tribal Health PRIME: Are you interested in applying to the Tribal Health PRIME? [yes/no] What experiences have you had with rural and/or underserved communities/populations? More specifically, what involvement have you had with tribal communities/populations?
ARC-MD: Are you interested in applying to ARC-MD? [yes/no] Academic Research Careers for Medical Doctors (ARC-MD) is a five (5) year honors pathway that mentors students who envision a career as research faculty in a medical school or who want to use research and quality improvement methods to improve health in their community. These students are drawn from diverse backgrounds and committed to research as a foundational aspect of their career. That research may include basic-translational research, clinical-translational research, community engaged research, or policy and advocacy. Prior research experience or related activity as an undergraduate is preferred. Tell us about how you could see yourself as a faculty of the future and how biomedical research will play a role in your career as currently envisioned."
University of California – Irvine School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "Applicants have one month from the date of the invitation email to complete the secondary application."
2023–2024
What personal accomplishment are you most proud of and why? (1500 characters)
Please describe to the Admissions Committee a challenge or disappointment you have overcome and what you learned about yourself from that experience. (1500 characters)
(Optional) Do you identify as being part of a marginalized group socioeconomically or in terms of access to quality education or healthcare? If so, please describe how this inequity has impacted you and your community. (1500 characters)
This essay is only for applicants that have already received their baccalaureate degree. Please clarify for the Admissions Committee your activities (school, work, and/or volunteer, travel, etc.) since receiving your undergraduate degree. You may list them in chronological order or you may incorporate them into an essay, stating why you chose particular activities. If you have just received or will receive your undergraduate degree this year, please discuss your plans for current year. (1500 characters)
MSTP prompts
2023-2024
What research accomplishment are you most proud of and why? (1500 characters)
Please describe to the Admissions Committee a research challenge you have overcome and what you learned from that experience. (1500 characters)
What does it mean, to you, to be an MD/PhD? (1500 characters)
Please list all posters, manuscripts (published or planned) you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (1500 characters)
University of California – Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine*
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into UCLA Medical School)
Time-sensitive considerations: "2 weeks from the date and time of invitation"
2024–2025
At the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, students are provided with curriculum and experiences enabling them to become an "Outstanding Physician, AND...," dedicating themselves to important societal missions. What missions do you want to embrace? What have you done toward your missions? (800 characters)
Respond to the following and indicate how these areas of experience have impacted your progress toward your future career goals in relation to becoming an "Outstanding Physician, AND...".
A. Describe your most unique leadership, entrepreneurial, or creative activity. (800 characters)
B. Describe your most important volunteer work and why it was meaningful. (800 characters)
C. Describe your most scholarly project (thesis, research or field of study in basic or clinical science or in the humanities) and provide the total number of hours, dates and advisor. (800 characters)
Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your pathway to medical school. Include any academic, personal, financial or professional barriers, as well as other relevant information. (800 characters)
Did you experience or are you anticipating time between graduating from college and matriculating into medical school? (Yes/No)
If yes: Describe the activities in which you participated or are planning to participate. Examples include additional schooling, employment, or caring for a loved one. (800 characters)
Do you identify as being part of a group that has been marginalized (examples include, but are not limited to, LGBTQIA, disabilities, federally recognized tribe) in terms of access to education or healthcare? (Yes/No)
If yes: Describe how this inequity has impacted you or your community and how educational disparity, health disparity and/or marginalization has impacted you and your community. (800 characters)
Are you re-applying to DGSOM?
Global Heath Equity Pathway Application Questions
1. Please describe why you are interested in the Global Health Equity Pathway and any experiences that have informed your decision to apply for this Pathway.
2. How do you think participation in the Pathway will contribute to your future career plans and career development?
3. What additional skills would you like to develop as part of the Pathway? What strengths do you currently have that may contribute to a global health or health equity project? (i.e., language, writing skills, advocacy work, monitoring and evaluation experience, data management/cleaning/analysis, website development, etc.)
4. What are the major challenges you might face as medical student working in global health or health equity? How might you overcome these challenges?
5. Optional question: Please let us know if you have a mentor or organization with whom you would be excited to work as part of the Pathway and why you would like to work with this individual and/or organization. Mentors and organizations may be affiliated with DGSOM/UCLA or may be pre-existing relationships you developed prior to medical school. Note that you are not expected to have a DGSOM mentor and/or partner organization identified prior to arrival at DGSOM.
Urban Health Equity Pathway Questions
1. Please describe how your experience, community and family background impact your understanding of medically underserved/under-resourced communities.
2. Other than healthcare access, what are some of the most important health care issues confronting medically underserved/under-resourced and vulnerable communities? How would you address them?
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University of California – Riverside School of Medicine
2024–2025
The mission of the UCR School of Medicine is to improve the health of the people of California and, especially, to serve Inland Southern California by training a diverse workforce of physicians and by developing innovative research and health care delivery programs that will improve the health of the medically underserved in the region and become models to be emulated throughout the state and nation. What experiences, skills, and abilities will you bring to the class to fulfill this mission? (250 words)
The values of the UCR SOM are integrity, innovation, inclusion, excellence, accountability and respect. Please choose one of the values and tell us how you have personally experienced it or have seen it emulated in a clinical setting. (250 words)
In what type of healthcare setting do you see yourself practicing medicine? (250 words)
Tell us about a personal challenge you have faced in your life thus far and how you demonstrated resilience and grit to overcome it. [Please do not write about studying for or taking the MCAT.] (250 words)
(Optional) If there is anything you would like the committee to consider about your candidacy that is not explained elsewhere in your application, please use this space to tell us. (250 words)
(Only if you are non-California resident) If you answered Yes, please explain your connection to Inland Southern California and the mission of the UC Riverside School of Medicine (100 words)
University of California – San Diego School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into UCSD Medical School, which contains a sample secondary essay)
2024–2025
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
This should be a true autobiographical statement. Topics to be included are family, childhood, primary and secondary school years, undergraduate years, and, if applicable, what you’ve done since completing your bachelor’s degree. You should also discuss the motivational factors which led you to a career in medicine including any disadvantages or obstacles which might put your accomplishments into context. A repeat of your AMCAS statement will not be acceptable. (6000 Characters)
Please note: if you are applying to the MD/PhD program, please include why you are specifically interested in seeking MD/PhD training at UCSD.
PRIME - HEq
The goals of PRIME - HEq are: To increase the number of clinicians, research scientists, and advocates addressing minority health and health disparities; to create a diverse community of scholars that develop, transmit, and apply new knowledge in minority health and health disparities; and to promote a multidisciplinary community/university partnership to eliminate health disparities. The program utilizes existing opportunities to allow enrollees to obtain a master's degree emphasizing minority health and health disparities, tailored to student's interest (MPH, MBA, MAS, MS) Applicants indicating an interest in PRIME are required to write an additional essay detailing their qualifications and reasons for interest in the program.
Please describe your interest in the PRIME-HEq program. Topics to include are longitudinal experiences that you’ve had with underserved communities, including the type of community that you’ve worked with and your level of involvement. Additionally, you should discuss the length of time that you’ve spent working in these communities. (Yes/No prompt. If yes, you have up to 4800 characters for your response.)
GHAC
Applicants to the UCSD School of Medicine may apply for admission to the GHAC. This track is available to five medical students per class per year, and will provide mentored research and clinical experiences in Global Health. The GHAC has four goals: 1) to prepare young physicians to engage with the global community to address health disparities; 2) to provide experiences and training in academic Global Health research; 3) to provide field experiences in Global Health delivery; and 4) to facilitate education about structural and social factors that create and propagate health disparities. Students in this concentration will undertake an additional curriculum that exposes them to Global Health topics throughout all four years of medical school. This track is appropriate for applicants hoping to pursue an academic medical career in Global Health. Students accepted into the GHAC will be provided with financial support for two international rotations (up to $5000 for both). Applicants interested in applying for the GHAC are required to write an additional essay detailing their qualifications and reasons for interest in this program.
Please describe your interest in Global Health. The term Global Health can have many meanings; for our purposes, we find the definition provided by Koplan et. al. in their 2009 Lancet publication useful: “the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide”. In your essay, be sure to describe any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your interests, and how Global Health issues have influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine. (Yes/No prompt. If yes, you have up to 4800 characters for your response.)
PRIME-TIDE
Applicants to the USCD School of Medicine may apply for admission to the Program in Medicine - Transforming Indigenous Doctor Education (PRIME-TIDE), which is available to six medical students per class per year. The educational objectives of the PRIME-TIDE are to: 1) teach medical students the appropriate management and treatment of diseases common in AI/AN communities with a focus on culturally sensitive care via a mentored clinical experience in local, regional or national tribally-operated Indian Health Service (IHS) ambulatory clinics; 2) understand the opportunities for community-based research with AI/AN communities through the California Native American Research Center for Health (CA-NARCH); 3) engage in preventive medicine and public health in a tribal healthcare setting; and 4) understand the social, environmental, economic and political issues related to providing healthcare to tribal communities, as well as the limitations/adaptations to the delivery of IHS care. These objectives will be met by completing didactic coursework, as well as mentored research and clinical experiences.
Please describe your experiences with American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, including the type of community and your level of involvement. Please provide the length of time you spent working in or exposed to these communities. Be sure to detail any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your interests, and how American Indian and Alaskan Native issues have influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine. Finally, please delineate how completion of the PRIME-TIDE program will help you obtain your medical education goals." (Yes/No prompt. If yes, you have up to 4800 characters for your response.)
TAN FAMILY SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Applicants to the UC San Diego School of Medicine may also apply for admission to the Tan Family Scholar Program, into which they are selected after being accepted to the School of Medicine. This is an academic concentration available to up to five medical students a year, in which selected medical students are provided support to partake in course work designed to develop specific knowledge about empathy and compassion in medicine, participate in research in this area, and travel internationally for inter-institutional exchanges of knowledge regarding empathy and compassion in medicine. Applicants interested in being considered for the Tan Family Scholar Program are required to write an additional essay detailing their qualifications and reasons for interest in this program.
Please describe your interest in Compassion and Empathy. In your essay, be sure to describe any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your interests, and how you think your career as a physician would benefit from being in this program. (Yes/No prompt. If yes, you have up to 4800 characters for your response.)
MEMBER OF A MARGINALIZED GROUP
Do you consider yourself to be a member of a group that is marginalized in a way that systemically affects access to quality education or healthcare?
Please describe how educational disparity, health disparity and/or marginalization has impacted you and your community. (Yes/No prompt. If yes, you have up to 4800 characters for your response.)
MOST MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES (FROM AMCAS)
On your AMCAS Application, you were asked to identify your three “most meaningful” experiences. These activities have been auto-filled in your secondary application.
In addition to the information you provided on the AMCAS application, we would like to know if there are any additional activities you would consider among your most meaningful. This may include activities that you’ve already completed but couldn’t include as you were limited to three selections on the AMCAS application, or it may include a new activity that began after your initial AMCAS application was submitted. Use the “Add” button below to enter a new activity.
This section is optional –you can enter any number of additional experiences including zero. If you have no experiences to add, simply click save and continue and this section will be marked as complete
We would also like to know if a letter of recommendation has been submitted on your behalf by somebody you worked with through this experience. If you do not have a letter from this experience, simply type N/A. This information allows Admissions Committee members reviewing your application to more readily match your letters to your experiences and thus facilitates the review of your application." (Yes/No prompt. If yes, additional basic information and a 100-character box appear. )
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHWAY (Required, with a 400-character box)
Some medical school applicants are already focused on pursuing a particular career pathway in medicine. While many students will change from this pathway during medical school, knowing of your potential interests does help us to assign interviewers. Your choice below does not influence how the Admissions Committee selects students to interview.
Please select from one of the career pathways listed below. In addition to this selection, please provide a brief description of your future career goals:
Academic Medicine (Working as a faculty member at a School of Medicine either as a clinician, a clinician-educator, or a clinician investigator. This could be in any field of medicine)
Primary Care and/or work in underserved communities (Working as a general internist, a pediatrician, or a family medicine physician and/or spending the majority of your time working in a community currently underserved by the medical profession)
Public Health, administrative leadership in medicine (Pursuing an MPH and/or working for a public health department or organization; working in health care policy; working as a hospital administrator)
Specialist in private practice (Working in a private practice or managed care setting as a subspecialist. Examples include cardiologist, infectious disease specialist, obstetrician, orthopedic surgeon, general surgeon, anaesthesiologist, radiologist)
Other/undecided
University of California – San Francisco School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into UCSF Medical School)
2024–2025
If you wish to update or expand upon your activities, you may provide additional information below. (500 words)
If you are 2023 or earlier college graduate, please use the space below to tell us what you have done since completing your undergraduate degree. (350 words)
Do you identify as being part of a marginalized group socioeconomically or in terms of access to quality education or healthcare? Please describe how this inequity has impacted you and your community. (500 words)
UCSF PRIDE values serve as a guiding light for institutional life and activities. Briefly describe how you will contribute and support one of our PRIDE values that is consistent with your goals or life experience. (500 words)
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
2024–2025
What is the most fun you’ve had lately? (65-word limit)
If you had to give yourself a nickname, what would it be? (65-word limit)
What are three things you don't care about at all? (65-word limit)
Describe a situation in which you didn’t get something you felt you deserved. (65-word limit)
Have you previously applied to or attended medical school (M.D. , D.O., international)? Yes/No
If you answered yes, please provide an explanation on what occurred with your application process or previous matriculation to medical school.
Is there anything else you would like us to know? Please respond in 200 words or less (max. 1,400 characters)
Additional questions for MD-PhD applicants:
List your publications and papers submitted including one or two sentences describing your role on each publication. (250 word, max. 1,800 characters)
Please indicate fields of study for which you have a special interest. For example: Anatomy, Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, Systems Biology, Epidemiology, Bioengineering, Human Genetics, Neurosciences, Biochemistry, Immunology Nutrition, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology Biophysics, Physiology, Cancer, Other
Please provide the names of faculty with whom you would like to meet, if invited for an interview. For each faculty member suggested, provide a sentence or two explaining why you would like to meet that person. (250 word, max. 1,800 characters)
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
Questions are the same for the Pomona and Northwest campuses.
What experience observing a DO solidified your desire/ambition to become an osteopathic physician? (This could be a formal shadowing experience (one-on-one with a physician), scribing, observing your own physician, friend, or family member who is a DO). (500 words)
If you have not had the opportunity to shadow/observe a DO why is it important to you to become an osteopathic physician? (500 words)
What was your most memorable community service activity and how did your activity benefit the community? (500 words)
How does the COMP Mission statement align with your values? (500 words)
Why do you want to attend COMP? (500 words)
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why are they important? (500 words)
Have you participated in research? (Yes/No)
If yes, briefly describe your role and what skills you gained from participation in the research. (500 words)
Please provide us with the link to the publication or abstract if possible.
Did you contribute to the published work as an author/coauthor? (Yes/No)
Briefly discuss any extenuating circumstances which you feel are pertinent to your application (poor grades, course withdrawals, lapse in your education, etc.). (500 words)
If you have not taken any coursework for over 3 years, please explain why and what you have been doing during that period of time. (500 words)
Are you a transfer applicant? (Yes/No)
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Canada
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Canada: How to Get In)
Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine
250 words each:
Describe your personal experience in community service, volunteer work or service/help to another. What did you learn from this experience?
Describe your strongest quality and provide a specific example of this quality. How does this quality relate to the study and practice of medicine?
The Dalhousie Medicine curriculum uses case-based small group learning. Describe one or more examples of your experiences with small group learning or teams and what you have learned from it.
What does being a physician mean to you? How did you come to this understanding?
Health care professionals work with people from diverse and broad populations and experiences. Cultural competence and sensitivity are important skills to develop. How would you describe your own level of cultural competence/sensitivity? What steps could you take to further build cultural competence/sensitivity?
Out-of-province applicants: In 250 words or less, please describe your knowledge of any connections to and past experiences with the Maritime Provinces and how these have contributed to your selection of Dalhousie University as your preferred choice of medical schools.
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
2022–2023
Autobiographical Sketch questions:
Considering NOSM University’s self-directed, small group, distributed learning environment, select ONE (1) entry from your autobiographical sketch and describe how it has specifically prepared you for being a medical student at NOSM University.
Select ONE (1) entry from your autobiographical sketch that has had a significant impact on your personal growth and describe how this experience has influenced your development and prepared you to be a medical student at NOSM University.
Considering NOSM University’s social accountability mandate, select ONE (1) entry from your autobiographical sketch and describe how this experience has prepared you to learn and work in Northern Ontario and/or rural/remote settings.
Supplementary questions:
Describe how you have developed resilience and coping mechanisms. How will you utilize these skills to support yourself during your medical training in making informed and rational decisions when faced with difficult circumstances?
Describe an experience you have had interacting with individuals from backgrounds different from yours. How would this experience translate to working within a health care environment and/or with patients?
Provide a specific example of when your work or performance was criticized. Explain how your responded to the criticism and how this experience contributed to your personal development/growth.
NOSM University’s Social Accountability mandate is to improve the health of the people and the communities of Northern Ontario. Describe how you plan to embody this mandate as a medical student and future physician, and how this has factored into your decision to apply to NOSM University.
University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
2022–2023
List and describe your top two personal achievements/experiences. (750 characters per)
Share a life experience where you encountered challenges and describe how you addressed the situation(s). You may include a different experience that you have not previously addressed in your application which will further serve the goal of learning more about you as an applicant. (2000 characters)
Please share an experience that you have had which was significant enough, potentially even life altering, that helped you become a better person. (1500 characters)
University of Toronto School of Medicine
2022–2023
Detailed Autobiographical Sketch: Write about an impactful experience from your Autobiographical Sketch that demonstrates your personal growth, character, and values. How did this experience prepare you for medical school? (500 words)
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed obligatory changes in all our lives. What have you learned and how has this changed you as a person? Are there ways that you adapted that you would keep going forward? (250 words)
What is the purpose of a mentoring relationship? What are the 3 most important elements of a mentoring relationship? Discuss a mentoring situation that you experienced in relation to these qualities. (250 words)
Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
Abbreviated Autobiographical Sketch
(Note: These questions allow you to expand on activities described in your OMSAS Autobiographical Sketch; however, you may include up to two activities that are not in your Autobiographical Sketch.)
Teamwork and Leadership: We are interested in extracurricular activities or experiences (employment, volunteering and/or other extracurricular activities) that demonstrate your teamwork and leadership skills. Please highlight a minimum of 1 activity and a maximum of 2 activities that highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.
Note: Leadership does not mean being the boss or having a formal title. Instead, it refers to someone who is engaged and takes the initiative to contribute in a collaborative way toward sustainable and positive change. Please ensure that in whatever activity you choose, you demonstrate a clear link to these skills. Maximum points are allocated if you can link to both skills of teamwork and leadership, as defined above.
Please provide a brief description of how this activity demonstrates your teamwork and leadership skills, outline concretely what you have learned (3 items) and how this will be helpful to your career in medicine. (Max. 2,400 characters/activity)
Respect for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Please list your top 1 to 2 activities (employment, volunteering, or other extracurricular activity) that demonstrate your respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an example, this core value can be demonstrated through interactions and exposure to those who may have perspectives different from our own (e.g. different age, skill level, educational background, gender identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, etc.).
These activities and experiences do not necessarily have to be international/global and the definition of diversity is broad. The activities can be local or regional, and do not necessarily have to be volunteer-related. In whatever activity you choose, you must clearly articulate the link between the activity and diversity.
Please provide a brief description of how this activity demonstrates your respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please also outline concretely what you have learned (3 items) and how this will be helpful to your career in medicine. (Max. 2,400 characters.)
Self-directed Learning, Problem-solving, and Critical Inquiry: Please list your top 1 to 2 activities (employment, volunteering, research or other extracurricular activity) that demonstrate your capacity for self-directed learning, problem-solving, and critical inquiry.
Note: You may choose any activity as above, so long as you can articulate well where you demonstrated these higher learning skills in that activity If you have done research in any capacity (undergraduate, Master’s and/or PhD), one of your activities must be related to your research experience. If your research led to any notable awards and/or publications, please provide enough information so that it may be corroborated. The verifier you choose must be able to confirm any publications and/or awards.
If you do not have any research experience, that is acceptable so long as you can clearly link your activity to how you problem-solved, demonstrated intellectual curiosity and how you worked towards improving your performance in that activity.
Please provide a description and examples of how this activity concretely demonstrates your problem-solving, critical inquiry, and self-directed learning skills and how they will be helpful to your career in medicine. (Max. 2,400 characters.)
Social Accountability and Responsibility: Please list your top 1 to 2 activities (employment, volunteering, other extracurricular activity) that highlight your commitment to serving other individuals or your community and that speak to your ability to advocate for others.
Please note: No preference will be given for formal volunteering compared to other activities, so long as the activity demonstrates a commitment to your community and advocacy of others. For example, this could include helping a neighbor as long as you can. Clearly articulate the connection between the activity and the commitment to helping and advocating for others and have someone who can verify this activity.
Please provide a brief description of how this activity concretely demonstrates your commitment to helping others, advocating for others and serving your community's needs. Please comment on what you have learned (3 items) and how this will be helpful to your career in medicine (Max. 2,400 characters.)
Optional questions
Please tell us about a unique (non-academic/non-research) personal life experience(s) and/or challenges that are relevant to your application to medical school. Please also outline how you overcame those challenges, if applicable. If none, please state “none”. (Max 2,400 characters.)
Please outline whether there are any gaps and/or unusual circumstances to your file/application. If none, please state “none”. (Max. 2,400 characters)
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Colorado
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Colorado)
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
What noteworthy characteristics, abilities, or skills do you possess that will help ensure RVU achieves new heights in medical education? (No limit mentioned.)
University of Colorado School of Medicine
2024–2025
Please do not repeat content from your AMCAS personal statement in these essays. To the extent that there is overlap in the personal statement to what you want to write here, please choose a different approach to discussing the issue(s), such as influence on your values and beliefs, changes you made in your life, reflections that are from a different perspective. The committee utilizes this important information in the selection process.
The pillars of our curriculum are Leadership, Curiosity, and Commitment. Tell us about how you have embodied one or more of these attributes in your path to medicine thus far. In which of these areas do you see the most opportunity for personal growth and why? Limit this response to 500 words.
Please describe how your background and/or your unique lived experiences contribute to our culture of inclusive excellence. Limit the response to 300 words.
(OPTIONAL) Fort Collins Track: Please tell us why you are interested in being a part of the 4-year CUSOM at CSU (Fort Collins Branch campus).? With the background that FCB’s smaller class sizes and unique structure lead to a highly interactive curriculum, please tell us how this campus matches your learning style and personal philosophy. Limit your statement to 1500 characters, including spaces (approximately 300 words).
(OPTIONAL) Colorado Springs Branch: Please submit a short statement regarding your interest in the Colorado Springs Branch. You may address characteristics of the Branch that would be a fit for your strengths, experiences, and/or career plans. You may also note your ties to or interest in Colorado Springs or other similar communities. Limit the essay to 1500 characters, including spaces (approximately 300 words).
(OPTIONAL) Rural Track: Why are you interested in being a rural physician? How will rural life and work fit your personal goals? You may include your past experiences and ties or interest to rural Colorado. Limit your statement to 1500 characters, including spaces (approximately 300 words).
(OPTIONAL) For applicants interested in the Aerospace engineering dual degree: Describe your career path up to this point and how that has led to your interest in human spaceflight. What is your motivation for seeking a dual degree in Aerospace Engineering and how does this fit into your vision for your career.
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Connecticut
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Connecticut: How to Get In)
Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine
2024–2025
If you will not be enrolled as a full-time student, how will you be spending/intend to spend your time during your application year? If you are a re-applicant, please address steps taken to improve your application for medical school. (200 words)
Why is it important to you to go into medicine and become a physician? (200 words)
Tell us about your lived experiences that will enable you to provide quality care to all patients. (200 words)
As a medical student and future physician, you will be faced with many uncertain situations. Please describe a situation when you were asked to do something that was beyond your capabilities. How did you handle the situation? Please provide a specific example. (400 words)
Netter SOM is a diverse and inclusive community, and we believe that each person brings their own unique experiences and attributes. Our students also serve and interact with diverse patient populations and communities. Please share how you have made efforts to work with people from a different background than you. What did you learn from these efforts? (400 words)
If applicable, please address any withdrawals, repeated courses, leaves of absence or breaks in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application. (250 words)
University of Connecticut School of Medicine*
(Suggested reading: How to Get into UConn Medical School)
Time-sensitive considerations: "Regardless of when the secondary is received, applicants should aim to complete their secondary applications within two weeks."
2023–2024
Highlight your experiences in the healthcare field. What insights have you gained about potential problems you will face as a physician? (1800 characters)
How will the University of Connecticut School of Medicine best serve your needs of becoming a physician or physician scientist? (1800 characters)
The University of Connecticut School Of Medicine realizes that each applicant brings a unique perspective from a broad range of experiences that have been influential in leading to a career in medicine. How will your own life experiences and unique identity enhance the UConn SoM classroom and community? (1800 characters)
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into the Yale School of Medicine)
2024–2025
Essays (Required)
Please submit answers to the following questions. Please limit your responses to approximately 500 words each.
Required Essay 1:
Yale School of Medicine values diversity in all its forms. How will your background and experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician?
Required Essay 2 (please select one of the following):
MD applicants: Please answer either one of the following questions.
