medical school primary application essay prompt

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Medical School Personal Statement FAQs

Let’s start today with a seemingly simple question that you are going to have to consider before applying to med school: Who are you? It may seem simple on the surface, but this can be one of the most challenging questions that premed students encounter on the medical school application or the MCAT. Yet, it’s the basic question posed in at least one major part of your application:  the medical school personal statement .

There are a couple important themes to keep in mind while you’re coming up with the subject matter for your medical school personal statement—or, what many admissions officers refer to as “your interview in writing.” Check out a few of our handy personal essay FAQs:

What kind of questions will I be asked?

The question posed—or the essay prompt—will be surprisingly vague. The Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) prompt from the  AMCAS application  is simply: “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to medical school.” This broad net can prove both a blessing and a curse, depending on how you look at it. On one hand, it allows you the freedom to take your story in just about any direction, and what could be better than that? On the other, it can feel overwhelming if you overthink it.

How long should my medical school personal statement be?

How many versions should i write.

Unlike the school-specific, tailored information you’ll give on your secondary applications, your AMCAS medical school statement will remain uniform across all the schools you apply to.

Since you’ll only have one version of the personal essay, it should not be directed towards any individual school. Use your  secondary applications and essays to express your interests in individual medical schools.

What should I write about in my personal statement?

Even though the prompt for the medical school personal statement is vague, it is generally understood that you have three major goals to accomplish in this essay. Focus the essay with these in mind, but don’t be afraid to be creative!

You’ll need to give some serious thought to  why you want to go into medicine , and more specifically, why you want an  MD or a DO . Far too often, students write generic, impassioned passages about “wanting to help people.” While that is a completely valid reason to go to medical school, it doesn’t really explain why you want to become a doctor to the exclusion of other health careers, like nursing or physical therapy. It doesn’t really even explain why you want to go into medicine. Firefighters, teachers, plumbers, and landscapers help people too!

Why do I want to be a physician specifically?

Is it the translation of your scientific knowledge into patient education about how to live a healthy lifestyle? Is it the pursuit of new therapies and cures through research? Is it the rigor of a career that demands lifelong learning?

Medical schools want to know that if they admit you, you’ll contribute to the class in a unique and meaningful way. So think about what makes your desire to become a physician unique. Medical schools want to admit a  diverse class , and although  diversity in medical education is a rather broad topic in general, they’re looking beyond just demographics—to facets such as educational experiences, life challenges, medical interests, and more.How does everything fit together?

You want your medical school personal statement to tell an intricate story about you—something a reader can get excited about and relate to. Rather than simply rewriting your résumé in paragraph form, construct your essay around a theme that you can keep returning to.

Perhaps you’re a musicology major who’s also passionate about education and patient care. Focusing on the intersection between the arts and sciences both historically and in your own life could be a good launching-off point. Take it from us—it’s worked before.

Who should edit my med school essay?

• Someone who knows you really well.  Medical schools can spot a disingenuous personal statement a mile away. Get a best friend, parent, or significant other to call you on any bluffing or “gaming” of the essay. It’s not about writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear—it’s about writing the truth, representing yourself tactfully, and letting your accomplishments speak for themselves.
• A strict grammarian.  To be sure,  using a comma when you should be using a semicolon  will not, by itself, keep you out of medical school. But any sloppiness or lack of clarity in your statement will subtly and collectively bring down the overall quality and effectiveness of your words.
• Someone who knows medicine.  Who should know better what will appeal to a medical school admissions committee than someone who’s already been there, done that? A physician you’ve shadowed, a PI with whom you’ve worked, or a friend who’s already a medical student will help you hone your statement’s message. If you are currently an undergraduate student, your pre-med advisor certainly fits the bill.

Ultimately, the essay is crucial to your success in applying to medical school, so go ahead and start writing. By thinking through your essay, you’re helping define who you are as a citizen, as a student, and as the physician you’re well on your way to becoming.

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Personal Statement and Essay Prompts 2020: AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS

Looking for a comprehensive index of all required essay prompts for the AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS applications?

Look no further. Personal statements, short essays, experience descriptions - it’s all covered here.

All the prompts and character limits were gathered online from primary sources ( AAMC , AACOM , etc.) or from our past 2019 students. We’ve tried to ensure that this information is accurate and up-to-date, but please note that it’s subject to change.

We want to be a one-stop shop for all the medical school primary essay prompts, so please let us know if you notice any discrepancies. Don’t forget to brush up on the AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS Deadlines .

Oh, and if you’re looking for tips and examples, you’ll find those here, too.

Just follow the links:

Table of Contents

2020 AMCAS Essay Prompts

Personal Statement Prompt

Institutional Action Prompt

Disadvantaged Information Prompt

Experience Descriptions Prompt

Most Meaningful Remarks Prompt

2020 AACOMAS Essay Prompts

2020 tmdsas essay prompts.

Personal Characteristics Prompt

Optional Essay Prompt

Most Meaningful Essays Prompt

BONUS: All Medical School Secondary Essays 2019-2020 (by state)

2020 AMCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT PROMPT

(5300 characters max)

Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to medical school. The available space for your response is 5300 characters, or approximately one full page. You will receive an error message if you exceed the available space. For additional assistance, click "help" on the tool bar at the top of the screen.

There are a few follow up questions to help you:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that hasn't been disclosed in other sections of the application?
• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
• Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

SAVVY PRE-MED TIPS:

Whew, where to start? Hmm… probably here:

Savvy Pre-med's Ultimate Guide to Writing Your Personal Statement

But seriously, the personal statement is a complex, multifaceted process, so you might want to target certain areas. Here are some elements we’ve covered:

Getting Started on Your Draft

Writing Attention-Grabbing Hooks

Average vs. Compelling Personal Statements

Crafting Your “Why Medicine” Answer

Cliches to Avoid

How to Know Your Personal Statement is Finished

Our full archive of articles on the personal statement

Jump back to the Table of Contents .

2020 AMCAS INSTITUTIONAL ACTION PROMPT

(1325 characters max)

MILITARY DISCHARGE

The question asks if you’ve ever been discharged by the Armed Forces. If you answer Yes, you’ll be asked if you received an honorable discharge or discharge under honorable circumstances. If you answer No, you must explain in 1,325 characters the circumstances of your discharge, including the circumstances leading to your discharge, your period of service, and your rank at the time of discharge.

FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS

You must indicate if you have ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a felony crime or misdemeanor, excluding

(1) Any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile

(2) Convictions that have been expunged or sealed by a court (in states where applicable).

You need not disclose any instance in which you:

• Were arrested but not charged

• Were arrested and charged, with the charges dropped

• Were arrested and charged, but found not guilty by a judge or jury

• Were arrested and found guilty by a judge or jury, with the conviction overturned on appeal

• Were arrested and found guilty but received an executive pardon

If you answer Yes, you’ll have 1,325 characters to explain the circumstances of your conviction, including the number of conviction(s), the nature of the offense(s) leading to conviction(s), the date(s) and location(s) of conviction(s), the sentence(s) imposed, and the type(s) of rehabilitation.

Academic Probation

You must answer "Yes" if you were ever the recipient of any institutional action resulting from unacceptable academic performance or a conduct violation, even if such action did not interrupt your enrollment or require you to withdraw. You must answer "Yes" even if the action does not appear on or has been deleted from your official transcripts due to institutional policy or personal petition. If you answer Yes, you’ll have 1,325 characters to explain the circumstances.

If you are not certain whether or not you have been the subject of an institutional action, contact the registrar, student affairs officer, or other appropriate party at the institution for confirmation of your record. Applicants who become the subject of an institutional action after certifying and submitting the AMCAS application must inform their designated medical schools that an action has occurred.

Don't feel obligated to fill all 1325 characters for this essay:

PARAGRAPH 1

1-2 sentences to explain the factors that led to the institutional action

It's wise to let the facts speak for themselves. If there were extenuating circumstances that led to this anomalous blip in your record, make sure to include those as evidence, BUT DON'T editorialize or try to make direct excuses for what happened. The goal in the beginning is to just acknowledge and own up to the IA.

PARAGRAPH 2

3-4 sentences to explain how you've rectified the situation

This will depend a lot on your situation, but typically, it will involve some kind of probation, mandatory classes, written letters, court appearances, etc. Beyond explaining the requirements you fulfilled and your current good standing, discuss the ways you've sought to improve overall as a person.

PARAGRAPH 3

1-2 sentences to explain the growth, personal qualities, and lessons you’ve gained

Again, this will depend a lot on your situation. Perhaps there's some activity or endeavor that you can use as "proof" of your growth as a person (i.e. tutoring other struggling students or serving on the student judiciary board). If not, just explain what you learned from the experience and how it's turned you into a better person moving forward.

2020 AMCAS DISADVANTAGED INFORMATION PROMPT

When you click the box on the AMCAS application to see if the status applies to you, here is what AMCAS provides:

Underserved: Do you believe, based on your own experiences or the experiences of family and friends, 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?

Immediate Family: The Federal Government broadly defines “immediate family” as “spouse, parent, child, sibling, mother or father-in-law, son or daughter-in-law, or sister or brother-in-law, including step and adoptive relationships.”

State and Federal Assistance Programs: These programs are specifically defined as “Means-Tested Programs” under which the individual, family, or household income and assets must be below specified thresholds. The sponsoring agencies then provide cash and non-cash assistance to eligible individuals, families, or households. Such programs include welfare benefit programs (federal, state, and local) Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC or ADC); unemployment compensation; General Assistance (GA); food stamps; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Medicaid; housing assistance; or other federal, state, or local financial assistance programs.

If you think there are other circumstances that have contributed to your disadvantaged status that are not listed, don't feel constrained by the above.

In addition to requesting family financial data, AMCAS provides the opportunity for a 1,325 character statement explaining why you should be considered disadvantaged.

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH 1

2-3 sentences to explain the factors that contribute to your disadvantaged status

I am blessed to have been adopted by my grandparents, who provided a stable life by removing me from a destructive environment with an absent father and drug-addicted mother. However, due to my grandparents’ age and physical limits, I missed out on many things people take for granted, like playing catch with one’s father or enjoying student-parent activities.

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH 2

5-6 sentences to illustrate the day-to-day struggles as a result of your status

I am a first-generation college student who has been financially independent since age 18. My discipline stems from my teenage years when I worked manual labor on construction sites. This translated into dedication and focus, as I later sought a scholarship to subsidize my schooling and worked full-time alongside a rigorous course load. To fund my college experience, I attended a local university and gained merit-based aid, balancing school (20+ unit semesters) and three jobs (totaling 40+ hours/week). My lack of expendable income prevented me from accessing certain opportunities off-campus. Luckily, the Wilkinson Honors Scholarship provided a dorm stipend that covered most of my living expenses. However, to further cut costs, I went without a car and obtained an on-campus job and research opportunity.

EXAMPLE CONCLUSION

1-2 sentences to explain the growth, personal qualities, and lessons you’ve gained as a result of your status

Overall, my obstacles have given me more resolve to plan ahead, meet my goals, and help others do the same.

2020 AMCAS EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTIONS PROMPT

(15 activities or less, 700 characters max for each)

The Work/Activities section of the application is designed to give you the opportunity to highlight your work experience, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, or publications that you would like to bring to the attention of the medical schools to which you are applying.

You may enter a maximum of 15 experiences, and you may enter four separate date ranges for recurring experiences. This section cannot be edited or updated after the original submission of your application. Work and activities will appear on your application in chronological order and may not be rearranged. However, please be aware that medical schools sort your entries and view them in a variety of different orders to suit their specific review processes.

Medical schools receive your Work/Activities descriptions as plain text. Therefore, formatting options such as bulleted lists, indented paragraphs, and bold/italic fonts do not appear for reviewers and are not available.

You have the opportunity to describe or summarize each experience. The space allotted for each description is 700 characters.

We often get questions about whether it’s better to use bullet points or paragraphs for these descriptions. Either is fine! The key is being consistent in the way you choose to format your descriptions. Here’s an example of both methods:

BULLET POINT EXAMPLE

Outreach Coordinator                St. Augustine Orphanage, Tijuana, Mexico

- Planned, fundraised, and led a volunteer service trip to impoverished communities in Mexico

- Coordinated and managed a team of 20 volunteers and faculty

- Executed simple, precise interventions to spread change across a population

- Improved communication and bedside manner while engaging locals about their health problems and barriers to care

- Lived alongside children in multiple orphanages in Tijuana and poorer rural areas

- Brought clothes and supplies and provided hygiene demos for the children

- Gained insight into disparities and social determinants of health in underserved populations

- Wrote detailed protocol and reflection exercises for future leaders to use on their trips  

PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE

As outreach coordinator, I fundraised and led a service trip to impoverished communities in Mexico. In this role, I managed a team of 20 volunteers and faculty to execute interventions and spread change across a population. As part of this experience, we lived alongside children in multiple orphanages in Tijuana while donating supplies and providing hygiene demos. I improved my communication and bedside manner while engaging locals about their health problems and barriers. During this time, I gained insight into disparities and social determinants of health for the underserved. After the trip, I wrote a detailed protocol and reflection exercises for future leaders to use on their trips.

In your experience descriptions, try to show your “Trackable Progress”:

“Trackable progress” can be any number of things:

- Earned promotion within first three months of working for Lab XYZ

- Assigned new responsibilities of training recent hires and creating orientation manuals

- Ran promotional campaign that tripled our club’s active membership

- Garnered over half of the company’s referrals during the last two years

- Updated and improved the lab’s protocols to cut costs by more than half

If possible, support these bullets with quantitative evidence and stats (EX: raised membership by 50%, trained 50+ employees, etc). This data will show a lot about your contributions without taking up too much space.

020 AMCAS MOST MEANINGFUL REMARKS PROMPT

(choose 3 of your activities, 1325 characters max for each)

You may identify up to three experiences that you consider to be the most meaningful. This designation will allow you an additional 1,325 characters to explain why the experience(s) was particularly meaningful to you.

When writing your summary, you may want to consider the transformative nature of the experience, the impact you made while engaging in the activity, and the personal growth you experienced as a result of your participation. If you have two or more experience entries, you will be required to identify at least one as the more or most meaningful.

You may change which experience(s) you designate as Most Meaningful until the initial submission of your application. The text you entered in the Experience Summary section will be lost if you remove an experience from those you have designated as Most Meaningful. Your Most Meaningful selection(s) will be designated as such by a check-mark in the Work/Activities main screen.

If you’re in doubt about what to choose, many students will include one medically oriented activity, one leadership activity, and one extracurricular (research, service, etc). As long as you’ve invested significant time and energy into the activity (compared to your others), then it’s fair game for a most meaningful essay.  

Once you’ve narrowed down your possible choices based on time and commitment, you’ll want to ask yourself some brainstorming questions to determine the best activities and angles to explore in your most meaningful essays.

Remember that it’s okay to overlap the experiences of the personal statement and most meaningful essays, as long as you don’t repeat stories or lessons verbatim.

BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS:

Which of the activities had the most setbacks or failures? Can you recall one or two specific moments that required your resilience?

Which of the activities presented the steepest learning curves? Why were they so challenging? Did you have to change something about yourself to succeed?

Did any of the activities expose you to people much different than yourself? Were their difficulties in communicating and collaborating with them?

Which of the activities most surprised you? Can you recall any moments within them when your perspective on medicine or life shifted?

Did you get more than expected out of a particular activity? Why? Vice versa, were there activities that disappointed you for some reason? How did you respond?

Which of the activities made you the most apprehensive? Why? Can you recall one or two moments that pushed you outside your comfort zone?

Which of the activities taught you a new skill that you otherwise wouldn’t have learned? Did you learn or realize how you could apply this skill moving forward?

How-to Guide and Most Meaningful Essay Example

5 Reasons You Should Apply to DO Schools - MUST READ!

2020 AACOMAS PERSONAL STATEMENT PROMPT

This section is where you can write a statement, which is shared with all your osteopathic medicine schools. Once you submit your application, you cannot edit this section.

• Keep your topic general : Keep the statement general as this essay is sent to all the programs you apply to. If you plan to only apply to one program, we still strongly recommend keeping your statement general in case you later apply to additional programs. Once you submit your application, the essay cannot be edited or changed.
• Do not exceed the maximum length : Refer to the number below the field in the application. This is the number of characters (not words) that you can use in your essay. As you type, you can see how many characters are still available. Characters include spaces, carriage returns, and punctuation. You cannot save your essay if it exceeds the character limit.
• Use your own words : Plagiarizing any part of your essay is a violation of the code of conduct and may subject you to sanctions.
• Use simple formatting : Formatting such as tabs, italics, multiple spaces, etc. will not be saved. To delineate paragraphs, type a double return between each paragraph.

Thankfully, the AACOMAS recently decided to give candidates more space, as compared to past years when you only had 4500 characters.

Still, most candidates face the challenge of converting an MD personal statement into a DO one. What to cut? What to add? What are the essentials to include?

We’ve distilled our years of wisdom from helping candidates down into:

5 Simple Steps to Turn Your AMCAS Essay into Your AACOMAS Essay

2020 AACOMAS DISADVANTAGED INFORMATION PROMPT

There is no essay on the AACOMAS to explain your disadvantaged status, but the application has a series of questions to categorize you:

(Yes/No) Your parent's family income falls within the table's guidelines and you are considered to have met the criteria for economically disadvantaged.

(Yes/No) I am from a family that lives in an area that is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area or a Medically Underserved Area.

(Yes/No) I graduated from a high school at which many of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches.

(Yes/No) I am from a school district where 50% or less of graduates go to college or where college education is not encouraged.

(Yes/No) I am the first generation in my family to attend college (neither my mother nor my father attended college).

(Yes/No) English is not my primary language.

Savvy Pre-med Tips:

Use some space in the personal statement to elaborate on your disadvantaged background, especially if the circumstances require contextual explanation.

Also keep in mind that the DO secondary essays tend to be rather generous in the amount of space they provide (sometimes up to 500 words per essay). These essays will give you additional opportunities to discuss disadvantages.

Refer to our tips for the AMCAS Disadvantaged Information Prompt .

2020 AACOMAS INSTITUTIONAL ACTION PROMPT

(500 characters max)

Applicants will be asked to disclose information regarding prior criminal offenses. Failure to accurately and truthfully disclose such offenses on the AACOMAS application may result in an offer of admission being rescinded or, if the omission is discovered after enrollment in medical school, in dismissal.

Have you ever been disciplined for student conduct violations (e.g. academic probation, dismissal, suspension, disqualification, etc.) by any college or school?

Have you ever been disciplined for academic performance (e.g. academic probation, dismissal, suspension, disqualification, etc.) by any college or school?

Have you ever been convicted of a Felony?

Have you ever had any certification, registration, license or clinical privileges revoked, suspended or in any way restricted by an institution, state or locality?

Have you ever been convicted of a Misdemeanor?

If you answer Yes to any of these questions, you’ll have 500 characters to explain.

Refer to our tips for the AMCAS Institutional Action Prompt .

2020 AACOMAS EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTIONS PROMPT

(600 characters max for each entry)

Key differences between AACOMAS and AMCAS experience descriptions:

• AACOMAS does not have Most Meaningful Remarks
• AACOMAS gives you 100 fewer characters for your descriptions
• AACOMAS breaks its “Supporting Information” into Experiences and Achievements - no limit on the total number of entries for either
• AACOMAS has fewer category distinctions for Experiences (only volunteering, healthcare experience, or paid/non-healthcare experience)
• Achievements include honors/awards, presentations, or publications
• Distinguish your AACOMAS hobbies as “non-healthcare experience”

Refer to our tips for the AMCAS Experience Descriptions Prompt .

2020 TMDSAS PERSONAL STATEMENT PROMPT

(5000 characters max)

The personal statement essay is limited to 5000 characters, including spaces. Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. Be sure to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.

Refer to our tips for the AMCAS Personal Statement Prompt .

2020 TMDSAS PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS PROMPT

(2500 characters max)

The personal characteristics essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces. Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others.

It’s wise to choose one of your Most Meaningful AMCAS essays and expand upon it (from 1325 to 2500 characters).

Is one of your three Most Meaningfuls more distinct than the other two? Does one focus on a more atypical pre-med activity? If so, that’s probably the one to choose, since this prompt is looking for “diverse backgrounds and experiences.”

If all three of your Meaningfuls feel equally distinct (or equally average), pick the one that would give you the most useful insights to share with your future classmates (i.e. “add to the educational experience of others”).

When adding content (~1000 characters) to your Most Meaningful, here’s where to focus your attention:

Add 1-2 sentences to the “hook” of the essay (paragraph 1) to make the experience even more vivid and concrete for the reader

Add 3-4 sentences to the “plot” of the essay (paragraph 1 or 2) to expound on your biggest responsibilities, contributions, and accomplishments

Add 3-4 sentences to the “reflection” of the essay (paragraph 2 or 3) to explain how this activity and its lessons make you a diverse and valuable candidate

Refer to our tips for the AMCAS Most Meaningful Essays Prompt .

2020 TMDSAS OPTIONAL ESSAY PROMPT

The optional essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces. The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. This essay is optional; however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Briefly state any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application. This is not an area to continue your essay or reiterate what you have previously stated - this area is provided to address any issues which have not previously been addressed.

If you’ve written or will be writing a Disadvantaged Essay for the MD application (discussed in the following module), then it makes sense to use that same essay here and expand upon it (from 1325 to 2500 characters).