MD/PhD applicants: Please answer question 2 as it pertains to your proposed PhD research.
(1) While there is great emphasis on the physician-patient relationship, Yale School of Medicine also emphasizes the importance of training future physicians to care for communities and populations. Describe how your experiences would contribute to this aspect of the mission of the Yale School of Medicine.
(2) Research is essential to patient care, and all students at Yale School of Medicine complete a research thesis. Tell us how your research interests, skills and experiences would contribute to scholarship at Yale School of Medicine.
Additional Information (Optional)
This section is optional. It should be used to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee any important information (personal, academic, or professional) not discussed in other sections of your Yale Secondary Application. Please limit your response to 500 words.
Activities and Achievements (Optional)
If you are not enrolled in college or graduate school classes for the duration of the current academic year, please tell us how you are spending your time. Include both your current and any planned activities prior to enrolling in medical school.
Have there been any updates regarding your activities / achievements / distinctions since completing your AMCAS application, or do you have any important accomplishments you have not yet shared with us here or in your AMCAS application? The Office of Admissions will review your activities / achievements / distinctions in the Experiences section of the AMCAS Application, so you do not need to restate anything included there. We include your AMCAS experiences below for reference.
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District of Columbia
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Washington, D.C.: How to Get In)
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
2024–2025
Character limits do not include spaces.
1. Application Fee Payment Code (This is not a question.)
2. Have you ever registered at an institution under a different name? (Yes/No)
If YES, please enter the name here:
3. Have you ever been convicted of, plead guilty, or plead no lo contendere (i.e., no contest, I do not wish to contend) to a criminal offense? Have you ever been arrested for a felony or misdemeanor? (Yes/No)
If YES, please provide a description here: (500 characters)
4. Did you indicate that you were the recipient of any institutional action on your AMCAS application? (Yes/No)
If YES, please provide a description here: (500 characters)
5. With the Development of AAMC/HHMI scientific and personal competencies the George Washington University Committee on Admissions for MD Programs has moved from strict premedical requirements to competency-based recommendations. Mastery of these competencies should be reflected in strong academic performance, MCATs, experiences and letter(s) of reference. Please see minimum eligibility information here: Minimum Eligibility & Recommendations for the 2025 Cycle
The Committee on Admissions requires completion of an undergraduate degree from a U.S. or Canadian college or university prior to matriculation. The following pre-requisite competencies are required prior to matriculation: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Laboratory Experience, English, and Social/Behavioral Science.
(AP/IB is accepted except for Biology if present on undergraduate transcripts. Transfer credits from foreign institutions are not accepted unless part of a formal study abroad program accepted by your degree-granting institution.)
Do you understand you need to complete these recommendations prior to matriculation? (Yes/No)
6. Select the campus you prefer for your clinical education (Reminder: ALL students will have their pre- clinical education at our main campus followed by clinical education at the pre-assigned campus in your acceptance letter based on your selection below)
Main Campus Preferred
Regional Medical Campus Preferred
Main Campus Only
Regional Medical Campus Only
7. If you selected regional medical campus preferred or regional medical campus only in question 6, please explain in detail your interest in regional medical campus and how it will be a good fit for your clinical education.? (1750 characters)
8. Please provide the Admissions Committee with a brief summary of your activities, academics, employment or other occupations to account for full-time activity (approx. 30-40 hours/week) from the point of application through matriculation in 2025. (750 characters)
9 The MD Program includes substantial content in Clinical Public Health (population health, health systems science, health policy, and community health) to prepare GW graduates for an expanded scope of practice required to be successful 21st century physicians. What are your specific interests and experiences related to that aspect of the MD Program? (350 characters)
10. What makes you a unique individual? What challenges have you faced? What have you learned from your experiences? (750 characters)
11. What is your specific interest in the MD Program at GW? What opportunities would you take advantage of as a student here? Why? (1750 characters)
12. Have you previously interacted directly with the MD Admissions Office through events, tours, fairs, webinars, or interviews? (Yes/No)
If YES, please explain: (250 characters)
13. Do you want to pursue the joint MD/MPH program? (Yes/No)
If YES, then please describe why you want to pursue the MD/MPH program and how the combined degree would fit into your career goals (1500 Characters).
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Georgetown University School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Georgetown Medical School)
2024–2025
The Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians, with cultural humility, who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. With our Jesuit values of Cura Personalis, People for Others, and Community in Diversity, we are steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and to addressing the health inequities exacerbated by the recent pandemic. Please describe how your values, life experiences, and your identity will contribute to these GUSOM priorities. (1000 Characters)
Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (1000 characters)
Why have you chosen to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (3000 characters)
Howard University College of Medicine
2024–2025
Have you lived in communities which are medically underserved, or where the majority of the population is economically and/or educationally disadvantaged? [Please indicate, Yes or No and then explain/describe briefly in 250 words or less.]
Have you worked (volunteer or paid employment) with medically underserved, economically disadvantaged and/or educationally disadvantaged populations? [Please indicate, Yes or No and then explain/describe briefly in 250 words or less.]
After residency, do you plan to practice medicine in an underserved or disadvantaged community? [Please indicate, Yes or No and then explain/describe briefly in 250 words or less.]
Please provide below any additional information you believe is important in evaluating your application (e.g. additional coursework, problems with academic record; disadvantaged, etc.) [Please indicate, Yes or No and then explain/describe briefly in 250 words or less.]
Did COVID-19 impact you preparing your AMCAS application for fall 2024? (i.e. volunteer/work experience, financially, course registration, MCAT testing, etc.) [Please respond Yes or No and then explain/describe briefly in 250 words or less, indicate N/A if not applicable]
Why Howard University College of Medicine? (2500 characters, max)
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Florida
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Florida: How to Get In)
Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
2024–2025
Prerequisites: [For 2023—2024, this section had a 1600 character limit (for each) including spaces.]
1. Use this area to justify and/or explain any academic hardships on your transcripts (any failed and/or repeated courses due to any reason)
2. Use this area to explain exceptions to these prerequisites at your institution.
About Self:
3. Whether or not you will be a full-time student, please provide details of your activities/employment for the application year. (1200-character limit including spaces)
4. Describe why you would like to attend the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. What values, skills, talents, and life experiences would you contribute to our community? (1600-character limit including spaces)
Experience (1600 character limit including spaces):
5. Please share a meaningful community service experience outside of direct patient care that has been meaningful to you. What drew you to this particular experience? How did it contribute to your personal growth and learning? What aspects of your involvement did you find particularly fulfilling?
6. How have your previous experiences, whether in paid roles or volunteer work, shaped the skills and qualities you believe will be essential for success in medical school and as a future physician? These experiences do not necessarily have to involve direct patient care.
7. Describe a situation where you effectively demonstrated your leadership skills by guiding a group or organization towards a common goal or aligning their collective efforts.
8. Share a notable personal challenge that has influenced your personal growth. Discuss the insights gained about yourself and how these lessons will assist you in navigating challenges in medical school and your future career as a physician. Describe the support systems or resources you relied on and their impact on your journey.
Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
2024–2025
Primary Activity/Employment (The questions in this section appeared for 2023—2024 so we are leaving them in case you need to address them for 2024—2025.)
Whether or not you will be a full-time student, please explain what you will be doing prior to your planned matriculation into medical school. (600 characters)
If you have taken a gap year(s), please explain what you have been, or will be doing since graduating from your undergrad institution.
Supplemental Essays (These are for 2024—2025.)
Miami is a vibrant and multicultural, multilingual city. You will be exposed to cultures and languages different than your own while living and studying in this city. Please explain in detail an experience in which you collaborated, worked, or were exposed to backgrounds that were different than your own. Please describe the impact the experience had on you. (1200 characters)
Why did you choose to apply to FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine? (1200 characters)
Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced. If you sought guidance, support, or resources, describe how it helped you? Focus on what you learned about yourself and how you think it will help you face new challenges. (1200 characters)
What do you think will be the most rewarding and challenging part of practicing medicine in the future? (1200 characters)
(OPTIONAL) Use this area to explain any exception to the prerequisites at your institution. (1000 characters)
(OPTIONAL) Is there any additional information about your academic record that you would like the Admissions Committee to know? Please include any academic difficulties or course withdrawals. (1000 characters)
For those who are not Florida residents, the following prompt appeared for 2023—2024 (so we are leaving it here to prepare you in case it appears for 2024—2025 as well):
Please describe any connection to FIU, FIU HWCOM, or South Florida.
Florida State University College of Medicine
2024–2025
"Please complete this application with as much specificity and detail as you can. Though many questions are optional the Admissions Committee STRONGLY ENCOURAGES applicants to submit detailed answers to each question"
A. Personal Background (500 words)
Please provide a description of your family. (Optional)
Please provide a description of where you grew up (i.e. rural area, large city, etc.) (Optional)
Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.). (Optional)
What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you? (Optional)
If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you are comfortable voluntarily sharing with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. (Optional)
B. Academic Background and Pre-Medical Course Requirements
Choose the appropriate response for each required prerequisite. As a reminder: All prerequisites must be completed with a “C” or better and BEFORE matriculating at the FSU COM. (This section includes a list of questions about prerequisites and whether you attended or applied to FSU during undergrad. For each prerequisite, the answer choices are “Completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better” and “In progress.”)
C. Self Critical Analysis (500 words)
Why are you choosing to apply to the FSU College of Medicine? Please be specific describing what is particularly attractive about FSU COM.
What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine? (Optional)
If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application? (Optional)
D. Additional Questions
In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please list no more than three (3) specialties. (500-character limit)
Write a short statement describing how you envision using the specialty/ies you listed above to advance our unique mission and contribute to the success of the FSU College of Medicine. (9999-character limit)
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
2024–2025
Questions 1 to 4 are required, and questions 5 to 9 are optional if applicable.
Please provide an example that indicates your ability to function effectively as a productive member of a team working toward a common objective. Elaborate on leadership roles you held in this capacity and how you solved problems that arose. Indicate highlights learned from this experience. (4000 characters)
Please share some personal examples of problem-solving in a team environment and/or leadership experience that would lead to your success in a Problem Based Learning environment. (4000 characters)
At NSU M.D., we value the unique perspective that each applicant brings. Identify any traits, life experiences, or interests that a professor or advisor would not normally know about you. (4000 characters)
How has your academic work beyond the “traditional” pre-medical school requirements (i.e., introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and introductory physics) prepared you for medical school and for a career in medicine? Please highlight any service learning activities that align with humanism in medicine. (4000 characters)
Do you have any gaps or inconsistencies in either academic or standardized test performances throughout your undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate career? If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain. (4000 characters)
Is there a time gap between earning your last degree (baccalaureate or other) and the expected time of your medical school matriculation? If yes, please explain. (4000 characters)
Were you employed full-time (or part-time) during your undergraduate or graduate years? If yes, please explain. (4000 characters)
Have you previously applied to any medical school (M.D., D.O., international)? If yes, please explain what steps you have taken to improve your overall application profile for this admissions cycle. (if applicable) (4000 characters)
Do you believe that you are an individual or a member of a group that faced adversity, which influenced your goals for a career in medicine and service to others? If you answered yes to the previous question, then please explain the impact it had on your future life events. These may include, but are not limited to, challenges due to the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, cultural background, access to resources, or other significant circumstances. (9999 chars for this one only) (If applicable)
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
How did you learn about osteopathic medicine? (1000 characters)
List and briefly describe your significant healthcare-related volunteer activities since graduation from high school. (2000 characters)
If you have ever matriculated into an M.D. or a D.O. program, please explain the reason(s) for leaving. Please use the following format: date, institution, status. If non applicable, please type "none" (For 2023—2024, this question had a 1000-character limit but it is unknown what the limit is for 2024—2025.)
If you were employed during the regular school year (excluding summers) while in undergraduate or graduate school, please list dates of employment beginning with your current position along with title or job description, level of responsibility, and number of hours per week. (2000 character )
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
2024–2025
List of Y/N questions with room to explain if necessary, no limit for any
Are you currently enrolled in an academic program? (Y/N) If you do not expect to spend the academic year enrolled in an academic program, please explain how you will use this time.
Have you experienced academic difficulties, had any grades below "B minus," or any course withdrawals while in college? (Y/N)
Are you currently or have you ever been subject to disciplinary action at a college or professional school that did NOT result in academic probation or dismissal? (Y/N)
Have you ever been placed on academic probation, dismissed, or withdrawn from a college or professional program? (Y/N)
Do you have any criminal charges pending or expected to be brought against you? (Y/N)
Medical school demands significant personal sacrifices, including long hours, emotional stress, and sometimes compromising personal time. Can you describe how you have prepared yourself for these sacrifices and how you plan to maintain a healthy work-life balance while managing the responsibilities of a medical student? (Limit 750 characters)
Can you please recount an experience from your academic or personal life where you actively collaborated with others to achieve a common goal? How do you anticipate applying this collaborative approach in your future medical education and practice, taking into account the diverse perspectives and expertise within healthcare teams? (Limit: 750 characters)
We often hear that students want to pursue medicine to help people. Why did you choose medicine and not some other field where you can help others, such as nursing, physical therapy, pharmacology, psychology, education, or social work? (Limit 750 characters)
Were you required to work during your college years? (Y/N). If yes, In this space, provide a brief description of why employment was necessary. Also, include the estimated weekly hours you were required to work. (no limit)
Tell us about something that is integral to understanding who you are as a person that we would not automatically know from reading your application. These may be things like qualities, characteristics, or events you feel are unique to your life experience. You could address personally important and/or challenging experiences in your background that have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine and service to others. These may include experiences such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, cultural background, or other significant events or circumstances that you feel have shaped your character and defined you as an individual. (Limit 4000 characters)
Please share with the Admissions Committee why you are specifically interested in UCF COM. (500 characters)
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University of Florida College of Medicine
2023–2024
If you are not a full-time student during this application cycle, in particular at any time between August 2023 and July 2024, please detail your current and planned activities below. (250-500 words)
The medical profession is frequently described as being both a science and an art. One could summarize this by saying that patients must “be well cared for” (science) but they must also “feel well cared for” (art). We work to teach our students not only the scientific principles of medicine, but also the core values of medicine, often called “professionalism”. Toward this end we keep patients at the center of our education and often reflect on their stories with our students.
The exciting advances in our understanding of the biological basis for disease have led to the emergence of a host of targeted therapies and amazing technologies improving the duration and quality of our patients’ lives. The better a physician knows his/her patient, the better decisions they will make together as they approach important healthcare related questions. This so-called shared decision-making model is one key feature of patient centered care. Practicing the art of medicine in this way yields a physician patient relationship (PPR) that is both therapeutic and mutually enriching. However, many of these same technologies have the unintended consequence of separating us from our patients, both literally and figuratively. In addition, the industrialization of medicine and use of electronic health records have led to a decrease in the time physicians spend with their patients further eroding the strength of the PPR.
At the UFCOM, we have many strategies to equip our students to preserve their own humanity and that of their patients. One of the most important is the ability to make connections with and get to know their patients. Frequently such connections become the student’s first taste of the joy of medical practice. In fact, the UFCOM version of the Hippocratic Oath includes the following affirmation. “I will remember with gratitude and humility those whose illness or injury provided examples from which I learned, and, in their honor, I will continue the pursuit of knowledge.”
In our polarized society, the importance of such virtues as humility and gratitude have perhaps never been greater. Over the last two decades, the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California Berkeley has offered strong scientific support for the importance of such virtues as gratitude and humility in human well-being. But it should also be remembered that philosophers and theologians have cherished these virtues for centuries. For example, when mounting a legal defense for a friend, Cicero observed, “while I wish to be adorned with every virtue, yet there is nothing which I can esteem more highly than the being and appearing grateful. For this one virtue is not only the greatest, but is also the parent of all the other virtues.” Offering a similar endorsement for the virtue of humility, Augustine of Hippo observed, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.”
Students at UFCOM regularly write about and discuss encounters with patients that shape their professional identity in important ways. In so doing, we all learn to become better physicians and human beings.
Here are two such reflections, by our students, one a poem and the other an essay. Read and reflect on both and then choose one and describe how the writer grew from the experience. Consider the affirmation from the Hippocratic Oath in your response. (250-500 words)The profession of medicine has always had an explicit contract with society about our expertise and competence but it also includes an important affirmation. Namely, that we will subordinate self-interest to patient interest when the needs of our patients require us to do so. This does not mean we do not take care of ourselves and one another, but it does mean we willingly take on risks to ourselves that many others would not. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this commitment to light as many medical professionals labored on the front lines caring for the sick despite the potential dangers.
When we consider medical practice and hence, medical education, one could ask what sorts of virtues or character traits equip young medical professionals for such a noble calling. Many come to mind including courage, compassion, intellectual honesty and integrity. But recently attention has been given to the ability to stay with a task or course even when one is tired, discouraged and the work is daunting and laborious. Terms such as “resilience”, “endurance”, “perseverance”, “determination” or “grit” describe this character trait. Dr. Angela Duckworth has explored this in detail in her book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” (Angela Duckworth). Cultivating this virtue, in ourselves and one another, offers a tangible means to lean against the depersonalizing and emotionally exhausting forces at work in healthcare.
As physicians, we have the privilege of caring for people who are in the most difficult places of their lives. Being present during these times can be both a source of joy as we help our patients, but can also challenge our own emotional health and resilience. Struggling to make sense of suffering induced by disease, social forces and human agency has brought an occasion for growth among many of us who work in healthcare.
As you grow into your new identity as a physician, you will come face to face with the suffering of other human beings. In fact, we will all have to face our own losses as we go through medical training and practice. Put simply, none of us is exempt from suffering. As the Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) once observed, “When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat for him, he tells you not to worry because he has brought his own stool.”
Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, (1905-1997) wrote an account of his time in the concentration camp called, “Man’s Search for Meaning”. It has sold more than 10 million copies in 24 languages and offers profound insights into how finding meaning in suffering sustains us during our darkest times.
Below are several quotes from Dr. Frankl that deal with finding purpose and meaning in suffering. After reading and thinking about his insights, choose one or two and tell us about experiences where you have seen these principles at work either in your own life, or in the lives of others. (500 words)
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
“If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be a meaning in suffering. Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death. Without suffering and death, human life cannot be complete.”
“A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the 'why' for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any 'how.'”
“Being human always points, and is directed, to something or someone, other than oneself - be it a meaning to fulfill or another human being to encounter. “
(Optional) If you think there is any additional information that would help the admissions committee in its review of your application, including any disruptions in your academic/volunteer/work/personal life related to COVID-19, please use the space below. (4000 characters max)
Additional questions:
*REQUIRED If you are not a legal resident of Florida according to your AMCAS application, write a statement describing your association with the State of Florida below. This statement is required even if you have no ties to the State of Florida.
(optional) Reflect upon your life experiences, values and/or personal background. Do any or all of these help frame how you envision your future contributions to the health and well-being of others as a physician and if so, how? (500 words max)
There is a page for selecting introversion and extroversion traits/statements but no essay associated with it.
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "We ask that you submit your secondary within two weeks after you are invited to complete the application."
2024–2025
If you have applied to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine before (through the regular application process or via an early assurance/early matriculation program) we invite you to use this space to provide additional information about your previous application. This can include year(s) applied, outcome of application, and ways you have strengthened your application since your last application. (1000 characters)
Why are you applying to the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine? In your essay, please provide a response that clearly articulates how you believe our program specifically will enhance your education/training, what you feel you will uniquely contribute to our learning community, and/or what features of our medical school prompted you to apply. (5000 characters)
In the space below, please discuss any experiences you may have had serving, working, living, and/or learning in broadly diverse environments that you believe would enable you to thrive in and contribute to our Miller SOM and Greater Miami community. (5000 characters)
In the space below, we invite you to choose one of our #MedCanes values and discuss how you exemplify that value.
Integrity: Demonstrating honesty and fairness in our words and actions.
Collaboration: Working together in teams to achieve common goals.
Accountability: Taking ownership and responsibility for our actions and outcomes.
Respect: Treating others with dignity and compassion.
Excellence: Giving of ourselves in a way that exceeds expectations. (5000 characters)
Use the space below if you would like to briefly discuss anything else that you want the Admissions Committee to know that you feel has not been covered in your primary and secondary applications. (2500 characters)
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University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine
2024–2025
Do you believe the competitiveness (i.e., course requirements, experiences, academic performance, etc.) of your application for medical school has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? (1500 characters,)
Do you have a parent (or grandparent) who is a graduate of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine or a faculty member at USF Health? (If yes, you have 250 characters to respond.)
What do you see as the most likely practice scenario for your future medical career (Private Practice, Academic Medicine, Public Health, Health Care Administration, Health Policy, or Other)? (Pick one and then move to the next question.)
Describe the knowledge, skills, and attributes you have developed in preparation for the career path you have chosen in the previous question. (1500 characters)
The USF Morsani College of Medicine’s Scholarly Concentrations program aims to support the educational development of medical students by providing opportunities for academic endeavors in areas of special interest. This program facilitates self-directed learning, enhances interactions between students and fosters relationships between students and faculty. Scholarly concentrations provide a forum where diversity of ideas and perspectives are valued. Each concentration includes elements of course work, practical application and scholarly presentation. Please review our Scholarly Concentrations website to determine which concentration would be of interest to you and answer the following question: (Scholarly Concentrations Program | USF Health) a. How would the USF Morsani College of Medicine’s Scholarly Concentrations Program help your personal career goals? (1500 characters)
The USF Morsani College of Medicine strives to educate a very diverse set of students who bring a variety of strengths and interests to the field of medicine. The definition of diversity is broad and includes (but is not limited to) lifestyle, race/ethnicity, geography, socioeconomic status and distance traveled through life. The definition of strength is also broad and includes (but is not limited to) humanism, scholarship, intellectual curiosity, research, and leadership. How do you feel your particular experiences, interests, and passions will add to the strength and diversity of the USF class and ultimately to the field of medicine? (2000 characters)
If you have experienced academic difficulties, please explain the situation and how it was resolved. (Please explain all grades less than a "B", including B-, or any "withdrawal" on your transcripts). (2000 characters)
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Georgia
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Georgia: How to Get In)
Emory University School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Emory Medical School)
2024–2025
List your entire curriculum plan for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words)
Briefly describe your health-related experiences. Be sure to include important experiences that are in your AMCAS application, as well as any recent experiences. (200 words)
Briefly describe your interest in Emory and the Emory degree program you have selected. (200 words)
Emory School of Medicine is committed to recruiting and educating medical students who will help deliver quality health care and will promote the health of our patients. In our community, this includes learning about and addressing the health care needs of our most under-served populations. Please describe any of your activities that have been in service to under-served communities. (200 words)
(If Applicable) If you have any updates or new information to report since you have submitted your AMCAS primary application, please briefly describe below. (200 words)
(If Applicable) If your school has a Pre-Health or Pre-Medical Committee, and your letters are submitted by three individual letter-writers rather than your school’s Committee, please explain why you are not submitting a Committee letter.
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Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University*
Time-sensitive considerations: "You should submit your Secondary Application within two weeks of receiving it from the Admissions Office."
2024–2025
The goal of the MCG Admissions Committee is to admit a diverse medical school class of well-rounded and academically qualified individuals who will best contribute to our institutional mission and ultimately meet the healthcare needs of Georgians. This section captures additional information not readily available in AMCAS. Please adhere to the word limit in each section. Please do not use special characters in your responses ( no #, % , &, etc.).
Please discuss your primary interest in attending the Medical College of Georgia and how medical education at MCG will help you achieve your future career goals and desired specialty. (300 words)
At the core of MCG’s mission is community engagement and providing care to underserved communities. Please describe your engagement or your personal experience with underserved communities. (300 words)
Please describe your motivation for becoming a physician. Provide an example of an impactful clinical experience or patient encounter which reinforced your desire to enter medicine. (300 words)
The art of medicine requires resilience on the part of its practitioners. There can be perceived failure even when the medical team has done everything right. Please describe a time when you were part of something that failed. What did you learn from this experience? (300 words)
The Admissions Committee regards an individual’s personal attributes and life experiences as important factors in serving the educational mission of MCG and meeting the healthcare needs of a diverse patient population. In this context, how you would contribute to MCG’s community and the healthcare needs of Georgians? (300 words)
Please describe the specific geographical area (state, city, town or country if applicable) in which you would most likely practice medicine and why. (300 words)
Please explain any inconsistencies in your academic record. This may include below average course performance, grade trends, MCAT scores, etc. If no inconsistencies have occurred, please select "N/A." (300 words)
Please list any additional clinical experiences that are not included on your AMCAS application. Please include the physician’s name OR type of experience (i.e., Nursing, PA, EMT, E.R. Scribe, etc.) in the description column below along with the location, dates and total number of hours. If no additional experiences have occurred, please select "N/A." (300 words)
If applicable, indicate any special experiences, unusual factors, or other information you feel the admissions committee should consider which may not be captured in other areas of your application. If no additional experiences have occurred, please select "N/A. (300 words)
Mercer University School of Medicine
2024–2025
Please provide below an alternate e-mail address (different from the one listed on the Primary AMCAS Application) to which we can send you correspondence related to your application. (Required)
Please provide a cell phone number at which you can be contacted in reference to your application. (Required)
Please address any institutional action, including honor code or conduct code violations, from your time as an undergraduate and graduate student. (Required)
If you wish to discuss your perceptions of your academic readiness for the rigors of a medical school curriculum or explain poor grades in college coursework or MCAT scores to the Admissions Committee, please do so below. (230 words)
What is your understanding of the practice of rural medicine? (230 words)
Do you consider yourself to have been raised or to be residing in an area that is medically underserved or in a county that consists of medically underserved populations? By medically underserved we mean populations vulnerable to poor health due to difficulties accessing adequate health care services. This may be due to factors including but not limited to: education level; poverty; being uninsured or underinsured; lack of a usual source of care other than the emergency department; belonging to a socially marginalized group with poorer health outcomes; cultural or language barriers to receiving quality medical care; distance or lack of transportation to needed medical care. Please explain. (230 words)
The mission of Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) is to educate physicians and health professionals to meet the health care needs of medically underserved and rural areas of Georgia. Summarize your work and learning experiences that you believe reflect congruence with this mission. Based on your understanding of our mission, where and what do you envision yourself doing after completion of medical school and residency? (230 words)
If you wish to, please briefly explain to the Admissions Committee experiences, attributes, or qualifications you believe are unique to you that will strengthen the educational environment at MUSM. (230 words)
Please explain to the Admissions Committee factors that you could not highlight above that would help the Admissions Committee better understand your unique circumstances. If you would like to briefly highlight any substantial updates with regard to your application (example, volunteer experiences) that have occurred after you submitted the Primary AMCAS Application, please summarize them below. (230 words)
Describe your experiences in service to others and your community and how they have helped prepare you to be a physician. (230 words)
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Morehouse School of Medicine)
2024–2025
Identify the one type of medical career listed below to which you may wish to devote the majority of your professional efforts:
Primary Care
Other Specialty Care
Research/Teaching
Undecided
Briefly explain the reasons for your selections in the Perceptions of Your Medical Career Section. (999 characters)
Type a brief statement setting forth the key motivational factors in your decision to apply to Morehouse School of Medicine and any information about yourself you feel would be of interest to the Committee of Admissions in the consideration of your application. (9999 characters)
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Hawaii
University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine
2024–2025
Please respond to essays A, B, and C. If you are a re-applicant, respond to essay D as well. Please limit responses to 600 words per essay.
A) Describe how your background and your unique lived experiences will contribute to JABSOM's mission. (600 word limit)
B) Describe your most important volunteer work and why it was meaningful. (600 word limit)
C) Describe any personal connection to JABSOM and/or Hawaii and the Pacific that you may have. If you do not have a personal connection to JABSOM and/or Hawaii, please describe why you have chosen to apply to JABSOM. (600 word limit)
D) If you are a re-applicant to JABSOM, please complete the following additional essay:
Describe what efforts you have made to further improve your application to the MD Program. (600 word limit)
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Idaho
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
What characteristics of ICOM will help you become a successful osteopathic physician? (Unlimited characters)
If this is not your first time applying to medical school, how have you improved your application? (Please type N/A if not applicable) (Unlimited characters)
What does Osteopathic Principles and Practices mean to you and how will you integrate these into your future practice? (Unlimited characters)
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Illinois
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Illinois: How to Get In)
Carle Illinois College of Medicine
2024–2025
Note: Carle uses a unique format for its secondary. Please read the instructions carefully.
In the three artifacts we ask you to SHOW US how compassion, curiosity, and creativity have played out in your life, and how you exemplify these values. Each artifact should be uploaded as a PDF (one page for each value, formatted no larger than 8.5" x 11"). No hyperlinks or embedded videos are allowed. We encourage you to make your artifacts image focused but captions or other brief notes can be included on the artifact to help us understand the context of your images. Your artifacts will be most powerful if you include multiple activities for each and clearly indicate the quality and depth of your experience, but only include that which is meaningful for the value. The artifacts should be somewhat reflective in nature so share your thoughts and insights. You may repeat experiences listed on your AMCAS application and/or include new ones. Our screeners will evaluate your portfolio independently BEFORE they evaluate your AMCAS application so do not assume the screeners are aware of any of the information in your AMCAS. Please do not include activities from high school or earlier unless they are of very high quality or impact (an example would be achieving Eagle Scout rank). Family interactions/relationships ("spending time with family") are unlikely to score well unless you can show how they are unusual or significant (an example would be full-time caregiver for a family member for a period). Please make your role clear. Was the activity you are presenting part of a class for credit or something you did on your own? Was this part of a team? If so, what was YOUR role?
For example, if you did or are still doing work in a research lab, we are less interested in a detailed description of the science and more interested in learning what you did, how YOU contributed, and if you were able to be innovative. While the content of your portfolio is of primary importance, our reviewers are also evaluating your presentation. This does not mean you have to be "artistic", but it is valuable to show an innovative approach. Instead of thinking about what WE want, include what YOU want to share. What drives you? What do you want us to know? Show us who you are, and why you are uniquely suited to our school.
In the impact statement we ask you to TELL US more. This statement will provide meaningful context and scope for your artifacts and tell us the impact of what you are showing us. The impact statement is not intended to explain your artifacts, but rather to expand on and supplement them; to demonstrate the impact of the experiences you included. Think of this statement being like an abstract, a synopsis, or a legend for a figure in a paper. You have a maximum of 250 words.
Compassion
We believe in creating physicians who, in addition to solving healthcare's most complex problems, are also tender, kind, and warm. From day one, you will be working with patients.
Show Us - How have you changed the lives of others? What have you experienced that has fostered a deep sense of compassion? For example, have you had a moving volunteer experience? Have you learned through adversity and shared those lessons with others in need? Share with us the ways you’ve impacted a larger population and help us see how you will be the type of physician we would entrust with our most beloved community members.
Curiosity
Carle Illinois College of Medicine values lifelong learners. We want to see your passion for learning and growing!
Show Us - How have you explored new interests, cultures, or people? Have you identified a need and taken the initiative to respond to that need? For example, is there a research project or work experience you’d like to share? Has your curiosity fostered a deeper sense of vulnerability, resilience, or life-long learning? If so, how? Let us see where your curiosity has taken you.
Creativity
The dictionary tells us that innovation is a new method, idea, or product. Often there is an outcome, a clearly defined result, or a new thing is discovered. The introduction of something new requires dynamic thinking and creative solutions. Creativity is key to innovation. Help us see your creativity!
Show Us - What are the ways you demonstrate you have an active mind? What are you really proud of? For example, have you used technology in novel or distinct ways? What innovative solutions have you employed in your work, healthcare, or hobbies? Have you taken a risk to respond to a problem, to express yourself, or to achieve your goals? Describe how you live and lead a creative life.
Impact Statement
Tell Us - In 250 words or less, create an abstract-style narrative describing the impact of the experiences you included in your portfolio artifacts and how they have shaped your understanding of and connection to the Carle Illinois values of Compassion, Curiosity, and Creativity. The narrative should provide context and scope to the stories told in your artifacts and the value and impact these Carle Illinois values have in your life.
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
2024–2025
How would you manage a situation where a family member or close friend made a sexist, racist, or prejudiced comment in your presence? (150 words)
What has been your greatest self-discovery? (150 words)
What event(s) from your youth still teaches you lessons today? How do you apply what you learned? (150 words)
Give five reasons why you would make an excellent physician? (150 words)
What is the greatest act of kindness you have ever performed for someone? (150 words)
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "Since the school uses a rolling admissions process, however, those who submit their AMCAS application and all supporting materials in the summer and early fall will enhance their potential for being offered interviews."
2024–2025
500-word maximum for all questions.
Explain how you know that you want to spend your life studying and practicing medicine. Describe how the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM) can help you develop into the kind of person and physician you hope to become.
Social justice, in the Jesuit tradition, justice due to each person's inherent human dignity, is an essential dimension of education at SSOM. Describe an impactful experience working with and for under-resourced communities. Explain what you have learned about yourself through this service OR what has hindered your efforts to serve others in these environments.
Relate a situation within your professional formation in which you determined that something you did or said did not go over well with someone else. How did you know? What did you do? What did you learn from the experience?
Describe a time you received feedback about your performance and disagreed with the feedback. What did you disagree with? How did you handle it?
Describe a non-academic personal/professional challenge or conflict that you have experienced. Explain what skills, resources and/or strategies you employed to resolve the problem.
Complete the following questions if applicable:Have you or any of your relatives attended or been employed by Loyola University Chicago or the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine?
Please indicate additional grades earned, amendments to your proposed coursework or graduation date, address changes, additions to your list of experiences, and anything else you feel we should know.
Please explain in more detail (in less than 1500 characters) anything that would help us understand any gaps or delays in your education, academic missteps, or personal challenges not listed elsewhere.
If you have not been enrolled in coursework for over two years, please let us know what you have been doing since your coursework ended.
Have you applied to SSOM prior to this application? If so, please list the years of your previous application submissions to SSOM and tell us how your application has improved since your previous submission.
Are you currently, or have you been, enrolled in any of the following programs?
Applicant Boot Camp or Health Equity and Advocacy Leaders (ASPIRE):
Early Assurance Program (EAP):
Health Professionals Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP):
Loyola University Chicago undergraduate (LUC):
Loyola MA in Medical Sciences (LUC MAMS):
Loyola MS in Medical Physiology (LUC MSMP):
Loyola Masters in Infectious Disease and Immunology (INDIRI):
Proviso United with Loyola for Educational Enrichment (PULSE):
Medical Minority Applicant Registry (MED-MAR):
Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic or parking violation? If the answer is yes, please explain below.
If you did not submit an advisor or committee letter, please tell us why.
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Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
List any relative who is an osteopathic physician:
Why do you believe CCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking? (1500 characters)
Why should CCOM accept you into this year's class? (1500 characters)
Upload a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, which will include, but not be limited to the following information:
Educational History (colleges attended and degrees earned)
Employment History
Medically-related work and volunteer experiences
College extracurricular activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
Community activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
Hobbies and nonacademic interests
Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
2024–2025
MD application questions
FEINBERG CURRICULUM: Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders who will serve their patients, communities and society. Describe one specific aspect of the FSM integrated curriculum that will help you achieve your future goals within medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve this professional goal. (200 words, max)
COPING STRATEGIES: Describe specific steps you take to manage your stress while balancing personal, educational and professional responsibilities. (200 words, max)
POST-UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCES (if applicable): If you have one year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans. (200 words, max)
REAPPLICANT (if applicable): If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to enhance your application. (200 words, max)
FEINBERG SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RELATIONSHIP: Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with the Feinberg School of Medicine?
Personal Narrative: The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words, max)
MSTP application questions
2022-2023
Why did you choose your undergraduate major? How does the subject appeal to you? (200 words)
Name a scientific paper that you have read recently that had a strong impact on you and describe what impact it had. (200 words)
Discuss a current unanswered question in biomedical research that you find particularly interesting and what research you would like to see done to address it. (200 words)
If you have (or expect to have) a year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe your activities and/or plans. (200 words)
If you are a re-applicant this cycle, please address steps taken to improve your application. If not a reapplicant, please enter "N/A". (200 words)
What is the most gratifying research experience you have had to date and why? What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in research and how did you overcome it? (200 words)
Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your pathway to medical school. Include any academic, personal, financial or professional barriers, as well as any other relevant information. (200 words)
Personal Narrative: The Feinberg School of Medicine values diversity as a measure of excellence. We define diversity as the totality of the characteristics and experiences of our students. We believe that a diverse student body improves the educational environment and the ability of our graduates to serve an increasingly diverse patient population. Everyone has their own narrative. Please provide more detail about how your experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)
Rush Medical College of Rush University
2024–2025
All prompts have a 1,000-character limit.
1. RUSH Medical College is located on Chicago’s Near West Side and serves a diverse patient population. We seek to train physicians who can connect with diverse patient populations with whom they may not share a similar background. Tell us about a life experience that has broadened your own world view or enhanced your ability to understand those unlike yourself and what you learned from this experience.
2. "Distance traveled" is the metaphorical distance that represents the journey an applicant undertakes throughout their life, encompassing achievements, personal identity, and the competencies developed along the way. The Committee on Admissions seeks and values the skills and competencies that applicants develop as a result of their individual experiences, and recognizes them as desired and essential attributes of a future physician.
Based on your experiences and your distance traveled, please describe any adversities, challenges, and/or marginalized experiences that you have encountered.
2a. Please describe the effect of these adversities, challenges, and/or marginalized experiences on you as an individual. Explain how you overcame them, what skills you built, what lessons you learned, and how these experiences motivated you to be a doctor.
There is no “2b.” (Think of 2a as a continuation of the main Question 2.) Questions 3 to 6 are not essay questions.
7. Do you have direct patient care/contact experience beyond shadowing/observing? Answering "yes" demonstrates you have had active interactions with patients and/or clinical participation in their continuum of care.
(If you choose Yes): List and describe, in detail, each experience below. While activities can parallel those listed on the AMCAS application, the narratives should not. Instead, focus on detailing the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities you learned and applied during these experiences. Additionally, estimate the proportion of each role that was spent interfacing with patients.
Note: When listing the start and end date of each experience, please use the calendar button to the right of each respective text box.
8. If applicable, describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your application to and/or preparation for medical school. (Optional)
9. Use this space to provide additional information, that is non-COVID related, you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your application. (Optional)
10. Have you ever been involved in an institutional action related to academic dishonesty/integrity? Have you ever been convicted of a crime, or pleaded guilty and been placed on probation, court supervision or another reconviction program for an incident other than a minor traffic ticket?
(If Yes): Please explain in detail.
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
2023–2024
The mission of SIU School of Medicine is to assist the people of central and southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research and service to the community.
Preference is given to established residents of central and southern Illinois who intend to practice medicine in the state.
Applicants should have a good foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate facility in writing and speaking the English language.
Preference is given to applicants who will have earned a baccalaureate degree by the time of matriculation.
Preference is given to applicants who have had sufficient recent academic activity to demonstrate potential for successful completion of medical school.
Although the Admissions Committee establishes no quotas, active efforts are made to recruit qualified applicants from groups who have been under-represented in the medical profession.
Questions:
SIU School of Medicine uses a holistic approach to identify students who best fulfill its mission: to assist the people of central and southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research and service to the community. In what ways do you believe you would contribute to SIU’s mission and what barriers have you overcome in your life’s circumstances to reach this point in applying to medical school? Please limit your response to 300 words or less.
Tell us about your lived experiences that will make you a better physician? Please limit your response to 300 words or less.
To be successful as a student at SIU School of Medicine and as a practicing physician, you must be flexible and committed to cultivating and employing critical interactive and learning skills. Describe your experiences that demonstrate: contribution in a teamwork setting; engagement in self-directed and life-long learning (taking personal initiative to identify and address your learning goals and needs); and exposure to the small group tutorial process used in a problem-based learning environment. Please limit your answer to 500 words or less.
If you have previously applied to SIU School of Medicine, please describe how you feel you have strengthened your credentials since that application. Please limit your answer to 300 words or less.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Have you ever been convicted with a misdemeanor other than a minor traffic offense? Have you ever been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor other than a minor traffic offense, or with misconduct on any college campus? If you answered 'YES' to any of the three preceding questions, please explain the relevant circumstances. (No character limit was given.)
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
2024–2025
Students at the Pritzker School of Medicine complete the majority of their clinical training at UChicago Medicine (UCM). UCM is one of the top ten most racially inclusive hospitals in the United States with a primary service area of 12 South Side zip codes where poverty is over double the state level. Additionally, our students lead six free clinics in diverse neighborhoods throughout the city of Chicago.
Please share with us the personal and professional experiences that have best prepared you to work in this diverse clinical environment. (Suggested Word Limit: 450)
(MD-Only Applicants)
All MD students participate in our longitudinal Scholarship & Discovery research program, which offers protected curricular time, mentoring, and funding for students to pursue their scholarly interests.
Please describe your research interests and share how our research opportunities will help you advance your career goals. (Suggested Word Limit: 450)Share with us a difficult or challenging situation you have encountered and how you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills you called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice. (Suggested Word Limit: 450)
Optional Additional Information
Please feel free to use this space to convey any additional information that you might wish the Committee to know. For example, if you are not currently completing a degree, please share your planned or current activities for this application cycle. We suggest that you limit your text to about 300 words.
University of Illinois College of Medicine
2024–2025
What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you to deal with conflict and change?
Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UICOM attracted you to apply for medical school here?
An important part of UICOM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses.
What are some of the causes and consequences of prejudice and injustice? What does an individual’s response to prejudice and injustice reveal about their character? What is the role of a bystander who witnesses prejudice or injustice?
UICOM values a wide range of perspectives. Describe an aspect of your own perspective, value system, or lived experience that is important to you and how it would contribute to the diverse and collaborative community at UICOM.
Have you applied for admission to medical school previously? (Yes/No)
If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year.
Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program? (Yes/No)
Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.
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Indiana
Indiana University School of Medicine
There are no secondary essay prompts for the 2024–2025 cycle.
Instead, the school will email to confirm receipt of your AMCAS application. When they are ready to select interviewees, they will email those students a link to provide additional (non-essay) information.
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
Do you have any experience shadowing? Y/N
Please enter records (physician name, role, specialty, hours, hospital/clinic name)
Do you have research experience? Y/N
List up to 3 experiences (Title, hours, role, and outcome)
Please describe any experience you have had working with underserved and/or rural populations. You may include healthcare-related experiences as well as volunteer work, community service, educational outreach, or any other relevant experiences. (300 words)
Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered during your academic or personal journey, and how you managed to overcome it? How did this experience shape your approach to adversity and resilience? (300 words)
Are you interested in practicing medicine in Indiana? Y/N
If yes, please describe your interest and reasons why. If not, please explain why not:
Do you have any connections to the state of Indiana?
If yes, please describe your connections:
In considering your medical career, elaborate on the practice settings or specialty that resonates with you. (300 words)
What personal experiences or values have motivated you into considering an osteopathic medical education. (300 words)
Could you share a specific example of a time when you demonstrated empathy and compassion towards someone in need, either within a healthcare setting or in your personal life? How did this experience influence your desire to pursue a career in medicine?" (300 words)
Explain your interest in attending MU-COM (300 words)
Please indicate any changes or additions that have occurred since submitting your AACOMAS application (including but not limited to, education, employment, extracurricular activities, research, military service, academic warnings, conduct violations, and/or convictions). (300 words)
Please share any other relevant information that you would like the MU-COM Admissions Committee to know about you: (300 words)
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Iowa
Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Note: Questions are contained within the AACOMAS primary application.
If you have previously applied to medical school, how has your application improved? (250 characters)
Please describe your exposure to osteopathic medicine, including (but not limited to) experiences with physicians in primary care or rural practice within the U.S. How have these experiences impacted you and your pursuit of osteopathic medical education as it relates to the mission of Des Moines University? (2000 characters)
What activities are you currently or planning to pursue leading up to potential matriculation? (500 characters)
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit application materials by October 15."
2024–2025
We understand you may be applying to multiple medical schools. Please explain your reasons for applying to the Carver College of Medicine. (1500 characters)
Describe a personal characteristic, challenge, or experience that makes you unique. How will this influence your contribution to a dynamic healthcare system that advocates for all peoples? (1500 characters)
Please list and briefly describe all medically related experiences (paid/volunteer) you have completed during the past 5 years. Do NOT forecast future hours. Please include experiences listed on your AMCAS and also provide any additional experiences NOT listed on your AMCAS. (175 characters per description)
(OPTIONAL) If you are a reapplicant to the Carver College of Medicine, how have you strengthened your application? (1500 characters)
(OPTIONAL) If you are not currently in a degree-seeking program, please indicate what you will be doing from the time you complete this secondary application to the start of medical school. (1500 characters)
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Kansas
Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024—2025
What failures have you experienced that have shaped you as an individual and prepared you for the rigors of medical school? (500 words, max)
What have you found as the most effective way to prioritize your time? (500 words, max)
What individuals and experiences have led to your interest in Osteopathic Medicine and motivated you to apply to KHSC-KansasCOM? (500 words, max)
University of Kansas School of Medicine
2024–2025
Why do you prefer to attend the campus you ranked as your first choice? (980 character limit) If your circumstances meet one of the eligible exemptions noted on the Campus Instructions page, specifically describe them here. Persons requesting an eligible exemption will be asked to provide supporting documentation.
1000 character maximum for all prompts
1. If you are not a Kansas resident, what is your specific interest in applying to the University of Kansas School of Medicine?
2. Please describe how your actions and experiences align with the vision statement of the University of Kansas School of Medicine: “To improve lives and communities in Kansas through innovation in education, research, and health care.”
3. Describe your health care experiences that involved direct exposure to physicians' clinical duties and how they have shaped your desire to apply to medical school.
4. Describe examples of leadership experience in which you have significantly influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
5. Beyond academics (grades and MCATs), describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge.
6. Give an example of what you have done to make your community a better place to live.
7. If there are academic discrepancies in your application that have not been explained in your application, use this space to clarify. Examples may include unexplained gaps in time, multiple undergraduate institutions attended, multiple course withdrawals, inconsistent academic performance, inconsistency between academic performance and MCAT scores.
8. If you are currently enrolled, or plan to be enrolled during the next academic year in a graduate or professional degree program, please describe your status within the program and your intention to complete the program. You must also request a letter from your graduate program advisor or from the dean of your professional school. This letter must include acknowledgement of your application to medical school and a description of your status in the program.
Students in the MD program are considered and expected to participate full-time in MD program requirements and accompanying activities (e.g., service, research, etc.). Our experience over multiple decades has informed the SOM that participation in outside activities (e.g., employment, other degree programs, etc.) is not conducive to successfully navigating our curriculum and overall school requirements. Failing to meet program expectations can place the student at risk for administrative action, including dismissal.9. If you are no longer a full-time student, briefly describe your current employment, community, and/or educational activities.
10. For Repeat Applicants Only: Since your last application, note any relevant academic, employment, and personal experiences that enhance your ability to be a better physician.
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Kentucky
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
2024–2025
Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine?
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine's (UKCOM) mission statement promotes a diverse and inclusive environment that provides excellence in education, equitable health care, and transformative research to improve the health and wellness of Kentuckians and beyond. Please describe how your past experiences or future plans contribute to enriching and enhancing the learning environment at UKCOM.
If you are a non Kentucky resident, you are required to elaborate on your Kentucky ties if applicable (personal, familial e.g.)
Your combination of life experiences make you uniquely you. Talk about one such experience and how it has helped you prepare to be a physician.
Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful?
Please share unique, personally important, and/or challenging facts in your life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine.
Describe a situation where you were not in the majority.
Please indicate your campus choice. Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus.
University of Louisville School of Medicine
2024–2025
Why are you choosing to apply to the University of Louisville School of Medicine? (500 characters)
Academic productivity and the ability to engage in extracurricular achievements can be impacted by a number of challenges. For example, students who come from rural areas, who held regular employment during college years, or who are the first in their families to graduate from college may not have the same access to opportunities and support as students from other environments. Adversity can shape both the person you are and what you have to offer your future classmates, colleagues and patients. Please describe any challenges that you consider significant in your lived experience. (500 characters)
What has been your most significant contribution to your community, through service or volunteerism? What was its impact on the community and on you? (1000 characters)
The University of Louisville School of Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of our patients and the diverse communities we serve through excellence and leadership in education, patient care, research and community engagement. Describe how your life experiences and personal attributes prepare you to provide excellent and equitable care to diverse patient populations. (500 characters)
Which areas of medical practice are you interested in pursuing during residency? How do you see yourself practicing medicine after residency training, including location? (500 characters)
If you are not a Kentucky resident, please explain any personal or familial ties to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. If you are a Kentucky resident type "Not Applicable" in the text box below. (500 characters)
University of Pikeville–Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
Have you previously applied? (500 word limit)
Please describe your experience with osteopathic medicine, such as your care and treatment from a DO and your shadowing experience with a DO (including number of hours). Please describe how your experience has influenced your decision to apply to an osteopathic medical school.
(500 word limit)
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Louisiana
Louisiana State University – New Orleans School of Medicine
2024–2025
LSU uses forms (rather than essays) for most of its secondary. The following prompt is the optional essay for this year:
14. (Optional) If you wish, you may attach an essay of reasonable length (500-600 words) using the prompt "your values.”
Prompts for applicants to Primary Care Scholars program and Rural Scholars Track:
2022–2023
Please provide specific information about your immediate and extended family that live in rural or underserved communities in Louisiana. (i.e., relationship, community, occupation, etc.)
List all extracurricular activities during college, e.g., volunteer work, clubs, etc. Please indicate the duration and nature of your participation.
Describe your involvement in your home community prior to and since attending college, e.g., community groups, activities, or volunteer efforts, etc. Please indicate your length of time of involvement.
List your hobbies and interests.
Based on your own personal experience, observations and insights, describe the roles and responsibilities of a rural or primary care physician.
Why do you feel you are a suitable candidate for the Rural Scholar Track (RST), and/or the Patrick F. Taylor Primary Care Scholar Program (PFT)?
Primary Care Scholars program applicants:
What other career possibilities have you considered?
Describe your personal experiences and knowledge of rural and/or community life.
Do you have any commitments or obligations that will interfere with practicing medicine in Louisiana immediately following completion of a residency program (i.e., military, ROTC, religious, etc.?) If yes, please describe.
Rural Scholars Track applicants: What medical specialty possibilities have you considered?