When adding content (~1000 characters) to your Disadvantaged Essay, here’s where to focus your attention:

Add 1-2 sentences to the “hook” of the essay (paragraph 1) to make your backstory even more vivid and concrete for the reader

Add 3-4 sentences to the “plot” of the essay (paragraph 1 or 2) to expound on your biggest challenges, obstacles, limitations, etc.

Add 3-4 sentences to the “reflection” of the essay (paragraph 2 or 3) to explain how your hardships and their lessons make you a valuable candidate

Even if you’re not disadvantaged, you should still answer this TMDSAS Optional Essay by using another one of your Most Meaningfuls. With the two choices remaining, choose the one that has more autobiographical or personal relevance, or perhaps the one that better illustrates your exemplary qualities (leadership, creativity, problem solving, innovation, initiative, etc.).

Add 3-4 sentences to the “reflection” of the essay (paragraph 2 or 3) to explain how this activity and its lessons make you a valuable candidate

2020 TMDSAS DISADVANTAGED INFORMATION PROMPT

There is no essay on the TMDSAS to explain your disadvantaged status, but the application has a series of Yes/No questions to categorize your socioeconomic standing:

1st generation undergraduate:

1st generation graduate:

Parent/guardian of dependent children:

Primary language:

Bilingual or multilingual:

Fluent in languages other than English:

Household size:

Household income:

Residential property value:

Ever live in subsidized housing:

Ever receive benefits from the Federal Free and Reduced Meal program:

Responsibilities raising other children in household while attending elementary and/or high school:

Were you required to contribute to the overall family income (as opposed to working primarily for your own discretionary spending money) while attending high school:

Zip Code to age 18:

Lived outside US to age 18:

Percentage of college expenses provided by:

Academic scholarships:

Financial need-based scholarships:

Jobs/Employment:

Other Sources:

Received a Pell Grant during undergraduate education:

Still full-time student:

Use the TMDSAS Optional Essay to elaborate on your disadvantages.

Refer to our tips for the TMDSAS Optional Essay Prompt .

2020 TMDSAS INSTITUTIONAL ACTION PROMPT

(600 characters max)

If you answer Yes to any of the following questions, you’ll be given 600 characters to explain.

(Yes/No) Has your education ever been interrupted for any reason?

(Yes/No) Were you ever the recipient of any action by any college or professional school for unacceptable academic performance?

(Yes/No) Were you ever the recipient of any action by any college or professional school for conduct violations?

(Yes/No) Have you ever been sanctioned or received disciplinary action by a State Licensure Board of any kind (i.e., nursing, pharmacy, legal, etc.)?

(Yes/No) Are you currently under charge or have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or have you ever received a felony or misdemeanor deferred adjudication?

2020 TMDSAS EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTIONS PROMPT

(300 characters max for each entry, no limit on number of entries)

Healthcare and Employment Activities may be listed in each category if the experience was a paid position; otherwise, do not list experiences in more than one section. For example, a scribing job would be listed in both Healthcare Activities and Employment. The Employment and Activities categories are as follows:

• Academic Recognition
• Non-Academic Recognition
• Research Activities
• Healthcare Activities
• Community Service
• Extracurricular & Leisure Activities
• Planned Activities
• Identifying Top Meaningful Activities

REFER TO OUR TIPS FOR THE AMCAS EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTIONS PROMPT .

2020 tmdsas most meaningful essays prompt.

(choose 3 of your activities, 500 characters max for each)

This section was recently added last cycle. The TMDSAS now asks you to identify three top meaningful activities.

With only 500 characters, try to capture the activity through an emotionally-gripping or inspirational scene:

As our team approached the scene, we were greeted by the scorched remnants of Dave’s trailer - four deflated tires and a melted frame - the result of an arsonist attack. This was my first ride-along with the American Red Cross. The Disaster Action Team provided clothes, water, blankets, and a few hundred dollars, but it was clear Dave needed more than temporary supplies. A humble realization set in - I will not be able to save everyone, but I will always strive to be a buoy to keep them afloat.

499 characters

END OF CONTENTS

We hope you find this resource useful. Make sure to bookmark it as a reference throughout your application cycle!

If these essays feel overwhelming, you can BOOK A FREE MEETING with our expert medical school advisors for more guidance. We’ve helped hundreds of students write their personal statements and essays, and we’d love to help you on your writing journey!

Good luck!  

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All work on this site is our own. The content for the Savvy med school search was found on the webpages of the respective medical schools.

6 Tips for Writing Your AMCAS® Personal Comments Essay

New section.

The Personal Comments Essay section of the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) application is your opportunity to tell medical school admissions officers who you are and what makes you unique. Here are some tips to help you as you write your essay.

The AMCAS® application to medical school asks for a lot of information about yourself. It includes biographical information, courses taken, and work experiences just to name a few.  The application also requires you to include a Personal Comments Essay, which is entered in Section 8 of the application. This essay provides an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants and provide admissions officers with more insight into why you have chosen to pursue a career in medicine.

Many admissions committees place significant weight on this section, so we have compiled a list of tips to help you craft a well-organized and compelling essay.

• Take time to think about the content of your essay before writing a first draft. As you’re thinking about the structure of your essay, remember to keep the content general because it will go to all medical schools you apply to. Try not to duplicate information provided elsewhere in the application. Some questions you may want to consider before you begin writing include: What are some of your personal values and how have they influenced your desire to enter the medical profession? What motivates you to learn more about medicine? What should medical schools know about you that isn’t described in other sections of the application?
• Show, don't tell.  If challenges in your childhood or a defining experience led you to consider medicine, use details to describe those experiences and bring your essay to life. Try to include content that aligns with the premed competencies for entering medical students . Write in your authentic voice; your essay can help you contextualize and elaborate on topics during your interview.
• Stay on topic. There is a 5,300 character limit (including spaces) in this section. This equals about 1 1/2 pages of writing, single-spaced. Make sure your essay is interesting, follows a logical and orderly flow, relates to your reasons for choosing medicine, and describes why you believe you will be successful as a physician.
• Don’t be afraid of the editing process.  Be sure to write more than one draft and make edits to your essay. Find a reviewer who does not have a personal relationship with you, as an external reviewer will help you gain new perspectives on your writing and refine the story you want to tell admissions committees.
• Remember to proofread and be mindful of formatting. The AMCAS application does not include spell -check, so be sure to proofread your essay for any typos or grammatical errors. You will not be able to go back into this section to make any edits after submitting your application. To avoid formatting issues, we recommend that you draft your essay in text-only word processing software, such as Microsoft Notepad or Mac TextEdit, then copy and paste your essay into the application. You can also type your essay directly into the AMCAS application.
• If you are applying to MD-PhD programs, there are two additional essays you will need to complete. The first essay asks your reasons for pursuing the combined degree and is relatively short. The second essay asks you to describe your research activities and is about three pages long. You can read more about these additional essays in the 2024 AMCAS® Applicant Guide (PDF) or get further guidance from your prehealth advisor or career counselor.

For more AMCAS program-related tips, please check out the AMCAS Tools and Tutorials page . There, you’ll find video tutorials, presentations, guides, and recordings of past webinars. For further advice from current prehealth advisors, access our “Advisor Corner: Crafting Your Personal Statement” article .

Great Medical School Personal Statement Examples (2024-2025) Insider’s Guide

A physician and former medical school admissions officer teaches you how to write your medical school personal statement, step by step. Read several full-length medical school personal statement examples for inspiration.

In this article, a former medical school admissions officer explains exactly how to write a stand-out  medical school personal statement!

Our goal is to empower you to write a medical school personal statement that reflects your individuality, truest aspirations and genuine motivations.

This guide also includes:

• Real life medical school personal statement examples
• Medical school personal statement inventory template and outline exercise
• AMCAS ,  TMDSAS , and  AACOMAS  personal statement prompts
• Advanced strategies to ensure you address everything admissions committees want to know
• The secret to writing a great medical school personal statement

So, if you want your medical school personal statement to earn more more medical school interviews, you will love this informative guide.

Let’s dive right in.

Table of Contents

Medical School Personal Statement Fundamentals

If you are getting ready to write your medical school personal statement for the 2024-2025 application year, you may already know that almost 60% of medical school applicants are not accepted every year . You have most likely also completed all of your medical school requirements and have scoured the internet for worthy medical school personal statement examples and guidance.

You know the medical school personal statement offers a crucial opportunity to show medical schools who you are beyond your GPA and MCAT score .

It provides an opportunity to express who you are as an individual, the major influences and background that have shaped your interests and values, what inspired you to pursue medicine, and what kind of a physician you envision yourself becoming.

However, with so much information online, you are not sure who to trust. We are happy you have found us!

Insider Knowledge and Expertise

Because the vast majority of people offering guidance are not former admissions officers or doctors , you must be careful when searching online.

We are real medical school admissions insiders and know what goes on behind closed doors and how to ensure your medical school personal statement has broad appeal while highlighting your most crucial accomplishments, perspectives, and insights.

With tight limits on space, it can be tough trying to decide what to include in your medical school personal statement to make sure you stand out. You must think strategically about how you want to present your personal “big picture” while showing you possess the  preprofessional competencies  med schools are seeking.

When a medical school admissions reviewer finishes reading your medical school personal statement, ask yourself:

• What are the most important things you want that person to remember about you?
• Does your medical school personal statement sum up your personality, interests, and talents?
• Does your medical school personal statement sound as if it’s written from the heart? Is it authentic?

It’s pretty obvious to most admissions reviewers when applicants are trying too hard to impress them. Being authentic and upfront about who you are is the best way to be a memorable applicant.

“After sitting on a medical school admissions committee for many years, I can tell you, think strategically about how you want to present your personal “big picture.” We want to know who you are as a human being.”

The Biggest Medical School Personal Statement Mistakes

The most common medical school personal statement mistake we see students make is that they write about:

• What they have accomplished
• How they have accomplished it

By including details on what you have accomplished and how, you will make yourself sound like every other medical school applicant. 

Most medical school applicants are involved in similar activities: research, clinical work, service, and social justice work. 

To stand out, you must write from the heart making it clear you haven’t marched through your premedical years and checking boxes.

We also strongly discourage applicants from using ChatGPT or any AI bot to write their medical school personal statement. Writing in your own voice is essential and using anything automated will undermine success.

The Medical School Personal Statement Secret

MedEdits students stand out in the medical school personal statement because in their personal statements they address:

WHY they have accomplished what they have.

In other words, they write in more detail about their passions, interests, and what is genuinely important to them. 

It sounds simple, we know, but by writing in a natural way, really zeroing in on WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO, you will appeal to a wide variety of people in a humanistic way. 

Why? How is that possible? They all have a few things in common:

• They write a narrative that is authentic and distinctive to them.
• They write a medical school personal statement with broad appeal (many different types of people will be evaluating your application; most are not physicians).
• They don’t try too hard to impress; instead they write about the most impactful experiences they have had on their path to medical school.
• They demonstrate they are humble, intellectual, compassionate, and committed to a career in medicine all at the same time.

Keep reading for a step by step approach to write your medical school personal statement.

Learn the 2024-2025 Medical School Personal Statement Prompts ( AMCAS , TMDSAS , AACOMAS )

The personal statement is the major essay portion of your primary application process. In it, you should describe yourself and your background, as well as any important early exposures to medicine, how and why medicine first piqued your interest, what you have done as a pre med, your personal experiences, and how you became increasingly fascinated with it. It’s also key to explain why medicine is the right career for you, in terms of both personal and intellectual fulfillment, and to show your commitment has continued to deepen as you learned more about the field.

The personal statement also offers you the opportunity to express who you are outside of medicine. What are your other interests? Where did you grow up? What did you enjoy about college? Figuring out what aspects of your background to highlight is important since this is one of your only chances to express to the med school admissions committee before your interview what is important to you and why.

However, it is important to consider the actual personal statement prompt for each system through which you will apply, AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS, since each is slightly different.

Need help with your Personal Statement?

Schedule a free 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits expert.

2024 AMCAS Personal Statement Prompt

The AMCAS personal statement instructions are as follows:

Use the Personal Comments Essay as an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Consider and write your Personal Comments Essay carefully; many admissions committees place significant weight on the essay. Here are some questions that you may want to consider while writing the essay:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that hasn’t been disclosed in other sections of the application?

In addition, you may wish to include information such as:

• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits
• Comments on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application

As you can see, these prompts are not vague; there are fundamental questions that admissions committees want you to answer when writing your personal statement. While the content of your statement should be focused on medicine, answering the open ended third question is a bit trickier.

The  AMCAS  personal statement length is 5,300 characters with spaces maximum.

2024 TMDSAS Personal Statement Prompt

The  TMDSAS  personal statement is one of the most important pieces of your medical school application.

The TMDSAS personal statement prompt is as follows:

Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. Be sure to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.

This TMDSAS prompt is very similar to the AMCAS personal statement prompt. The TMDSAS personal statement length is 5,000 characters with spaces whereas the AMCAS personal statement length is 5,300 characters with spaces. Most students use the same essay (with very minor modifications, if necessary) for both application systems.

2024 AACOMAS Personal Statement Prompt

The  AACOMAS  personal statement is for osteopathic medical schools specifically. As with the AMCAS statement, you need to lay out your journey to medicine as chronologically as possible in 5,300 characters with spaces or less. So you essentially have the same story map as for an AMCAS statement. Most important, you must show you are interested in osteopathy specifically. Therefore, when trying to decide what to include or leave out, prioritize any osteopathy experiences you have had, or those that are in line with the osteopathic philosophy of the mind-body connection, the body as self-healing, and other tenets.

Medical School Application Timeline  and When to Write your Personal Statement

Most medical school personal statements can be used for AMCAS and AACOMAS.

Know the Required Medical School Personal Statement Length

Below are the medical schools personal statement length limits for each application system. As you can see, they are all very similar. When you start brainstorming and writing your personal statement, keep these limits in mind.

AMCAS Personal Statement Length : 5,300 characters with spaces.

As per the AAMC website :  “The available space for this essay is 5,300 characters (spaces are counted as characters), or approximately one page. You will receive an error message if you exceed the available space.”

AACOMAS Personal Statement Length : 5,300 characters with spaces

TMDSAS Personal Statement Length : 5,000 characters with spaces

As per the TMDSAS Website (Page 36): “The personal essay asks you to explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician. The essay is limited to 5000 characters, including spaces.”

• Service Orientation
• Social Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Oral Communication
• Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
• Reliability and Dependability
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Capacity for Improvement
• Critical Thinking
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Written Communication
• Scientific Inquiry

2. Why do you want to be a doctor?

This may seem pretty basic – and it is – but admissions officers need to know WHY you want to practice medicine. Many applicants make the mistake of simply listing what they have done without offering insights about those experiences that answer the question, “Why medicine?” Your reasons for wanting to be a doctor may overlap with those of other applicants. This is okay because the experiences in which you participated, the stories you can tell about those experiences, and the wisdom you gained are completely distinct—because they are only yours. 

“In admissions committee meetings we were always interested in WHY you wanted to earn a medical degree and how you would contribute to the medical school community.”

Medical school admissions committees want to know that you have explored your interest deeply and that you can reflect on the significance of these clinical experiences and volunteer work. But writing only that you “want to help people” does not support a sincere desire to become a physician; you must indicate why the medical profession in particular—rather than social work, teaching, or another “helping” profession—is your goal.

3. How have your experiences influenced you?

It is important to show how your experiences are linked and how they have influenced you. What motivated you from your experiences? In what ways did they influence your other activities? How were your future goals shaped by these experiences? Medical school admissions committees like to see a sensible progression of involvements. While not every activity needs to be logically “connected” with another, the evolution of your interests and how your experiences have nurtured your future goals and ambitions show that you are motivated and committed.

4. Who are you as a person? What are your values and ideals?

Medical school admissions committees want to know about you as an individual beyond your interests in medicine, too. This is where answering that third open ended question in the prompt becomes so important. What was interesting about your background, youth, and home life? What did you enjoy most about college? Do you have any distinctive passions or interests? They want to be convinced that you are a good person beyond your experiences. Write about those topics that are unlikely to appear elsewhere in your statement that will offer depth and interest to your work and illustrate the qualities and characteristics you possess.

Related Articles:

• How to Get into Stanford Medical School
• How to Get into NYU Medical School
• How To Get Into Columbia Medical School
• How To Get Into UT Southwestern Medical School
• How To Get Into Harvard Medical School

Complete Your Personal Inventory and Outline (Example Below)

Highlighting valuable experiences, experience-based personal inventory exercise, creating your personal inventory.

• List Important Experiences: Write down a list of the most important experiences in your life and your development. The list should be all-inclusive and comprise those experiences that had the most impact on you. Put the list, which should consist of personal, extracurricular, and academic events, in chronological order.
• Identify Key Experiences: From this list, determine which experiences you consider the most important in helping you decide to pursue a career in medicine. This “experience-oriented” approach will allow you to determine which experiences best illustrate the personal competencies admissions committees look for in your written documents. Remember that you must provide evidence for your interest in medicine and for most of the personal qualities and characteristics that medical school admissions committees want to see.
• Reflect on Influences: After making your list, think about why each “most important” experience was influential and write that down. What did you observe? What did you learn? What insights did you gain? How did the experience influence your path and choices?
• Create Illustrations: Then think of a story or illustration for why each experience was important.
• Evaluate for Significance: After doing this exercise, evaluate each experience for its significance and influence and for its “story” value. Choose to write about those experiences that not only were influential but that also will provide interesting reading, keeping in mind that your goal is to weave the pertinent experiences together into a compelling story. In making your choices, think about how you will link each experience and transition from one topic to the next.
• Plan Your Outline: Decide which of your listed experiences you will use for your introduction first (see below for more about your introduction). Then decide which experiences you will include in the body of your personal statement, create a general outline, and get writing!

Crafting Your Narrative

Craft a compelling personal statement introduction and body.

You hear conflicting advice about application essays. Some tell you not to open with a story. Others tell you to always begin with a story. Regardless of the advice you receive, be sure to do three things:

• Be true to yourself. Everyone will have an opinion regarding what you should and should not write. Follow your own instincts. Your  personal statement  should be a reflection of you, and only you.
• Start your personal statement with something catchy.  Think about the list of potential topics above.
• Don’t rush your work. Composing thoughtful documents takes time and you don’t want your writing and ideas to be sloppy and underdeveloped.

Most important is to begin with something that engages your reader. A narrative, a “story,” an anecdote written in the first or third person, is ideal. Whatever your approach, your first paragraph must grab your reader’s attention and motivate him to want to continue reading. I encourage applicants to start their personal statement by describing an experience that was especially influential in setting them on their path to medical school. This can be a personal or scholarly experience or an extracurricular one. Remember to avoid clichés and quotes and to be honest and authentic in your writing. Don’t try to be someone who you are not by trying to imitate personal statement examples you have read online or “tell them what you think they want to hear”; consistency is key and your interviewer is going to make sure that you are who you say you are!

When deciding what experiences to include in the body of your personal statement, go back to your personal inventory and identify those experiences that have been the most influential in your personal path and your path to medical school. Keep in mind that the reader wants to have an idea of who you are as a human being so don’t write your personal statement as a glorified resume. Include some information about your background and personal experiences that can give a picture of who you are as a person outside of the classroom or laboratory.

Ideally, you should choose two or three experiences to highlight in the body of your personal statement. You don’t want to write about all of your accomplishments; that is what your application entries are for!

Write Your Personal Statement Conclusion

In your conclusion, it is customary to “go full circle” by coming back to the topic—or anecdote—you introduced in the introduction, but this is not a must. Summarize why you want to be a doctor and address what you hope to achieve and your goals for medical school. Write a conclusion that is compelling and will leave the reader wanting to meet you.

Complete Personal Statement Checklist

When reading your medical school personal statement be sure it:

Shows insight and introspection

The best medical school personal statements tell a great deal about what you have learned through your experiences and the insights you have gained.

You want to tell your story by highlighting those experiences that have been the most influential on your path to medical school and to give a clear sense of chronology. You want your statement always to be logical and never to confuse your reader.

Is interesting and engaging

The best personal statements engage the reader. This doesn’t mean you must use big words or be a literary prize winner. Write in your own language and voice, but really think about your journey to medical school and the most intriguing experiences you have had.

Gives the reader a mental image of who you are

You want the reader to be able to envision you as a caregiver and a medical professional. You want to convey that you would be a compassionate provider at the bedside – someone who could cope well with crisis and adversity.

Not true. The vast majority of  personal statements  do not have themes. In fact, most are somewhat autobiographical and are just as interesting as those statements that are woven around a “theme.” It is only the very talented writer who can creatively write a personal statement around a theme, and this approach often backfires since the applicant fails to answer the three questions above.

Medical School Personal Statement Examples and Analysis for Inspiration

AMCAS Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #1 with Personal Inventory

We will use Amy to illustrate the general process of writing an application to medical school, along with providing the resulting documents. Amy will first list those experiences, personal, extracurricular, and scholarly, that have been most influential in two areas: her life in general and her path to medical school. She will put this personal inventory in chronologic order for use in composing her personal statement.

She will then select those experiences that were the most significant to her and will reflect and think about why they were important. For her application entries, Amy will write about each experience, including those that she considers influential in her life but not in her choice of medicine, in her application entries. Experiences that Amy will not write about in her activity entries or her personal statement are those that she does not consider most influential in either her life or in her choice of medicine.

• Going with my mom to work. She is a surgeon — I was very curious about what she did. I was intrigued by the relationships she had with patients and how much they valued her efforts. I also loved seeing her as “a doctor” since, to me, she was just “mom.”
• I loved biology in high school. I started to think seriously about medicine then. It was during high school that I became fascinated with biology and how the human body worked. I would say that was when I thought, “Hmm, maybe I should be a doctor.”
• Grandmother’s death, senior year of high school. My grandmother’s death was tragic. It was the first time I had ever seen someone close to me suffer. It was one of the most devastating experiences in my life.
• Global Health Trip to Guatemala my freshman year of college. I realized after going to Guatemala that I had always taken my access to health care for granted. Here I saw children who didn’t have basic health care. This made me want to become a physician so I could give more to people like those I met in Guatemala.
• Sorority involvement. Even though sorority life might seem trivial, I loved it. I learned to work with different types of people and gained some really valuable leadership experience.
• Poor grades in college science classes. I still regret that I did badly in my science classes. I think I was immature and was also too involved in other activities and didn’t have the focus I needed to do well. I had a 3.4 undergraduate GPA.
• Teaching and tutoring Jose, a child from Honduras. In a way, meeting Jose in a college tutoring program brought my Guatemala experience to my home. Jose struggled academically, and his parents were immigrants and spoke only Spanish, so they had their own challenges. I tried to help Jose as much as I could. I saw that because he lacked resources, he was at a tremendous disadvantage.
• Volunteering at Excellent Medical Center. Shadowing physicians at the medical center gave me a really broad view of medicine. I learned about different specialties, met many different patients, and saw both great and not-so-great physician role models. Counselor at Ronald McDonald House. Working with sick kids made me appreciate my health. I tried to make them happy and was so impressed with their resilience. It made me realize that good health is everything.
• Oncology research. Understanding what happens behind the scenes in research was fascinating. Not only did I gain some valuable research experience, but I learned how research is done.
• Peer health counselor. Communicating with my peers about really important medical tests gave me an idea of the tremendous responsibility that doctors have. I also learned that it is important to be sensitive, to listen, and to be open-minded when working with others.
• Clinical Summer Program. This gave me an entirely new view of medicine. I worked with the forensics department, and visiting scenes of deaths was entirely new to me. This experience added a completely new dimension to my understanding of medicine and how illness and death affect loved ones.
• Emergency department internship. Here I learned so much about how things worked in the hospital. I realized how important it was that people who worked in the clinical department were involved in creating hospital policies. This made me understand, in practical terms, how an MPH would give me the foundation to make even more change in the future.
• Master’s in public health. I decided to get an MPH for two reasons. First of all, I knew my undergraduate science GPA was an issue so I figured that graduate level courses in which I performed well would boost my record. I don’t think I will write this on my application, but I also thought the degree would give me other skills if I didn’t get into medical school, and I knew it would also give me something on which I could build during medical school and in my career since I was interested in policy work.

As you can see from Amy’s personal inventory list, she has many accomplishments that are important to her and influenced her path. The most influential personal experience that motivated her to practice medicine was her mother’s career as a practicing physician, but Amy was also motivated by watching her mother’s career evolve. Even though the death of her grandmother was devastating for Amy, she did not consider this experience especially influential in her choice to attend medical school so she didn’t write about it in her personal statement.

Amy wrote an experience-based personal statement, rich with anecdotes and detailed descriptions, to illustrate the evolution of her interest in medicine and how this motivated her to also earn a master’s in public health.

Amy’s  Medical School Personal Statement  Example:

She was sprawled across the floor of her apartment. Scattered trash, decaying food, alcohol bottles, medication vials, and cigarette butts covered the floor. I had just graduated from college, and this was my first day on rotation with the forensic pathology department as a Summer Scholar, one of my most valuable activities on the path to medical school. As the coroner deputy scanned the scene for clues to what caused this woman’s death, I saw her distraught husband. I did not know what to say other than “I am so sorry.” I listened intently as he repeated the same stories about his wife and his dismay that he never got to say goodbye. The next day, alongside the coroner as he performed the autopsy, I could not stop thinking about the grieving man.

Discerning a cause of death was not something I had previously associated with the practice of medicine. As a child, I often spent Saturday mornings with my mother, a surgeon, as she rounded on patients. I witnessed the results of her actions, as she provided her patients a renewed chance at life. I grew to honor and respect my mother’s profession. Witnessing the immense gratitude of her patients and their families, I quickly came to admire the impact she was able to make in the lives of her patients and their loved ones.

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine as my mother had, and throughout high school and college I sought out clinical, research, and volunteer opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of medicine. After volunteering with cancer survivors at Camp Ronald McDonald, I was inspired to further understand this disease. Through my oncology research, I learned about therapeutic processes for treatment development. Further, following my experience administering HIV tests, I completed research on point-of-care HIV testing, to be instituted throughout 26 hospitals and clinics. I realized that research often served as a basis for change in policy and medical practice and sought out opportunities to learn more about both.

All of my medically related experiences demonstrated that people who were ‘behind the scenes’ and had limited or no clinical background made many of the decisions in health care. Witnessing the evolution of my mother’s career further underscored the impact of policy change on the practice of medicine. In particular, the limits legislation imposed on the care she could provide influenced my perspective and future goals. Patients whom my mother had successfully treated for more than a decade, and with whom she had long-standing, trusting relationships, were no longer able to see her, because of policy coverage changes. Some patients, frustrated by these limitations, simply stopped seeking the care they needed. As a senior in college, I wanted to understand how policy transformations came about and gain the tools I would need to help effect administrative and policy changes in the future as a physician. It was with this goal in mind that I decided to complete a master’s in public health program before applying to medical school.

As an MPH candidate, I am gaining insight into the theories and practices behind the complex interconnections of the healthcare system; I am learning about economics, operations, management, ethics, policy, finance, and technology and how these entities converge to impact delivery of care. A holistic understanding of this diverse, highly competitive, market-driven system will allow me, as a clinician, to find solutions to policy, public health, and administration issues. I believe that change can be more effective if those who actually practice medicine also decide where improvements need to be made.

For example, as the sole intern for the emergency department at County Medical Center, I worked to increase efficiency in the ED by evaluating and mapping patient flow. I tracked patients from point of entry to point of discharge and found that the discharge process took up nearly 35% of patients’ time. By analyzing the reasons for this situation, in collaboration with nurses and physicians who worked in the ED and had an intimate understanding of what took place in the clinical area, I was able to make practical recommendations to decrease throughput time. The medical center has already implemented these suggestions, resulting in decreased length of stays. This example illustrates the benefit of having clinicians who work ‘behind the scenes’ establish policies and procedures, impacting operational change and improving patient care. I will also apply what I have learned through this project as the business development intern at Another Local Medical Center this summer, where I will assist in strategic planning, financial analysis, and program reviews for various clinical departments.

Through my mother’s career and my own medical experiences, I have become aware of the need for clinician administrators and policymakers. My primary goal as a physician will be to care for patients, but with the knowledge and experience I have gained through my MPH, I also hope to effect positive public policy and administrative changes.

Paragraphs 1 and 2: Amy started her personal statement by illustrating a powerful experience she had when she realized that medical caregivers often feel impotent, and how this contrasted with her understanding of medicine as a little girl going with her mother to work. Recognition of this intense contrast also highlights her maturity.

P-3: She then “lists” a few experiences that were important to her.

Paragraph 4: Amy describes the commonality in some of her experiences and how her observations were substantiated by watching the evolution of her mother’s practice. She then explains how this motivated her to earn an MPH so she could create change more effectively as a physician than as a layman.

P-5: Next, she explains how her graduate degree is helping her to better understand the “issues in medicine” that she observed.

Paragraph 6: Then, an exceptional accomplishment is described, highlighting what she has learned and how she has applied it.

P-7: Finally, she effectively concludes her personal statement and summarizes the major topics addressed in her essay.

As you can see, her statement has excellent flow, is captivating and unusual, and illustrates her understanding of, and commitment to, medicine. Throughout her application entries and statement, she exhibits the personal competencies, characteristics, and qualities that medical school admissions officers are seeking. Her application also has broad appeal; reviewers who are focused on research, cultural awareness, working with the underserved, health administration and policy, teaching, or clinical medicine would all find it of interest.

Osteopathic Medical School Personal Statement

Example and Analysis #2

Medical School Personal Statement Example Background:  This is a nontraditional applicant who applied to osteopathic medical schools. With a 500 and a 504 on the  MCAT , he needed to showcase how his former career and what he learned through his work made him an asset. He also needed to convey why osteopathic medicine was an ideal fit for him. The student does an excellent job illustrating his commitment to medicine and explaining why and how he made the well-informed decision to leave his former career to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine.

What’s Good About It:  A nontraditional student with a former career, this applicant does a great job outlining how and why he decided to pursue a career in medicine. Clearly dedicated to service, he also does a great job making it clear he is a good fit for osteopathic medical school and understands this distinctions of osteopathic practice.. 

Working as a police officer, one comes to expect the unexpected, but sometimes, when the unexpected happens, one can’t help but be surprised. In November 20XX, I had been a police officer for two years when my partner and I happened to be nearby when a man had a cardiac emergency in Einstein Bagels. Entering the restaurant, I was caught off guard by the lifeless figure on the floor, surrounded by spilled food. Time paused as my partner and I began performing CPR, and my heart raced as I watched color return to the man’s pale face.

Luckily, paramedics arrived within minutes to transport him to a local hospital. Later, I watched as the family thanked the doctors who gave their loved one a renewed chance at life. That day, in the “unexpected,” I confirmed that I wanted to become a physician, something that had attracted me since childhood.

I have always been enthralled by the science of medicine and eager to help those in need but, due to life events, my path to achieving this dream has been long. My journey began following high school when I joined the U.S. Army. I was immature and needed structure, and I knew the military was an opportunity to pursue my medical ambitions. I trained as a combat medic and requested work in an emergency room of an army hospital. At the hospital, I started IVs, ran EKGs, collected vital signs, and assisted with codes. I loved every minute as I was directly involved in patient care and observed physicians methodically investigating their patients’ signs and symptoms until they reached a diagnosis. Even when dealing with difficult patients, the physicians I worked with maintained composure, showing patience and understanding while educating patients about their diseases. I observed physicians not only as clinicians but also as teachers. As a medic, I learned that I loved working with patients and being part of the healthcare team, and I gained an understanding of acute care and hospital operations.

Following my discharge in 20XX, I transferred to an army reserve hospital and continued as a combat medic until 20XX. Working as a medic at several hospitals and clinics in the area, I was exposed to osteopathic medicine and the whole body approach to patient care. I was influenced by the D.O.s’ hands-on treatment and their use of manipulative medicine as a form of therapy. I learned that the body cannot function properly if there is dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system.

In 20XX, I became a police officer to support myself as I finished my undergraduate degree and premed courses. While working the streets, I continued my patient care experiences by being the first to care for victims of gunshot wounds, stab wounds, car accidents, and other medical emergencies. In addition, I investigated many unknown causes of death with the medical examiner’s office. I often found signs of drug and alcohol abuse and learned the dangers and power of addiction. In 20XX, I finished my undergraduate degree in education and in 20XX, I completed my premed courses.

Wanting to learn more about primary care medicine, in 20XX I volunteered at a community health clinic that treats underserved populations. Shadowing a family physician, I learned about the physical exam as I looked into ears and listened to the hearts and lungs of patients with her guidance. I paid close attention as she expressed the need for more PCPs and the important roles they play in preventing disease and reducing ER visits by treating and educating patients early in the disease process. This was evident as numerous patients were treated for high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes, all conditions that can be resolved or improved by lifestyle changes. I learned that these changes are not always easy for many in underserved populations as healthier food is often more expensive and sometimes money for prescriptions is not available. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges of being a physician in an underserved area.

The idea of disease prevention stayed with me as I thought about the man who needed CPR. Could early detection and education about heart disease have prevented his “unexpected” cardiac event? My experiences in health care and law enforcement have confirmed my desire to be an osteopathic physician and to treat the patients of the local area. I want to eliminate as many medical surprises as I can.

Texas Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #3

Medical School Personal Statement Example Background:  This applicant, who grew up with modest means, should be an inspiration to us all. Rather than allowing limited resources to stand in his way, he took advantage of everything that was available to him. He commuted to college from home and had a part-time job so he was stretched thin, and his initial college performance suffered. However, he worked hard and his grades improved. Most medical school admissions committees seek out applicants like this because, by overcoming adversity and succeeding with limited resources, they demonstrate exceptional perseverance, maturity, and dedication. His accomplishments are, by themselves, impressive and he does an outstanding job of detailing his path, challenges, and commitment to medicine. He received multiple acceptances to top medical schools and was offered scholarships.

What’s Good About It:  This student does a great job opening his personal statement with a beautifully written introduction that immediately takes the reader to Central America. He then explains his path, why he did poorly early in college, and goes on to discuss his academic interests and pursuits. He is also clearly invested in research and articulates that he is intellectually curious, motivated, hard working, compassionate and committed to a career in medicine by explaining his experiences using interesting language and details. This is an intriguing statement that makes clear the applicant is worthy of an interview invitation. Finally, the student expresses his interest in attending medical school in Texas.

They were learning the basics of carpentry and agriculture. The air was muggy and hot, but these young boys seemed unaffected, though I and my fellow college students sweated and often complained. As time passed, I started to have a greater appreciation for the challenges these boys faced. These orphans, whom I met and trained in rural Central America as a member of The Project, had little. They dreamed of using these basic skills to earn a living wage. Abandoned by their families, they knew this was their only opportunity to re-enter society as self- sufficient individuals. I stood by them in the fields and tutored them after class. And while I tried my best to instill in them a strong work ethic, it was the boys who instilled in me a desire to help those in need. They gave me a new perspective on my decision to become a doctor.

I don’t know exactly when I decided to become a physician; I have had this goal for a long time. I grew up in the inner city of A City, in Texas and attended magnet schools. My family knew little about higher education, and I learned to seek out my own opportunities and advice. I attended The University with the goal of gaining admission to medical school. When I started college, I lacked the maturity to focus on academics and performed poorly. Then I traveled to Central America. Since I was one of the few students who spoke Spanish, many of the boys felt comfortable talking with me. They saw me as a role model.

The boys worked hard so that they could learn trades that would help them to be productive members of society. It was then I realized that my grandparents, who immigrated to the US so I would have access to greater opportunities, had done the same. I felt like I was wasting what they had sacrificed for me. When I returned to University in the fall, I made academics my priority and committed myself to learn more about medicine.

Through my major in neuroscience, I strengthened my understanding of how we perceive and experience life. In systems neurobiology, I learned the physiology of the nervous system. Teaching everything from basic neural circuits to complex sensory pathways, Professor X provided me with the knowledge necessary to conduct research in Parkinson’s disease. My research focused on the ability of antioxidants to prevent the onset of Parkinson’s, and while my project was only a pilot study at the time, Professor X encouraged me to present it at the National Research Conference. During my senior year, I developed the study into a formal research project, recruiting the help of professors of statistics and biochemistry.

Working at the School of Medicine reinforced my analytical skills. I spent my summer in the department of emergency medicine, working with the department chair, Dr. Excellent. Through Dr. Excellent’s mentorship, I participated in a retrospective study analyzing patient charts to determine the efficacy of D-dimer assays in predicting blood clots. The direct clinical relevance of my research strengthened my commitment and motivated my decision to seek out more clinical research opportunities.

A growing awareness of the role of human compassion in healing has also influenced my choice to pursue a career in medicine. It is something no animal model or cell culture can ever duplicate or rival. Working in clinical research has allowed me to see the selflessness of many physicians and patients and their mutual desire to help others. As a research study assistant in the department of surgery, I educate and enroll patients in clinical trials. One such study examines the role of pre-operative substance administration in tumor progression. Patients enrolled in this study underwent six weeks of therapy before having the affected organ surgically excised. Observing how patients were willing to participate in this research to benefit others helped me understand the resiliency of the human spirit.

Working in clinical trials has enabled me to further explore my passion for science, while helping others. Through my undergraduate coursework and participation in volunteer groups I have had many opportunities to solidify my goal to become a physician. As I am working, I sometimes think about my second summer in Central America. I recall how one day, after I had turned countless rows of soil in scorching heat, one of the boys told me that I was a trabajador verdadero—a true worker. I paused as I realized the significance of this comment. While the boy may not have been able to articulate it, he knew I could identify with him. What the boy didn’t know, however, was that had my grandparents not decided to immigrate to the US, I would not have the great privilege of seizing opportunities in this country and writing this essay today. I look forward to the next step of my education and hope to return home to Texas where I look forward to serving the communities I call home.

Final Thoughts

Medical school personal statement help & consulting.

If all this information has you staring at your screen like a deer in the headlights, you’re not alone. Writing a superb medical school personal statement can be a daunting task, and many applicants find it difficult to get started writing, or to express everything they want to say succinctly. That’s where MedEdits can help. You don’t have to have the best writing skills to compose a stand-out statement. From personal-statement editing alone to comprehensive packages for all your medical school application needs, we offer extensive support and expertise developed from working with thousands of successful medical school applicants. We can’t promise applying to medical school will be stress-free, but most clients tell us it’s a huge relief not to have to go it alone.

MedEdits offers personal statement consulting and editing. Our goal when working with students is to draw out what makes each student distinctive. How do we do this? We will explore your background and upbringing, interests and ideals as well as your accomplishments and activities. By helping you identify the most distinguishing aspects of who you are, you will then be able to compose an authentic and genuine personal statement in your own voice to capture the admissions committee’s attention so you are invited for a medical school interview. Our unique brainstorming methodology has helped hundreds of aspiring premeds gain acceptance to medical school.

JESSICA FREEDMAN, M.D., is a former faculty member and admissions committee member at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is the founder and chair of MedEdits Medical Admissions and author of the MedEdits Guide to Medical Admissions and The Medical School Interview which you can find on  Amazon . Follow Dr. Freedman and MedEdits on Facebook and  YouTube.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 15 tips for your medical school personal statement.

Don't underestimate the power of the medical school personal statement to make a strong, positive impression on an admissions committee. Combined with your interview performance, your personal statement can account for 60% (or more) of your total admissions score!

Medical schools want to enroll bright, empathetic, communicative people. Here's how to write a compelling med school personal statement that shows schools who you are and what you're capable of.

Personal Statement Topics

Your medical school personal statement is a component of your primary application submitted via, TMDSAS (for Texas applications), or AACOMAS (NB: If you are applying to medical school in Canada, confirm the application process with your school, as not all application components may be submitted through AMCAS).

These applications offer broad topics to consider, and many essay approaches are acceptable. For example, you could write about:

• an experience that challenged or changed your perspective about medicine
• a relationship with a mentor or another inspiring individual
• a challenging personal experience
• unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits
• your motivation to seek a career in medicine

You'll write an additional essay (or two) when you submit secondary applications to individual schools. These essays require you to respond to a specific question. Admissions committees will review your entire application, so choose subject matter that complements your original essay .

Read More: Strategies for Secondary Applications

How to Write a Personal Statement for Medical School

Follow these personal statement tips to help the admissions committee better understand you as a candidate.

1. Write, re-write, let it sit, and write again!

Allow yourself 6 months of writing and revision to get your essay in submission-ready shape. This gives you the time to take your first pass, set your draft aside (for a minimum of 24 hours), review what you’ve written, and re-work your draft.

2. Stay focused.

Your personal statement should highlight interesting aspects of your journey—not tell your entire life story. Choose a theme, stick to it, and support it with specific examples.

3. Back off the cliches.

Loving science and wanting to help people might be your sincere passions, but they are also what everyone else is writing about. Instead, be personal and specific.

4. Find your unique angle.

What can you say about yourself that no one else can? Remember, everyone has trials, successes and failures. What's important and unique is how you reacted to those incidents. Bring your own voice and perspective to your personal statement to give it a truly memorable flavor. 

5. Be interesting.

Start with a “catch” that will create intrigue before launching into the story of who you are. Make the admissions committee want to read on!

6. Show don't tell.

Instead of telling the admissions committee about your unique qualities (like compassion, empathy, and organization), show them through the stories you tell about yourself. Don’t just say it—actually prove it.

7. Embrace the 5-point essay format.

Here's a trusty format that you can make your own:

• 1st paragraph: These four or five sentences should "catch" the reader's attention.
• 3-4 body paragraphs: Use these paragraphs to reveal who you are. Ideally, one of these paragraphs will reflect clinical understanding and one will reflect service.
• Concluding paragraph: The strongest conclusion reflects the beginning of your essay, gives a brief summary of you are, and ends with a challenge for the future.

8. Good writing is simple writing.

Good medical students—and good doctors—use clear, direct language. Your essays should not be a struggle to comprehend.

9. Be thoughtful about transitions.

Be sure to vary your sentence structure. You don’t want your essay to be boring! Pay attention to how your paragraphs connect to each other.

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Evaluate and improve your MCAT score.

10. Stick to the rules.

Watch your word count. That’s 5,300 characters (including spaces) for AMCAS applications, 5,000 characters for TMDSAS, and 4,500 characters for AACOMAS.

11. Stay on topic.

Rambling not only uses up your precious character limit, but it also causes confusion! Think about the three to five “sound bytes” you want admissions committee to know and remember you by.

12. Don't overdo it.

Beware of being too self-congratulatory or too self-deprecating.

13. Seek multiple opinions.

Before you hit “submit,” ask several people you trust for feedback on your personal statement. The more time you have spent writing your statement, the less likely you are to spot any errors. A professor or friend whose judgment and writing skills you trust is invaluable.

Read More: 12 Smart Tips for Your AMCAS Application

14. Double-check the details.

Always check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. This goes for the rest of your application (like your activities list), too. A common oversight is referencing the wrong school in your statement! Give yourself (and your proofreaders) the time this task truly requires.