Louisiana State University – Shreveport School of Medicine
2024–2025
Briefly describe the key motivational factor(s) in your decision to apply to LSU Health Shreveport and any additional information about yourself you feel would be of interest to the Admissions Committee in consideration of your application. (500 characters)
If your State of Legal Residence is not Louisiana, briefly describe what ties you have to LSU Health Shreveport and/or the area. (500 characters)
Tulane University School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Tulane Medical School)
2024–2025
Tulane University School of Medicine’s mission statement states: We improve human health and foster healthy communities through discovery and translation of the best science into clinical practice and education; to deliver the highest quality patient care and prepare the next generation of distinguished clinical and scientific leaders. Briefly describe the reasons for your interest in Tulane University School of Medicine. (150 words)
What disparities in health do you believe are pertinent to the New Orleans patient population? How would you attempt to address them as a medical student at Tulane? You may support your answer by using past involvement working in a similar patient population to compare and/or describe your interest in any student activities offered at Tulane or in New Orleans. (150 words)
Who knows you best and how would they describe you? (150 words)
Please list any leadership positions (clubs, organizations, paid work) you may have held. (100 words)
Please list your hobbies and major non-academic interests. (150 words)
(OPTIONAL) Tulane University School of Medicine values the diversity of its patients, faculty, staff, and students. Do you identify with a particular group that you believe is underrepresented among medical professionals? (60 words)
(OPTIONAL) In what ways did the COVID-19 pandemic alter/interrupt your medical school application? (No limit)
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Maine
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Note: Questions are contained within the AACOMAS primary application.
Have you previously applied to the University of New England (undergraduate, graduate, or professional)? (2000 characters)
Have you had any contact with UNE COM via alumni, faculty, staff or students? (2000 characters)
Are you related to any alumni of UNE COM? (2000 characters)
What is your interest in attending UNE COM? (2000 characters)
a) If you previously only applied to Allopathic medical schools, why are you now applying to Osteopathic Medical schools? Please be concise and specific. b) If this is more than your first round of application to medical schools, what have you done to enhance your preparedness? Please be concise and specific. (2000 characters)
UNE COM’s curriculum is built on a foundation of collaborative team-based education. Give an example of when you worked in an effective academic or professional group. Explain why a team-based approach is the right model for your medical education. (2000 characters)
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Maryland
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Johns Hopkins Medical School)
2024–2025
Note: Following the list of questions, we’ve also included another section with questions. These are Yes/No questions, but if you answer Yes, you then have space (to fit the 200- to 400-word limits) to develop your response. For this reason, we felt it important to include those questions as well.
Please review the Johns Hopkins Medicine Website. Is there an area of medicine or a particular medical specialty at Johns Hopkins that interests you and why? (400 word limit)
Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application if needed (400 word limit)
Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity. Include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician (400 word limit)
Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (400 word limit)
Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention…it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years where you experienced wonder in your everyday life. Although experiences related to your clinical or research work may be the first to come to mind, we encourage you to think of an experience that is unrelated to medicine or science. What did you learn from that experience? (500 word limit)
Please review the Johns Hopkins Medicine Equity Statement before answering the question below.
The Johns Hopkins Medicine Equity Statement:
At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we believe that everyone has a role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in health care, research, and education.
We must acknowledge, actively address and work toward effectively managing our negative biases, so that we collectively make decisions that improve the lives of our patients, our colleagues, our learners, and our community.
We stand against discrimination and oppression in all their forms.
It is vital that we achieve equity for all, including those who are most vulnerable.
The purpose of this essay is to get to know you as an individual and a potential medical student. Please describe how your personal background informs your decision to apply to Johns Hopkins Medicine and what has influenced your desire to become a physician in a Medical community that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first-generation college student, or being a part of a minority group, (whether because of your gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, socio-economic status, political affiliation, first-generation status, religion, etc.) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. (500 word limit)
(OPTIONAL) Would you like to share any additional information with the Admissions Committee about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application?
This space can also address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider (300 words)
Additional questions (“Educational History”)
Have you ever applied to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (MD or MD/PhD programs) before?
Yes
No
To which prior application year(s) have you applied?Please share with us how you have reflected upon and grown since your previous application. Discuss any new updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements, etc.) (400 word limit)
Have you ever interrupted your college education for a semester or longer?
Yes
No
Please describe what you did during that break in enrollment (400 word limit)Have you ever been placed on probation, dismissed, or suspended from any college or university for reasons pertaining to academic and/or campus judicial integrity?
Yes
No
Please explain (500 word limit)Have you have ever been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to any felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations)?
Yes
No
Please explain (400 word limit)Have you have already received your bachelor’s degree?
Yes
No
Please describe what you have been doing since graduation and your plans for the upcoming year (400 word limit)We recognize academic journeys can be complex and varied. If applicable, please briefly explain any withdrawals (W), incompletes (I), or academic coursework grades below a B on your transcript. Your explanation helps us understand your academic history better and how you have overcome challenges.
Do you have any other dual/integrated degree interests at Johns Hopkins University (MPH, MS, etc.)?
Yes
No
Please explain. (200 word limit)
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: Within 21 days of the invite. (This information was confirmed with the school.)
2024–2025
Medicine and Officership are time-honored professions that unite at “America’s Medical School” in rewarding and challenging ways. What are your thoughts and impressions about serving as a uniformed medical corps officer, and why do you want to pursue this career path? (1500 characters)
The Uniformed Services University features a unique curriculum that prepares students to care for those in harm’s way. Please describe what in your research about our school and its values attracts you to our institution’s mission and approach. (1500 characters)
Our Admissions Committee assembles classes of students with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experiences, and talents. Please describe how a special quality or experience of yours has informed your ability to participate well in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. (1500 characters)
(Optional) You may use this field to enter any information that you would like to share that was not provided on your AMCAS application. (2000 characters)
University of Maryland School of Medicine
2024–2025
How would you describe your cultural background? (optional, 1000 characters)
Describe here the reason why you are specifically interested in attending the University of Maryland School of Medicine. (1000 characters)
Have you previously met or attended/seen a presentation by a University of Maryland School of Medicine Admissions
staff member at an open house, college fair, conference, school visit, etc.? If yes, please explain. (1000 characters)
Aside from summer and holiday breaks, have there been any pauses or delays in your education semesters between high school and college, during college, or after college? If yes, please explain (1000 characters)
Please describe what you will be doing during the 2024-2025 academic year. If you graduated/will graduate in 2024, what are your plans for the coming year until you matriculate to medical school? (1000 characters)
If you’ve experienced academic challenges while in college and/or graduate or professional school, please describe and explain below. Please be sure to include withdrawals, incompletes, poor grades, etc. (Optional, 1000 characters)
Briefly describe your most meaningful exposure to clinical medicine. (1500 characters)
Briefly describe your most satisfying experience related to community service. (1500 characters)
Without limiting the discussion to your own identity, please describe how you envision contributing to the values of equity and inclusivity at our School of Medicine, and in the medical profession. (1500 characters)
What does it mean to you to enter into a profession? (1500 characters)
MSTP Prompts
Please indicate the MD/PhD program you are most interested in (drop-down menu).
Why are you applying to the MD/PhD Program at the UMSOM? (2500 characters)
Please list the name(s) of your MD/PhD letter of recommendation writers who can focus on your research potential. (2500 characters)
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Massachusetts
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Massachusetts: How to Get In)
Boston University School of Medicine
2024–2025
(Questions 1, 2, 5, 6 are REQUIRED)
Did you go on to college directly after high school? (Y/N) (if no, explain - 1400 characters)
Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree? (Y/N) (Post bac work is NOT considered undergraduate. If attending a post bac program prior to entering medical school, the answer is NO and should be explained.) If you took gap year(s), please use this space to explain what you have been doing prior to applying to medical school. (1400 characters)
If you have spent more than 4 years as an undergraduate, please explain below. (You may skip this question if you have graduated within 4 years.) (1400 characters)
Please provide a narrative or timeline to describe any features of your educational history that you think may be of particular interest to us. For example, have you lived in another country or experienced a culture unlike your own, or worked in a field that contributed to your understanding of people unlike yourself? Or, have you experienced advanced training in any area, including the fields of art, music, or sports? This is an opportunity to describe learning experiences that may not be covered in other areas of this application or your AMCAS application. It is not necessary to write anything in this section. Also use this section to explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational/research/volunteering or employment plans. (2000 characters)
Core Competencies: Explain in each box below, how your coursework exemplifies knowledge competency in each subject area. These are broad subject areas. You should list courses, and other pertinent information. (For example, Biology: Intro Bio 101, Intro Bio lab 102, Anatomy 201, summer research in cell biology with Professor Smith; Humanities: Freshman English, History of Civilization, Philosophy 101, English writing tutor 2 semesters). Add text to explain your entries if necessary.
Include courses that you have completed or anticipate completing prior to matriculation.
For sciences, include both lectures and labs.
We will accept your school's definition of lab experience for Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biological Sciences.
Use your transcript and university course classifications as a guide. Courses may be listed more than once if the subject matter falls into more than one core competency.
Non U.S. or non-Canadian educated applicant must have completed a minimum of (2) two years of academic work at an institution accredited by and located in the U.S. or Canada, which should include study in the core competencies listed.
There is no right or wrong answer here. You will be contacted if the Committee on Admissions has any questions regarding your answers.
If you have nothing to list under a particular category, write N/A. (600 characters each)
Biology:
Chemistry:
Physics:
Mathematics:
Humanities (including English)
Why BU Chobanian & Avedisian SOM? Boston Medical Center is the largest safety net hospital in New England, serving primarily people who are publicly insured, people of color, immigrants, and low-income people in the Greater Boston Area. Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment? (3000 characters)
Optional Essay: (3000 characters)
Use the space below to provide additional information you feel will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of your strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine. This should include only information NOT already included in your AMCAS or other sections of the Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Supplemental Application. Most applicants leave this blank. Yes, it's really optional.
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Harvard Medical School)
2024–2025
A. Marital Status
B. Are your parents/guardians Harvard Medical School alumni (MD or MD-PhD) or faculty members?
C. On average how many hours per week did you devote to employment during the academic year?
D. If you have already graduated, briefly summarize your activities since graduation. (4000 characters)
E. If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity not addressed elsewhere in the application that may illuminate how you could contribute to the medical school and that you would like to share with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, or other aspects of your personal or family background to place your prior academic achievements in context or provide further information about your motivation for a career in medicine or the perspectives you might bring to the medical school community. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. (4000 characters)
F. The interview season for the 2024-2025 cycle will be held virtually and is anticipated to run from mid-September through January 2025. Please indicate any significant (three or more weeks) restriction on your availability for interviews during this period. If none, please leave this section blank. (1000 characters)
For HST applicants:
The HST MD program draws on the combined resources of Harvard and MIT to provide a distinct preclinical education tailored to preparing students for careers as transformative physicians who will shape the future practice of medicine. Our students come from the full spectrum of disciplines including biological, physical, engineering and social sciences. HST classes are small, commonly include graduate students and have an emphasis on quantitative and analytic approaches. The unique HST pre-clinical curriculum prepares students well for the HMS clinical education while also emphasizing disease mechanisms and preparing students to solve critical unmet needs in medicine and healthcare (ranging from novel diagnostics and therapeutics to applications of ‘big data’ and systems engineering).
Please focus on how your interests, experiences and aspirations have prepared you for HST (rather than identifying specific HST faculty or research opportunities). (4000 character maximum)
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Tufts University School of Medicine
2024–2025
Do you wish to share a specific reason why have you chosen to apply to Tufts University School of Medicine? (Yes/No) (1000 characters)
Please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. Will you be a student, working, conducting research, volunteering, or other activities? (1000 characters)
Please tell us about your journey to medical school and how your background and experiences will positively impact your future as a medical student and physician. If you have experienced personal circumstances or hardships that have helped you develop qualities that you believe will allow you to better serve your future patients and the medical community as a whole, please share those experiences in your response. (1000 characters)
Which of your experiences with clinical medicine or healthcare has best prepared you for a future career as a physician, and why? Please tell us about the specific experience, the skills you acquired, and the insights you gained about the profession of medicine. (1000 characters)
Tufts University School of Medicine is committed to social responsibility, and to serve and advocate for all people. Have you done substantial work or service that has contributed to societal good, or addressed social determinants of health, health equity, or social justice? (Yes/No) (1000 characters)
Do you have any withdrawals or repeated coursework listed on your transcript(s). (1000 characters)
Did you take any leaves of absence or significant breaks from your undergraduate education? (Do not include time off after graduation.) (1000 characters)
Because your academics (grades and MCAT scores) will not be shared with interviewers until after you complete your interview, we encourage you to use this space to elaborate on any academic challenges you have overcome since completing high school. We understand that many applicants encounter academic hardships along the way. We believe that such difficulties offer an opportunity for growth and would appreciate learning how your experiences have affected your approach to academics. If you have not encountered any difficulties, you may answer 'No.' (1000 characters)
University of Massachusetts Medical School
2023–2024
The following note is from admissions:
The secondary application has a required field for inputting Calculus; however, we would like to confirm it is not required. We have since removed this field from the application. For the Secondary question #6 (below) this is a required essay for all applicants. Our instructions incorrectly state it is for MD/PhD applicants; however, we need all applicants (MD and MD/PhD) to complete this important essay. If you have already submitted your secondary application without completing this prompt, we have automatically unsubmitted your application so you may add this.
Additionally,
MD applicants must answer questions 1, 2, 4, and 6 while MD/PhD applicants must also answer question 7 in addition to 1, 2, 4, and 6.
Questions 3 and 5 are options but should be answered if you participated in a UMass Chan Medical/Baystate sponsored program and if you are taking/took gap time respectively.
Questions:
We would like to learn how you developed and demonstrated core professionalism competencies that are required of entering medical students. Please respond to the first prompt (#1; Diversity). Then select three of the other six prompts (#2-#7). Each response should be 150-200 words. Use the text box below for your answer. Separate each of your four responses by writing the competency above/before your response (example: Teamwork - All teams have their struggles, but they can be overcome...).
UMass Chan Medical School strives to be a diverse academic community mindful of the fact that diversity makes our community stronger and benefits the patients we serve. Share your definition of diversity. Describe an example where you contributed to the diversity of a group, team or class. Connect this to how you will contribute to the diversity of the UMass Chan Medical School community. (Diversity)
Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)
Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)
Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)
Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)
Describe a time when you have "thought outside the box" to solve a problem. (Inquiry)
Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)
Please discuss any part of your application that you feel requires further explanation. For example, discuss grades or MCAT scores that do not reflect your true ability, and/or a gap in time that is not explained elsewhere in your application. Discuss any impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on your academic, service, extracurricular or employment experiences. If you are reapplying to T.H. Chan SOM, highlight how you have strengthened your application. (250 words)
If you have participated in T.H. Chan SOM or UMass Memorial Health Care, or UMass Chan Medical-Baystate sponsored programs (SEP, Summer Research Program, Worcester Pipeline Collaborative, AHEC, BaccMD, HSPP, Academic Internships, BSEP, Summer Scholars) please describe how these programs helped you decide to apply to T.H. Chan SOM. (200 words)
Why did you apply to T.H. Chan SOM? (200 words)
If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200 words)
Please describe an example of your personal and/or professional experience with and understanding of systemic inequity, exclusion, or lack of representation in health care in the United States. How did you arrive at this understanding? (200 words)
Track specific-questions:
Purch - Please describe how a focus on population health and healthcare disparities will benefit you in your training and/or career. Please limit your response to less than or equal to 500 words.
LEAD@Lahey - Based on your interests and life experiences, please describe how you might be a good fit for the LEAD@Lahey Pathway at UMass Chan Medical School. What unique experiences and perspectives might you bring to the class? Please limit your response to 250 words or less
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Michigan
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Michigan: How to Get In)
Central Michigan University College of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: 2 weeks from the time of invitation (This information was confirmed with the school.)
2024–2025
Describe your motivation for applying to the CMU College of Medicine and your future career in medicine. Finally, describe how your preparation and background will contribute to the mission of the CMU College of Medicine. (1000 words)
If you have applied to any medical school in previous cycles, what have you done since your last application to prepare yourself for a career in medicine? If you have not applied to medical school previously, write “N/A” in the box. (1000 words)
Please provide a brief summary of your affiliation with any County selected. (There is a list of counties above the text box that you can choose from). (250 words)
If applicable, describe any activities you have participated in since degree completion. (No word limit mentioned.) This question only appears if you answer that you are not currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in the "Biographic Data" portion of the application.)
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
2024–2025
Standardized Essays
1. Imagine your professional life 15 years from now and briefly detail where you envision yourself and what you hope to be doing. Describe your most meaningful career accomplishment by that time and explain why it is significant. (500 words)
2. Considering your life experiences and the lens through which you view the world, share your thoughts and perspectives about how systemic injustices and inequities have 1) affected you directly, and/or 2) shaped your perspective on society. (500 words)
3. If you could present yourself to the Admissions Committee, what would you want to make sure they knew (or remembered) about you? (500 words)
Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved Program (LMU) Essays
1. Why are you interested in the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved Program? Be specific. (400 words)
2. How have your past experiences prepared you for the challenges of a medical practice in an underserved area? (400 words)
3. A central component of this program is that students achieve low-intermediate proficiency in a second language by the time they reach the third year of medical school. Explain your current second language proficiency and/or your plan for achieving low-intermediate proficiency in a second language. (400 words)
4. What are the advantages of using a public health approach to maximize individual and population health status? (400 words)
LMR Program Essays
1. What motivated you to pursue a career in rural medicine? (250 words)
2. How have your past experiences prepared you for the challenges of a medical practice in a rural area? (250 words)
3. Are you interested in interviewing for the Rural Physician Program (RPP), the Rural Community Health Program (R-CHP), or would you like to interview for both programs? (250 words)
Medical Partners in Public Health Certificate Program (MD-PH) Essays
1. Why are you interested in the Medical Partners in Public Health Certificate program, and what will you plan to do in your future practice with the information and skills gained from this experience? (400 words)
2. Please describe any formal training that you have had in public health. (400 words)
3. Please describe any public health-related experiences that you have had. (400 words)
4. Are there any other considerations that you wish to share with the committee? (400 words)
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
Have you applied to MSUCOM previously? (Y/N)
The MSUCOM curriculum stresses the importance of intrapersonal competencies, including personal responsibility and adaptability. Please tell us a time when you were faced with a challenge in these areas and how that challenge impacted your professional growth. (300 words)
What aspects of professionalism do you believe are most crucial for a physician, and how have you demonstrated these qualities in your preparation for medical school? (300 words)
Please tell us how you learned about the osteopathic profession by checking all of the following selections that apply. (check boxes)
Have you participated in the following MSUCOM Programs: (check boxes)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You may provide additional information, not stated elsewhere, you feel may help the Admissions Committee gain a better understanding of your candidacy. This may include major life achievements or explanations of academic or non-academic discrepancies on your application. You may also include interests or work experiences.
You are not required to complete this field. If you do not have additional information to share write "N/A" in the box below. (500 words)
In what ways have you engaged with osteopathic physicians, been influenced by osteopathic professional identity, or otherwise have enthusiasm for the osteopathic profession? You are not required to complete this field. If you do not have additional information to share, write "N/A" in the box below. (500 words)
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: 2 weeks from the time of invitation (This information was confirmed with the school.)
2024–2025
Oakland County has a diverse patient population with a health equity divide that has resulted in a vulnerable group of patients that are underserved. Select an obstacle that primary care physicians face that work in these types of communities and discuss possible solutions. (400 words)
Please select one or more of OUWB's values and describe any experiences (personal, clinical, and/or service) you've had that align to those values. The values of OUWB are Collaboration, Compassion, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Excellence, Professionalism. (400 words)
In clinical bioethics you will learn how we all have to make complex decisions that sometimes do not match our personal beliefs. Accordingly, is it important to do what you believe is right or what you have been instructed to do? How would you approach this dilemma? (400 words)
(Optional) Is there anything you want the admissions committee to know about your qualifications for medical school that are not already represented in your application materials? For example, if you have already graduated, briefly summarize your activities since graduation. Note: This space is provided for new information only, not to promote qualifications already highlighted in your other materials. (400 words)
University of Michigan Medical School
2024–2025
Respond to either of the following, depending on which program you are applying to:
MD applicants: How do you hope to impact medicine and improve patient care in the future and why do you need a medical degree to fulfill these goals? (1500 characters)
MSTP applicants: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. If relevant, please describe your gap/growth year plans. (1500 characters)
Please describe the impact of your identity and experiences on your growth and development, and how it may impact your career as a physician. (1500 characters)
The University of Michigan Medical School strives to be a place of equity and belonging for diverse patients, learners, and healthcare professionals. Please describe your experience advancing inclusion and how you envision contributing to our community’s mission.
(1500 characters)
Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore. (1500 characters)
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Wayne State University School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: 2 weeks from the time of invitation (This information was confirmed with the school.)
2024–2025
Please consider the Wayne State University School of Medicine Mission Statement when answering the questions below.
Mission Statement: We will educate a diverse student body in an urban setting and within a culture of inclusion, through high quality education, clinical excellence, pioneering research, local investment in our community and innovative technology, to prepare physician and biomedical scientific leaders to achieve health and wellness for our society.
When reflecting on the roles and responsibilities of a physician, please discuss what motivated your interest? What are potential challenges to pursuing a career in medicine? (1250 characters)
What are the healthcare challenges faced by marginalized communities and underserved communities in the United States? Why do these healthcare challenges exist? How would you address them? (1250 characters)
Which of your experiences or activities align with WSU SOM's mission? Please discuss how they align. (1250 characters)
Please answer if you have had a gap (career change, re-applicant, additional education, etc.). A "gap" is defined as a period of time between the end of your undergraduate education and the start of medical school. What activities have you participated in or plan to participate in during this period? How does this relate to your future career in medicine? (1250 characters)
Western Michigan University School of Medicine
2024–2025
Please explain both of the following:
The specific reason(s) you have chosen to apply to WMed and
How you will utilize the unique features of WMed's mission, vision, and curriculum to achieve your career goals. (2000 characters)
Describe how you add to the cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the medical profession and what you bring to the practice of medicine - your values, skills, talents, and life experiences. (2000 characters)
Re-Applicants Only: Describe the changes to your application from previous cycles - include academics, experiences, and/or personal attributes. (2000 characters)
(Optional): Please explain any connection you have to Southwest Michigan. (2000 characters)
(Optional): Is there any additional information not included elsewhere in your application you would like the admissions committee to know?
(2000 characters)
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Minnesota
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Minnesota: How to Get In)
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine)
MD Applicants
2024–2025
Why are you specifically interested in pursuing your medical education at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine? Please tell us in a few sentences why you are interested in the top track choice you indicated. (500 words)
Each of us relates to others through characteristics that make up our individual diversity. Tell us how your diversity is reflected not only in your personal and professional activities, but also in your relationship with others, particularly in diverse learning environments. (500 words)
MSTP Applicants
2023-2024
In the space below, write a brief paragraph (max. 500 characters) explaining why you are specifically applying to the Mayo Clinic MD-PhD Program.
University of Minnesota Medical School*
Time-sensitive considerations: "It is strongly recommended that applicants complete the supplemental application within two weeks of receiving the invitation."
2024–2025
1. Which mission are you interested in being considered for? You may only choose one.
General Admission
Rural Health
Indigenous Health
If you selected Rural Health for the mission:
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving patients and families in rural Minnesota. Reflect on what “rural Minnesota community” means to you. Describe your experience in and ties to rural Minnesota areas. What do you view as the greatest healthcare practice needs in rural Minnesota, and how will your future practice help fill these needs? (1500 characters)If you selected Indigenous Health for the mission:
The University of Minnesota Medical School is dedicated to educating future physicians who have demonstrated an interest in serving Indigenous communities. Describe your experience in and ties to Indigenous communities. What do you view as the greatest healthcare needs in Indigenous communities, and how will your future practice help fill these needs? (1500 characters)
2. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Explain how a learning environment that embodies these values is crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you might contribute to this learning environment. Share specific examples from professional or personal experiences to support your explanation and reflection. (1500 characters)
3. Describe a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem that you encountered in any realm where you asked questions, gathered information, thought through possible solutions and their alternatives, and evaluated what you did critically. Please include in your discussion what you learned from this experience. (1500 characters)
4. Describe a time when you experienced an obstacle, challenge or failure. How did it affect you? What did you learn? (1500 characters)
5. Why do you want to go to medical school in the state of MN? (Consider the state of Minnesota and its population.) (1500 characters)
6. (Optional) How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician? (1500 characters)
7. (Optional) What other pertinent information would you like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? This is an opportunity for you to discuss an aspect of your journey to medicine that you have not already presented in your application. You may also update us with any current experiences that were not included in your AMCAS application. (1500 characters)
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Mississippi
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
2022–2023
Please discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic affected your academic preparation for medical school or extracurricular opportunities. Please also discuss any other impact of the pandemic that you would like the admissions committee to know. (2500 characters)
Please outline your motivation for pursuing the medical degree. (3000 characters)
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
Statement of Purpose:
The Mission of the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) is to prepare men and women to become osteopathic physicians through an emphasis on primary care, lifelong learning, research and scholarly activities, and service, including osteopathic clinical service, and graduate medical education. Using a community-based training model, the COM will educate and train graduates who are committed to serving the healthcare needs of all individuals, with special attention directed to the medically underserved and diverse populations of the state, region, nation and across the globe. In the space below (not to exceed 500 words), please explain how your ambitions and career plans will help WCUCOM fulfill this mission.