15. Consult the experts about your personal statement strategy.

Our med school admissions counselors can diagnose the “health” of your overall application, including your personal statement. Get expert help and guidance to write an effective personal statement that showcases not only your accomplishments, but your passion and your journey.

Want to get an edge over the crowd?

Our admissions experts know what it takes it get into med school. Get the customized strategy and guidance you need to help achieve your goals.

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Which program are you applying to?

Medical school personal statement examples.

Get accepted to your top choice medical school with your compelling essay.

THE TOP 10 MEDICAL SCHOOLS

HAVE AN AVERAGE ACCEPTANCE RATE OF 5.3%

A GREAT MEDICAL SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT IS KEY IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

If you want to get into the best school, you need to stand out from other applicants.  

U.S. News   reports the average medical school acceptance rate at the top 100 med schools at 6.35% , but our med school clients enjoy an 85% ACCEPTANCE RATE .

How can you separate yourself from the competition successfully? By creating a great personal statement.

body:nth-child(2) > div.body-wrapper > main:nth-child(3) > div:nth-child(1) > div:nth-child(1) > div:nth-child(1) > div:nth-child(1) > div.row-fluid-wrapper.row-depth-1.row-number-6 > div:nth-child(1) > div:nth-child(1) > div.row-fluid-wrapper.row-depth-1.row-number-7 > div:nth-child(1) > div:nth-child(1) > #hs_cos_wrapper_dnd_area-module-12 > #hs_cos_wrapper_dnd_area-module-12_ > h2:nth-child(2)">Medical School Sample Personal Statements and Essays

Here we present medical school personal statement examples to give you ideas for your own essay.

Pay close attention to the consistent format of these effective personal statements:

ENGAGING INTRODUCTION / UNIFYING THEME / COMPELLING CONCLUSION

Give the admissions committee readers a clear picture of you as an individual, a student, and a future medical professional. Make them want to meet you after they finish reading your essay.

Here's what you'll find on this page:

• How Sample Med School Essays Can Help You
• Before you Start Writing
• Writing Your Opening Paragraph
• Writing Your Body Paragraphs
• Writing Transitions
• Writing Your Conclusion
• Common Elements Between Personal Statements

Five Don'ts for Your Medical School Personal Statement

• Personal Statement Examples & Analysis
• Frequently Asked Questions

How can these sample med school essays help you?

You plan to become a physician, a highly respected professional who will have great responsibility over the health and well being of your future patients. How can you prove to the admissions committee that you have the intelligence, the maturity, the compassion, and the dedication needed to succeed in your goal? 

The medical school personal statement examples below are all arguments in favor of top med schools accepting these applicants. And they worked. The applicants who wrote these essays were all accepted to top medical schools - most to multiple schools. They show a variety of experiences and thought processes that all led to the same outcome. However, while the paths to this decision point vary widely, these winning essays share several things in common. 

As you read them, take note of how the stories are built sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, adding to the evidence that the writer is worthy of acceptance. This evidence includes showing a sustained focus, mature self-reflection, and professional and educational experiences that have helped prepare the applicant to succeed. 

As you write your medical school personal statement , include your most compelling, memorable and meaningful experiences that are relevant to your decision to become a doctor. Each sentence should add to the reader’s understanding of who you are, what your strengths are, and why you will make an outstanding physician. Your resulting essay will help the adcom appreciate your intellectual and psychological strengths as well as your motivations, and conclude that you are worthy of acceptance into a top medical school. 

Techniques for creating successful medical school personal statements

Before you start writing your med school personal statement.

Before you start writing your medical school personal statement you will need to choose a topic that will reflect who you are and engage the reader. There are a few strong ways to proceed. Try freewriting with a few of the following topic ideas.

Why medicine? Do you have a personal experience that made you certain about being a physician? How, when, did you know this was the right career for you? Is there a doctor you know (or knew) who emulates an altruistic moral character, someone who won your deepest respect? Can you show this person in action or describe them as they model inherent qualities, those for which you will strive as a physician?

How has a clinical experience been a real growth moment for you? Can you tell that story? Sometimes a clinical experience is deeply personal, something experienced by you or by someone in your family. Sometimes a clinical experience is about a patient whose situation taught you something deeply valuable, something honestly insightful about what good care means, about humanity, about empathy, about compassion, about community, about advantage and disadvantage, about equity and inclusion. 

Choose an experience outside the comfort of your own community, an experience where you were the outsider (uncertain, facing ambiguity) and this experience brought about a fresh, resonant understanding of yourself and others, an understanding that made you grow as a person, and perhaps brought about humility or joy in light of this geographical or cultural dislocation. Often this prompt includes traveling to other countries. Yet, it could work just as beautifully discovering people in close places that were previously unfamiliar to you – the shelter in the next town over, a foster home for medically unstable children, the day you witnessed food insecurity firsthand at a local church and decided to do something about disparity.

Read other successful personal statements in guides and publications. You can read sample personal statements that work here: medical school personal statement examples

The prompts above have great possibilities to be successful because they locate experiences that require better than average human understanding and insight. When we re-convey a moving human experience well, we tell a story that aims to bring us together, unite us in our common humanity. Telling powerful stories about humanity, in the end, presents your deeper attributes to others and demonstrates your capacity to feel deeply about the human condition. 

Be careful how often you use the first person pronoun, though you may use it. Revise for clarity many more times than you might do in other writing moments. Choose precise vocabulary that sounds like you, and, of course, revise so that you present to your readers the most pristinely grammatical you. 

Once you’ve looked at the sample medical school personal statements in the link above, try freewriting again according to one of the themes listed that applies to you. For instance, perhaps your prior freewriting aimed to describe a moment in your life that seeded your interest in medicine. Great. Save that file. Now, start again with a different topic, perhaps one from the linked page of sample personal statements. For instance, let your freewriting explore the time you traveled to another country to participate in a public health mission. What person immediately comes to mind? Hopefully this person is quite different from you in identity and culture. Make sure this comes across. Describe the scene when you first encountered this person. What happened? Tell that story. Why do you think you remember this person so vividly? Did the experience challenge you? Did you learn something deeper and perhaps more complex about humanity, about culture, about your own assumptions about humanity? Hopefully, you grew from this experience. How did you grow? What do you now understand that you did not understand before having had this experience? Hindsight may very well bring about perspective that demonstrates that you now understand the value of that human encounter. 

Here is a cautionary bit of advice about writing about childhood. Yes, it is relatively common to have had a formidable experience in childhood about illness, health, healthcare, medicine or doctors. Right? Most of us have had at least one critical health issue in our own family when still a child. Sometimes it is absolutely true that a moment in childhood began your interest in healthcare. 

One may have had a diagnosis as a child that turned one’s life path toward being health-aware. For instance, are you a juvenile-onset, Type I diabetic? Do you have a cognitive or physical disability? Were you raised in a home with someone who had a critical illness or disability? Did a sibling, parent or grandparent get gravely sick when you were young? 

Upon writing-up any of these situations for your personal statement, there is a catch-22. For medical school application activities, the rule of thumb is “nothing from high school.” So why then is it sometimes a good idea to write about a childhood situation in a personal statement? The answer has to do with the uniqueness of your story and the quality of hindsight through which you narrate it.

Let us slow down for a moment on the issue of writing about childhood. Typically, traditional applicants to medical school are steadfastly dedicated to their academic and pre-professional aims. Science curriculum, especially pre-med curriculum, is demanding and rigorous, and it trains science students to excel in empirical thinking and assessment. 

Sometimes, when asked to write a personal essay, hard core science students feel the rug pulled out from under them. Are you more confident and meticulous about action steps and future plans than you are confident about being a sage looking back on your life? Chances are your answer is “yes.” 

Of course you can write; you’re a smart person and a very good student. Yet, writing a heartfelt, perceptive essay about yourself or an aspect of your life for an application to medical school is unnerving even as you understand why your application might benefit from story-telling. Yes, your application should benefit from your engaging, authorial presence in the essay. An application that lacks this is wholly at a disadvantage. 

Perhaps you are gravitating to the choice to share a story about your childhood. 

For instance, what if you sat down to free-write the following prompt:

Draft an essay about a childhood experience that ingrained medicine as one of your inherent interests. Do so in a manner that demonstrates the value of hindsight while telling it.

Is it hard to stay calm about this prompt right now even though this prompt is precisely what could make your personal statement successful? The idea of this prompt is what many successful applicants have written well, and you can too. Why not seek professional guidance for your personal essay? Accepted has consultants who advise applicants through this process. We advise you on the whole process of developing a successful idea for an essay, help you mine your experiences, outline your strongest ideas, and after you’ve written them up, edit your drafts. You can view these personal statement services here: Essay Package

Back to tips. The key to writing a personal statement that frames a moment in childhood well is to stand firmly in the present and stay descriptive and perceptive. Write up that experience trusting you have insight. Quite a bit of time has passed since then, and that distance has given you the opportunity to see things a little differently now. 

Let’s presume you want to write about how as a child you had an older sibling with a cognitive impairment. You and your family witnessed time and again doors being shut, so to speak, on his ability to be included in school events or community events.

Free writing A: My older brother, G, had moderate cognitive impairment. He was never given field time in soccer games. When this happened, G cried. When this happened, I cried and felt hurt by how much time my parents spent trying to calm him down, eventually leaving the field, holding him close and bringing us back home, another Saturday wrecked. 

Example A has no benefit of hindsight.

Free writing B (with some hindsight): My older brother, G, had moderate cognitive impairment. Most of the time, kids were kind to him. “Hey G, how are you, man?,” they would say and high-five him. Most kids greeted him, offered him snacks and a seat on the sideline blanket. It was touching to see him included and seen at soccer games.

Further hindsight: G was rarely played in the game. 

Reflective comment: No harm would have been done in letting him play. It’s clear to me now how much more work we each need to do about inclusion. Community-based team sports are pretty good about extending kindness at the sidelines, but that is not the same thing as letting all kids play in the game. I am still grateful for every kindness extended to my brother, but perhaps letting him play in the game would have demonstrated to kids and parents alike a deeper message about the importance of inclusion over winning. The coaches meant no harm, but that is precisely how unconscious bias plays. Afterall, community by its very definition is about inclusion.

Standing tall on this matter brings out a maturity and vocabulary to master this kind of personal writing that Free Writing A lacks. You don’t want to go back in time and join your younger self and narrate from that perspective. The “return” to your former child typically results in replicating a childlike emotional capacity – and chances are, that’s not you anymore. You’ve seen more. You’ve grown more. You’re now formally educated. You’re more skilled at making connections between ideas and experiences. You can narrate a scene or circumstance and attach awareness of what you realize now it means – like the over-narratives of documentaries where the author sheds true insight about the meaning of past events. 

Most traditional applicants to medical school are just a few years older than teenagers. 

When hindsight brings great clarity and insight to the significance of an experience, we demonstrate a keener maturity and an understanding that in authoring an experience we have a responsibility to demonstrate how a personal experience becomes a valuable portal to understanding the situation of others. Hindsight done well can be a stunningly beautiful and engaging narrative skill.

Perhaps you would rather write about a clinical experience? If you write about patients, change names, change gender, change some context to assure anonymity. Nearly all healthcare workers are concerned about telling patient stories because we worry about appropriating someone else’s experience, or feel we may not have the right, literally since HIPAA set rules on patients’ privacy rights in 1996. We should be concerned about telling patients’ stories; however, how we tell them is key in honoring them. When we honor patients and convey their stories to others we demonstrate the reciprocity of the professional relationship. Physicians no longer have a prescriptive, patrician role. Physicians are no longer sole authorities. Physicians and patients establish a reciprocal relationship, a two way street wherein a physician steps into a space of illness with the patient and walks with them, with the goal of healing, curing and advocating for them. When doctors tell stories, they establish that patients matter, that these encounters matter, that doctors think about patients and often learn from them. 

How we write patient stories is best done humbly, of course. We can narrate a story that becomes exemplary for its insight and empathy – after all, insight and empathy are desirable traits of a physician. Be sure to show rather than tell, most of the time. Be sure to capture the sensory detail of people and place. For instance, is the patient sitting on a blue plastic chair under ultraviolet lights in the waiting room of a free clinic? Is a woman with her gray hair twisted in a bun wearing a cotton hospital gown, waiting against a concrete wall in a tiny examination room with the door open? (Setting makes a character more real.) 

Finally, your story perspective, what you see and understand, becomes another way of revealing who you are. 

How to write your opening paragraph:

A strong opening paragraph for a story begins “several pages in.” A strong story begins with you, the narrator, already standing in the ocean with water splashing at your knees. This is called a hook: “D began to bleed after the second attempt to start an intravenous line.” 

Then, get the basic narrative facts down, the 5 W’s, the who, what, where, when and why, so your readers will not be confused: “She was a patient in the infusion clinic in the cancer pavilion of a major Boston hospital. She came to the clinic for her first round of chemotherapy.”

What else about this moment engaged you? Did D come to her appointment alone via an Uber ride? Why wasn’t anyone with her? How did that make you feel? Did the two of you hold a conversation while you were trying to start an IV? Why do you think she started to bleed? How did she respond when she saw you were having trouble starting this IV? Why didn’t she have a Medi-port yet? Here, you are building fuller context for her story. Don’t race through the scene; rather, build it, slowing down time, using images and sensory details to “paint” with your words. Smaller details, necessary ones, help you portray D as an individual. 

“Semper Fidelis was tattooed on her forearm. ‘Thank you for your service,’ I said.” 

“‘This cancer thing,’ she said, ‘this is nothing.’”

“D’s comment set me back. She had triple-negative breast cancer. She had blood running down her arm to her hand, between her fingers and onto a stiff, white pillow case on which she rested her arm. Triple-negative breast cancer was much more than nothing. In fact, it was very serious.” 

What questions came to mind that provide several ways of reading this moment? Write them down. For instance,

• Did D not know about the gravity of her diagnosis?
• Was she steely and tough yet informed?
• Did she live through something much worse while enlisted as a Marine?

The questions themselves may wander too much to serve your personal statement as a succinct essay, which it needs to be. However, the answers to those questions may be exactly the additional content you need to develop this story’s acumen and perception as you demonstrate how getting to know the patient is a critical skill in order to help her. And now a theme is starting to come through: a doctor treats a patient, not a diagnosis. Voilà!

Moving forward: How does a doctor reframe clinical assumptions in this instance? What does a future doctor learn from a circumstance like this? 

Notice in the example above that the writing is active, uses details, and vivid language.

This writer has a palpable connection to the moment. One key to choosing one experience over another for your personal statement is how visual and vivid your recollection is. Often, moments worth mining for meaning are easy to recollect because they still have unresolved messages that need to be understood. Writing experiences helps us find their meaning, their sense. 

Notice as well, the scene above captures a moment of ambiguity, a concept particularly difficult for many health science professionals to embrace because there are multiple ways of looking at and understanding something. Stories send empiricism into the wind. People are not solely empirical. There is the self that is the body, which can be understood empirically, but there’s also the self that inhabits the body, the thinking/feeling/being and perceiving self. Stories are not about right answers. Stories attend to sentience and explore humanity. Patients’ lives are rife with uncertain moments, uncertain decisions, uncertain treatments, uncertain consequences, and uncertain outcomes. How does a physician engage with health uncertainty, understand it, and navigate it through pathways of humanity rather than pathways of diagnosis?

How does health care challenge you to grow in humanistic ways?

How to write your body paragraphs:

Once you have written a compelling scene, it might be a good idea to reflect upon why you were drawn to write about this experience in particular before your proceed. How does this scene illustrate meaningfully something worth explaining about becoming a physician? For instance, D’s scene was illustrative of an unexpected shift in perception that mattered when treating a patient with a serious cancer diagnosis. This unexpected shift happened to you, not to her. D’s been living with herself aplenty. Her point of view surprised you, not her, and reveals an incongruence between her perspective on her illness and yours.

Brief moments of ambiguity like this one can make us talk to each other, make us want to do something, can bring us to explore some further niche, specialty or research. Perhaps D brought you to peruse PubMed to research “Issues in Clinical Practice when Caring for Veterans” to see if you could find articles to help you help D and other veterans. Perhaps D’s comment was so truthful that you now volunteer with a veterans’ organization to scribe their stories for a war history museum? This “call to action” is a worthy story in a personal statement. Tell D’s story and conclude it with empathy and action. (Taking action to help is a demonstration of empathy.) Mindfully showing the experience with D as a catalyst to a path of action to help those under duress -- in distress, in crisis, or adrift in inequity -- matters.

Perhaps, follow this conclusion with a brief explanation of what principles now guide your humanistic path to medical school as long as they are principles that matter to your choice schools. 

Here are a few things to avoid in writing your medical school personal statement. Avoid talking about your scholastic path in preparation for medical school in your essay. The essay is not a place to reiterate scholastic achievements, for instance, a high GPA, academic honors, academic awards, publications, or MCAT scores because they’re front and center in other areas of your application. 

Instead, frame your medical school personal statement around a formidable experience that directly or indirectly led you to pursue medicine. This could be a struggle that you’ve overcome that demonstrates your fortitude (the story of a sociocultural disadvantage or disability), the first time you deeply understood the ramifications of health care disparities you will not forget. Likely, this would be a personal story about yourself or a family member, a clinical story or a mission trip, or a story about a patient from some other volunteer work that you’ve done. 

Additional topic ideas for your personal statement: What is a successful doctor? What does a successful life as a doctor look like? What happens to your understanding of best practices when a patient’s situation makes a best practice unrealistic, and what is the remedy? What epiphany, small or large, resides in you now since having mined a critical, clinical experience? Do you see a difference in the way you respond to patients since having had this experience? How has clinical experience matured you, deepened your awareness of living? If a patient experience became a catalyst for you to branch out or deepen your healthcare exposure opportunities, talk about that too. What opportunities? Why?

Writing effective transitions:

You are now ready to proceed to a conclusion that leaves your readers, the admissions committee, with a lasting impression of you – your life, your mind, your character -- as a 21 st century physician. 

Chances are, you’ll need to transition from the previous discussion of a time in the past to squarely speak about yourself here and now or in a comment toward the future. 

Can you sum up your main idea for the past experience? Consider the benefit of using a word or phrase -- thus, just as, hence, accordingly, in the same way, correspondingly -- and present your central idea again but only in a few repetitive words (called parallelism) or with synonymous words, creating internal unity in the essay. 

Be careful how you do this. The phrasing should feel necessary and fluid rather than reductive or even worse, phrasing that sounds like filler. 

The shift you’re making is from then to now, or from then to now and to the future as in “all this is to say.” Would you benefit from a fact, a quote, a statistic, or an informed prediction on the state of medicine, public health, or the future of medicine? 

Grammar tips: 

Transitional words can indicate:

• a process: first, second, next, finally…
• time: by lunch time, that evening, two weeks later…
• spatial sequences: down the block, two miles west, one bed over…
• logic sequences: likewise, however, evidently, in other words…
• meta-thought: as I say this, looking back, I have nothing left to say…

If grammar and idea flow are a concern, have a look at Accepted’s editing services: Med School Essay Package

A consultant will walk you through the inception of an essay, an outline, and editing from first through final drafts, including suggestions for idea development and transitions from one idea to another.

How to write your conclusion:

A strong conclusion for your medical school personal statement can highlight the relevance of a timely issue (for instance, the physician shortage in the U.S.), make broader inferences about something you’ve already discussed (for instance, the broader implications of a particular health care disparity), or a call to action that you now embrace (for instance, community-based work that you did during the pandemic that now has become a central interest). Altruism, or understanding another’s disadvantaged situation, should not be represented in your conclusion as “ideas alone.” Commitment to serve others is not solely aspirational (“As physicians, we must do everything we can about inequity"), but a strong conclusion puts ideals into action (“I have joined Dr. T’s research team to conduct qualitative research about how social strata paradigms impact health care inequity”). Action in the conclusion should be associated with an experience shown earlier in the essay and culminate as a demonstration that you have already begun shaping your path in medicine. You are not waiting to begin but have already begun facing the challenges and responsibilities of future physicians. This kind of conclusion shows vision, maturity, commitment and character.

If the story in the body of your personal statement is about an experience, the conclusion should show your growth since then and keep in alignment how you’ve grown with the medical school values and missions of the majority of schools on your list. So, if you’re applying to top-tier allopathic schools, your growth may be in the depth and orientation of your recent research, or in having established a tighter link between your clinical experience and research. 

If you’re applying to osteopathic schools, your growth should be in keeping with the osteopathic schools’ values and missions on your list and include recent hands-on experience, something with specific tasks and responsibilities, rather than shadowing, since shadowing is often seen as passive experience. It may be that you’ve become a licensed EMT and will work as an EMT in a relevant region or state during the gap year. It may be that you’ve been certified and now work as a harm reduction specialist for a particular organization in a particular city or county. 

If you’re applying to both allopathic and osteopathic schools, each personal statement should align with the academic orientation of each pathway. Using the same personal statement for both AMCAS and AACOMAS applications is rarely a good idea. 

Accepted offers help with the whole application process: Primary Application Package

Other elements that each essay below have in common:

Accepted provides sample medical school personal statements with titles classifying types of narratives that have potential for success. Applicants do have some freedom of choice in what topic will serve their essay best. Why only “some” freedom in topic for this personal essay? Because this essay is one tool you will use to reach a professional goal. 

Not all essays help us reach professional goals. Writers of effective essays must take into account who will read them. Think about who your audience is. In this case, it’s a medical school admissions committee – not a friend, not a parent, not a peer. How will you write an essay on the same topic, let’s say a lab experience that went from bad to revelatory? You’d tell this story quite differently to your lab mates than you would to your professor, than you would to the president of your university, than you would in a grant application. 