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Missouri
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Missouri: How to Get In)
A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
What particular qualities do you feel you can bring to KCOM? (Please limit your response to 500 words or less. All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)
What specific experience/exposure have you had with osteopathic medicine? How has this influenced your decision to become an osteopathic physician? (Please limit your response to 500 words or less. All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)
Please list any changes or updates to your AACOMAS application. This section may be left blank if your AACOMAS application is complete and accurate.
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "Secondary applications are due within 21 days of your invitation."
2024–2025
What other medical schools did you apply to? (not required)
Recall and discuss a time in your life when you had an epiphany event and how that changed your life and future. Describe a time in your life when you experienced a tragedy that may have altered your thoughts about choosing medicine as a career.
You are sitting in a room full of extremely high achievers at New Student Orientation; share the strategies you deploy to combat imposter syndrome.
How do you maintain confidence and success while navigating medical school's academic rigor and demands?
Share if and how you would tackle the below scenarios:
A friend tells you they are afraid a peer is experiencing dating violence at the hands of another peer.
A peer starts appearing disheveled, losing weight, and isolating themselves.
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
2024–2025
Has any family member been a student (current or past) at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine? Please do not include affiliation with the SLU undergraduate campus in this space. If you are unsure please go ahead and include the information. Y/N
Please select any of following criteria that applies to you:
Attended a SLU Program (such as AIMS, Summer Scholars, Summer Undergraduate Research Program, MAPP, etc)
Family member is/was a resident, fellow, faculty or staff member (current or past) at SLU School of Medicine or SLUCare (Please do not include family affiliation with the SLU undergraduate campus in this space)
Will you be a full-time student for the 2024-2025 academic year?Y/N
If no, Please describe your current activities... (max 1,000 characters)
Please check one that applies to you during your time as an undergraduate student:
Paid employment for an average of 10-19 hrs/week for 4 years
Paid employment for an average of 20+ hrs/week for 4 years
Played varsity sports for 3+ years
Not Applicable
Other
Do you have a premedical advisor? Y/N
Do you wish to include any comments to the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine Admissions Committee (e.g. why you chose to apply to SLU, other extenuating circumstances, etc.)? Y/N
If yes, please explain (1000 characters)
Tell us about a time when you were the "other": (1000 characters)
Were you ever the recipient of any action (e.g. dismissal, disqualification, suspension, etc.) by any college for unacceptable academic performance or conduct violations? Y/N
I have read and understand the academic and technical standards and can comply with those requirements. Y/N
University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine
2024–2025
Why are you interested in attending the University of Missouri School of Medicine? (1200 characters)
How will you add a unique perspective to the medical school and the practice of medicine? (1200 characters)
How will you contribute to an inclusive learning environment at the medical school and the practice of medicine? (2000 characters)
Is there anything that was not fully addressed in your application and/or any additional updates since submitting the AMCAS application? (2000 characters)
(Re-applicant essay): Since your last application attempt how has your application improved? (3000 characters)
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine
2024–2025
We educate physicians/healthcare providers to provide care for individuals with various identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Describe any interests, abilities and/or experiences that prepare you to participate in and contribute to that learning environment. (1000 word limit)
Did either of your parents/guardians attend the UMKC School of Medicine? Y/N
If you are not a resident of Missouri, do you have any ties to the state or metro area? Y/N
Please describe how COVID-19 has impacted your pathway to becoming a Physician. The questions below will help you get started but do not limit your responses to these considerations: (2500 word limit)
Academic: Did your school move to an online-only curriculum? Were you able to interact with your professors? Did you have to leave an academic program stateside or abroad? Did your school require you to move to the Pass/Fail grading system? Did your original MCAT exam get canceled or delayed? Were there other academic barriers?
Professional: Did you hold a job? Did you have to go out and seek new job opportunities? Did you lose a job? Were there other financial or professional barriers that you faced?
Personal: Did you have to move out of a house or dorm? Did you have to cancel travel plans? Did you modify your planned experiences related to healthcare or volunteer opportunities? Did you seek out volunteer opportunities that arose from the crisis?
Are you from a rural community? Y/N
If you are interested in rural healthcare or in practicing a specialty that meets the needs of underserved rural communities, please describe your interest in this aspect of healthcare. (No limit)
Did you participate in UMKC’s Summer Scholars Program? Y/N
Did you participate in UMKC’s Saturday Academy Program? Y/N
Are you a reapplicant to the UMKC School of Medicine? Y/N
Have you had any prior interaction with the UMKC School of Medicine?
Attended a virtual or on-campus visit
Spoke with a staff or faculty member
Shadowed or volunteered at a clinical site
Attended a camp or conference at UMKC
Other
Washington University School of Medicine*
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Washington University School of Medicine)
Time-sensitive considerations: "We strongly recommend that you complete your Supplemental Application within two weeks of being invited to do so..."
2024–2025
Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)
(OPTIONAL) Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe unique experiences, obstacles, and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (3000 characters)
Have you been out of school for more than a year? (yes/no) If yes: Describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)
MSTP Applicants
Briefly describe the area of research you would like to explore in graduate school (1800 characters)
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Nebraska
Creighton University School of Medicine
2024–2025
Please copy and paste essays composed in Word (or any other word processing program) into Notepad and then into the secondary application. This will ensure that the essays paste correctly into the system.
Please state your reasons for applying to Creighton University School of Medicine. (2000 characters)
Being "Women and Men for and with Others" is one of the Jesuit tenets that is critical to CUSOM's mission. How have your values and life experiences aligned with this tenet and reflect how you might to continue to do so while at Creighton? (2000 characters)
Using an example or examples, describe the effect that your experience(s) engaging with disadvantaged and/or underserved populations have had on your own growth and development. Reflect on how this/these experience(s) will impact your career as a future physician. (2000 characters)
Describe how you have dealt with a personal challenge or major obstacle that you have overcome. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during the challenges you might face in medical school. (2000 characters)
Please reflect on your entire application, is there anything you would like to further share with the Admissions Committee? Gap(s) in your education, personal and/or academic challenges, etc. (optional) (2000 characters)
Please describe your current activities/employment if you are not currently enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)
At Creighton we are committed to the service of others through non-medical volunteer activities. Please list all your non-medical community service hours post high school. Please list any experiences, including those previously described on your AMCAS application. Include a brief description, dates and number of hours for each event. (300 characters per activity)
Additional essays if you answer "Yes" to the following:
Will you be applying to the Creighton University School of Medicine MD/PhD program?
A. Please state your reasons for applying to Creighton University School of Medicine MD/PhD program. Within the essay, discuss:
How the degree will enhance your medical career.
Your personal career goals and how your goals relate to the healthcare community and society as a whole. (2000 characters)
B. Please explain your preparation for the MD/PhD program. Within the essay, discuss your significant research experience(s) and technical capabilities. (2000 characters)
Will you be applying to The Arrupe Global Scholars and Partnerships Program? Please note that applying for the Program does not exclude you from our separate regular MD applicant pool.
A: What does global health mean to you and how does it apply to your professional goals? (Reflect on your previous experiences in Global Health or share your future aspirations in this field.) (4000 characters)
B: Discuss how the Arrupe Global Scholars and Partnerships Program will prepare you differently than a traditional MD program for a future in Global Health. (4000 characters)
C: Explain why the additional program year obtaining an MPH degree is valuable for your future goals. (2000 characters)
D: Describe how your personal experiences have shaped your understanding of cultural humility. Explain why cultural humility is important for your future in the field of Global Health or important for physicians working in Global Health. (2000 characters)
E: What aspects of the Arrupe Global Scholars and Partnerships program do you foresee to be the most challenging and how would you respond to those challenges? (2000 characters)
University of Nebraska College of Medicine
2024–2025
If you have been away from full-time academics for more than two years, please explain. (N/A if not applicable) (750 characters)
If you are a re-applicant to the UNMC College of Medicine, how is your application different this year? (N/A if not applicable) (750 characters)
If this is your first application to UNMC, but not your first application to medical school, what is your rationale for applying to UNMC this cycle? (N/A if not applicable) (750 characters)
What is your personal rationale for applying to the UNMC College of Medicine, especially if you are not from Nebraska? (1000 characters)
Have you had a personal interaction with UNMC faculty or advisors that prompted your application to UNMC College of Medicine (N/A if not applicable) (750 characters)
What are you most proud of in your life? (1500 characters)
Tell us about a time when you have had to overcome adversity. (1500 characters)
How do you know that you want to be a physician? (1500 characters)
Tell us something about yourself that will enhance the UNMC College of Medicine? (1500 characters)
What have you learned from working with people whose background is different from yours? (1500 characters)
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Nevada
Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
Why are you interested in pursuing this degree at Touro Nevada? (1500 characters)
What award(s) or recognition(s) have you received within the last five years? (1500 characters) (Optional)
What volunteer experience have you had during the last three years? (1500 characters) (Optional)
What research experience have you had during the last three years? (1500 characters) (Optional)
Please tell us about your extracurricular activities or hobbies. (1500 characters) (Optional)
University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine
2024–2025
(REQUIRED) Why are you interested in the Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV and how does your background and future goals contribute to our mission? (500 words)
(REQUIRED) Briefly discuss how you envision yourself contributing to the care of our growing and diverse population in the state of Nevada. (500 words)
(REQUIRED) Briefly discuss how you define professionalism and how you will demonstrate professionalism in the classroom at the Kerkorian School of Medicine and in clinical training settings in our valley. (500 words)
(REQUIRED) Provide a BRIEF chronological list of your time since graduating from high school up to the point of applying to medical school. Do not write in essay form here. This should simply be a list by years. (250 words)
(OPTIONAL) Applicants who are Nevada Connection are strongly encouraged to share more about their ties to Nevada in this essay. Nevada residents or applicants who are out of state (western region) with no tie to Nevada may also use this box to elaborate on their commitment to Nevada, per our mission, if they would like. (250 words)
(OPTIONAL) Applicants are welcome to share with the Admissions Committee any disruptions or impacts to your application components, the application process, and/or your personal life that may be relevant to your holistic profile. Please also use this area to present any information related to academic and/or MCAT performance that requires further information. (250 words)
(OPTIONAL) If you have any other information you believe is important for the Admissions Committee to consider, please include it here. Do not restate information already in your primary AMCAS application. (250 words)
University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine
2023–2024
Please share why you want to pursue your medical education at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine; describe any connections to Northern Nevada communities; and how you are prepared to contribute to UNR Med’s vision of a Healthy Nevada. (300 words)
Describe a time when you were part of a team that was struggling to meet objectives. How did you react? What would you do differently? What did you take away from this experience that will influence your approach to working on a team in the future? (300 words)
Reflect on and describe an experience where you provided care or service to individuals from populations that commonly experience health care disparities. Discuss what you learned about the socio-cultural or economic factors that affect underserved populations and describe how your interactions with these individuals motivated or prepared you for a future in medicine. (300 words)
Describe a time when you faced a significant life crisis or an academic, personal, or professional failure. How did you respond, what did you learn, and how did the experience influence your future actions? (300 words)
Please share an example of how you have used critical thinking and communication skills to develop a creative or innovative solution to a challenging problem. (300 words)
(Optional) You are invited to provide a brief statement regarding anything not previously addressed or disclosed in your application that you would like considered during the review of your application. If you are a re-applicant to UNR Med, we encourage you to outline any significant changes or new experiences from your previous application. (500 words)
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New Hampshire
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Dartmouth Medical School)
2023–2024
Please indicate your plans for the 2023-2024 academic year. If in school, please list your courses. If working, let us know something about the nature of your job. If your plans or courses change subsequently, please inform the Admissions Office by email at Geisel.Admissions@dartmouth.edu. (no word limit)
Please reflect on your primary application and share something not addressed elsewhere that would be helpful to the Admissions Committee as we review your file. (no word limit)
Please tell us specifically why you are interested in Geisel. (no word limit)
Geisel School of Medicine values social justice and diversity in all its forms. Reflect on a situation where you were the “other.” (250 words)
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New Jersey
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in New Jersey: How to Get In)
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
2023–2024
Please describe your anticipated educational, employment, volunteer, or other activities between completing your AMCAS application and matriculating to medical school. (1500 characters)
Tell us about something that makes you a unique applicant to CMSRU. How will CMSRU help you fulfill your mission? (1500 characters)
Medical school involves hard work and can be stressful at times. Tell us about activities that you use to help maintain a work-life balance and respond to stress. (1500 characters)
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
2024–2025
Why are you interested in attending the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine? (500 words)
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine values social justice and diversity in all its forms. Describe a circumstance where you sought to learn about a culture, group or idea different than your own and how that impacted you. (500 words)
Describe your experience with the field of medicine (or a related field) that has prepared you for advanced study in this area. Specifically, how have your life experiences prepared you to pursue a degree in medicine, including coursework, clinical work, experiences in overcoming adversity, work opportunity, volunteer activities, and/or research experiences? (500 words)
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Please select the checkbox(es) that most adequately describes your campus and/or curriculum preferences below. Choose one of the following:
Please prepare an essay that explains why you want to participate in the Problem Based Learning Curriculum (PBLC) and why you are a good fit for this curriculum.
Please prepare an essay that explains why you want to participate in the Synergistic Guided Learning Curriculum and why you are a good fit for this curriculum.
How did you learn about osteopathic medicine and why is it a good fit for you?
Explain why you are interested in attending Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Optional: Please describe any significant barriers or challenges you may have overcome in the pursuit of your personal/professional goals.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
2024–2025
Each essay has a 1500-character limit:
We are committed to supporting our NJMS community by enhancing collaboration between students, staff, and faculty, with a dedicated focus on humanism, health equity and social justice. How do you envision yourself contributing to the NJMS community?
We seek students who are respectful, self-aware, humble, resilient, team-oriented, and adaptable. Discuss a personal or professional challenge you have experienced and share insight on what you learned about yourself and how the challenge was resolved.
If you have chosen to pursue any “growth/gap” time prior to applying or prior to your intended matriculation to medical school, please share insight on your decision for growth/gap time.
If you will not be a full-time student between July 2024 and July 2025, please describe in detail your planned activities, including projected time commitment for each activity.
If you are a re-applicant, please share what you have done to enhance your candidacy and re-application?
Please elaborate on challenges not thoroughly addressed anywhere else in your application (Please feel free to address any or all of the following if applicable: Institutional Actions, Academic and/or MCAT inconsistencies, personal challenges).
Please discuss any additional information you feel may help us in our review of your candidacy.
Early Decision Applicants must also answer the following:
Please share why you have decided to apply as an Early Decision applicant, as well as insight on your Motivation for NJMS.
As an Early Decision applicant, how do you intend to enhance your preparation for a successful transition into NJMS over the next year?
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
2023–2024
RWJMS has identified the core values below as critical to our mission and vision. We strive to matriculate learners who embody these values.
R -- Respect, dignity and humanism for the diverse population we serve
W -- Wellness and resilience
J -- Joining learners hand in hand with care delivery
M -- Making patients first with safe, compassionate, high-quality care
S -- Science to advance human health
Please select a RWJMS core value that resonates the most with you. In two paragraphs or less, reflect on one of your experiences to discuss how you have built a foundation for this value and how it will contribute to our community of learners. (No Word Limit)
Discuss a difficult or challenging situation you have encountered and how you dealt with it. Be sure to include the skills you called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice. (250 words)
Please feel free to comment on any course grades, GPA trends, or MCAT scores and what you have learned about yourself. (No Word Limit)
Please use this space if you would like to provide additional information to the admissions committee. (No Word Limit)
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New Mexico
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
What draws you to the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine? If admitted, what do you see yourself becoming involved in? (300 words)
If you could strengthen one area of your application, what would it be? What have you done, or what do you plan to do, to address it and improve going forward? (300 words)
University of New Mexico School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "Applicants will be allowed two weeks to complete the Secondary Application from the time they are initially invited."
2022–2023
At the UNM School of Medicine we are committed to building a dynamic, productive and positive learning environment in addition to promoting cross cultural and cross racial understanding among students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions and backgrounds. Describe the effect that your experiences with engaging diversity have had on your own growth and development. Provide an example and describe how it will impact your career in the medical profession. (2000 characters)
There are multiple paths that lead to medical school and many obstacles along the way. Please describe the unique path that has led you to medicine as well as any obstacles or adversity that you had to overcome in achieving this goal. How will this experience affect your career as a physician? (2000 characters)
While providing healthcare as a physician is often a rewarding career, it is also a profession that entails addressing constant challenges. Imagine you are a physician at a local institution and you notice on 18 occasions in the past week, patients were not administered the correct dose of a medication. When looking into it further, you learned that 17/18 cases occurred right after a physician handoff (defined as the process of transferring role and responsibility for providing care from one physician to another). Given this scenario, what are the initial steps you and your institution might take to improve the situation? (2000 characters)
While providing healthcare as a physician is often a rewarding career, it is also a profession that entails addressing constant challenges. What do you see as the most significant issues the medical profession will face in the next 20 years, and what are some potential solutions for these problems? (2000 characters)
Teamwork is integral to training and the career of a physician. This kind of work setting entails addressing constant challenges in task execution, communication etc. What is an issue you have encountered working on a team and how did you address and resolve this issue? (2000 characters)
Please describe how COVID-19 has affected your preparation for applying to medical school. Describe any academic, personal, financial, or professional barriers/disruptions that COVID-19 may have triggered. (2000 characters)
Have you previously submitted an AMCAS application to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine? (Y/N) Please share some of the ways you have improved your application since you last applied. For example, improved MCAT Score, took additional upper level biology courses, increased clinical or volunteer experiences, etc. (200 word limit)
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New York
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in New York: How to Get In)
2024–2025
Describe yourself (1000 characters).
Please explain any inconsistencies in your university, graduate, or professional school academic performance and/or MCAT scores. If the question does not apply to you, please put N/A in the box provided (1000 characters).
Has your college or university, graduate or professional school attendance been interrupted for any reason? If yes, please explain. Also, please explain any extended gaps in activity/employment in your post-graduate history. If the question does not apply to you, please put N/A in the box provided (1000 characters).
Describe a significant challenge that has prepared you for the MD career path (1000 characters).
Please describe your personal experiences with the structural and social determinants of health in your life and community, how they shaped your engagement with medicine and your future ideas for doctoring (1000 characters).
Tell us about a community with which you identify and how you are involved with it (1000 characters).
Is there anything else you would like the admissions committee to know when reviewing your application? If so, please use the space provided (1000 characters).
Describe what aspect of that experience best equips you to make an impact in the medical profession (1000 characters).
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Albert Einstein College of Medicine)
2023–2024
This is a series of questions that only require a response if they apply to you. For each question, you may use up to 3,000 characters to respond.
A. History
I have taken time off from school between high school and college.
I have taken time off from school during my undergraduate years.
I have taken at least a year off from school since college graduation, including this year that I am applying.
I have taken and received credit for online science core courses (e.g. chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, physics and mathematics) that were taken prior to the Covid Pandemic (earlier than Spring 2020).
I have applied previously to medical school.
I have submitted an AMCAS application to Einstein previously.
I am/was a graduate student in the Graduate Programs in the Biomedical Sciences of Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
I was accepted to medical school previously but did not attend.
I was previously enrolled in medical school.
I can attest that I have fulfilled the Albert Einstein College of Medicine COMPETENCIES (Course Requirements | M.D. Admissions | Albert Einstein College of Medicine) for admission.
I will have a Baccalaureate Degree by the time I matriculate into medical school.
I am presently holding a deferral from another medical / graduate / professional school.
I have received a grade of "F" during my college/graduate school years.
I have received a grade of "D" during my college/graduate school years.
B. History Continued
I have received a grade of "W" during my college/graduate school years.
I have received a grade of "I" during my college/graduate school years.
As an undergraduate, I transferred from one college to another.
I have been the recipient of a warning notice for a non-academic issue that did NOT result in a disciplinary action.
I have been subject to a disciplinary action and/or administrative action, expunged or not, while an undergraduate or graduate student.
I currently have disciplinary charges pending.
I have been prohibited or suspended from practicing in a professional capacity because of alleged misconduct.
[There is a space to include information about parents and their education and addresses.]
If you were employed during the academic year, other than during winter and summer breaks, please write the number of hours you worked per week, and tell us what you did and why you were employed.
Please provide the names of languages you speak (other than English) and indicate the fluency with which you speak them (beginner, moderate, advanced). If none, please write "NA."
C. Letters of Recommendation
Your PRIMARY RECOMMENDATION PACKET will be submitted by (select one):
If you indicated, above, that you will have, "Two individual letters (up to 5 are allowed)," please provide the names, titles and institution of your letter writers; please use a separate line for each. Please note that one letter must be from your MAJOR and your second letter from a science faculty member (two science letters from two different faculty members in the same department is acceptable). If this does not apply to you, please write “NA” in the box below.
If you are a post-Baccalaureate student (not a master’s degree student), a letter or statement of “Good Standing” must be submitted either from your undergraduate college or university, or included in your post-bac letter. Please indicate which of the two applies to you, and the name, title, and school from which the letter has been submitted. If no letter or statement has been submitted, please indicate when such a letter or statement will be uploaded to the AMCAS Letter Writer. If this does not apply to you, please write “NA.”
Did you take your last science course more than 5 years ago?
If you have an Undergraduate Pre-Professional Advisory Committee at your college or university, and have chosen NOT to request a letter from that Committee, please tell us why not.
D. Einstein/Montefiore Work Experience
Have you worked in basic or clinical research at Einstein/Montefiore?
Have you participated in an Einstein/Montefiore Pipeline (Pathway) Program during high school, college or after?
Have you ever volunteered at Einstein/Montefiore in one of our clinical areas, other than research or a Pipeline Program?
If you answered "yes" that you have worked with us here at Einstein/Montefiore, will a letter from an Einstein/Montefiore faculty member be included in your evaluations?
E. Einstein/Montefiore Family Member
Do you have a family member who is a current employee (non-faculty) of an Einstein/Montefiore affiliated hospital?
Do you have a SIBLING who is currently enrolled as an Einstein medical or graduate student?
Do you have a family member who is currently a Faculty member at an Einstein/Montefiore affiliated hospital?
Do you have a family member who is an Einstein Alumnus (MD, MSTP or PhD degree only)? Please do not include names of relatives who have only completed residency training here.
F. Unique Life Experiences
What unique life experiences, personal attributes and/or perspectives will you bring as part of the incoming class? Are there particular challenges or successes that you have encountered? If you do not wish to write anything, please write “NA.”
G. Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Please use this space to tell us anything about yourself that you would like us to know. If you do not wish to write anything, please write “NA.”
Additional prompts MSTP applicants must complete:
In the list below and in the following question, please indicate the field(s) of your prior research experience. Check all that apply.
Please describe briefly the field(s) in which you plan to pursue your future research. We are looking for the big picture, Aging, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Immunology, etc., not the specific focus. (250 characters)
Please list your previous scientific presentations and abstracts. List all authors, abstract titles, name of meeting, and date of meeting. List each meeting on a separate line. Please do not include the text of the abstract. (9999 characters)
Please list publications on which you are a co-author. List each on a separate line. Include names of all authors, title, journal, year of publication, and volume and page number(s). Please do not list papers that are “in preparation.” (9999 characters)
Please indicate which was your favorite course in college and why. (3000 characters)
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Columbia Medical School)
2023–2024
Have you previously applied to Medical School? (200 characters)
If you took time off from your undergraduate studies, please briefly summarize your reasons for doing so. (250 words)
Did you work for compensation during college (either during the school year or summers)? If so, what did you do? How many hours a week did you work? (300 words)
If you have graduated from college, please briefly summarize what you have done in the interim. (300 words)
Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. (300 words)
Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons values diversity in all its forms. How will your experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician? (300 words)
Is there anything else you would like us to know? (400 words)
Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine
2023–2024
Explain why the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is a good fit for your medical education journey? (250 words)
“The School of Medicine, in a culture of community, scholarship and innovation, is dedicated to inspiring diverse, promising students to lead and transform medicine for the betterment of humanity.” How do you feel you would contribute to the Zucker School of Medicine’s mission and values and where do you see this taking you in the future? (250 words)
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into the Icahn School of Medicine)
2024–2025
If you are currently not a full-time student, please briefly describe the activities you are participating in this academic year. (100 words)
Were there any adverse circumstances in your premedical preparatory journey including but not limited to recent impact from COVID-19? If yes, please explain. (100 words)
(Optional) If you are committed to a particular community or if there is an important aspect of your identity not addressed elsewhere in the application, we invite you to do so here. Briefly also explain how such factors may have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. Completing this section is optional. (150 words)
What is the toughest feedback you ever received? How did you handle it and what did you learn from it? (250 words)
Describe a situation that you have thought to be unfair or unjust, whether towards yourself or towards others. How did you address the situation, if at all? (200 words)
MD-PhD applicants must also answer the following:
Please tell us why you have chosen to apply to the MD-PhD Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. (250 words)
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "It is recommended that you complete our Supplemental Application within 10 days from receipt of our email."
2022–2023
Briefly describe the reasons for your campus/site choice and comment on one or two factors that are most important to you in choosing where you wish to pursue your medical education. (1000 characters)
NYITCOM values diversity, equity, and inclusion. How will your background and experiences add to our inclusive culture and how will this focus influence your future role as a physician? (1000 characters)
Describe a challenge you’ve faced and the steps you took to overcome it. (1000 characters)
Describe the community in which you see yourself practicing medicine. (1000 characters)
Have you previously applied to NYITCOM? If yes, what specific steps have you taken to strengthen your credentials for the current application year? (1000 characters)
How and where did you learn about NYITCOM? (250 characters)
(Suggested Reading: How to Get Into New York Medical College)
2023–2024
If you do not have any family members with a connection to NYMC for any of the below categories you can skip this section.
In this activity please indicate if you have/had a family member (Grandparent, Parent or Sibling) that attended the NYMC School of Medicine. Applicable to alumni from School of Medicine only. Does not apply to alumni from NYMC-sponsored residency programs, NYMC Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences (GSBMS) or NYMC School of Health Sciences & Practice (SHSP)
In this activity please indicate if you have a family member (Grandparent, Parent or Sibling) Applicable to full-time faculty at School of Medicine only
In this activity please indicate if you have a family member (Grandparent, Parent or Sibling) Applicable to full-time employees at School of Medline only.
Please review the NYMC Social Media Policy. If you select YES, we ask that you please briefly explain what has been posted.
Please share any disruptions in your academic, volunteer, work, and/or personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider (300 character limit)
Please review the NYMC Technical Standards on our NYMC.EDU website for Admissions and Enrollment and attest to your understanding of them. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says policies related to student admission to view the link.
New York University Grossman School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into NYU Medical School)
2024–2025
If applicable, please comment on significant fluctuations in your academic record which are not explained elsewhere on your application. (no limit)
If you have taken any time off from your studies, either during or after college, please describe what you have done during this time and your reasons for doing so. (no limit)
The Admissions Committee holistically evaluates a range of student qualities and life experiences that complement demonstrated academic excellence. What unique qualities do you possess that make you uniquely suited to become a physician or physician-scientist? How have your individual lived experiences shaped your core values and desire to be a future leader in our profession? (2500 characters)
Please answer ALL 3 of the following questions (2500 characters):
The most meaningful achievements are often non-academic in nature. Describe the personal accomplishment that makes you most proud. Why is this important to you?
Conflicts arise daily from differences in perspectives, priorities, worldviews and traditions. How do you define respect? Describe a situation in which you found it challenging to remain respectful while facing differences?
Describe a situation in which working with a colleague, family member or friend has been challenging. How did you resolve, if at all, the situation as a team and what did you gain from the experience that will benefit you as a future health care provider?
NYU Grossman School of Medicine strives to provide our students with the option of accelerating their medical educational training. In order to guide our curricular efforts to provide additional opportunities for early career exploration for our students, please select up to three residency specialties that are currently of interest to you. Please note that your selection in no way impacts your admissions decision (i.e., there are no right or wrong selections), that it is not binding in any way, and that you may select “Undecided” if you are unsure of your future career path. (2500 characters)
(CV requirement) Please upload your most recent CV, ensuring the CV includes updated publications, abstracts, and presentations. (PDF format)
MSTP specific questions
1. How many months of full-time research experience have you completed? When estimating this amount, you may convert part-time research into its full-time equivalent. For example, if you conducted part-time research for 1 year for ~50% of the time, this would equal 6 months of full-time research. Please do not include lab experiences associated with a course (e.g., organic chemistry course with lab).
2. What area of research would you like to pursue in your graduate training? (200 words max)
3. Please describe your ideal career. (200 words max)
CV required
New York University Long Island School of Medicine
2023–2024
NYULISOM seeks to admit highly motivated candidates whose experiences and professional goals directly align with our primary care mission and demonstrate a commitment to a future career as a general practitioner in fields of medicine that are anchored in the principles of primary care and address the growing physician workforce shortages in specific medical disciplines.
To advance this mission, acceptance to NYULISOM is paired with the offer of a directed pathway to residency into one of four designated residency programs at NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island. (400 words)
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
General Surgery
Please indicate the specific residency track for which you wish to be considered and explain the reason(s) for your choice, including those experiences listed on your AMCAS application that have confirmed your decision to pursue this field of medicine in the context of primary care. If applicable, please also discuss any other factors –such as your personal journey, academic interests or activities not listed on your application— that have influenced your choice.
Please provide the response that applies to you (400 words):
If you are still in school, please tell us your planned academic, extracurricular, research, community service and/or work activities for the application cycle.
If you have graduated from college, please tell us what you have been doing since that time up until the present and your reasons for doing so. Please be sure to account for all your time since graduating.
(Optional) Please comment on any significant fluctuations in your academic record or inconsistencies in your MCAT score; if you took a leave of absence for any reason during college; or any application irregularities that you feel would be helpful for the admissions committee to consider when conducting its holistic review of your credentials. (400 words)
(Optional) Please feel free to share any other information that you have not already included in your AMCAS application or secondary responses that you believe would be relevant for the admissions committee to know about. (400 words)
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine
2023–2024
Will you be attending college full-time as of September 15? If no, please describe your activities for the period of September 15 to July 1. (no word count)
What will be your support system while in medical school? (150 words)
Describe what personal, urban experiences prepare you to live and study in New York City. (150 words)
If you had a completed application to the College of Medicine in a prior application cycle, please highlight any changes since your previous application in a list with dates. If this question does not apply to you, enter "not applicable" in the text box below. (150 words)
Why do believe you are a good fit for SUNY Downstate? (300 words)
What is your experience with diversity, health equity and social justice? (300 words)
SUNY Upstate Medical University
2023–2024
If you earned your baccalaureate degree prior to this past June (2023), please provide a brief statement indicating your plans for the upcoming academic year.
Which medical specialty do you currently plan to pursue?
You might consider yourself disadvantaged if you grew up in an area that was medically or underserved or had insufficient access to educational opportunities. Do you consider yourself within this description?
If you answer Yes: please explain your particular circumstances regarding why you consider yourself a disadvantaged applicant.
Upstate Medical University is strongly committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for the patients we serve and all who work at, study at, or visit our campus. In 500 words or less, please answer the following question: As a potential partner in this effort, please describe your commitment to eliminating health inequities, discrimination, or other forms of social injustice.
If you are interested in Primary Care: are you interested in receiving more information about potential scholarship opportunities?
We understand that the COVID-19 crisis disrupted many aspects of our lives. Please share if you had any curricular impacts during this time, for example, change to pass/fail courses or to online coursework or if you anticipate any deficiencies in experiences as a result of COVID-19.
Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
2024–2025
Will your education be continuous between college and medical school matriculation? (500 words or less)
If NO, please explain what you have done or plan to do during the gap period and why.
If YES, please tell us about your proudest accomplishment to date.
Tell us how your past experiences and/or challenges have defined you (500 words or less)
Please respond to ONE of the following two questions: (500 words or less)
Please describe how you, as a future physician, plan to address the social determinants of health.
What, in your opinion, is the role of a physician in addressing systemic racism and societal injustices?
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
2021–2022
This Personal Statement is different than the essay that had been submitted with your AACOMAS application. Although there is no specified length to this essay, please limit the length of this Personal Statement to the space available on this page. Please discuss how your background, experience or academic program has prepared you for meeting Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Mission, Goals, or Objectives. Consider addressing a few of the following areas:
a) Why Osteopathic Medicine?
b) Have you been exposed to a diverse environment and how did you contribute?
c) How have your academic background and personal experiences prepared you for medical school? or
d) How were you influenced by a shadowing experience?
University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine
2024–2025
In 300 words or fewer, share how you hope to impact medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and in the Western New York community. If you need additional inspiration, please feel free to explore our Well Beyond Curriculum.
In 300 words or fewer, please explain how you would respond to a fellow student who muttered a racist or homophobic statement under their breath in your presence and that of other peers?
In 300 words or fewer, outside of medicine and beyond the details of your application, please share with us what you do for self-care and/or what brings you joy, and why.
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
2024–2025
Involvement in community is one of the pillars of the University of Rochester School of Medicine education. Tell us about a community you identify with and how you are involved with it. (200 words)
(Optional) If you previously applied to medical school, briefly describe any experiences you have been part of since your previous application. (200 words)
Additional prompt for MSTP applicants:
Please briefly describe your research interests, and describe how the opportunities at the University of Rochester fit with your goals for graduate training. Please include names of up to five investigators whose research programs interest you. (no word limit)
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Weill Cornell Medical School)
2023–2024
Please write a brief statement giving your reasons for applying to Weill Cornell Medical College. (1525 characters)
Please describe a challenge you faced and how you addressed it. (1525 characters)
If applicable, please tell us about any special circumstances related to COVID-19 that could help us understand you better. (1525 characters)
If you are not attending college during the upcoming (2023-2024) academic year, what are your plans? (1525 characters)
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North Carolina
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in North Carolina: How to Get In)
Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Briefly describe how your career goals align with the CUSOM Mission
What three qualities will you bring to CUSOM which will enhance the overall climate of our school? How do these qualities align with the CUSOM mission?
Osteopathic medicine parallels allopathic medicine but has distinct principles and practices. Which of these principles and practices are of greatest interest to you and why?
Duke University School of Medicine
2024–2025
This prompt appears before the other questions below:
Share with us your story. This is your opportunity to allow us to know how you wish to be addressed, recognized and treated. (500 Words)
The rest of the questions:
Trust and rapport are essential in your day-to-day interactions with people. How do you cultivate a relationship with a person who may be very different from you? (400 words)
Describe a situation in which you chose to advocate for someone who was different from you or for a cause or idea that was different from yours. Define your view of advocacy. What risks, if any, might be associated with your choice to be an advocate? (400 words)
Not achieving a goal or one’s desire can sometimes be disheartening. What have you discovered from your setbacks and disappointments and how does this translate to your current way of thinking? (400 words)
What do you value most as a leader and as a contributor? What attributes do you possess as a leader and as a team member and how do you apply them on a daily basis? (400 words)
Critical thinking involves a number of characteristics. Research experience enhances critical analysis skills. Describe any research experience or similar experience in which you utilized critical thinking. How will critical thinking be important in your future career? (400 words)
Your career in medicine may place increasing demands for your time. While in medical school, how will you balance your educational commitment and your outside interests? (400 words)
For PCLT (Primary Care Leadership Track) applicants:
2022-2023
Community Engagement: PCLT values community engagement. What is your understanding of community engagement and its value? How does community-engagement impact either research or working in a community to improve health outcomes? (250 words)
Why PCLT: What distinguishes you from other applicants to the PCLT program? (250 words)
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
2023–2024
When you close your eyes and imagine your professional life 20 years from now, what do you see? (2500 characters, max)
Tell us about a time where you felt that you persisted towards a goal or outcome you wanted even when there where challenges/barriers in the way. How did to you stay motivated to achieve your goal? Describe resources you used to overcome the challenge. (2500 characters, max)
Medical school presents numerous emotional and professional challenges. Please share an instance where you faced a difficult academic situation and explain how you managed the situation. How did you promote your wellness during this situation? (2500 characters, max)
East Carolina University’s motto is Servire- “To Serve.” Tell us about your most meaningful community service project or experience unrelated to patient care. (2500 characters, max)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
2023–2024
Describe an experience where you attempted a task and realized during the process that you were not ready for it. How did this experience impact your approach to trying new things? (250 words)
How will your life experiences foster a positive educational environment and benefit your future patients? (250 words)
Discuss your involvement in a service activity that has impacted your understanding of healthcare and your desire to pursue a career in medicine. (250 words)
What motivates you to apply to the UNC School of Medicine? (200 words)
There is also a reapplicant essay available if you are one.
Wake Forest School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into the Wake Forest School of Medicine)
2024–2025
The National Association of Colleges and Employers defines equity as recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances. It is an ongoing process, requiring us to identify and overcome intentional and unintentional barriers arising from bias or systemic structures. Consider your abilities, insights, and previous experiences and then tell us about your ability to promote equity. (200 words or less)
Describe a non-academic challenge you have faced and explain how you overcame it. (200 words or less)
From your list of "most meaningful experiences" on the AMCAS application, choose one that has been the most formative in terms of your desire for a career in medicine. Why did that experience have such meaning for you in your decision-making process? (200 words or less)
Please share an experience that demonstrates how you have collaborated with others. (200 words or less)
Describe your future goal(s). Reflect on your past experiences and describe how these experiences will shape your goal(s). (200 words or less)
Tell us about any specific reason(s) (personal, educational, etc.) why you see yourself here at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. (150 words or less)
Please tell us an interesting fact about yourself that a casual acquaintance may find surprising or interesting. (50 words or less)
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North Dakota
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023–2024
Residency History: List each permanent residence starting with your place of birth and number of years at each residence. The last two questions in this section are required.
a. What is your state of current permanent residence? (This would be where your driver’s license is from, what state you pay taxes to, etc…) (Required)
b. List the high school, city, and zip code you graduated from. (Required)
The UND School of Medicine & Health Science gives residency preference in admissions. To be considered for one of our residency preferences, you must answer the questions below. If you do not meet any of our residency preferences, please select "no" on the first question.
a. Do you meet one of the UND SMHS residency preferences?
b. Are you currently a legal resident of North Dakota and graduated from a North Dakota high school?
c. Are you currently a legal resident of North Dakota for five consecutive years or longer at the time of your application to UND SMHS?
d. Are you currently and have you been a resident of North Dakota for more than one but less than five years at the time of your application to UND SMHS?
e. Do ALL the following questions apply to you:
1) A North Dakota high school graduate?
2) A previous legal resident of North Dakota for ten years or more?
3) Your parents are current legal residents of North Dakota?
f. Excluding online degrees, are you, or will be at the time of matriculation, a graduate of a North Dakota college or university?
g. Excluding online degrees, do you have a first-degree family member (mother, father, sibling, child, or spouse) who is a graduate of a North Dakota college or university? List family member and the college or university they attended.
h. Do ALL the following apply to you:
1) You currently are a legal ND resident for less than one year OR you are currently not a resident of ND?
2) Your spouse is currently attending or has been accepted into a ND university or college at the time of your application to UND SMHS?
3) You will be living in ND during the current academic year?
i. Are you a current legal resident of Minnesota and graduated from a high school in Minnesota Red River Valley? List high school and county (https://med.und.edu/student-affairs-admissions/applicant-eligibility.html)
j. Do ALL the following questions apply to you:
1) A current legal MN resident?
2) You have resided in a MN Red River Valley county for one year or more at the time of your application to UND SMHS?
3) If this applies to you, list county you have resided in for one year or more.
k. Do ALL the following questions apply to you:
1) A current legal MN resident for one year or more at time of your application to UND SMHS?
2) You live outside the Red River Valley area?
l. Do ALL the following questions apply to you:
1) A current legal MN resident for less than one year at time of your application to UND SMHS?
2) You live outside the Red River Valley area?
m. Are you a current resident of a WICHE-sending state Wyoming or Montana?
The following question is used to identify applicants for the Indians into Medicine (INMED) Program. For information regarding this program, contact yvette.lapierre@und.edu. If not applicable proceed to the next Question Set. If applicable answer the following questions below:
1) Are you an enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized tribe?
2) Do you agree to have your application shared with the Indians Into Medicine office? If you answer no to this question, you will not be reviewed for the INMED program.
Answer questions 4 – 11. Do not leave any questions blank.The School of Medicine & Health Sciences is a community-based medical school, and because of the unique circumstances of our regional location, we place special emphasis on the unique skills needed to provide care for patients and populations in rural and Native American communities across all competencies. The primary purpose of the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences is to educate physicians and other health professionals for subsequent service in North Dakota and to enhance the quality of life of its people. Other purposes include the discovery of knowledge that benefits the people of this state and enhances the quality of their lives. Please explain the steps you have taken towards, and how you will fulfill different aspects of the school’s mission. (1200 words)
Reflect on personal experiences of resilience and emotional intelligence throughout your life and how this has prepared you in your pursuit of a career in medicine. (1200 characters)
Describe your experiences with diverse populations. Examples include a summary of a volunteer experience, study abroad, employment, self-taught endeavor or a formal course on diversity that includes direct interaction with individuals or groups from socioeconomic disadvantaged, diverse cultures, rural, or other backgrounds. (1200 characters)
Describe your research activity. Examples include the outcome of a formal research experience, course-dependent undergraduate research, thesis, or capstone project. (600 characters)
Describe your creative activity. Examples include the ongoing production of art forms, artistic performance, or other creative efforts, such as photography, painting, musical talents, needlework, cooking, wood-working, building cars, yoga instructor, dancing, theatre performance, writing, gaming etc. (600 characters)
Expand and reflect on medical and/or clinical experience as it relates to the mission of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences. This may include a summary of physician shadowing, clinical observation, community service, volunteer work, and/or employment. Examples include, but are not limited to, work in a clinic, hospital, as a first responder, clinical lab, public health, home health visits, assisted living, nursing home care, youth camps, or relevant military duty. (1200 characters)
Expand and reflect on leadership and team experience. This may include a summary of leadership roles or teamwork in employed positions, extracurricular activities, organizations, volunteer services, or any other leadership or team experiences. (1200 characters)
What are your career plans if you do not ever get admitted to medical school? (600 characters)
If needed, update the information in your AMCAS application (i.e., grades in recent courses, alterations in your proposed coursework or graduation, additions to extracurricular activities, unreported legal and institutional infractions, etc.). (600 characters)
Are you currently enrolled in a grant-funded and/or degree-granting postbaccalaureate program and/or advanced degree? If so, what is your timeline for completion? (600 characters)
Have you participated in any of these pathway programs: Scrubs Camp, Med Prep, CLIMB, Summer Institute, Pre-Med Day, etc? Please indicate all that apply. (Radio option)
UND SMHS REAPPLICANTS ONLY: When was your previous application, and, subsequently, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? Note any relevant academic, employment, clinical, and personal experience and/or development. (1200 characters)
Have you read the UND SMHS Standards of Capacity policy (https://med.und.edu/policies/_files/docs/4.14-standards-of-capacity.pdf), and are you prepared to meet these standards with or without reasonable accommodations?
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Ohio
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Ohio: How to Get In)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
2024–2025
Required:
Greatest Challenge Essay: The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (2,000 character limit)
Personal Growth: Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today. (1,000 character limit)
Cultural Awareness: Many have been reckoning with the impact of systemic injustices on social environments and healthcare equity. Describe a personal experience that has deepened your cultural awareness and humility, and the impact of that learning on how you look at health and healthcare. (1,500 character limit)
Gap Year(s) if applicable: If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us why you made this decision and what you will be doing or have done during this gap time. (1,000 character limit)
Optional:
Research/Scholarly Work: One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve2 Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a prerequisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or other scholarly project (capstone project, honors thesis, etc.), please reflect on the experience, including how you learned from it, what challenged you, and how it may have impacted you educationally and professionally. If you have not completed research or scholarly project, please indicate that in the text box below. (2,500 character limit)
If the details of your project are included elsewhere in your application no need to repeat them here. We are interested in learning what you took away from the experience(s).
If you are applying to both the University Program and the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Program, the research response will default to the CCL Program required response.
Additional Information Response: Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? (2,000 character limit)
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM, 5 yr. MD) Applicants
2024-2025
Required:
Greatest Challenge Essay: The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (2,000 character limit)
Research Essay: Please tell us about ONE research project to which you made a significant contribution. In your essay, describe your role on the project, the hypothesis of your research and whether you contributed to hypothesis generation, why the methods were selected to answer that hypothesis, your results, and interpretation of your results with respect to future findings. In addition, please briefly share your motivation for pursuing this research project and reflect on how this experience affected your future career goals. (3,500 character limit)
Personal Growth: Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today. (1,000 character limit)
Cultural Awareness: Many have been reckoning with the impact of systemic injustices on social environments and healthcare equity. Describe a personal experience that has deepened your cultural awareness and humility, and the impact of that learning on how you look at health and healthcare. (1,500 character limit)
Career Essay: What does your ideal career entail fifteen years after medical school graduation? (1,000 character limit)
Gap Year(s) if applicable: If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us why you made this decision and what you will be doing or have done during this gap. (1,000 character limit)
Optional:
Additional Information Response: Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? (2,000 character limit)
MSTP (MD/PhD) Applicants
Required:
Greatest Challenge Essay: The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (2,000 character limit)
Personal Growth: Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today. (1,000 character limit)
Cultural Awareness: Many have been reckoning with the impact of systemic injustices on social environments and healthcare equity. Describe a personal experience that has deepened your cultural awareness and humility, and the impact of that learning on how you look at health and healthcare. (1,500 character limit)
PhD Advisor: What do you look for in a PhD advisor, and who at CWRU would interest you? (800 character limit)
Area of Interest: What is your specific interest in the MSTP at CWRU? (800 character limit)
Gap Year(s) if applicable: If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us why you made this decision and what you will be doing or have done during this gap time. (1,000 character limit)
Optional:
Additional Information Response: Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? (2,000 character limit)
Northeast Ohio Medical University
2023–2024
What do you hope to achieve from your experience as a NEOMED student? (5000 characters, max)
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
All applicants are required to answer the following question in the form of an essay. There is no specific word count, font or font size required. Please name the file using following format: "last name, first name, required essay."
There are philosophical and tangible differences between osteopathic and allopathic medicine. Describe what being an osteopathic physician means to you, and what qualities make a good osteopathic physician. What have you done to gain knowledge and experience of osteopathic medicine?
All applicants are required to answer one of the following three questions in the form of an essay. There is no specific word count, font or font size required. Make sure to include the question itself at the top of your essay. Please name the file using the following format: "last name, first name, selected essay."
Describe the community in which you were nurtured or spent the majority of your early development with respect to its demographics. What core values did you receive and how will these translate into the contributions you hope to make to your community as a medical student and later as a physician?
There are multiple paths that lead to medical school and many obstacles along the way. Please describe the unique path that has led you to medicine as well as any obstacle or adversity that you had to overcome in achieving this goal. How will this experience affect your career as a physician?
What has been your most meaningful life experience (i.e., family situation, clinical or shadowing experience, volunteer experience, etc.) that influenced your decision to pursue medicine?
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
2024–2025
The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to "improve people's lives" through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. (250 words)
Provide examples of factors contributing to health inequities that exist in the United States. (250 words)
Additional required essays:
Primary Care Track:
Describe your rationale for wanting to pursue an accelerated curriculum in preparation for a career in family medicine.
Community Medicine Track:
Describe your rationale for wanting to pursue an accelerated curriculum in preparation for a career in family medicine.
Why are you interested in training in a smaller community, and what is the impact you hope to have by training in this setting?
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
2023–2024
The Admissions Committee considers a wide variety of factors in evaluating applicants, including fit between applicants and our program’s mission, goals, and culture. In the essays below, we invite you to share information about yourself with regard to two aspects of our program. We encourage you to provide information and insights that may not be easily gleaned from other aspects of your medical school application. In responding to the essay prompts below, you should interpret the questions to the best of your ability.
One of the AAMC Core Competencies for entering medical students involves cultural competence. The competency involves several distinct domains, including:
Demonstrating knowledge of socio-cultural factors that affect interactions and behaviors;
Showing an appreciation and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity;
Recognizing and acting on the obligation to inform one's own judgment;
Engaging diverse and competing perspectives as a resource for learning, citizenship, and work;
Recognizing and appropriately addressing bias in selves and others;
Interacting effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Discuss a specific experience from your life that you feel demonstrates your level of competence in one of the above domains. (Clearly indicate which of the six domains above that you are responding to.) As part of your discussion, explain how you feel this experience will impact your future contribution to the culture of diversity and inclusion at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences and later in your career as a physician. (600 words)
One of the AAMC Core Competencies for entering medical students involves resilience and adaptability. This competency involves the ability to tolerate stressful or changing environments or situations and adapt effectively to them. Additional characteristics of this competency are persistence and the ability to recover from setbacks. Discuss a specific experience from your life that you feel demonstrates your level of competence in resilience and adaptability as described above. As part of your discussion, explain how you feel this experience will help you meet new challenges you may face in medical school. (600 words)
(Optional) Please use the space below for anything you might wish to discuss related to the corona virus (COVID-19) public health crisis. Possible topics might include, for example: your biggest lessons and insights from the pandemic; creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis; hardships you may have faced as a result of the virus or quarantine. (You will have an opportunity to specifically discuss impacts to your coursework/grades in a separate item.) (600 words)
We invite you to briefly discuss any other connections you may have to The University of Toledo, the UToledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, the city of Toledo, or the region of Northwest Ohio or to provide additional information about the affiliations you noted above. (300 words)
Please briefly describe what activities you are/have been engaged in during the period between undergraduate school and medical school. (300 words, pops up if you answered "yes" to if you had a gap.)
If you feel you have any aspects of your record that may potentially negatively influence your application to our medical school, we encourage you to use this space to discuss them in order to provide the admissions committee with further context about your application. (Examples of possible topics include MCAT scores lower than our class average, low grades, withdrawn course, institutional action/student conduct violation.) (500 words)
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
2024–2025
Have you ever been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to, any moving traffic violations (moving violations include speeding tickets)? If yes, please explain fully below (include information even if charges were dropped, dismissed, or otherwise mitigated). (750 characters)
If you choose: I will NOT be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (e.g., you are on a gap year for educational purposes or employed after the completion of your studies) between August 2024 and July 2025.