Here’s what can happen when the “audience” isn’t considered sufficiently when writing about a passion. Let’s say you love playing soccer, and played on a Division 3 team as an undergraduate. Let’s say it didn’t matter to you that the team was Division 3 as long as it meant you could get on the field and play through your undergraduate years. It’s quite possible that one can write well about playing soccer, but one must do so in such a way that the reader really believes and understands the parallel between doing what you love and a future in medicine. Otherwise, the writer may very well convey that they love soccer. However, when written without the focus that medical school admissions committees will be readers, the essay could end up conveying that the narrator really wants to be a soccer coach, not a doctor. 

So, there’s only some freedom in topic and some freedom in writing approach - and the two must make sense together in order to facilitate accomplishing your goal. 

There is no “one-size-fits-all” to writing a successful medical school personal statement. There are, however, aspects to the sample essays on this site that stand out. 

First, each personal statement example is authored by someone who knows exactly what story they’re telling. No matter what their first draft looked like, by the time the final draft is ready to go, all fuzzy draft moments have been made lucid and engaging. All sections of the essay should have the polish and the same goals. 

• Why am I telling this in this way? 
• To what ends does each scene or moment speak?
• Have I revised enough to make every sentence demonstrate strong writing skills?

Each sample personal statement emphasizes narrative control, engages with a direct voice, has conclusive things to show and say, demonstrates logical steps in idea development, and presents effective framing of the composition as a well-written form that displays strong writing skills. 

Even when an essay includes a “bookend” structure (a narrative structure that begins and ends with X, with middle content about Y), the story of Y (i.e. a mission trip in Mexico) is the primary story framed by the X bookend story (i.e. the love of running) to give ballast to the context in which this writer wants us to understand the mission trip as well, as a parallel story of challenge, commitment, exhilaration, exhaustion and necessity.

The same is true for stories that contain contrasts. If you’ve traveled ten mile or ten thousand miles, it is quite possible you’ve encountered different assumptions than your own about health care, health care access, trust, understanding of middle-class or first-world beliefs about health, understanding beliefs from poor and disadvantaged communities, illness, health care in contrast with a different cultural standard than what you’re used to, different beliefs about health care access, and a lack of or cautious trust in deference to doctors. (See the “Nontraditional Applicant” and “The Traveler.”) The key to this kind of essay is first demonstrating the contrasts between the two realities (yours and the patient’s reality) and their relative assumptions. Second, demonstrate an understanding of beliefs amid the two experiences and aim to reconcile their adverse assumptions.

However you proceed with the paragraph by paragraph progression of your medical school personal statement, be sure to see how there’s deeper intuition or knowledge associated with how the ideas progress. Do not repeat yourself, or reiterate a statement or idea unless you are clearly doing so for rhetorical emphasis.

Then, kiss your draft goodnight. Let it sit for two or three days, and return to it time and again with fresh eyes – to trim, tighten, clarify, improve tone and intention, and importantly, to make sure you have direct regard for your audience, who it is, what they’re looking for, and how you are the person whom they seek, as you maintain a tone and direction consistent with your goals and what you’re seeking from an admissions committee. 

Many students focus on their own or family members’ medical conditions in their personal statements. The essay sometimes reads like a medical history. Taking this approach can hurt your application for several reasons: It may alert them to conditions that could impact your ability to perform in medical school,   indicate that you lack boundaries by oversharing , or suggest a lack of maturity in focusing only on yourself and family – rather than on helping others or serving the community.

Anything you share in your personal statement can be brought up in your interview. If you share details of painful events, losses, or failures that you have not yet processed or come to terms with, that disclosure could come across as an invitation for the reader to pity you. Accepting long-term changes in our lives transforms us; we are constantly evolving through our experiences. Until you have integrated this information into your identity, depending on how impactful it was, you may not be able to use the experience to shed insight on yourself quite yet. Use negative experiences that are at least a year or older depending on how long it takes you to process and reflect. Most importantly,   use them to show growth and resilience , not to create pity.

• DON’T demonstrate a lack of compassion or empathy. One of the creepiest essays I’ve ever read – it still sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it – was a student’s description of how much she enjoyed anesthetizing and removing the brains of mice. Her intention was to share her love of science, research, and learning but the feverish glee with which she described these procedures lacked compassion for the creatures that lost their lives for her research project. This lack of respect for the sacredness of life made it an easy decision to reject her application. Research was probably a better path for her, especially since she wasn’t able to gauge the reaction her statements would have on her audience.
• DON’T bargain. The least fun essays to read are those that contain more promises than a politician’s speech. They include statements like, “If accepted into this program, I will….” The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If you really want to demonstrate what you are capable of achieving during your medical education,  give examples of what you have already accomplished . This approach is far stronger than making hollow promises.
• DON’T complain. Criticizing or pointing out the failures of healthcare professionals who have treated you or whom you have observed in the past will only reflect negatively on you. Since your application will be reviewed by doctors, as well as admissions professionals, it’s critical that you do not insult those from whom you are seeking acceptance. While it is true that medical mistakes and lack of access to care have devastating consequences for patients, their families and communities, identifying ways to improve in these areas without pointing any fingers would be more effective. By demonstrating your realistic knowledge of patient needs and sharing potential solutions, you can present yourself as an asset to their team.

Be careful what you write. Create a personal statement that is honest (not bitter), reveals your personality (not your medical history), and delivers a compelling explanation for your motivations for entering medicine (not empty promises). 

Do you want our expert advice on your medical school personal statement?

Med School Personal Statement Consultant Dr. Mary Mahoney

Med School Personal Statement Examples and Analysis

Now let’s explore what you can learn from some of these outstanding sample med school essays.

Medical school personal statement example  #1: Emergency 911 

“Call 911!” I shouted to my friend as I sprinted down the street. The young Caucasian male had been thrown fifteen yards from the site of impact and surprisingly was still conscious upon my arrival. “My name is Michael. Can you tell me your name?” In his late twenties, he gasped in response as his eyes searched desperately in every direction for help, for comfort, for assurance, for loved ones, for death, until his eyes met mine. “Flail chest,” I thought to myself as I unbuttoned his shirt and placed my backpack upon his right side. “Pulse 98, respiration 28 short and quick. Help is on the way. Hang in there, buddy,” I urged.

After assessing the patient, the gravity of the situation struck me into sobriety. The adrenaline was no longer running through my veins — this was real. His right leg was mangled with a compound fracture; his left leg was also obviously broken. The tow-truck that had hit him looked as though it had run into a telephone pole. Traffic had ceased on the six-lane road, and a large crowd had gathered. However, no one was by my side to help. “Get me some blankets from that motel!” I yelled to a bystander and three people immediately fled. I was in charge.

But my patient was no longer conscious; his pulse was faint and respiration was low. “Stay with me, man!” I yelled. “15 to 1, 15 to 1,” I thought as I rehearsed CPR in my mind. Suddenly he stopped breathing. Without hesitation, I removed my T-shirt and created a makeshift barrier between his mouth and mine through which I proceeded to administer two breaths. No response. And furthermore, there was no pulse. I began CPR. I continued for approximately five minutes until the paramedics arrived, but it was too late. I had lost my first patient.

Medicine. I had always imagined it as saving lives, curing ailments, alleviating pain, overall making life better for everyone. However, as I watched the paramedics pull the sheets over the victim’s head, I began to tremble. I had learned my first lesson of medicine: for all its power, medicine cannot always prevail. I had experienced one of the most disheartening and demoralizing aspects of medicine and faced it. I also demonstrated then that I know how to cope with a life-and-death emergency with confidence, a confidence instilled in me by my certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, a confidence that I had the ability to take charge of a desperate situation and help someone in critical need. This pivotal incident confirmed my decision to pursue medicine as a career. 

Of course healing, curing, and saving is much more rewarding than trying and failing. As an EMT I was exposed to these satisfying aspects of medicine in a setting very new to me — urban medicine. I spent most of a summer doing ride-alongs with the Ambulance Company in Houston. Every call we received dealt with Latino patients either speaking only Spanish or very little broken English. I suddenly realized the importance of understanding a foreign culture and language in the practice of medicine, particularly when serving an underserved majority. In transporting patients from the field to the hospitals I saw the community’s reduced access to medical care due to a lack of physicians able to communicate with and understand their patients. I decided to minor in Spanish. Having almost completed my minor, I have not only expanded my academic horizons, I have gained a cultural awareness I feel is indispensable in today’s diverse society.

Throughout my undergraduate years at Berkeley I have combined my scientific interests with my passion for the Hispanic culture and language. I have even blended the two with my interests in medicine. During my sophomore year I volunteered at a medical clinic in the rural town of Chacala, Mexico. In Mexico for one month, I shadowed a doctor in the clinic and was concurrently enrolled in classes for medical Spanish. It was in Chacala, hundreds of miles away from home, that I witnessed medicine practiced as I imagined it should be. Seeing the doctor treat his patients with skill and compassion as fellow human beings rather than simply diseases to be outsmarted, I realized he was truly helping the people of Chacala in a manner unique to medicine. Fascinated by this exposure to clinical medicine, I saw medicine’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives. For me the disciplines of Spanish and science have become inseparable, and I plan to pursue a career in urban medicine that allows me to integrate them.

Having seen medicine’s different sides, I view this as a multifaceted profession. I have witnessed its power as a healing agent in rural Chacala, and I have seen its weakness when I met death face-to-face as an EMT. Inspired by the Latino community of Houston, I realize the benefits of viewing it from a holistic, culturally aware perspective. And whatever the outcome of the cry "Call 911!" I look forward as a physician to experiencing the satisfaction of saving lives, curing ailments, alleviating pain, and overall making life better for my patients.

Lessons From Med School Sample Essay #1: Emergency 911

This essay is one of our favorites. The applicant tells a story and weaves a lot of information into it about his background and interests. Note how the lead grabs one’s attention and the conclusion ties everything together.

What makes this essay work?

• A dramatic opening paragraph

This essay has an unusually long opener, but not only is it dramatic, it also lays out the high-stakes situation of the writer desperately trying to save the life of a young man. As an EMT, the writer is safe in sharing so much detail, because they establish their bona fides as medically knowledgeable. With the urgent opening sentence (“Call 911!”) and the sad final sentence (“I had lost my first patient.”), the writer bookends a particularly transformative experience, one that confirmed their goal of becoming a doctor.  

• A consistent theme

The theme of a med school essay in which the applicant first deals with the inevitable reality of seeing a patient die can become hackneyed through overuse. This essay is saved from that fate because after acknowledging the pain of this reality check, the writer reports that they immediately committed to expanding his knowledge and skills to better serve the local Hispanic community. While not an extraordinary story for an EMT, the substance, self-awareness, and focus the writer brings to the topic makes it a compelling read.

• Evidence supporting the stated goal

This applicant is already a certified EMT, which serves as evidence of their serious interest in a medical career. In going on ambulance ride-alongs, the writer realized the barrier in communication between many doctors and their Spanish-speaking patients, which inspired the writer to take steps to both learn medical Spanish and shadow a doctor in a Mexican clinic. These concrete steps affirm that the applicant has serious intent.

Medical School Personal Statement Example #2: The Traveler

"On the first day that I walked into the Church Nursing Home, I was unsure of what to expect. A jumble of questions ran through my mind simultaneously: Is this the right job for me? Will I be capable of aiding the elderly residents? Will I enjoy what I do? A couple of hours later, these questions were largely forgotten as I slowly cut chicken pieces and fed them to Frau Meyer. Soon afterwards, I was strolling through the garden with Herr Schmidt, listening to him tell of his tour of duty in World War II. By the end of the day, I realized how much I enjoyed the whole experience and at the same time smiled at the irony of it all. I needed to travel to Heidelberg, Germany, to confirm my interest in clinical medicine.

Experiences like my volunteer work in the German nursing home illustrate the decisive role travel has played in my life. For instance, I had volunteered at a local hospital in New York but was not satisfied. Dreams of watching doctors in the ER or obstetricians in the maternity ward were soon replaced with the reality of carrying urine and feces samples to the lab. With virtually no patient contact, my exposure to clinical medicine in this setting was unenlightening and uninspiring. However, in Heidelberg, despite the fact that I frequently change diapers for the incontinent and deal with occasionally cantankerous elderly, I love my twice-weekly visits to the nursing home. Here, I feel that I am needed and wanted. That rewarding feeling of fulfillment attracts me to the practice of medicine.

My year abroad in Germany also enriched and diversified my experience with research. Although I had a tremendously valuable exposure to research as a summer intern investigating chemotherapeutic resistance in human carcinomas, I found disconcerting the constant cost-benefit analysis required in applied biomedical research. In contrast, my work at the University of Heidelberg gave me a broader view of basic research and demonstrated how it can expand knowledge – even without the promise of immediate profit. I am currently attempting to characterize the role of an enzyme during neural development. Even though the benefit of such research is not yet apparent, it will ultimately contribute to a vast body of information which will further medical science.

My different reactions to research and medicine just exemplify the intrinsically broadening impact of travel. For example, on a recent trip to Egypt, I visited a small village on the banks of the Nile. This impoverished hamlet boasted a large textile factory in its center where many children worked in clean, bright, and cheerful conditions weaving carpets and rugs. After a discussion with the foreman of the plant, I discovered that the children of the village learned trades at a young age to prepare them to enter the job market and to support their families. If I had just heard about this factory, I would have recoiled in horror with visions of sweatshops running through my head. However, watching the skill and precision each child displayed, in addition to his or her endless creativity, soon made me realize that it is impossible to judge this country’s attempts to deal with its poverty using American standards and experience.

Travel has not only had a formative and decisive impact on my decision to pursue a career in medicine, it has also broadened my horizons – whether in a prosperous city on the Rhine or an impoverished village on the Nile. In dealing with patients or addressing research puzzles, I intend to bring the inquiring mind fostered in school, lab, and volunteer experiences. But above all, I intend to bring the open mind formed through travel.

Lessons From Medical School Sample Essay #2: The Traveler

No boring repetition of itinerary from this seasoned traveler! This student ties their travels to their medical ambitions through the effective use of short anecdotes and vivid images. Can you sense the writer’s youthful disappointment during early clinical experiences and mature satisfaction working in the retirement home?

This applicant effectively links the expansive benefits of travel to their medical ambitions. By sharing vivid anecdotes from and reflections on these experiences, the writer enables the reader to easily imagine them as a talented physician in the future.

• An engaging opening that frames the storyline Many fine application essays open with imagery so vibrant that the writing could be mistaken for fiction. This essay is no different. We meet the writer in the setting of a nursing home overseas, where they question whether their volunteer experiences there will help them determine their career path. Notice how the first sentence reflects a worry, “I was unsure of what to expect,” but by the final sentence, the writer concludes with satisfaction, “I needed to travel to Heidelberg, Germany, to confirm my interest in clinical medicine.” With this framing, we appreciate the essay’s theme.
• Reflections on and contrasts about varied experiences in medicine The writer’s reactions to various encounters reveal a maturing mind-set: the “unenlightening and uninspiring” experience volunteering in a New York hospital versus the feeling of being “needed and wanted” in the nursing home in Heidelberg; the “disconcerting . . . constant cost-benefit analysis required in applied biomedical research” versus the “broader view of basic research and . . . how it can expand knowledge – even without the promise of immediate profit” at the University of Heidelberg. These reflections demonstrate a thoughtfulness born of experience.
• How traveling has expanded his potential as a physician Of the five tightly constructed paragraphs in this substantial essay, the final two paragraphs home in on how travel has had an “intrinsically broadening impact” and stimulated an “open mind” to people and situations. This kind of sophisticated view is a desirable trait to adcoms.
• Out-of-the-box theme Although this essay’s foundation is built on the writer’s sincere and dedicated aspirations for a medical career, they allowed themselves the space to write about the broadening intellectual benefits of travel, linking those benefits to professional potential. Even when writing about children working in a factory in Egypt, this applicant brings an expanded mind-set and greater cross-cultural understanding that will no doubt benefit them in their career.

Medical School Personal Statement Example #3: The Non-Traditional Applicant

"Modest one-room houses lay scattered across the desert landscape, their rooftops a seemingly helpless shield against the intense heat generated by the mid-July sun. The steel security bars that guarded the windows and doors of every house seemed to belie the large welcome sign at the entrance to the ABC Indian Reservation. As a young civil engineer employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I was far removed from my cubicle in downtown Los Angeles.

However, I felt I was well-prepared to conduct my first project proposal. The project involved a $500,000 repair of an earthen levee surrounding an active Native American burial site. A fairly inexpensive and straightforward job by federal standards, but nonetheless, I could hardly contain my excitement. Strict federal construction guidelines laden with a generous portion of technical jargon danced through my head as I stepped up to the podium to greet the twelve tribal council members. My premature confidence quickly disappeared as they confronted me with a troubled ancient gaze. Their faces revealed centuries of distrust and broken government promises.

Suddenly, from a design based solely upon abstract engineering principles, an additional human dimension emerged – one for which I had not prepared. The calculations I had crunched over the past several months and the abstract engineering principles simply no longer applied. Their potential impact on this community was clearly evident in the faces before me. With perspiration forming on my brow, I decided I would need to take a new approach to salvage this meeting. So I discarded my rehearsed speech, stepped out from behind the safety of the podium, and began to solicit the council members’ questions and concerns. By the end of the afternoon, our efforts to establish a cooperative working relationship had resulted in a distinct shift in the mood of the meeting. Although I am not saying we erased centuries of mistrust in a single day, I feel certain our steps towards improved relations and trust produced a successful project.

I found this opportunity to humanize my engineering project both personally and professionally rewarding. Unfortunately, experiences like it were not common. I realized early in my career that I needed a profession where I could more frequently incorporate human interaction and my interests in science. After two years of working as a civil engineer, I enrolled in night school to explore a medical career and test my aptitude for pre-medical classes. I found my classes fascinating and became a more effective student. Today, I am proud of the 3.7 GPA I have achieved in competitive post-baccalaureate courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics.

Confident of my ability to succeed in the classroom, I proceeded to volunteer in the Preceptorship Program at the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center. I acquired an understanding of the emotional demands and time commitment required of physicians by watching them schedule their personal lives around the needs of their patients. I also soon observed that the rewards of medicine stem from serving the needs of these same patients. I too found it personally gratifying to provide individuals with emotional support by holding an elderly woman’s hand as a physician drew a blood sample or befriending frightened patients with a smile and conversation.

To test my aptitude for a medical career further, I began a research project under the supervision of Dr. John Doe from the Orthopedic Department at Big University. The focus of my study was to determine the fate of abstracts presented at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand annual meeting. As primary author, I reported the results in an article for the Journal of Hand Surgery, a peer-reviewed publication. My contribution to medicine, albeit small, gave me much satisfaction. In the future, I would like to pursue an active role in scientific research.

My preparation for a career as a medical doctor started with my work as a professional engineer. From my experiences at the ABC Indian Reservation, I realized I need more direct personal interaction than engineering offers. The rewarding experiences I have had in my research, my volunteer work at the Los Angeles County Hospital, and my post-bac studies have focused my energies and prepared me for the new challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead in medicine."

Lessons From Med School Sample Essay #3: The Non-Traditional Applicant

Here, an older applicant takes advantage of their experience and maturity. Note how this engineer demonstrates their sensitivity and addresses possible stereotypes about engineers’ lack of communications skills.

What works well in this essay?

• A compelling lead This story begins in a hot desert landscape, an unexpected and dramatic starting point. Can’t you just feel the heat and sense the loneliness of the remote Indian reservation? Equally powerful in this first paragraph is when the writer faces the need to suddenly and completely rethink their carefully planned approach to address the tribal leaders. Their excitement is dashed. Their confidence has plummeted. They are totally unprepared for the mistrust facing them and their plan, and they need to improvise –quickly. Who wouldn’t want to read on to see how they resolve this dramatic turn of events?
• Solid storytelling that leads to a satisfying conclusion This nontraditional med school applicant reinvents themself in this essay. After realizing that they want more human involvement and interaction in their work, they take this self-knowledge and show us the steps they took to achieve their new goal. The steps are logical and well thought out, so the writer’s conclusion that they are well prepared in every way for med school makes perfect sense.
• Evidence to support their theme Through taking prerequisite courses in medicine (and achieving high grades) to bedside hospital volunteering (which provides emotional satisfaction) to helping write a medical research paper (which provides a feeling that they are making a meaningful contribution), the writer offers evidence that they are well suited for their new goal of a career in medicine. Each experience shared is relevant to the writer’s story. Any reader will agree that the applicant’s future as a physician is promising.
• A thoughtful perspective From the opening paragraph, the writer shows their ability to adapt to new situations and realities with quick thinking and psychological openness. They assess each stage of their journey, testing it for intellectual value and emotional satisfaction. Journeys of reflective self-discovery are something adcoms value.

Medical School Personal Statement Example #4: The Anthropology Student

"Crayfish tails in tarragon butter, galantine of rabbit with foie gras, oxtail in red wine, and apple tartelettes. The patient had this rich meal and complained of “liver upset” (crise de foie). Why a liver ache? I always associate indigestion with a stomach ache. In studying French culture in my Evolutionary Psychology class, I learned that when experiencing discomfort after a rich meal, the French assume their liver is the culprit. Understanding and dealing with the minor – sometimes major – cultural differences is a necessity in our shrinking world and diverse American society. Anthropology has prepared me to effectively communicate with an ethnically diverse population. My science classes, research, and clinical experience have prepared me to meet the demands of medical school.

I first became aware of the valuable service that physicians provide when I observed my father, a surgeon, working in his office. I gained practical experience assisting him and his staff perform various procedures in his outpatient center. This exposure increased my admiration for the restorative, technological, and artistic aspects of surgery. I also saw that the application of medical knowledge was most effective when combined with compassion and empathy from the health care provider.

While admiring my father’s role as a head and neck surgeon helping people after severe accidents, I also found a way to help those suffering from debilitating ailments. Working as a certified physical trainer, I became aware of the powerful recuperative effects of exercise. I was able to apply this knowledge in the case of Sharon, a 43-year-old client suffering from lupus. She reported a 200% increase in her strength tests after I trained her. This meant she could once again perform simple tasks like carrying groceries into her house. Unfortunately, this glimpse of improvement was followed by a further deterioration in her condition. On one occasion, she broke down and cried about her declining health and growing fears. It was then that I learned no physical prowess or application of kinesiology would alleviate her pain. I helped reduce her anxiety with a comforting embrace. Compassion and understanding were the only remedies available, temporary though they were.

To confirm that medicine is the best way for me to help others, I assisted a research team in the Emergency Room at University Medical Center (UMC). This experience brought me in direct contact with clinical care and provided me with the opportunity to witness and participate in the “behind-the-scenes” hospital operations. Specifically, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of two new drugs – Drug A and Drug B – in patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this trial was to determine the efficacy and safety of these agents in improving functional outcome in patients who had sustained an acute cerebral infarction. My duties centered around the role of patient-physician liaison, determining patients’ eligibility, monitoring their conditions, and conducting patient histories.

I continued to advance my research experience at the VA Non-Human Primate Center. During the past year, I have been conducting independent research in endocrinology and biological aspects of anthropology. For this project, I am examining the correlation between captive vervet monkeys’ adrenal and androgen levels with age, gender, and various behavioral measures across different stress-level environments. I enjoy the discipline and responsibility which research requires, and I hope to incorporate it into my career.

Anthropology is the study of humans; medicine is the science and art of dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation, or cure of disease in humans. From my work at UMC and my observation of my father’s practice, I know medicine will allow me to pursue an art and science that is tremendously gratifying and contributes to the welfare of those around me. My anthropology classes have taught me to appreciate cross-cultural perspectives and their relationship to pathology and its etiology. Firsthand experience with exercise therapy and nutrition has taught me the invaluable role of prevention. Medical school will now provide me with the technical knowledge to alleviate a crise de foie."

[ Click here to view an excerpt from the original draft of this essay. ]

Lessons From Medical School Sample Essay #4: The Anthropology Student

With a diverse background that includes anthropology studies, work as a certified physical trainer, and experience in clinical medical research, this applicant builds a strong case for their logical and dedicated choice of a medical career.

• An engaging opening that frames the storyline This writer cleverly uses an example from anthropology class, linking the description of a heavy, gourmet French meal to an appreciation for cross-cultural understanding that will be an asset during their medical career. Notice that the writer is not describing their own personal experience here but piggybacked on a class lesson to create a colorful, engaging opening.
• A solid variety of relevant experiences In this six-paragraph essay, the writer links their lessons from anthropology studies to a firsthand understanding based on observing how their surgeon-father related to patients, to becoming a physical trainer directly helping others, and then to two different kinds of medical research. Each experience builds logically and chronologically on what came before, adding to the substance of the applicant’s preparation for medical school.
• A powerful personal experience with a client In the third paragraph, the writer’s experience working with a patient with lupus is particularly strong and memorable. Their initial success with Sharon is followed by an almost immediate and radical decline in her condition. This is a moving anecdote that shows the applicant’s understanding of the limitations of medicine – and the power of compassion.
• An excellent summary paragraph that ties everything together The final paragraph isn’t the place to offer new information, and this one doesn’t. Instead, it reminds the reader about the strong foundation the writer built from academics to career and medical research. Readers will be persuaded that after these experiences and reflections, the applicant truly appreciates “cross-cultural perspectives and their relationship to pathology and its etiology,” as well as the “firsthand experience with exercise therapy and nutrition teaching the invaluable role of prevention.”

Don’t Write Like This!

As the time approached for me to set my personal and professional goals, I made a conscientious decision to enter a field which would provide me with a sense of achievement and, at the same time, produce a positive impact on mankind. It became apparent to me that the practice of medicine would fulfill these objectives. In retrospect, my ever-growing commitment to medicine has been crystallizing for years. My intense interest in social issues, education, and athletics seems particularly appropriate to this field and has prepared me well for such a critical choice...

I’ve been asked many times why I wish to become a physician. Upon considerable reflection, the thought of possessing the ability to help others provides me with tremendous internal gratification and offers the feeling that my life’s efforts have been focused in a positive direction. Becoming a physician is the culmination of a lifelong dream, and I am prepared to dedicate myself, as I have in the past, to achieving this goal.

Lessons from Don’t Write Like This

This is an excerpt from the original draft of the Anthropology Student’s AMCAS essay. We are not including the whole thing because you can get the idea all too rapidly from just this brief portion. Note the abundant use of generalities that apply to the overwhelming majority of medical school applicants. Observe how the colorless platitudes and pomposity hide any personality. Can you imagine reading essays like this all day long? If so, then imagine your reaction to a good essay.

More sample essays

The Dental School Applicant Sample Essay >>

The Physician Assistant Sample Application Essay >>

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APPLICATION STRATEGY / PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ESSAY REVIEW / INTERVIEW PREP

Med school personal statement FAQs

1. when should i start writing my personal statement for medical school.

Typically, traditional applicants who have a goal of submitting their AMCAS or AACOMAS application in June write their personal statement after they take the MCAT in March. Starting the prewriting for the personal statement earlier than that is fine too; however, if an applicant plans to sit for the MCAT in the early spring, writing a compelling personal narrative while preparing for the MCAT can often be too much. Both require very different kinds of thinking. The intensity of studying for the MCAT, and the empirical thinking it requires, can interfere with the imaginative brainstorming needed to find your topic and develop it.  

Before focusing on the personal statement, look at all the elements of the primary application. As a whole, the personal statement, activities, MMEs, MCAT, transcript, biographical information and letters, will portray you. One element alone is not enough to bring out the whole you. It might help to strategize about how (and where) to highlight different elements of your background, experience, and character in the different parts of the primary application. Then work on the personal statement knowing what aspects of you are already represented in the other sections of the application. This way, each element adds value to the application and contributes to a more complete picture of you.

It makes sense to compartmentalize completing different parts of the application. Many applicants take the time they need to focus on one application component at a time, which seems to help them be thorough. 

Don’t underestimate how much time it takes to write well. Exploring ideas in writing, developing those ideas, showing rather than telling a story, staying clear, writing fluidly, surmising maturely and insightfully, takes much more time than most people anticipate. So, don’t wait until Memorial Day to write your essay and intend to submit on June 1. Give yourself the churn time writing well needs. Also, give yourself time to put a draft down for a day or two and return to it when you’re able to read it afresh. Sometimes, we revise over and over again in one sitting to the point that we can no longer hear the story or its sense because we have been rehearsing and revising a draft to beat the clock. Doing this is a risky way to go about the personal statement. Remember, this essay should be a very impressive part of your application, not merely one more part of the application to finish. At the end of the day, the medical school personal statement is a window that allows others to see you, know you as a person, know you better and beyond your achievements.

2. How do I find the perfect personal statement topic? Does one exist?

Certainly, some ideas are better than others, and one idea might work better for one person and not so well for someone else. However, there is no “perfect” topic. In fact, writing an essay with the approach of trying to out-psych this important application requirement is likely not the strongest way to find your best topic, nor is it the best way to engage your readers. 

Instead, consider the following approach. What is an experience you’ve had that matters greatly in helping others understand who you are as a future physician? Why medicine, not in general, but for you, demonstrated by way of a story about an experience that directly ties to being a physician or indirectly demonstrates your sound character as it corresponds with human qualities medical schools desire. When we read what kinds of people medical schools seek, it’s easy enough to identify quite a few character traits that appeal to many schools: compassion, resiliency, adaptability, selflessness, inclusivity, and altruism among them. What experience, when written with key details and description, reveals who you really are?

3. How do you choose the right amount of personal qualities to list?

A strong medical school personal statement should not replicate other parts of the application, with the exception of it being a specific story that stems from a particular experience associated with one of your activities. Otherwise, there’s no listing in this essay. Unfortunately, some applicants do treat the personal statement as an opportunity to list awards, accolades, and experiences, paragraph by paragraph. Meanwhile, medical school admissions officers can see these awards and experiences in the Experiences section of the application. Rarely, if ever, does this kind of writing bring out voice, vision and identity. Instead, tell a true story, revised with care and precision, that shines with voice, vision and identity.

4. Are there any topics I should avoid for my medical school personal statement?

Certainly, one idea might work better for one person and not so well for someone else. So, there’s a subjectivity in what to write and what not to write. Generally, however, there are some topics to avoid. Don’t write about a time you felt cheated, inconvenienced, frustrated or angry. Sometimes, secondary essay prompts will ask you about a struggle or a mistake, and for these answers, it’s best to show how you turned the situation around or keenly learned from it. Don’t get too caught in childhood. Many applicants do write about a time when they were not yet grown; however, don’t get swallowed by it. Write the scene and then stay in the present to demonstrate your maturity and worthwhile hindsight.

Remember -- no matter what the topic, tone matters. 

5. What kind of experience should I include in my personal statement?

6. can the experience i use on my med school personal statement be from outside of college.

Absolutely. It is relatively common for applicants to only portray themselves as students, and this can be a problem. Sometimes, when applicants write about themselves as excellent students the tone of such a personal statement can sound boastful or pleading. Neither quality is advantageous. 

Seeing oneself in any other light can result in a stronger “snapshot” of who you are, as long as the theme or topic of your personal statement still suits the intention of the application in the first place – demonstrating who you are as an appealing candidate for medical school. When we consider the writing task for the personal statement to be much more story-driven, readers go on a descriptive journey. What journey would you like to share?

7. Should I talk about challenges I’ve faced?

If other parts of your medical school application suggest a struggle – whether a lower MCAT score or a notable weak semester on a transcript – it might be advantageous to explain what happened and how you turned that situation around. Whether writing about a challenge in the personal statement or secondaries, the key is to demonstrate resilience. Applicants with physical or cognitive disabilities may choose to write about seeking assistance -- whether a doctor, therapist or a tutor -- and how learning alternative strategies helped them figure out how to attain higher academic achievement. 

Sometimes challenges are circumstantial. Sometimes families face financial hardship (did the family breadwinner become unemployed and therefore everyone else had to work more hours, including you?), emotional stress (due to an ongoing illness, Covid-19, or a divorce?) or trauma (a death of a loved one, a house fire, a veteran/sibling returning home with PTSD). Sometimes an applicant has been a caregiver for someone in the family. Sometimes an applicant has taken a leave from school because of someone else’s struggles, or the emotional fallout on the applicant from someone else’s struggle – the loss of a childhood friend, for instance. Self-care is reasonable. We might need to share a life moment in order to frame the context of a life struggle, showing it in the context of responsibility rather than recklessness or immaturity. Showing how you stepped up in a challenging time can show that you are accountable and caring, as long as the story is told to these ends, rather than suggesting resentment or self-pity. Again, neither of these tones is advantageous, nor is blame. 

Occasionally applicants have been challenged by a course or by a professor, a classmate or teammate and feel unduly subjected to bias. If there’s discrimination involved, that might be a story to tell. If there’s a personality clash, that might not be a good story to tell. 

Finally, as any story of challenge moves along, it’s important to demonstrate what you did, what you learned, how you adapted, or what you now value from having had this life experience that you did not understand before. 

Being a doctor is rife with challenges. In the end, your readers may come to understand how you are an insightful leader with great resilience or a compassionate, problem-solver.

8. How do I focus my personal statement to show that I want to go into medicine and not another field in healthcare?

Great question. On the one hand, it’s a good idea to demonstrate your compassion for others and empathy for people suffering from illness. On the other hand, these are favorable attributes for nearly all healthcare workers -- not only doctors -- but for physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers and psychologists too. Since most applicants have done some shadowing of physicians, it’s not unusual for these experiences to contain moments of learning about being a physician through shadowing or through work in a clinic. However, the more clinical the story, the better especially if you’re applying to osteopathic schools of medicine. If you’re applying to allopathic schools of medicine, it’s possible you have some interest in being a researcher, so telling a story about working in a physician’s lab might demonstrate your insights into the value of research in light of disease or patient care. If you already have an affinity for a specialty, telling how you came to know this could be the way to go.

9. Do I introduce my desired field of healthcare in my personal statement?

Maybe. If you’re very committed and have demonstrated a trend in your activities from general volunteer work (older listings) to more specialized experience in a field of medicine (more recent listings), it may be a good idea to write up how you came to know one field of medicine was really your passion. 

Bear in mind that announcing a deep interest in a particular field of medicine may make you “a good fit” or “not a good fit” for some schools. So, if you do write up a story about your desired field of medicine for your personal statement, be sure your list of schools corresponds with this. For instance, if you want to be an obstetrician and you convey this in your personal statement, be certain your schools have clinical exposure or better yet offer specializations in obstetrics, or a required rotation through a hospital for women, for instance.

Lastly, by no means must you announce a desired field of healthcare in your personal statement. You may be asked about your specialized interests in medicine in a secondary or in an interview, so it’s a good idea to think this through, but no, you don’t have to tackle this in the personal statement.

10. What should my character limit be? 

The AMCAS and AACOMAS character limit for the personal statement is 5,300 characters with spaces. The TMDSAS character limit for the personal statement is 5,000 characters with spaces. It’s a good idea to use most if not all of this space for your personal statement. Also, try to avoid the temptation to use the same personal statement for AMCAS and AACOMAS. The osteopathic schools seek applicants who know and prefer an osteopathic orientation to medicine, so the AACOMAS personal statement should demonstrate your fit with osteopathic medicine, based on what story you choose to tell and how you tell it, or at the very least, in the conclusion.

11. How do I know when I’m ready to submit my med school personal statement?

I highly recommend getting feedback about this from a strong mentor, advisor or consultant. Accepted offers comprehensive consultation for every part of the writing process, from brainstorming, to outlining, to mentoring on ideas, and editing until a client has a solid final draft in hand, ready for submission. You can review these services here: Initial Essay Package

Generally speaking, when you’ve accomplished FAQ #2 and #3, avoided the pitfalls in #4, revised for clarity and quality of ideas, developed ideas engagingly, and meticulously revised for quality of writing, then, you may be done.

12. What if I don’t have enough space to discuss everything?

Then your topic is too large or unfocused, in which case you need to focus and narrow the scope of your essays. Or you have a bit of editing to do to eliminate wordiness, digressions, or overstatement Ultimately, you want your essay to be focused, clear, and engaging.

13. Should I personalize my personal statement to the med school I am applying to?

Only if you’re applying to one medical school. Otherwise, your personal statement will reach all schools listed in your AMCAS application or AACOMAS application. It is okay, however, to speak toward the ideals of your first choice, aspirational schools on your list. Other times, applicants choose to write toward the schools that are their safest bets. 

Your secondary/supplemental essays will give you plenty of opportunity to show you belong at an individual school.

14.  Can I talk about mental or physical health in my statement?

15. should i address any bad grades that i got in school.

Generally yes, as long as bad grades are truly bad grades. It’s likely that you do not need to address a rogue grade of B on a transcript. If you had a bad semester or two, the question becomes how and where to address them. The answer is an individual one dependent on the context. The one certainty: You definitely don’t want your entire application to be a rationalization of those bad grades. 

See FAQ #7. 

Accepted has been helping medical school applicants gain acceptance to top programs since 1994. Our staff consists of former deans, admissions directors, and experienced consultants. 

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I Submitted My Medical School Primary Application—What’s Next?

• By Amit Pandey, M.D.
• June 2, 2022
• AMCAS , Interview , Medical School Application , Secondary Application

So, you submitted your primary application to medical school—now what?

Completing your primary application is no easy feat, and it definitely deserves congratulations. But the key to success in any process, particularly one as arduous as medical school acceptance, is staying proactive and ahead of the game. So that begs the question: What comes next? What can I do to remain prepared for the next steps of the application process?

What Happens After You Submit Your Primary Application?

The first thing to be aware of, which will help with big picture planning, is the timeline of events throughout the application cycle. For those who submitted the primary application at the beginning of June or soon after, you can expect the following.

1| Verify Important Components of the Primary Application

There are key elements of the primary application to verify; namely, the data and documents sent by other parties that you do not have direct control over submitting.

• College transcripts
• Letters of recommendation

Check to be sure that AMCAS, TMDSAS, or AACOMAS received your transcripts from the registrar at your institution, letters of recommendation from your letter writers, and your MCAT score from AAMC. Contact the necessary parties if submission is delayed.

2 | Secondary Applications

Secondary applications should start arriving about two weeks after submitting your primary. If you submitted your application early (on time), you should expect them to arrive mid-to-late June.

They will continue to roll in throughout the summer. Aim to respond to secondaries as soon as possible while allowing for quality essay responses. We recommend responding within 7-14 days.

Secondaries require a lot of writing, and time is of the essence, which means getting ahead of the game is a good idea. Identify which programs you are particularly interested in as well as programs that are a good fit based on your GPA, MCAT, and qualifications. You can look up prior secondary prompts for these schools online to help you prepare in advance.

Med School Insiders offers a database of current and previous secondary prompts for US medical schools for reference.

Prompts are not guaranteed to be the same, but they rarely change significantly from year to year. Therefore, you can prepare basic answers to essay questions for schools you anticipate receiving a secondary from. This will allow you to compile answers to your secondary questions in a timely manner.

You will also find common themes across many of your secondaries. For example, you will likely see some form of the “Why Us” question, which asks you to elaborate on why you have chosen that particular school and what specifically makes you an ideal candidate for that school.

Other common questions include:

• Why have you chosen to apply to our program?
• Please state why you are a great fit for our community.
• Please describe a moral or ethical dilemma and what you learned from this experience.
• Indicate any special experiences, unusual factors, or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating you?
• If you took time off after undergrad, what have you achieved in this time?

Take time to craft answers to the most common questions in advance. You can then customize your responses to each school using your original answers.

Read our Secondary Application Guide for a full breakdown of the secondary application process, including key strategies that will help you stand out.

Need help? Our expert team of physicians can help you hone your secondaries to catapult your application to the next level.

3 | Interview Invites

If you continue to submit your secondary materials within one to two weeks of receiving them, interview invites may arrive as early as August, but most early interviews will start in September.

Interviews will continue throughout the winter and conclude during the following spring, sometimes as late as April. Invites can come from any school at any time, so remain ready. You will be sent an invitation and asked to schedule a time to interview, so be prepared to be flexible with your schedule so that you can attend these interviews at the earliest possible date.

It’s a good idea to begin thinking about the interview process early. Practicing and fine-tuning your answers will take time, and this preparation definitely should not be left until you begin to receive interview invites.

The best way to start preparing is to answer some of the most common interview questions that are asked regardless of the institution. The sooner you begin crafting your answers, the more you will be able to refine them.

21 Medical School Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

As you practice, begin answering out loud in front of a mirror or while recording yourself. How do you feel? How do you look? Are you able to answer interview questions clearly, effectively, and with confidence?

You won’t know how much time you need to prepare until you start answering questions in front of a mirror and recording yourself. You may find you’re a natural when it comes to interviews, or you may find you need many hours of preparation. Find out the answer to this sooner than later so that you have adequate time to prepare.

It should be noted that even if you feel like you are a naturally confident communicator, this doesn’t mean you will excel in the medical school interview process. There’s a lot more to it than having confidence; you also need to have expertly crafted answers that are tailored to each school and interviewer.

In the months preceding interviews, practice consistently and perform mock interviews to see how you perform under pressure. Mock interviews provide real-time feedback, which will strengthen your skills and comfort with the entire interview process.

For a complete overview of the interview process, read our Medical School Interview Guide .

3| Acceptance Decisions

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout interview season, generally within a few weeks of the interview (unless the applicant has been placed on the waiting list , in which case the decision can be made much later).

If you’re on a waitlist, you will very likely have to wait until the beginning of May before you hear anything definitive, as most schools give their accepted applicants until then to make a final decision.

Struggling to make an acceptance decision? Decision making strategies will help you make informed decisions you can feel good about for years to come. Read our 7 Strategies for Better Decision Making .

Stay on Top of the Application Process

Submitting your primary application is only the beginning of the application process. Preparation and staying on top of ideal deadlines is the key to success.

Med School Insiders offers one-on-one advising that pairs you with a physician advisor who best fits your specific needs. It’s our goal to help you create a future that aligns with your vision .

Amit Pandey, M.D.

The Benefits of Shadowing a Doctor & How to Do It Right

Shadowing a doctor is an absolute must on the medical school application. We outline the benefits of shadowing a doctor and how to do it right.

How Late Can You Submit Your Primary Application? (Without Consequence)

Top applicants do everything they can to be competitive, and a key piece of that is submitting early. So, how late can you submit your primary application?

How to Improve Your Public Speaking as a Student

If public speaking scares you, you are far from alone. We break down 6 strategies for improving your public speaking.