In 1000 characters, provide a thorough explanation of all activities planned between now and your matriculation into medical school (Fall 2025). (1000 characters)
Cincinnati is a vibrant and multicultural city. You will be exposed to cultures and languages different than your own while living and studying in this city. Given our mission to improve health and well-being through compassionate, patient-centered care, consider an experience in which you collaborated or were exposed to diverse backgrounds that would inform your own vision for patient-centered care. Please describe the impact the experience had on you. (2000 characters)
Teamwork is important, and each member of a team has a unique role to play. What does ‘teamwork’ mean to you? What teamwork experiences have you had? How do you navigate your role and the role of other team members? (2000 characters)
Discuss any elements of your application that you feel might be concerning to the Admissions Committee. (This could include explanation of metric trends, institutional actions, legal violations, etc.). Please enter N/A if you have no concerns to report. (2000 characters)
What is your specific interest in the UCCOM program? What opportunities would you take advantage of as a student here? Why? (2000 characters)
How has your academic work beyond the traditional pre-medical requirements (i.e., introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and introductory physics) prepared you for medical school and for a career in medicine? Please highlight any service-learning activities that you have done. (2000 characters)
Cincinnati Medicine is preparing for a hybrid interview season (both in-person and virtual interviews will be available). Should you be invited to interview with Cincinnati Medicine, we ask that you indicate your interview preference below:
In Person
Virtual
No preference
Please provide a brief explanation for your interview preference: (150 characters)
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
2023–2024
If you earned a medically related certificate/license, how many hours have you worked in that role since earning your certificate/license? If not, please enter N/A. (100 characters)
If there has been a significant economic hardship, please explain the circumstances. If none, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
If your parents are graduates of Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, please list their name(s) and graduation year(s). Enter N/A if your parents are not Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Alumni. (100 characters)
If you have relatives that are Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine alumni, current students, faculty or staff, please list their name(s). Enter N/A if you do not have relatives that are Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine alumni, current students, faculty or staff. (100 characters)
If you have applied to Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in a previous cycle, please indicate the year(s) of your previous application(s). Enter N/A if this is your first application to Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. (100 characters)
What is the primary reason that you have chosen to apply to the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine? (750 characters)
Are there any specific patient populations that that you desire to serve as a physician? (750 characters)
If there has been or will be a gap in your education, please describe how you have/will use this time. If not, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
If you consider yourself a non-traditional candidate, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
Briefly describe any extenuating circumstances which you believe are pertinent to your application (i.e. Poor grades, withdrawn courses, life events). If none, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
If you have attended any allopathic or osteopathic medical school, as a candidate for an M.D. or D.O., please list the name of the school and explain the reason for separation. Enter N/A if you have not attended any allopathic or osteopathic medical school as a candidate for an M.D. or D.O. (750 characters)
If you are not a current resident of the state of Ohio, please describe your connection to Ohio. If you have no connection to the state of Ohio, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
If you have a connection to Wright State University, please describe your that connection. If you have no connection to Wright State University, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
If you have a connection to the Boonshoft School of Medicine, please describe that connection. If you have no connection to the Boonshoft School of Medicine, please enter N/A. (750 characters)
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Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
Are you currently enrolled in classes? (Yes/No)
(If not), please describe your current activities (300 words)
Please describe something you deserved but didn’t get and how you felt about it. (300 words)
Optional: Is there any additional information you would like the college to know about you? (500 words)
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
2023–2024
Main campus required essays, Oklahoma City
Why are you applying to The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine? (Max 250 words)
Do you have family or friends in Oklahoma? Please explain (No word/character limit)
Where else are you applying? (No character limit)
Applicants have two educational track options at the College of Medicine. One is located in Oklahoma City and the other is located in in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Tulsa campus is called the School of Community Medicine (SCM). All applicants interested in the SCM must complete the four additional SCM questions:
Please submit an essay that explains your interest and commitment to Community Medicine. (450 words max)
Please explain how you expect the SCM track to enhance your medical education. (250 words max)
Please enter any additional community or volunteer experience not included on your AMCAS application. (250 words max)
Please highlight any other relevant life experience that you feel might have an impact on your application to the SCM track. (250 words max)
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Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
2024–2025
What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve? (1550 characters)
Tell us about a time you went into a situation completely unprepared. (1550 characters)
Discuss a time in your life that demonstrated your resilience and ability to overcome adversity. (1550 characters)
In 1990, Salovey and Mayer defined emotional intelligence (EI) as “the subset of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions”. The components of EI include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Briefly describe one example of a time you harnessed your EI to resolve a difficult situation, AND one example of a time your failure to use your EI compounded a difficult situation. What did you learn about yourself in each of these situations? (2050 characters)
Give an example of personal feedback in the last few years that was difficult to receive. How did you respond? (1550 characters)
Please discuss the roles Dignity, Respect and Deference play in how medical teams optimize patient care. (1550 characters)
(Optional) Are there any additional ties to the state of Oregon you wish to share? If yes, use the space below. If no, leave blank. Please note that this does not factor toward your consideration as an Oregon resident or Oregon Heritage. (1550 characters)
(Optional) We know that many of our applicants in the OHSU UME Program may have familial relationships with individuals who are OHSU faculty, residents, staff, or current students who serve as evaluators in our admissions process. We have added this question in hopes to prevent perceived or actual conflicts of interest that can occur when an applicant has a family member (or someone with a similar close personal relationship) they may encounter through the admissions process. If you have any such connections, please list those individuals’ names and departments below. If no, leave blank. (Please note: the OHSU portal won’t actually allow you to click “Submit” if you leave this one blank. Some students have opted to type “N/A” or create a blank space with the space bar.)
Supplemental Information section with additional prompts:
5. Based on your own experiences or the experiences of family and friends, do you believe that the area in which you grew up was adequately served by the available health care professionals? Were there enough physicians, nurses, hospitals, clinics, and other health care service providers and how did that affect your experience and relationship with health care? Please explain. (4000 characters)
7. ["While you were growing up, did you experience any of the following types of adversity?" with options to select the severity of the following adversities: economic, educational, ethnic/cultural, family] Please describe the nature of the adversity and how social, economic, academic, or other circumstances affected you and your opportunities. (4000 characters)
8. We acknowledge that our application is not fully comprehensive. If there is anything additional you would like to let us know about you, please briefly state it here. (550 characters)
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Pennsylvania
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Pennsylvania: How to Get In)
Drexel University College of Medicine
2024–2025
Please discuss all of your current and recent activities and engagements that have prepared you for medical school. Please be sure to include any traditional and/or non-traditional clinical exposures and volunteering experiences that you have done that are not already included in your application. (2000 characters)
Why are you interested in Drexel? Please also explain how you meet various elements of our mission - compassionate care, diversity, spirited inquiry, collaboration, and opportunity. (1500 characters)
Please describe any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your medical or non-medical service experiences, including any circumstances that impacted your engagement in activities, academics, and MCAT that would have helped to prepare you for medical school. (1500 characters)
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
2023–2024
If you are applying to the Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program, please share with the Admissions Committee what primary care and/or psychiatry means to you, and why you believe you are a good fit for the Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program. (1500 characters)
If not:
Given Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine's unique mission and values, please tell us why you believe you are a good fit for our institution. (1500 characters)
List the five most important attributes you believe a physician should possess. Please choose one that you believe you embody and describe a personal experience that demonstrates this trait. (1500 characters)
Geisinger Commonwealth values diversity, health equity, inclusion, and social justice. Tell us how you will share in this mission. (1500 characters)
If you have previously applied to medical school, please describe your significant experiences between this year’s application and your previous application. If you are not a previous applicant, please type, “N/A” in the response area. (1500 characters)
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
There are no secondary essay prompts for the 2022–2023 cycle.
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
2023–2024
If not currently enrolled in a full-time academic program, please summate your activities from the time of graduation from your baccalaureate program through the time of this application, as well as your plans between now and your matriculation to medical school. (75 words)
Is there a unique aspect of your application that should be considered by the admissions committee? (75 words)
Explain why you decided to apply to the Penn State College of Medicine. (75 words)
Write a short paragraph describing a significant experience you have had working in a team setting. (250 words)
Write a short statement describing how you envision using your medical education to advance care for under-represented or marginalized populations. (250 words)
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Note: Questions are contained within the AACOMAS primary application.
PCOM recognizes and affirms the dignity of all members of the PCOM community. Do you self-identify as part of the LGBTQIA community? (Yes/No)
If yes, please use this space to specify your identity within the LGBTQIA community, if you wish. (200 characters, optional)
Have you ever participated in a PCOM-sponsored program for undergraduate, high school or middle school students interested in medicine/health sciences? (Yes/No). If yes, the following questions are required:
Please briefly describe the program. (If possible, include program title, dates attended, grade, etc.) (500 characters)
How did this experience influence your journey toward a career in Osteopathic Medicine? (500 characters)
Have you previously applied to any of PCOM's academic programs at any of our locations? (Yes/No). If yes, the following questions are required:
If you attend or have previously attended any of PCOM's academic programs at any of our locations, please list below the campus, program and terms of enrollment. (500 characters)
Please tell us what you have done since the submission of your last application that improves your candidacy to our DO program(s). (1500 characters)
Use this space if you'd like to address any identified deficiencies in your application. (700 characters)
If you selected to be considered for the Philadelphia location of PCOM, please respond to the following question: What one aspect of the PCOM campus community resonates with your personality and values? (2000 characters)
If you selected to be considered for the South Georgia location of PCOM, please respond to the following question: What one aspect of the PCOM South Georgia campus community resonates with your personality and values? (2000 characters)
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
2024–2025
Sidney Kimmel Medical College defines diversity as the richness in human differences. How will your own experiences allow you to contribute to the diversity of the student body and to provide equitable and inclusive care to your future patients? (2500 characters)
Do you have any additional information that hasn't been covered? (4000 characters)
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
2024–2025
There are a handful of yes/no questions, one question in which you’ll select the campus, and essays:
What is the nature of your interest in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine? (2000 characters)
The Admissions Committee would like to know more about you. Katz seeks an engaged student body with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and interests to enhance the medical school experience for everyone. Please use the space below to describe what makes you unique as an applicant, an obstacle that you had to overcome, or how you will contribute to the Katz community. (2000 characters)
Tell us about your special interest in the campus you selected. (2000 characters)
What are your plans for the current year - June 2024 until June 2025? (2000 characters)
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us. Please use this space to describe to us how you were impacted academically, personally or professionally by COVID-19. (2000 characters)
Have you completed a pathway/pipeline program offered through Katz or another medical school? These types of pathway/pipeline programs include Diversity Scholars, STEP-UP, Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) or other similar programs sponsored by a medical school. (yes/no)
If yes:
a. Name of Program:
b. Medical School sponsor of the pathway/pipeline program: (Y/N)
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Perelman School of Medicine)
2024–2025
Were there changes to your academic professional and/or personal circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic that you would like to share with the committee? (Y/N) (If yes, 500 characters max.)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, if you were offered an option to continue courses with a standard grading system or switch to Pass/Fail, and you elected Pass/Fail, please describe the reason(s) for your decision here. (500 characters)
Independently of the COVID-19 pandemic, have you taken any online courses for credit? (Y/N) (If yes, list the courses.)
Have you been nominated for or received an award from any state, regional or national organization? (Y/N) (If yes, list.)
Have you taken or are you planning to take time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation? (Y/N) (If yes, 500 characters max.)
Have you participated in any global activities outside of the U.S. prior to submitting your AMCAS application? (Y/N) (If yes, 1000 characters max.)
Did you participate in a pre-medical enrichment or pathway program during your undergraduate studies? (Y/N) (If yes, 1000 characters max.)
The Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) is deeply committed to recruiting a class inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences; this enriches the instruction we provide, enhances team-based learning, and ensures our students’ preparation to address the health needs of a pluralistic society. How would your life experiences contribute to the student body and how would you contribute to an inclusive atmosphere at PSOM? Please explain and limit your response to 1,000 characters.
We are all navigating through challenging times at home and abroad, and physicians and physician-scientists must contend with many instances of uncertainty. Please describe a time when you faced a situation that was ambiguous, confusing, or uncertain, and how you navigated making a decision without complete information. (3000 characters)
Do you identify as a first-generation college graduate and/or having a low-income background? We recognize that the definition of “low income” can vary based on geographic location, zip code, and size of your household, but there are some factors typically associated with being low-income, such as qualifying for free/reduced lunch in middle/high school, receiving Pell grants or work-study aid during college, qualifying for Medicaid/Social Security benefits, or attending a high school with low per capita funding, Title 1 designation and/or a low percentage of seniors receiving a high school diploma. (Y/N)
Have you or your family experienced economic hardships, regardless of current income status? (Y/N) (If yes, 1000 characters max.)
Have you ever been employed at the University of Pennsylvania Health System or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and worked with a University of Pennsylvania faculty mentor(s)? If yes, please indicate name, department, phone number of faculty member(s), and start/end dates (Y/N) (If yes, list only; no essay is required.)
Please share your reasons for applying to the Perelman School of Medicine. (1000-character limit)
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
2024–2025
The Three Rivers Curriculum features collaborative team based learning. Therefore, we value your perspective and experience working within teams. Describe a time you worked with others in a collaborative process, challenges encountered and how you overcame these challenges. Discuss any personal growth achieved through the experience. (250 words or less.)
Describe a difficult situation you faced, how you responded to this situation and how this helped shape the person you've become. (250 words or less.)
Respect for others of different backgrounds is integral to the successful practice of medicine, as is an understanding of the social determinants of health. Describe a situation you observed between a patient and the health care system that illustrates the impact of social determinants of health and/or the impact of racism on delivery of care. Describe what you learned from this situation. (250 words or less.)
Optional Essay: If you wish, use this space to tell the UPSOM Admissions Committee anything else about yourself. (250 words or less.)
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Puerto Rico
Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences
List/describe: Academic honors, Research experience/ Publications, Community service/ volunteer work
Explain your interest in graduate studies and your long-range professional plan.
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
No secondary essay prompts for this cycle.
Universidad Central Del Caribe School of Medicine
No secondary essay prompts for this cycle.
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
No secondary essay prompts for this cycle.
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Rhode Island
(Suggested reading: How to Get into Brown Medical School)
Brown University The Warren Alpert Medical School
2024–2025
First Question: Do you have significant limitations on your interview availability for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle?
*NOTE: Interviews occur on Thursdays and/or Fridays beginning in mid-September and finishing in February. Please detail any significant limitations on your availability during this time, such as international travel, work or courses. You may use the text box below to explain your limited availability. (if none, leave blank)*
Three Required Essays:
1. Summarize your activities during the 2024-2025 academic year. Describe how your activities are preparing you for a medical career. (2000 characters)
2. How will your unique attributes, life experiences, and interests add to The Warren Alpert Medical School community?
(2000 characters)
3. Reflect on a non-academic situation when you had to change course, and how you did so. (3000 characters)
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South Carolina
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in South Carolina: How to Get In)
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
2023-2024
Please discuss your primary interest in attending the Medical University of South Carolina. (2000 characters)
We desire to train students and physicians to work with the diverse patients of our state and nation. Please share any important aspects of your background, identity, and/or experiences that have impacted your ability to relate to and work with diverse communities and patient populations. (3000 characters)
For re-applicants: If you are a re-applicant, please describe what you have done since last applying (i.e. your activities, involvement, preparedness, etc.) to strengthen your candidacy for medical school. (2000 characters)
For out-of-state applicants: If you are not a legal resident of South Carolina, please describe in detail your strong Close Ties to South Carolina. Close Ties are defined as: (1) Having lived in SC for multiple years, (2) Parents who currently live full-time in SC, (3) Completed the majority of your education in SC (i.e. enrolled in or graduate of an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from a South Carolina institution), (4) and/or Currently living in and/or working in South Carolina. (3000 characters)
University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia
2023–2024
No character limit for any question.
What additional qualifications have you acquired since your last application? (if applicable)
Do you have any other ties to South Carolina that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider? (if applicable)
What are your medical practice goals?
Describe your employment status since you completed your bachelor's degree (part-time, full-time, and dates) (only if you have graduated).
In what region of the country do you want to practice medicine? Why?
What areas of medicine are you interested in at this time, or what areas do you plan to pursue?
Do you have any accomplishments or experiences that make you a unique applicant?
Explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational, research, volunteering, or employment plans.
Working as part of a team is an important aspect of your medical education at our School of Medicine and as a practitioner in the future. Please share at least one experience where you worked as part of a team to accomplish a goal/objective. What was your role as a part of the team and what did you learn from working with others? How did you deal with conflict on the team and/or working with a team member who you disagreed with?
University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville
2023–2024
Questions
Please consider sharing experiences, challenges, family or personal circumstances, interests, etc. that you believe would bring added value and unique lived experience to the learning community at USC School of Medicine Greenville. (5000 characters)
If you are not a South Carolina resident, what relationships, bonds, or other interests or connections do you have to the state? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)
Is there any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider that has not been previously addressed? (If not applicable, please write N/A) (5000 characters)
Why have you chosen to apply to USC School of Medicine Greenville and how do you think your education at USCSOM Greenville will prepare you to become a physician in the future? (5000 characters)
Essays
At USCSOM Greenville we are committed to Transforming Medicine One Doctor at a Time. Share how, as a physician, you will seek to transform medicine. (5000 characters)
Please describe a personal work, social or educational experience which felt inclusive and welcoming. (5000 characters)
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South Dakota
University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
2022–2023
Given the mission statement of the school, please explain how your experiences and long-term goals would help meet the mission. (1500 characters)
Given the diversity statement of the school, explain how your background and experiences with diversity will bring value to the school. (1500 characters)
Describe how your experiences in health care or social care activities will help you become a good physician. (1500 characters)
Briefly describe a crisis or significant challenge in your life, how you have worked through the crisis or challenge, and what you have learned from this experience. (1500 characters)
What are your career plans in the event that you are not admitted to a medical school this year or after several applications? (1500 characters)
Please use this space to update the information contained on your AMCAS application (i.e. grades in recent courses; alterations in your proposed coursework or graduation; additions to your extracurricular activities) or anything else you want the committee to know. (1500 characters)
For repeat applicants only. Since your last application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? Please note any relevant academic, employment, clinical and personal experience. (1500 characters)
For non-South Dakota residents applying to the regular MD program – please describe your ties to South Dakota. (1500 characters)
Please share and explain any disruptions/hardships in your academic, volunteer, work, and/or personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (5000 characters)
Please use the space below for anything you might wish to discuss related to the corona virus (COVID-19) public health crisis. Possible topics might include, for example: your biggest lessons and insights from the pandemic; creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis; how the pandemic has affected your outlook on the role of medicine. (5000 characters)
Knowledge and skill are crucial, but why should a physician be kind? (5000 characters)
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Tennessee
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Tennessee: How to Get In)
East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: (Regarding all information requested in the supplementary application.) "This information, when requested, must be completed within 14 days of the date on which the information was requested."
2023–2024
What makes you interested in Quillen? Discuss your perceptions on how attending Quillen would align with your future goals and your hopes for how it will shape you into the physician you want to become. (1500 characters)
Social justice, systemic racism, and equity for all have been at the forefront of national conversations. Quillen College of Medicine recognizes that many barriers still exist for persons of color and those from historically underrepresented communities. As a physician you will have opportunities to foster an environment of change for your patients and community. Please share with us your reflections on how your life experiences have impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward others, particularly those with backgrounds or values different from your own. (1500 characters)
Applicant choice. Please select only one of the following questions to answer. Be sure to indicate your choice by starting with the number associated with the question: (1500 characters)
There is no doubt that the level of stress brought on by medical schools can impact a student's mental health and emotional well-being. Discuss the ways you plan to manage your own health and well-being during medical school.
Describe an experience you have had during your life that has given you a unique understanding of human suffering and what did you learn from this experience?
Use this space to tell the committee anything else about yourself that you have not had the opportunity to present elsewhere in your application.
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "Because we interview and admit on a rolling basis, we strongly encourage applicants to submit their completed application packages at least four weeks prior to the March 15 deadline."
2022–2023
Please write and ATTACH the short essay addressing ONE of the following questions: (No word count)
Medical school requires a huge commitment in time and energy. How have you prepared for this commitment?
If you are a re-applicant please tell us what you have done to strengthen your application.
Optional: Is there anything you want the admissions committee to know that you haven’t explained on your AACOMAS application? (No word count)
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine*
(Suggested Reading: How to Get Into Meharry Medical College)
Time-sensitive considerations: "The Admissions Committee prefers if the candidate has completed the Supplemental application before their interview."
2021–2022
Why do you wish to attend Meharry Medical College School of Medicine? (No limit)
Please describe a personal situation of failure, significant challenge, or a major obstacle that you have overcome. Include a description of your coping skills and lessons you learned from that situation. (No limit)
Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University
Time-sensitive considerations: “Applicants are encouraged to return supplemental application materials within 10 days for best consideration.”
2024—2025
Belmont University is committed to five ways of being: hope inspiring, character forming, future shaping, community engaging and bridge building. Choose one and detail how this way of being impacts your life and future practice. (2000 characters max)
We believe in building a culture of diversity and inclusion along with the dignity and worth of all people. What do you see as the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly diverse medical community and how are you prepared to flourish? (2000 characters max)
As a new medical school, our early classes will play a vital role in creating a culture and will be called to thrive in a dynamic and evolving educational environment. Describe a time when you dealt with an ambiguous problem or project, any feedback you received, and what you learned about yourself. (2000 characters max)
(Reapplicants only) Describe the changes to your application from previous cycles - include academics, experiences, and/or personal attributes. (2000 characters max)
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
2022–2023
Optional essays:
Provide any additional information not previously provided in the personal comments of your AMCAS Primary application. (500 characters)
Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to provide our applicants with an optional essay prompt for this years UTHSC COM secondary application. Please use the text field below to share with us how you may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including academic, financial, medical disruptions, etc. It would also be helpful for us to hear if any of your planned experiences in shadowing, volunteering, research, employment, or other activities were suspended due to the pandemic. (2500 characters)
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
2023–2024
Please reflect on the upbringing, background, and experiences in your life that have shaped who you are as a person and will help define the person you want to be in the future. In other words, what makes you who you are? (800 words)
Tell us about a time when you interacted with someone who is different than you. What did you learn? What would you do differently? (600 words)
Everyone needs help at various times in their lives. Describe a time you asked for help and what you gained from that experience that has influenced your approach to asking for help. (600 words)
Optional: If you have completed your undergraduate education, please comment on what you have done or have been doing since graduation. (200 words)
Optional: If applicable, please describe how the COVID-19 outbreak affected your pathway to medical school. You may discuss any academic, personal, financial, or professional alterations to your plans. NOTE: Disclosing certain hardships or obstacles that have been faced during this time will not negatively affect an application. (200 words)
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Texas
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Texas: How to Get In)
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into the Baylor College of Medicine)
2024–2025
Questions 1 and 3 are mandatory.
1. In addition to training as a competent physician, please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply. Options include:
Clinical Research
Healthcare/disparities/medical underserved communities
Academic Medicine
Community Health
Simulation in medical education
Health systems science
Telehealth
Advocacy
What knowledge, skills and attitudes have you developed that have prepared you for this career path? (1,000 characters)
2. Are you planning to matriculate into medical school immediately after completing your undergraduate education? If not, please explain what activities and/or careers you have pursued in the time between your college education and your application. (no limit)
(If no) Please explain (no limit) (If yes) No essay needed
3. Indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating you, including, but not limited to, education, employment, extracurricular activities, prevailing over adversity. You may expand upon but not repeat TMDSAS or AMCAS application information. This section is mandatory. Please make sure you submit an essay or your application will not be reviewed by the committee. (2,000 characters)
MD/PhD Applicants Additional Prompts:
2023-2024
Please describe your primary research Interests for PhD training. (Limit of 1000 characters)
Why do you think Baylor College of Medicine MD/PhD Program would be a good place for you to train to be a physician scientist? Please provide names of potential Baylor College of Medicine and/or Rice University faculty with whom you would like to work. (Will not limit final research project or mentor selection) (Limit of 1,500 characters)
Tell us about a characteristic(s) that may enable you to interact with people from a wide range of ages, experiences, viewpoints, and backgrounds. (Limit of 1,000 characters)
Published articles, please provide full citations.
Plans for the 2023-2024 academic year description (Limit of 1,000 characters)
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2024–2025
What do you like or dislike most about the area you are from (your hometown or where you graduated high school)? (800 characters)
Describe a moment when you failed to accomplish a task or let yourself down. How did you grow from this experience? (800 characters)
What do you consider the role of physicians in medically underserved Texas communities? (800 characters)
Sam Houston State University's Motto is "The Measure of a Life is its Service." What is the most significant service contribution that you have made? (800 characters)
Why do you want to pursue osteopathic medicine at SHSU-COM? What about osteopathic medical education interests you? (800 Characters)
Are you a Texas resident? [Yes or No]
Please share anything you would like to mention to the SHSU-COM Admissions Committee about yourself to strengthen your application. (500 characters)
2024–2025
Prompt 1 (300 words, max)
The Burnett School of Medicine defines empathic scholars with these eight traits: Compassion, Teachability, Altruism, Insight, Humility, Collaboration, Integrity, & Respect.
Which trait do you think you embody most and how will that be valuable to patient care?
Which trait might you need to improve upon? How will you improve in this area and how will this be of value in your role as a physician?
Prompt 2 (300 words, max)
Characteristics of an aspiring MD
Describe any personal qualities and/or lived experiences that add context to your application that shape who you are as an individual and aspiring healthcare leader.