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• Medical School Secondary Essays

Medical School Secondary Essays: All MD & DO Prompts

Featured Expert: Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

Medical school secondary essay prompts are designed to help medical schools in the US find out more about you, from your past academic, professional and personal experiences to what your goals are for the future. The following is a comprehensive list of medical schools and their medical school secondary prompts for the most recent application cycle.  secondary essays You’ll find a list of medical schools ( MD and DO ) organized by state along with the medical school secondary essay prompts they are using for this cycle. Click on each school name to review the secondary essay prompts for each school. Check out our medical school secondary essay examples devoted to answering the most common secondary essay prompts on this list. With this list you can start preparing your medical school secondary essays and increase your chances of getting in!

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 2 min read

Medical school secondary essay prompts: what med students say, “when the secondaries started rolling in and i realized that schools could have anywhere from two to six extra essays that i was going to have to write for every single one … i started to get a little nervous” - allison edwards, former bemo student and current student at dell medical school..

It’s true that writing medical school secondary essays adds more pressure to an already pressure-laden process of applying to medical schools. While two or six essays may seem manageable, you have to remember that you might be applying to anywhere between ten or twenty different medical schools, so they can add up. What’s more, you typically have only between two weeks, more or less, to complete all these essays, so, as Allison discovered, “it was a lot of late nights and days off spent writing these vast amounts of essays.”

However, another strategy to ease the pressure of having to write a sizable number of medical school secondary essays is to pre-write them, which you can do with the help of this article, as we’ve listed the most recent prompts used by allopathic and osteopathic schools in the US. But starting early, even before you apply, doesn’t only give you a head start. As Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, suggests, “It is advisable to start preparing for secondaries as early as possible so that you have enough time to revise.”

Writing multiple drafts is a valuable strategy for writing your primary application essays, but you may not have enough time if you don’t pre-write. However, if you do pre-write, you can perfect your essays and submit them well-ahead of any deadline. Dr. Monica Taneja, a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine , also recommends this: “I tried to pre-write secondaries starting in mid-June as there aren’t many changes year to year in prompts which are easily found online.” Dr. Taneja also found that “pre-writing allowed me to have <1 week turn around on all of my secondary application returns.”

But if you’re pressed for time, and aren’t able to pre-write, Dr. Taneja suggests re-using basic elements about your story, and infusing them in various essays. Many medical school secondary prompts tend to focus on the same subjects, so you can re-use essays, as long as you remember to add unique things about the school. As Dr. Taneja found, she “was able to morph different essays based on length to reduce overall writing.” 

Allopathic Schools

University of alabama heersink school of medicine (allopathic).

State of Residence Section:

1. 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)

2. 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:

3. Where do you see yourself in your medical career fifteen to twenty years from now? (750 characters)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. Describe a fulfilling or challenging community service experience and how you grew personally from the experience. (750 characters)

7. 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)

8. (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)

9. (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:

10. 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

In-State Applicants:

1. Although interests may change, what areas of medicine are you primarily interested in at the current time? (200 characters)

Out-of-State Applicants:

2. 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 Essay

3. The learning community at the University of South Alabama Whiddon 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)

Osteopathic Schools

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Describe how specific attributes of ACOM’s mission and core values align with your professional goals and personal attributes?

2. 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.

3. What are your personal attributes that demonstrate the osteopathic philosophy? (500 words or less) 

  University of Alaska Anchorage/University of Washington WWAMI Program

Alaska residents can participate in the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) program organized by the University of Washington School of Medicine and offered through the University of Alaska Anchorage.

1. How have societal inequities in the U.S. affected you or people you have worked with? (250 words)

2. 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)

3. What obstacles have you experienced and how have you overcome them? (250 words)

4. 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)

5. For re-applicants: From your most recent application until now, how have you strengthened your application? (250 words)

6. For Wyoming applicants: Describe your experiences in Wyoming that have influenced and/or informed your decision to pursue a medical career? (250 words)

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

1. 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? (Limit: 350 words)

2. 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. (Limit: 350 words)

3. "The mission of the University of Arizona College of Medicine of Admissions is to select a diverse cohort of students who will become the future leaders in advancing healthcare 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 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. (Limit: 350 words)

4. 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. (Limit: 350 words)

5. 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)

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

1. I previously applied to any medical school yes/no (select yes if you submitted a primary or secondary application). If yes, please provide specific examples that illustrate how you are a stronger applicant this cycle. (1000 characters)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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)

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine - Arizona

Maximum 500 words

1. 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 choice track you indicated.

2. 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 relationships with others, particularly in diverse learning environments.

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

  1. What do you feel you can contribute to ATSU-SOMA?

2. Describe when you had to persevere in a challenge or obstacle, and what keeps you motivated to keep going towards your goals.

3. Any info you would like to share to the admissions committee?

Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. How did you become aware of Midwestern University/AZCOM? (max. 1500 words)

2. Why do you believe AZCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking? (max. 1500 words) 

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

1. 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.

Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. How do you plan to fulfill the ARCOM Mission in your practice as a physician?

4. What challenges do you expect to personally face most in the next 10 years as a healthcare professional?

5. How do you expect to overcome these challenges?

6. 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).

7. How did that interaction impact your mindset of the role of a physician?

8. 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?

9. What is a recent book you read that impacted the way you think about today's world?

10. Please explain how this book impacted the way you think about today's world.

11. How did you hear about ARCOM? (No limit)

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

1 . If you wish to update or expand upon your activities, you may provide additional information below. (500 words)

2. 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)

3. 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. (350 words)

Stanford Medical School

1. Are there any current or pending disputes concerning your academic status?

If yes, please explain. (300-character limit)

2. 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)

3. 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? (1,000-character limit)

4. CURRICULAR INTERESTS

How will you take advantage of the Stanford Medicine Discovery Curriculum and scholarly concentration requirement to achieve your personal career goals? (1,000-character limit)

5. 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-character limit)

6. 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. (2,000-character limit)

Please describe how you have uniquely contributed to a community with which you identify. (1,000-character limit)

8. ADVOCACY

Please describe an experience/ situation when you advocated for someone else. (1,000-character limit)

9. ANYTHING ELSE? (OPTIONAL) Please include anything else that will help us understand better how you may uniquely contribute to Stanford Medicine? (OPTIONAL) (1,000-character limit)

Stanford also includes a fifteen question Health Attitude Survey where you give your opinion on several healthcare-delivery issues by choosing from six responses (Strongly Disagree/Moderately Disagree/Mildly Disagree/Mildly Agree/Moderately Agree/Strongly Agree)

 Check out some Stanford medical school secondary essay examples !

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

You only have 15 days to submit your secondary essays; all late applications will not be accepted.

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. Did you experience or are you anticipating time between graduating from college and matriculating into medical school?

(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.

5. 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?

(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)

Essay Prompts for PRIME-LA (2000 characters)

1. What is the most important social issue confronting the health of marginalized and under-resourced communities? Describe the first steps you would take to address this issue.

2. In what way will graduating from PRIME-LA and obtaining a master's degree enhance your career in health care or health services for marginalized and under-resourced communities? (If you are considering a specific master’s degree (e.g., MPP, MPH, MBA, etc.), please incorporate your graduate degree plans or aspirations into your answer)

3. Describe how your experiences demonstrate your understanding of, and commitment to, marginalized and under-resourced communities.

4. What are your greatest strengths and your greatest challenges as you approach medical school?

5. Describe your most memorable experience as it relates to working with marginalized and under-resourced populations.

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

1. 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. 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. (6000 characters)

2. (OPTIONAL) Please describe how educational disparity, health disparity and/or marginalization has impacted you and your community? (4800 characters)

3. 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. 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. DO NOT LIST ANY ACTIVITY MORE THAN ONCE. (100-character description for each activity you add)

4. 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 career pathways listed below. In addition to this selection, please provide a brief description of your future career goals: (400 characters) 

• 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, anesthesiologist, radiologist)
• Other/undecided

University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine

1. What is the most fun you’ve had lately? (65-word limit)

2. If you had to give yourself a nickname, what would it be? (65-word limit)

3. What are three things you don't care about at all? (65-word limit)

4. Describe a situation in which you didn’t get something you felt you deserved. (65-word limit)

5. Are you a member of a group that is under-represented in medicine? (If yes) Which Group? How does under-representation affect your community? (200-word limit)

6. Have you previously applied to medical school (M.D., D.O., international)? (If yes) Upon reflection, what do you think went wrong? (200-word limit)

7. (Optional): Is there anything else you would like us to know? If yes, please answer the question in 200 words or less.

University of California, Davis School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. Optional: Do you have a connection to Northern or Central California? (500 characters)

3. 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)

University of California, Irvine School of Medicine

MD (1500 characters each)

1. What personal accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

2. Please describe to the Admissions Committee a challenge or disappointment you have overcome and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

3. (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.

4. (if already have an undergrad 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.

MD/PhD Prompts (1500 characters each)

1. What research accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

2. Please describe to the Admissions Committee a research challenge you have overcome and what you learned from that experience.

3. What does it mean, to you, to be an MD/PhD?

4. Please list all posters, manuscripts (published or planned) you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.

University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

1. 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 

2. 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.

3. In what type of healthcare setting do you see yourself practicing medicine?

4. 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)

5. (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.

6. (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

California Northstate University College of Medicine

1. Why have you chosen to apply to CNUCOM? (250 words maximum)

2. In the medical profession, you will be exposed to students, faculty, colleagues, and patients of various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. How has your involvement with diverse populations prepared you for potentially four years in Elk Grove, the greater Sacramento area, and the rest of the Central Valley? (250 words maximum)

3. 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?

4. In which direction would you like to see healthcare progress over the next decade? (250 words maximum)

5. 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)

6. If you have previously applied to medical school, what have you accomplished since that time that would warrant your admission now? (250 words maximum)

7. Is there anything you would like the Admissions Committee to know that is not reflected elsewhere in your application? (250 words maximum)

8. 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?

California University of Science and Medicine

1. Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills. What did you do? 1500 characters

2. Provide us with a specific example of something you did which helped build enthusiasm in others. 1500 characters

3. How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team? 1500 characters

4. Describe the last time you were criticized by a peer or supervisor. How did you handle it? 1500 characters

5. What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent? How have you effectively used your skills in emotional intelligence in the past? 1500 characters

6. 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? 1500 characters

7. What would be the best example that shows you are a person of integrity? 1500 characters

8. If given the opportunity to attend medical school, where would you see yourself in ten years? 1500 characters

9. Diversity comes in many forms. How do you think you might contribute to the diversity of the class? 1500 characters

10. 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. Optional (500 characters)

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

1. 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)

2. Describe your commitment to transforming the health of diverse and underserved communities. (800 characters)

3. Detail the key motivational factors in your decision to apply to the CDU MD Program. (1200 characters)

4. Please describe a personal experience in which you have encountered discrimination. (800 characters)

5. How will you utilize your medical knowledge and skills to contribute positively to your community after completing medical school? (800 characters)

Kaiser Permanente Tyson School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. (Optional) Please describe how you have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (no limit)

Loma Linda University School of Medicine

1. What makes LLUSM particularly attractive to you? (275-word limit)

2. 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)

3. What personal attributes make you a desirable candidate for admission to LLUSM? (275-word limit)

4. Identify experiences in your life that illustrate your service to others. (275-word limit)

5. Discuss how your spiritual origins, development, and experiences have influenced and been integrated into your daily life. (275-word limit)

6. Please describe your current involvement (or reason for not being involved) with a church or religious group. (275-word limit)

7. If you have already graduated, briefly describe your activities since graduation and your planned activities prior to matriculation into medical school. (275-word limit)

8. 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)

Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. 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?

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Please discuss how your life experiences and personal characteristics will contribute to your future success as an outstanding osteopathic physician.

6. When considering medical schools, what criteria are important to you and how does TUCOM align with those criteria?

7. 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?

8. 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?

Western University of Health Sciences - College of Osteopathic Medicine

500-word limit each

1. 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).

2. If you have not had the opportunity to shadow/observe a DO why is it important to you to become an osteopathic physician?

3. What was your most memorable community service activity and how did your activity benefit the community?

4. How does the COMP Mission statement align with your values?

5. Why do you want to attend COMP?

6. What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why are they important?

7. Have you participated in research? (y/n)

If yes, briefly describe your role and what skills you gained from participation in the research. Please provide us with the link to the publication or abstract if possible. Did you contribute to the published work as an author/coauthor? (y/n)

8. Briefly discuss any extenuating circumstances which you feel are pertinent to your application (poor grades, course withdrawals, lapse in your education, etc.).

9. 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.

10. Are you a transfer applicant? (y/n)

University of Colorado School of Medicine

1. 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 

2. Please describe how your background and/or your unique lived experiences contribute to our culture of inclusive excellence. Limit the response to 300 words.

3. (If reapplicant) Please explain how you and your application has changed since your previous submission. Limit this response to 1500 Characters.

4. 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).

5. Rural Track: Describe your personal and professional goals in becoming a rural physician. In particular, describe your interest and ability to spend your clinical year in a rural community. You may also include how past experiences living and/or working in a rural area and your ties to or interest in rural Colorado communities aligns with your goals. Limit your statement to 1500 characters, including spaces (approximately 300 words).

Colorado Springs Branch:

1. 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).

2. In the Colorado Springs Branch LIC, students work in multiple health systems across Southern Colorado (e.g. Colorado Springs, Cañon City, Pueblo) to understand the interface between academic and community medicine and participate in a curriculum focused on how physician leadership in quality improvement and community engagement can impact health equity. Please describe how participation in the Colorado Springs Branch LIC would advance your career goals, and how your life experiences have led you to an interest in our program. You may also note any ties to Colorado Springs or the Southern Colorado community, if applicable. Please limit your statement to 300 words.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Colorado

1. “ What unique characteristics, abilities, or skills will you bring to help advance the mission and vision of RVUCOM? ”

Yale Medical School

Required Essay 1 (Please limit your response to 500 words):

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?

Essay 2 (Please limit your response to 500 words):

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.

• 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.
• 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.

Essay 3 (Please limit your response to 500 words):

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.

 Read some Yale medical school secondary essay examples !

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

1. Highlight your experiences in the health care field. What insights have you gained about potential problems you will face as a physician?

2. How will the University of Connecticut School of Medicine best serve your needs of becoming a physician or physician scientist?

3. 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?

Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. Why is it important to you to go into medicine and become a physician? (200 words)

3. What quality or attribute do you think is most important in being a physician? Please explain. (200 words)

4. 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)

5. Netter SOM is a diverse and inclusive community, and we believe that each person brings their own unique experiences and attributes. How have your experiences, personal/family background or personal identity impacted your values and attitudes in working with others who will be both similar and different from you? (400 words)

6. 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)

Georgetown Medical School

1. Are you/will you be enrolled in any program during the 2023-2024 academic year?

2. Have you ever completed one of the following Georgetown Programs? (check all that apply):

• The Georgetown University Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES)
• Pedro Arrupe S.J. Scholarship for Peace (ARRUPE)
• Gateway Exploration Program (GEP)
• Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP)
• Georgetown University School of Medicine Summer Immersion Program (GUSOM SCS)
• Cultivating Opportunity & Realizing Excellence (CORE) Leadership Program
• Graduated from Georgetown Experimental Medical Studies Program (GEMS)
• Graduated from Special Master's Program (SMP)

3. 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)

4. 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 

5. 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)

  Want to read some Georgetown medical school secondary essays ?

Howard University College of Medicine

1. 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) (3000 char max)

2. 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) (3000 char max)

3. 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) (3000 char max)

4. 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)

5. 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]

6. Why Howard University College of Medicine? (2500 char)

George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

1. If you selected regional medical campus preferred or regional medical campus only, please explain in detail your interest in regional medical campus and how it will be a good fit for your clinical education? (1750 characters)

2. 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 2024. (750 characters)

3. 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)

4. What makes you a unique individual? What challenges have you faced? What have you learned from your experiences? (750 characters)

5. 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)

6. Have you previously interacted directly with the MD Admissions Office through events, tours, fairs, webinars, or interviews? (Y/N) If yes, please explain (250 chars). 

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

Prerequisites: (1600 char limit incl 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 char incl 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 char incl spaces)

Experience (1600-character limit incl. spaces):

5. Describe your most meaningful community service experience that is unrelated to direct patient care. Why did you select this particular experience? In what way did you grow and learn from this experience? What did you enjoy most?

6. What traits do you feel you have developed through your experiences thus far (such as paid or unpaid work experiences) that will help prepare you to be successful in medical school and a future physician. Experience does not need to be related to patient care.

7. Leadership can be defined in many ways. One way of defining leadership is as a set of behaviors used to help people align their collective direction, or lead a group or an organization. Tell us about a time you executed your leadership skills.

8. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped shape you as a person. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during challenges you may face during medical school and as a future physician. Describe any support system and/or resources you had available and how you utilized them.

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Primary Activity/Employment

1. 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. (Not sure of character limit, but it is less than 1000 for sure)

  2. If you have taken a gap year(s), please explain what you have been, or will be doing since graduating from your undergrad institution. (same as above)

Supplemental Essays

1. 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 diverse backgrounds. Please describe the impact the experience had on you. (1200 characters)

2. Why did you choose to apply to FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine? (1200 characters)

3. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during the challenges you might face in medical school. Describe any support system you had at your disposal and how you utilized these resources. (1200 characters)

4. If you are accepted into medical school, how do you envision your lifestyle will change, and what challenges may await? Similarly, what do you think will be the most rewarding and difficult part of practicing medicine in the future? (1200 characters)

5. Use this area to explain any exception to the prerequisites at your institution. (OPTIONAL, 1000 characters)

6. 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. (OPTIONAL, 1000 characters)

1. Please share any disruptions and/or challenges you have experienced this application year as a direct result of COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider in conjunction with your application. The following are some examples of topics for consideration, but are not limited to: academic preparations; extracurricular activities and/or experiences; personal and/or professional opportunities; or lessons and insights gained as a result of COVID-19. (1000 characters)

For those who are not Florida residents, the following prompt will appear:

Please describe any connection to FIU, FIU HWCOM, or South Florida.

Florida State University College of Medicine

A. Personal Background (500 words)

1 . Please provide a description of your family. (Optional)

2. Please provide a description of where you grew up (i.e. rural area, large city, etc.) (Optional)

3. Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.). (Optional)

4. What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you? (Optional)

5 . 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. Self Critical Analysis (500 words)

1. Why are you choosing to apply to the FSU College of Medicine? Please be specific describing what is particularly attractive about FSU COM.

2. What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine? (Optional)

3. If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application? (Optional)

C. Additional Questions (500 words)

1. In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please list no more than three (3) specialties.

2. Write a short statement describing how you envision using the specialty/ties you listed above to advance our mission 

3. The Admissions Committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (Optional)

D. Florida Resident (200 characters)

The Florida State University College of Medicine accepts very few out-of-state applicants. Except under rare circumstances, out of state applicants are considered for admission only if their county of residence is geographically contiguous with the State of Florida, or if they can demonstrate significant ties to the State of Florida.

Is Florida currently your legal State of residence? (Yes/No)

Has it ever been your legal state of residence? (Yes/No)

If “yes,” please briefly explain: (Optional)

If you have never been a Florida resident or are not currently residing in Florida

(answered “no” to both questions above), please briefly describe any significant ties that you have to the State of Florida (Examples of significant ties include- but are not limited to- attending college within Florida; having strong family ties to Florida, owning property in Florida, etc.) (Optional)

E. Disclosures (500 characters)

1. Have you ever been charged with a violation of the law which resulted in, or is still pending could result in, probation, community service, a jail sentence, or the revocation or suspension of your driver's license (including traffic violations which resulted in a fine of $200 or more)? If "yes", please explain. (Optional)

2. Have you ever been or are you now under investigation for any academic or legal/conduct problems at any undergraduate or graduate institution? If "yes", please explain. (Optional)

University of Florida College of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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, chose 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.

• “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.”

4. (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

1. *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. (no apparent word count)

2. (optional) Reflect upon your life experiences, values and/or personal background. Do any or all of these helps frame how you envision your future contributions to the health and wellbeing of others as a physician and if so, how? (500 words max)

University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

1. 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? If yes, please provide specifics as to how your competitiveness was impacted. If no, type “N/A”. (1500 Characters)

2. 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, Other)

Describe the knowledge, skills, and attributes you have developed in preparation for the career path you have chosen in the previous question. (1500 characters)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. If you have chosen the SELECT program or BOTH, please explain how your experiences and career goals match with the mission of the SELECT program. (MD SELECT Program | USF Health) (1500 characters)

University of Central Florida College of Medicine

1. If you are NOT a Florida resident, please describe any connection to UCF COM, UCF, or Florida. (500 characters)

2. If you do not expect to spend the academic year enrolled in an academic program, please explain how you will use this time. (500 characters)

3. In this space, provide brief details regarding academic difficulties, grades below "B minus," or course withdrawals. (500 characters)

4. What breakthrough in clinical or research medicine would you like to see occur within the span of your career in medicine? Why? (750 characters)

5. The complexity of healthcare delivery increasingly requires interdisciplinary teamwork. What lessons have you learned from sports, music, business or other experiences have prepared you to succeed in this environment? (750 characters)

6. 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? (750 characters)

7. Please share with the Admissions Committee why you are specifically interested in UCF COM. (750 characters)

8. Please provide a short essay to help us understand who you are. This essay should be different from your AMCAS Personal Statement. UCF COM places great value on the broad diversity of our students within the classroom. We believe the diverse characteristics of each individual in the class are important factors in serving the educational missions of this school and of our community. Please discuss any unique, 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. We are also interested on your thoughts about what you can contribute to your class and the medical profession in general. (Up to 4,000 characters)

University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

1. What have you done during the recent COVID-19 pandemic that will better prepare you to be a medical student and future physician?