Texas A&M University College of Medicine
2024–2025
As a physician, you never know what type of patient you will serve. From your past experiences, please describe or highlight factors or situations that demonstrate your ability to work with individuals from multicultural communities. (3500 characters max)
The Texas A&M School of Medicine embraces the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service. Please elaborate on personal characteristics, values, accomplishments and/or any experiences that you feel will help to demonstrate your potential to contribute to the school and to the profession of medicine. (3500 characters max)
Describe any circumstances indicative of some hardship, such as, but not limited to, financial difficulties, personal or family illness, a medical condition, a death in the immediate family or educational disadvantage not mentioned in your primary application essays. What strategies have you used to address these circumstances? (3500 characters max)
OPTIONAL QUESTION (Note: This question is not really “optional” as you cannot leave it blank.):
List the area (or areas) of medicine that appeals to you and briefly explain. (Limit your explanation to 50 words or 250 characters total) Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate. (50 words or 250 characters max)
EnMed (Engineering Medicine) Program prompts
How did you hear about the EnMed program? (250 words)
How will the Engineering Medicine program meet your career goals and aspirations in ways that a traditional MD program would not? (250 words)
List the knowledge and skills you have participated in outside the classroom, then describe how these have prepared you to create innovative medical technologies. (250 words)
List the knowledge and skills you have acquired inside the classroom, then describe how these have prepared you to create innovative medical technologies. (250 words)
At the end of your career, what do you want to have accomplished in order to consider yourself successful? (250 words)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
2024–2025
The mission of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is to provide an outstanding education and development opportunities for a diverse group of students, residents, faculty, and staff; advance knowledge through innovation and research; and serve the needs of our socially and culturally diverse communities and region.” Recognizing the components of this mission and that PLFSOM is located on the US/Mexico border, please describe why you are interested in applying to our school. (300 words or less)
The Foster SOM student honor code states “In my capacity as a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso School of Medicine medical student, I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession. I will, to the best of my ability, avoid actions which might result in harm to my patients. I will protect the dignity of my patients and the deceased, and will protect their confidential information in accordance with the prevailing standards of medical practice. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I will enter into professional relationships with my colleagues, teachers, and other health care professionals in a manner that is respectful and reflective of the high standards and expectations of my profession. I will not tolerate violations of this Code by others and will report such violations to the appropriate authorities.” Please describe past experiences or personal attributes that reflect your affinity with this honor code. (300 words or less)
Please describe any unique personal experiences or disadvantage (educational, financial or otherwise) and their significance to you in your pursuit of a medical degree. (300 words or less)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine – Lubbock
2024–2025
Areas of Interest:
Select the area(s) of interest that you have experience or related activities with (please check all that apply). For each selected area, please list your experience and/or activities; completed, current or planned. There is a 150 word limit for each selected area:
Practice in an underserved area and/or work with an underserved population
Rural/Border health
Medical Research/Academics
Primary Care
Other (please describe below)
Supplemental Information:
Have you experienced any road bumps in your academic career? (low academic performance, dropping, retaking, or failing courses, etc.) If yes, please explain your circumstance. (250 words or less)
Please share any lessons learned during your academic journey. For example, a time a goal of yours was deterred and maybe even halted, how did you handle that situation? (250 words or less)
If you are applying to a dual degree program, please rank them in order of preference.
Are you applying to our MD & E program?
Describe your motivation to pursue this program at TTUHSC, be sure to include how you expect to benefit from our program.
How do you anticipate this program making you a more efficient caregiver?
Please list the highest-level math/chemistry/physics course you have taken or are currently taking.
What projects have you been involved in that require programming and or machine languages? What languages do you prefer?
Are you applying to FMAT?
What motivates you to participate in the FMAT program? (200 words or less)
What experiences have you had that would prepare you for this intensive program? (200 words or less)
What, in your opinion, distinguishes Family Medicine from other medical specialties? (200 words or less)
Have you experienced any hardship or adversity, personally or professionally?
If yes, please share your experience with us. (200 words or less)
Please tell us about your favorite recreational/leisure activities. (100 words or less)
Please share with us your ideal practice. For example: Where would you practice? Who would your patients be? What would your specialty be? (100 word limit)
Do you consider yourself from West Texas or as having West Texas ties?
If yes, what town or county did you reside in, or what other factors would you cite? (100 words or less)
Do you consider yourself to be first generation? If yes, please explain your reasoning (Examples of Definition: both of your parents are born outside of the USA, both of your parents have education or a degree outside of the USA, both of your parents do not have an education higher than high school).
If yes, please explain your reasoning. (100 words or less)
Have you ever participated in any TTUHSC special programs? Check all that apply.
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
Explain your understanding of osteopathic medicine and your interest in pursuing this pathway to becoming a physician. (200 words)
UIWSOM is the first faith-based school of osteopathic medicine in Texas and mission-driven. How will you contribute to the UIWSOM by fulfilling this mission? (200 words)
Please describe your preparation for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Include any tools you may have used to prepare, length of study time, practice exams, etc. (200 words)
(Answer if applicable.) If you are reapplying to UIWSOM, what have you done to strengthen your application since you last applied? (200 words)
Are you a current or former student of the University of the Incarnate Word who falls in one of the categories below?
a) Current MBS student
b) Previous UIWSOM MBS student
c) Current UIW undergraduate student in Direct Admit program
University of Houston College of Medicine
2023–2024
(a) Yes or no questions with 300 characters to explain each experience:
I have prior experience in a primary care setting.
I have prior experience in a medical practice or social service for an underserved area.
I have prior experience in community or public health
(b) Describe the setting (urban/inner city; suburban; rural); your role and responsibilities; and approximate date range for any of the experiences you indicated in the previous section. If you answered (N) to the category, enter “N/A” or leave the box blank for that category.
Primary Care: (300 character limit)
Medical or Social service for underserved area: (300 character limit)
Community or Public Health: (300 character limit)
Describe any employment, family or other obligations that impacted your education that are NOT already indicated in your TMDSAS application. (750 characters, optional)
Describe up to 3 of your activities/life experiences that align with our mission. Explain how they might demonstrate a commitment to underserved communities. The examples you select must be included in TMDSAS primary application. Go to the UH College of Medicine mission for more information. (1500 characters)
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
OSTEOPATHIC KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCES, AND/OR RELATIONSHIPS
Please address each topic in a separate paragraph:
What experiences and/or relationships have motivated you toward a career in osteopathic medicine? (2,000 characters including spaces)
ACADEMIC HISTORY
A. If you attended more than two colleges/universities, explain why. Community colleges are not needed. (1,000 characters including spaces)
B. If applicable, please update the information contained on your TMDSAS application. Indicate any additional grades earned, alterations in your proposed coursework or graduation date, additions to your extracurricular activities, name change, or anything else you feel the Admissions Committee should know. (1,000 characters including spaces)
ADDITIONAL EVALUATIONS (Optional)
An additional evaluation letter may be submitted directly to UNTHSC Office of Admissions by the evaluator. A letter from an osteopathic physician is highly recommended. Please indicate the name of the evaluator and whether or not they are a D.O.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
-Did you live in a single parent household?
If yes, number of years/months:
Number of Years:
Number of Months:
-Do you consider yourself financially disadvantaged?
If yes, please explain. (1,000 character limit including spaces)
-Do you consider yourself educationally disadvantaged?
If yes, please explain. (1,000 character limit including spaces)
OPTIONAL ESSAY
One of the values of the University of North Texas System is Courageous Integrity which means one should model exceptional standards and act in the best interest of our community. These behaviors include:
Build trust through consistent actions that are honest, transparent, and authentic
Provide, accept, and support open and constructive feedback
Hold yourself and others accountable for decisions, behaviors, actions, and results
Please select a specific instance where you have demonstrated Courageous Integrity and describe how this is indicative of your character (2,000 character limit)
University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
2024–2025
In an effort to give a greater number of applicants the opportunity to present themselves to Dell Med’s admissions team, the school uses a unique video secondary application. If selected for further consideration, the applicant receives an email invitation with details on how to prepare and submit the video through a free online portal. The secondary application consists of questions that address specific aspects of the school’s mission. In a two-minute response for each question, the candidate speaks to how their experiences will help them contribute to this work. The priority deadline for the secondary application is Dec. 15; application will be reviewed only after the secondary is submitted.
Candidates who feel they would represent themselves better in a written format are given the opportunity to request a written version of the secondary application.
(Note: Candidates do not receive the same set of questions.)
University of Texas Long School of Medicine at San Antonio
Long School of Medicine does not employ a written secondary application. However, all applicants who are invited to interview are also invited to complete a standard one-way video interview.
University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine
2024–2025
Part A. Choose two of the following prompts to respond to (300 words maximum each):
Describe a time when you learned in a team. How will this experience help you as a medical student?
Describe a time when you made a mistake. How did you acknowledge it, respond, and remediate the situation?
Scientific inquiry is important for being a physician. Define a time when you engaged in scientific inquiry and how do you think it would help you be a better physician?
What attributes do you look for in your physician(s)? Which of these attributes do you need to develop? How will you develop them?
Do you have any work experience and if so, how do you think those skills will help you as a physician?
John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch serves patients throughout Texas, focusing on Galveston County and the Gulf Coast Region. Are there particular characteristics of our school and/or the Galveston area in terms of location, history, or other attributes that make you especially interested in matriculating here?
Part B. The other component will be asynchronous video responses to two questions. Once invited to complete the supplemental application, applicants will receive a link to complete this portion through SparkHire.
University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston
2024–2025
Please discuss one of the following (2500 character limit):
A challenging situation or obstacle you have faced in the past
Any academic road bumps in your academic career (low academic performance, failing courses, dropping/retaking of courses)
In your response, be sure you include answers to the following:Why was it challenging?
How did you handle it?
Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently?
What did you learn?
Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. What did you learn from this experience and how have you applied this learning to your work and/or life? (2500 character limit)
From what you understand about the rigors of medical school, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you? How do you think you are prepared for these challenges? (2500 character limit)
What hesitations or reservations, if any, do you have about joining the medical profession? (2500 character limit)
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
2024–2025
Part 1 (2 required essays)
1. Engaging with the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) communities is a core part of our mission. Please share how you might contribute to this aspect of our mission. (1500 words or less)
2. Why are you interested in UTRGV SOM? (500 words or less max; bullet points are acceptable).
Optional Essay
1. Please describe any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your medical or non-medical service experiences, including any circumstances that impacted your engagement in activities, academics, and MCAT that would have helped to prepare you for medical school. (1500 words or less)
Learning Experiences
Part 2: REQUIRED [VIDEO problem-solving Response]
Submit a 2-minute video that responds to two of the values listed below.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine prepares future physicians in accordance with the following values: patient advocacy, community focus, cultural awareness, collaborative leadership style, and lifelong problem solving. Select TWO (2) of these values and discuss what you have done in the past that resonates with them. How will you support and strengthen these two values when you practice medicine?
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
2024–2025
Describe a group project or activity that you are most proud of. Consider the following in your response: What aspect makes you most proud? How was it accomplished? How did you deal with disagreement or conflict in the group? How did you get fellow group members to embrace a position or view your perspective? (2500 characters)
Describe a time that you have witnessed someone acting unethically or dishonestly or an experienced behavior of harassment or discrimination. What did you do? Describe your reaction, is there anything you might do differently now in retrospect? (2500 characters)
Describe an interaction or experience that has made you more sensitive or appreciative of cultural differences, and/or how you have committed yourself to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity and inclusion in your academic, professional or personal life. (2500 characters)
Have you engaged in any public service activities for a duration of one year or greater in length (examples: Military, Peace Corps, Teach for America, etc.). Yes or No? If so, please describe the experience and impact on your personal and professional development. (2500 characters) (Optional)
Please explain any academic discrepancies or extenuating circumstances that you feel the Admissions Committee should know. (2500 characters) (Optional)
University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
2024–2025
Our mission is to improve the quality of life and reduce health disparities in our rural East Texas region. Please indicate (select one) your connection to East Texas as outlined in our county map and explain below: (250 words)
I have direct ties to the East Texas region (born, graduated high school, community college, undergraduate, etc.)
I have indirect ties to the East Texas Region (family members, in-laws, visited East Texas frequently, attended summer camp in East Texas, etc.)
I have ties to a rural region with similar characteristics to the East Texas region (size, demographics, health disparities, etc.)
I do not have ties to the East Texas region; however, I’m interested in practicing in this area after graduation.
I do not have ties to the East Texas region but am still interested in attending the UT Tyler School of Medicine.
Are you a reapplicant? Yes/No
Are you a reapplicant to UT Tyler SOM? Yes/No
If yes, What have you done between the last application cycle to make your application stronger? (no character limit)
The mission of the UT Tyler SOM is fourfold:
Community Engagement: Embed the School of Medicine within East Texas, focusing on communication, responsiveness, inclusion, and community. The School of Medicine in East Texas, and everything we do will be in partnership with our communities.
Education: Recruit, support, and develop a diverse and representative healthcare and research
workforce from East Texas, focused on reducing health disparities in East Texas.
Research: Develop an array of biomedical, clinical, preventive, translational and population-based
research programs focused on understanding and eliminating health disparities in East Texas.
Clinical: Expand access to top-quality healthcare in the local communities of East Texas by developing and implementing innovative healthcare systems and leveraging existing infrastructure and programs.
Why are you interested in applying to UT Tyler’s SOM? (500 Words)
Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. Examples may include: moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity; or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. (500 Words)
Optional question (highly recommend): Please use this space to share with the committee any additional information that may help us evaluate your candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere in the application. (500 Words)f selected for the class.
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Utah
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Record a short video (maximum 8 minutes) that answers the following questions:
Who are you?
What is your passion?
What does service mean to you?
Tell us about a physician you admire/want to emulate?
Why Noorda-COM?
University of Utah School of Medicine
2024–2025
SFESOM Essay
What motivates you to pursue and complete your medical education at the SFESOM mission-driven, medical doctor program? (300 words)
Healthcare Needs Essay
Describe how access to healthcare has impacted you, your community, and/or communities you have served. What might be some viable solutions? (300 words)
Additional essay for applicants to the Pathways in Health Care Program
Please share more about your experience in the Pathway program(s) and how these experience(s) have helped you prepare for medical school
RUUTE Scholars questions:
2022-2023
According to your experiences, what does rural and underserved mean to you? (500 words)
How would participation in RUUTE help you fulfill your career aspirations? (150 words)
Why do you believe this program will be a good fit for you? (150 words)
Population Health Program questions:
2022-2023
Please share your interest in the Population Health Program (no word count given)
What are your career interests and future professional goals? (no word count given)
Please describe how you have demonstrated commitment to Population Health concepts during your academic and professional experiences: (no word count given)
What does Population Health mean to you and how do you plan on implementing it into your future education and professional career? (no word count given)
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Vermont
University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
2023–2024
The Larner College of Medicine curriculum emphasizes active in-person participation and peer co-learning which translates into strong clinical practice. This relies on individual students preparing for, and being actively involved in, participatory class sessions. Please share your thoughts on the suitability of active learning for you. You may use any of the points below to guide your response. (400 words)
Navigating a group learning process.
Personal contributions to such a learning environment and areas of growth.
The value of balancing your learning with the teaching of your classmates.
Any potential challenges to this approach to learning.
The Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont recognizes that diversity extends beyond chosen and unchosen identities and encompasses an individual’s entire experiences. Diverse environments can promote growth and provide an opportunity for reflection. Reflect on a time you learned something from someone or a group of people who are unlike yourself and how that challenged your preconceptions or biases. How will this experience influence your behavior in the future? (400 words)
The Larner College of Medicine has core values that are reflected in our professionalism statement. How has your understanding of what professionalism means evolved over time? Reflect on a personal experience that contributed to your understanding of your own core values. (300 words)
What unique opportunities at Larner College of Medicine would be meaningful to you in your education and how do these align with your larger goal of becoming a physician? (250 words)
(Optional) Use this space to share any information, not presented elsewhere, that will clarify any aspect of your application. If you are a reapplicant, you may choose to share what you have done since your previous application. (250 words)
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Virginia
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Virginia: How to Get In)
Eastern Virginia Medical School*
Time-sensitive considerations: 30 days from the date of invitation (This information was confirmed with the school.)
(Suggested reading: How to Get Into Eastern Virginia Medical School)
2023–2024
Briefly describe your exposure to medicine. (2000 characters)
What do you think you will like best about being a physician? (2000 characters)
What do you think you will like least about being a physician? (2000 characters)
Describe yourself and your medical career as you see it ten years from now. (2000 characters)
Please indicate your reasons for applying to EVMS. (2000 characters)
(Optional) EVMS is dedicated to inclusivity and supporting patients and students from diverse backgrounds. Feel free to share your personal experience or ties to communities from diverse backgrounds. Please explain in detail if you wish to respond. Some examples include but are not limited to race/ethnicity, culture, LGBTQ+, differently-abled/disabled, etc. (2000 characters)
(Optional) If you would like to discuss how race has personally affected your life, through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise, feel free to share your experiences, obstacles overcome, and how this impacted your education and road to applying to medical school. (3000 characters)
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Describe a significant challenge you have experienced in your life, share the strategies you employed to overcome the challenge, and what you learned from the experience. (500 words)
Professionalism and respect in the community in which you live is of utmost importance in medical school and as a physician. What three professional qualities do you believe a Student Doctor must demonstrate and describe how you will demonstrate these qualities as a medical student at VCOM? (500 words)
How do your professional ambitions align with osteopathic medicine? (500 words)
What influenced your decision to apply to VCOM? (e.g., personal or medical experiences; influences of friends/family/physicians/mentors; etc.) (500 words)
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
2021–2022
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, as a faith-based institution, exists to develop excellent osteopathic physicians in a Christian environment who will impact the world by becoming leaders in the practice of medicine and servants of their fellow man. In 250-500 words, please describe how your personal faith, beliefs, or values will allow you to contribute to LUCOM's mission to develop patient-centered physicians for the osteopathic medical profession.
In under 300 words, how do you hope to impact your community as an osteopathic physician?
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: "The supplemental application should be submitted within 60 days of supplemental granted notification by 6 pm."
2023–2024
You are approached by a neighbor whom you are friendly with and who knows you are headed to medical school. The neighbor wants your opinion on whether she should have her healthy 3-year-old child vaccinated against COVID. The neighbor is well-researched and thoughtful, bringing up data that suggests limited long-term benefits of vaccination, while pointing to concerning, documented side effects. How would you respond to this dilemma? (Comments are limited to 2,000 characters. Research on the topic is encouraged)
How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past? (2,000 character limit)
Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application. (2,000 character limit)
Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. (2,000 character limit)
If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute
2024–2025
Describe how AI could affect the integrity of medical professionals. (400 words)
What can a recovering addict who didn't finish high school teach their physician? (400 words)
Discuss a recent time when you were wrong. What made you change your mind and what did you do about it? (400 words)
Who is your role model, and why? (400 words)
University of Virginia School of Medicine
2024–2025
Please briefly describe how the pandemic impacted your ability to pursue experiences like clinical work, shadowing, research, or community service.
Please list any and all future activities in clinical work, shadowing, research, or community service that you plan to pursue in the upcoming year.
Essays:
Why are you interested in attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine? What factors will be most important to you in choosing a medical school? (350 word limit)
What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you. (350 word limit)
Tell us about a challenge or obstacle you experienced. How did you manage it? (350 word limit)
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Washington
(Suggested reading: Medical Schools in Washington State: How to Get In)
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023–2024
Describe personal experiences that have shaped your desire to attend an osteopathic medical school that focuses on addressing rural and/or medically underserved populations and diversity, equity, and inclusion in health care. (One page)
Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
2023–2024
How will you contribute to the mission and vision of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine? Support your response with your experiences and/or attributes. (300 words)
What experiences have you had with rural and/or underserved communities/populations? What have you learned from these experiences? (300 words)
Describe your connections to Washington communities and your interests in practicing medicine in Washington. (300 words)
How have you built your resilience? (300 words)
Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics or experiences that would add to the educational environment for your classmates. (300 words)
If you are a re-applicant to WSU College of Medicine, describe what you have done since last applying to strengthen your candidacy for our medical school. If you are not a re-applicant to the College of Medicine, please leave blank. (300 words)
University of Washington School of Medicine
2024–2025
Note: Applicants must complete a Washington state residency questionnaire for review before the school will send a secondary application.
1. The UWSOM aims to build a diverse class of students to enrich the field of medicine. What perspectives, identities, and/or qualities would you bring? (250 words)
2. What obstacles have you experienced and how have you overcome them? (250 words)
3. How have societal inequities in the U.S. affected you or people you have worked with? (250 words)
4. Demonstrated competency? - Social sciences, Humanities or "Human Condition"?
Entering medical students should understand the social forces that shape the health of the individuals and communities they will serve. This includes understanding how social contextual factors and policy operate at the community and national level to impact the health of individuals. Students should be familiar with disparities in health currently present in society and their underlying etiologies. Candidates seeking acceptance to UWSOM can establish competency in this area through course work in the social sciences, humanities or related interdisciplinary fields such as public health or ethnic and gender studies, clinical and/or population health research, service learning, lived experience or a combination of thereof. Examples of social science/humanities coursework to consider: Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, Religion, History, Philosophy, Literature.?
Describe your competency by explaining how you have explored and come to understand issues in the social sciences and humanities as they relate to the practice of medicine. (250 words)
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West Virginia
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
2024–2025
Please note: we received these directly from an individual at Marshall, and we know there is a discrepancy between the word count and the character count mentioned for #3. As of July 22, 2024, the space allows 250 characters, so perhaps they will update this question.
Why did you decide to apply to Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine? (5000 characters)
Describe a challenging experience and how it impacted your personal growth. (750 characters)
Please provide below any additional information you believe is important in evaluating your application (e.g. additional coursework, problems with academic record, disadvantaged, etc.) Please indicate, yes or no and then explain/describe briefly in 250 words or less. (optional; 250 characters)
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
2022–2023
Why do you want to be an osteopathic physician? (500 characters)
What advantage do you see in attending WVSOM over other medical schools? (500 characters)
Describe an ethically challenging situation you have been in, and how you respond? (500 characters)
What do you feel it will take for you to succeed in medical school? (500 characters)
Describe a situation in work, volunteer activities, or organizations where you demonstrated your ability to work well with others. (500 characters)
What experiences (living, working or visiting) have you had in rural areas? (500 characters)
West Virginia University School of Medicine*
Time-sensitive considerations: 2 weeks from the invitation date (This information was confirmed with the school.)
2024–2025
Why do you want to attend WVU SOM? How did you first hear about WVU SOM, and why do you feel you would be a good fit? (150 words)
Describe a time when you advocated for someone, other than a relative or friend, who had a different background from your own. (150 words)
How do you see yourself serving the state of West Virginia if accepted? (150 words)
Which one of the AAMC Interpersonal or Intrapersonal Core Competencies is your strongest, and why? How will this competency enhance your ability to be an outstanding physician? (150 words)
What would be the six-word title of your memoir? You are allowed only six words here. You may have the opportunity to explain your answer if you are invited for an interview.
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Wisconsin
2023–2024
Explain how your unique background, identity, interests, or talents will contribute to the MCW learning community. (1000 characters)
How will MCW uniquely prepare you for your future goals? (1000 characters)
Recount a time when you made a decision you regret. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (2000 characters)
The Medical College of Wisconsin is committed to educating health professionals who are dedicated to improving health equity across the diverse populations we serve. Share with us what you have learned or how you have grown through working with or serving people from cultural backgrounds or groups different than your own. How do you believe you can contribute to improving health equity or reducing health disparities as a physician? (2000 characters)
Additional Demographic Checkboxes
If you choose one (or multiple), you will have up to 2,000 characters to elaborate.
I identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA) community.
I am the first person in my immediate family to attend college (excluding siblings).
I was born or grew up in a rural community.
I am a military veteran (including active duty and those transitioning to civilian life).
I come from an economically disadvantaged background.
I attended an underperforming elementary, middle, or high school.
My primary language is NOT English.
I have overcome a significant hardship.
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
2023–2024
The Admissions Committee is committed to holistic, mission-aligned evaluation of all applicants. Review our institution’s mission. Using specific examples, discuss how and why you believe you are a good fit for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. (500 words max.)
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of UWSMPH and crucial to the education of tomorrow’s physicians. Reflect on how you would embody these values in your education or practice. (250 words max.)
Integrity, accountability, and compassion are UWSMPH core values. Pick one of these and reflect on your lived experience with it. (250 words max.)
Many inequities exist at the intersection between health outcomes and historical, societal, economic, or other systemic factors. Choose a broader issue or policy that impacts health outcomes where you believe change is needed to advance health equity. Discuss the role you hope to play as a physician in addressing this issue. (250 words max.)
(OPTIONAL) If germane to your overall application, please share in a brief paragraph how COVID-19 impacted your application in any of the following domains:
Academic
Volunteer
Research
Work
Personal Life
Topics to address might include the public health lessons and health care insights learned from the pandemic, creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis, or any hardships (economic, health, or other) you faced due to the virus or its mitigation efforts (e.g. social distancing, quarantine).
Required Essay for Re-applicants to UW-Madison: Individuals who are reapplying are required to submit a statement indicating what has changed since the previous application to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health MD or MD/PhD program (e.g., additional academic work, new letters of recommendation, work and volunteer experience, life changes, etc.) (500 words)