2. Why have you selected the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for your medical education? Please be as specific as possible.

3. Please provide a chronological list with dates AND a brief description of your clinical experiences/shadowing.

4. Please provide a chronological list with dates of your community service/volunteering.

5. Please discuss a situation where you had to use your leadership skills.

6. Please briefly discuss your research experience.

7. Please provide a chronological list with dates of your employment.

8. What have you done to help identify, address and correct an issue of systemic discrimination?

9. Choose one of the following prompts (you can't do both)

(optional) Provide a description of any activities involving the FINE ARTS (dance, drama, music, art, photography, etc.

(optional) Provide a description of any activities involving SPORTS (organized team sports, recreational activities that you play, watch or follow)

10. (optional) Describe your most meaningful involvement in STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS.

11. (optional) Provide a description of your most memorable TRAVEL experience.

12. (optional) Provide a description of your HOBBIES and what you do for fun and relaxation.

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicin e

1. 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. (Maximum 4000 characters)

2. 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. (Maximum 4000 characters)

3. 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. (Maximum 4000 characters)

4. 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. (Maximum 4000 characters)

5. 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. (Maximum 4000 characters)

6. Were you employed full-time (or part-time) during your undergraduate or graduate years? If yes, please explain. (Maximum 4000 characters)

7. Do you believe that you are a member of a group that is under-represented in medicine? If yes, please explain. (Maximum 4000 characters)

8. Please explain any gaps or inconsistencies in either academic or standardized test performances throughout your undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate career. (No word limit)

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. How did you learn about osteopathic medicine? (1000-character limit)

2. List and briefly describe your significant health care-related volunteer activities since graduation from high school. (2000 characters)

3. 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" (1000-character limit)

4. 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)

Emory Medical School

(200-word limit each)

1. List your entire curriculum plan for the 2023-2024 academic year. If you are not in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year 

2. Briefly describe your health-related experiences. Be sure to include important experiences that are in your AMCAS application, as well as any recent experiences.

3. Briefly describe your interest in Emory and the Emory degree program you have selected.

4. 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.

5. If you have any updates or new information to report since you have submitted your AMCAS primary application, please briefly describe below.

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

1. Please discuss your primary interest in attending the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. (300 words)

2. Please describe your motivation for becoming a physician. What contributions do you feel that you could make to the medical profession in the future? (300 words)

3. 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."

4. The Admissions Committee regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of MCG and meeting the healthcare needs of a diverse patient population. Please describe how your own personal attributes, background, or life experiences, would contribute to the diversity of the class. (300 words)

5. 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 a part of something that failed. What did you learn from this experience? (300 words)

6. Please describe the geographical area in which you would most likely practice medicine and why. Please include the country, region, state, city and/or town in your response. (300 words)

7. Please explain any inconsistencies in your academic record. This may include below average course performance, grade trends, MCAT scores, etc. Please enter N/A if not applicable. (300 words)

8. If applicable, indicate any special experiences, unusual factors, or other information you have not already addressed in your application. Please enter N/A if not applicable. (300 words)

9. Please discuss any disruptions to your medical school application as a result of COVID-19. This may include but is not limited to academic performance, clinical, volunteer, research and extracurricular activities. (300 words)

Morehouse School of Medicine

1. Briefly explain the reasons for your selections in the Perceptions of Your Medical Career Section.

2. 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.

Mercer University School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. Please provide a cell phone number at which you can be contacted in reference to your application. (Required)

3. Please address any institutional action, including honor code or conduct code violations, from your time as an undergraduate and graduate student. (Required)

4. 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.

5. What is your understanding of the practice of rural medicine?

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Describe your experiences in service to others and your community and how they have helped prepare you to be a physician.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus

No secondary application required.

University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine

1. Resilience is “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.” Consider a challenge you have experienced. How are your attitudes and actions regarding your challenge a reflection of resilience? (600-word limit)

2. Describe your most important volunteer work and why it was meaningful. (600-word limit)

3. 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 your interest in attending JABSOM. (600-word limit)

4. 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)

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)

1. What characteristics of ICOM will help you become a successful osteopathic physician? (no character limit)

2. If this is not your first time applying to medical school, how have you improved your application? (Please type N/A if not applicable) (no character limit )

3. What does Osteopathic Principles and Practices mean to you and how will you integrate these into your future practice? (no character limit)

Carle Illinois College of Medicine

Carle Illinois is looking for everything most other medical schools are looking for – and something more. If you are completing our secondary application, you have already passed the threshold for our competency checklist. Well done. Now we want to find out more about you.

Our secondary application is unique. We are looking for physician-innovators. Does that describe you? Our secondary application is your chance to demonstrate that you have the compassion, curiosity and creativity we believe a physician-innovator needs. We are asking you to complete a portfolio comprised of three artifacts and three very short essays (100 words each).

The portfolio provides an opportunity to SHOW US and TELL US how compassion, curiosity, and creativity have played out in your life through visual artifacts and short essays. How do you exemplify these values? How have you grown in these areas? Show us and tell us the connections between these values and your experience. The artifacts should be somewhat reflective in nature so share your thoughts and insights.

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 actually did, how YOU contributed, and if you were able to be innovative. 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? Show us and tell us who you are, and why you are a strong applicant for our program.

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. 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. You may repeat experiences listed on your AMCAS application and/or include new ones.

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 noteworthy or significant (an example would be full-time caregiver for a family member for a period). As you are completing your portfolio, please keep in mind that 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.

Captions or other brief notes can be included on the artifact to help the screener understand your images. Don't provide an essay in place of a visual artifact unless you are an extraordinarily skilled writer! In addition to any notes included on your artifact, each artifact will be accompanied by a very brief essay (maximum 100 words) to give context to your artifact. 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.

1. 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.

Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine's value of Compassion.

2. 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.

Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine's value of Curiosity.

3. 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.

Tell Us - In 100 words or less, explain how your artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Creativity.

Chicago Rosalind Franklin Medical School

(150 words each)

1. Please specifically discuss how, if admitted to our program, your admission would contribute to the diversity of the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science community.

2. Briefly share your plans for the upcoming academic year. Do you plan to work, conduct research, volunteer in a health care setting, participate in community service, attend school, travel, participate in leisure activities or other activities?

3. Have you ever had a major setback? What was the cause and how did you overcome it?

4. What areas of your life needs the most improvement, and what plans have you made to improve it?

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

1. 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.

2. Social justice in the Jesuit tradition, justice due each person by virtue of their own inherent human dignity, is an essential dimension of education at SSOM. Describe what you have learned about yourself from your concrete social justice experiences. Explain how you plan to sustain your efforts to advocate for current social justice issues as a medical student and as a physician.

3. Serving underserved and under-resourced communities is an expression of social justice. Describe an impactful experience in 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.

4. Describe a time you received feedback about your performance and disagreed with the feedback. What did you disagree with? How did you handle it?

5. 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.

6. Have you or any of your relatives attended or been employed by Loyola University Chicago or the Stritch School of Medicine?

Complete Questions 7-13 If Applicable

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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)

12. Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic or parking violation? If the answer is yes, please explain below.

13. If you did not submit an advisor or committee letter, please tell us why.

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

1. FEINBERG CURRICULUM: Describe which part (s) of Feinberg’s integrated curriculum you are most excited to engage in and best align with your learning style.

2. COPING STRATEGIES: Describe specific steps you take to manage your stress and maintain wellness while balancing personal, educational, and professional responsibilities.

3. FUTURE CAREER PLANS: Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders in medicine who will serve their patients, communities and society. Describe one specific goal within medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve this professional goal.

4. 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 future plans during the gap period

5. REAPPLICANT (if applicable): If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to improve your application.

6. FEINBERG SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RELATIONSHIP

Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with Feinberg School of Medicine?

7. Personal Narrative: The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please provide more detail about how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community.

Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center

1. Rush Medical College is located on Chicago’s 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. (1000 characters)

2. As an anchor institution, Rush is embedded in its strategies to improve the societal and structural determinants of health which improve the economic vitality of Chicago’s west side neighborhoods and help residents achieve better health. Using your own experiences, describe how you have impacted and/or changed a person or community. (1000 characters)

3. (Optional) If applicable, describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your application to and/or preparation for medical school. (1000 characters)

4. (Optional) Use this space to provide additional information, which is non-COVID related, you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your application. (1000 characters)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

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.

1. 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.

2. Tell us about your lived experiences that will make you a better physician? Please limit your response to 300 words or less.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 given)

Pritzker School of Medicine

1. 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. (450 words)

2. (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. (450 words)

3. 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. (450 words)

4. 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

1. What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you to deal with conflict and change?

2. Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UICOM attracted you to apply for medical school here?

3. 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.

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. Have you applied for admission to medical school previously?

If you are reapplying this year, please describe what you have done during the past year.

7. Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program?

Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

1. List any relative who is an osteopathic physician:

2. Why do you believe CCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking? (1500 Characters)

3. Why should CCOM accept you into this year's class? (1500 Characters)

4. 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

Indiana University School of Medicine

No secondary applications required.

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Describe the experience (name & location of hospital/clinic, name & specialty physician, and amount of time spent shadowing).

2. Please share any other relevant information that you would like the MU-COM Admissions Committee to know about you. (300 words)

3. 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.)

4. Are you interested in practicing medicine in Indiana? If yes, please describe your interest and reasons why. If no, please explain why not. (300 words)

5. Describe your motivation for attending MU-COM and osteopathic medicine. Please be specific.

6. Please explain any gaps in education or employment longer than holidays and semester breaks.

7. In which area of medicine are you most interested in practicing and why (choose up to 3).

University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

1. We understand you may be applying to multiple medical schools. Please explain your reasons for applying to the Carver College of Medicine. (1500-character limit)

2. 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-character limit)

3. 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. You may list up to 15 entries, 175 characters to describe EACH.

4. If you are a reapplicant to the Carver College of Medicine, how have you strengthened your application? (1500-character limit)

5. 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-character limit)

University of Kansas School of Medicine

1. 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.

2. Describe examples of leadership experience in which you have significantly influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.

3. Beyond academics (grades and MCATs), describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge.

4. Give an example of what you have done to make your community a better place to live.

5. Patients come from various backgrounds. Please describe how you will engage with patients whose backgrounds may differ from yours.

6. If you are not a Kansas resident, what is your specific interest in applying to the University of Kansas School of Medicine?

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, medical, 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.

11. For Combined MD/PhD Program Applicants: Do you also want to be considered as an "MD-only" applicant?

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

Read your secondary invitation carefully, they have a definite deadline.

1. Describe a time that you experienced a personal failure. What did you learn from the experience? How did it affect your personal growth? How did you show grit after the failure?

2. What kinds of things are you not good at? Why? How could this present a challenge in medical school?

3. Describe a situation in which you believe you or someone else were not treated fairly. How did you respond? What changes did you make or could be made to prevent someone being treated in this way in the future?

University of Kentucky College of Medicine

1. Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine? (1500 characters)

2. 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. (1500 characters)

3. If you are a non-Kentucky resident, you are required to elaborate on your Kentucky ties if applicable (personal, familial e.g.) (700 characters)

4. UKCOM provides MD programs at four campuses including the Lexington Campus, the Morehead Campus (Rural Physician Leadership Program), the Bowling Green Campus, and the Northern Kentucky Campus. You will apply to one of the four UK College of Medicine campuses. Please indicate your campus choice. Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus. (700 characters)

5. What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? (1500 characters)

6. Describe a personal activity involving advocacy and/or community service that has impacted your personal values about delivering equitable patient care. (2000 characters)

7. Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1500 characters)

8. It is impossible to have predicted the drastic impact caused by the novel coronavirus identified as COVID-19. Describe how this has impacted your social interactions, connections with peers, and perception of teamwork. (1500 characters)

9. 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. (2500 characters)

10. Describe a situation where you were not in the majority. (1500 characters)

University of Louisville School of Medicine

1. Why are you choosing to apply to the University of Louisville School of Medicine? (500 characters)

2. List the individuals who are providing letters of recommendation as a component of your complete secondary application (for example, Committee letter/institution name, Professor Smith/academic subject, etc.) The letter of recommendation policy can be found by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser Submit Letters of Recommendation — School of Medicine University of Louisville. (500 characters)

3. Describe your most significant personal accomplishments and/or experiences and how these may relate to your potential to contribute to the medical community. (1000 characters)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. List and describe any additional experiences, interests, hobbies, or skills not included in other areas of your application or that you have completed since submitting your AMCAS application. (500 characters)

8. Discuss briefly why you have decided to pursue medicine and how your personal characteristics align with those you believe are most needed by physicians. (500 characters)

9. Practice after residency: How do you see yourself practicing medicine after residency training? (Please include choice of medical practice and location). (500 characters)

10. If you are a reapplicant, what has changed from your previous application or your approach to this year's admissions cycle? (250 characters)

11. 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)

12. Please list each place of permanent residence, beginning from birth, including the City, County, State, years in residence, and estimated population size. (1000 characters)

University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Have you previously applied?

2. 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.

Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans

1. (Optional) Disadvantaged scholarship information letter specifying disadvantage & copy of parent’s federal income tax return.

2. (Optional) Supplemental essay - 500 to 600 words of your values.

Louisiana State University of School of Medicine in Shreveport

1. 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)

2. Second prompt for reapplicants: PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION ONLY IF YOU ARE A RE-APPLICANT TO LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT. Since your previous medical school application, what academic, employment, volunteer experiences or other progress have you made that make you a more competitive applicant? (2000 characters)

Tulane University School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. Who knows you best and how would they describe you? (150 words)

4. Please list any leadership positions (clubs, organizations, paid work) you may have held. (100 words)

5. Please list your hobbies and major non-academic interests. (150 words)

OPTIONAL: The following questions are optional. Declining to answer a question will not negatively impact your application in any way.

6. 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? These include groups oriented around, but not limited to: ethnicity, race, sexuality, religion, disability, and economic background. (60 words)

7. In what ways did the COVID-19 pandemic alter/interrupt your medical school application? (no limit)

 Check out some Tulane medical school secondary essay examples !

William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

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.

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Have you previously applied to the University of New England (undergraduate, graduate, or professional)? (2000 characters)

2. Have you had any contact with UNE COM via alumni, faculty, staff or students? (2000 characters)

3. Are you related to any alumni of UNE COM? (2000 characters)

4. What is your interest in attending UNE COM? (2000 characters)

5. 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)

6. 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)

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

1. Optional: If you have already received your bachelor's degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation, and your plans for the upcoming year. (2000 characters)

2. Optional: If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time. (2000 characters)

3. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (2500 characters)

4. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (2500 characters)

5. 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. (2500 characters)

6. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (2500 characters)

7. Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention … it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years that 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? (2500 characters)

8. Optional: The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. 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 sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it. (2500 characters)

Read our John Hopkins medical school secondary essay examples !

University of Maryland School of Medicine

1. How would you describe your cultural background? (optional, 1000 characters)

2. Describe here the reason why you are specifically interested in attending the University of Maryland School of Medicine. (1000 characters)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. Please describe what you will be doing during the 2023-2024 academic year. If you graduated/will graduate in 2023, what are your plans for the coming year until you matriculate to medical school? (1000 characters)

6. 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)

7. Briefly describe your most meaningful exposure to clinical medicine. (1500 characters)

8. Briefly describe your most satisfying experience related to community service. (1500 characters)

9. 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)

10. What does it mean to you to enter into a profession? (1500 characters)

MSTP Prompts

1. Please indicate the MD/PhD program you are most interested in (drop-down menu).

2. Why are you applying to the MD/PhD Program at the UMSOM? (2500 characters)

3. Please list the name(s) of your MD/PhD letter of recommendation writers who can focus on your research potential. (2500 characters)

Harvard Medical School

1. If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters maximum) summarize your activities since graduation.

2. 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)

3. The Committee on Admissions understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the Committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (This is an optional essay; the Committee on Admissions will make no judgment based on your decision to provide a statement or not.) (4000 characters)

4. The interview season for the 2023-2024 cycle will be held virtually and is anticipated to run from mid-September through January 2024. 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)

 HST Prompt:

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)

Boston University School of Medicine

1. Did you go on to college directly after high school? (1400 characters)

2. Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree? *

(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)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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. (3000 characters)

7. Re-Applicant Comment - This section may be used by re-applicants who wish to highlight specific areas of their application or to outline specific changes since their last application. (3000 characters)

Tufts University School of Medicine

(1000-character limit each)

1. Do you wish to include any comments (in addition to those already provided in your AMCAS application) to the Admissions Committee at Tufts University School of Medicine?

2. Please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. Include in this explanation if you will be a student, working, conducting research, volunteering, etc.

3. 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.

4. Tufts values include a commitment to social responsibility; to serve and advocate for all people, especially underserved and vulnerable patients and populations, by addressing social determinants of health, health equity, social justice, and stewardship of social resources. Have you done substantial work or volunteer service in such communities? (yes/no) If yes, Please describe the experience and how it may shape your desire to practice with vulnerable populations in the future.

5. Do you have any withdrawals or repeated coursework listed on your transcript(s)? (yes/no)

6. Did you take any leaves of absence or significant breaks from your undergraduate education? (yes/no) (Do not include time off after graduation.)

7. Because your academics 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. We understand that many applicants encounter academic hardships along the way. Please comment on any academic difficulties that you have encountered since completing high school (grades and MCAT scores). 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.'

8. Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile 2) any convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court, or 3) any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation has been completed and the case dismissed by the court (in states where applicable)?

University of Massachusetts Medical School

"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."

1. 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...).

1) 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)

2) Describe a time when you have made a decision that was not popular and how you handled this. (Leadership competency)

3) Describe a time when you were on a team that was dysfunctional in some regard. How did you address the situation? (Teamwork)

4) Describe a meaningful interaction you have had with a person whom you have helped at work, school or another activity. (Empathy/Compassion)

5) Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where there was poor communication? What did you do to improve it? (Communication)

6) Describe a time when you have "thought outside the box" to solve a problem. (Inquiry)

7) Describe a time when you suffered a setback. How did you respond to this challenge? (Persistence/Grit)

2. 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-word limit)

3. 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-word limit)

4. Why did you apply to T.H. Chan SOM? (200-word limit)

5. If you are currently taking a gap year, in what activities are you engaged? (200-word limit)

6. 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-word limit)

MD Tracks and Specializations

PURCH (Population Urban and Rural Community Health) - 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. 

Central Michigan University College of Medicine

1. 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 select from) (250 words).

2. 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)

3. [REAPP ONLY]: 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. (500 words)

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

1. Imagine and reflect upon your life and medical career at the time of retirement. What do you envision being your proudest/most significant accomplishment? (500 words)

2. American society has been reckoning with a variety of systemic injustices throughout its history. Considering your life experiences up to now, share your thoughts and perspectives about this statement using the lens from which you view the world around you. (500 words)

3. Consider three or four words and/or phrases from your medical school application that you use to describe or characterize yourself. Pick one (or a completely different one) that is underdeveloped to provide additional written narrative to the committee as to why you’ve decided to pursue a career in medicine. (500 words)

4. Use the space below to reflect upon your COVID-19 public health crisis experiences, challenges, and/or insights. (500 words)

5. If you could present yourself to the Admissions Committee, what would you want to make sure they knew (or remembered) about you? (500 words)

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

400-words each

1. Oakland County has a diverse patient population with a health equity divide that has resulted in a vulnerable group of patients that are underserved. Given your understanding of social determinants of health, how would you go about addressing these inequities?

2. Describe how OUWB’s mission and values align with your professional goals and objectives.

3. Master adaptive learners in medicine represent a combination of both efficient problem-solvers and possess the ability to learn and innovate when faced with a novel challenge to deliver high quality healthcare. Think back to your educational journey and describe how you embodied the definition of a master adaptive learner.

4. 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.

5. Optional: If you are a reapplicant to OUWB, please describe improvements you have made to your current application from previous cycles (please include academics, experiences, etc.).

University of Michigan Medical School

Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence.

(1500 characters)

if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program

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. (1500 characters)

Please respond to only one of the following two prompts. (2500 characters)

Describe how your identity impacts the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients.

If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.

How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects.

(2500 characters)

Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. (1500 characters)

 Try reading some University of Michigan medical school secondary essay examples !

Wayne State University School of Medicine

1. When reflecting on the roles and responsibilities of a physician, discuss what appeals and does not appeal to you. (1250 characters)

2. How would you address the inconsistencies between medical information and disinformation? How do these inconsistencies impact patients and society? (1250 characters)

3. List healthcare issues faced by marginalized communities and include their impact on social determinants of health. How would you address them? (1250 characters)

4. Which of your experiences or activities align with WSU SOM’s mission? Please discuss how. (1250 characters)

5. 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) Please mark N/A if this does not apply to you.

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

1. Please explain both of the following:

1) The specific reason(s) you have chosen to apply to WMed and

2) how you will utilize the unique features of WMed's mission, vision, and curriculum to achieve your career goals. (2000 characters)

2. 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)

3. WMed Re-Applicants Only: Describe the changes to your application from previous cycles - include academics, experiences, and/or personal attributes. (2000 characters)

4. Optional: Please explain any connection you have to Southwest Michigan. (2000 characters)

5. Optional: Is there any additional information not included elsewhere in your application you would like the admissions committee to know?

(2000 characters)

Osteopathic Schools 

Michigan state university college of osteopathic medicine.

1. 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.

2. What does professionalism mean to you as a future physician?

3. 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.

University of Minnesota Medical School

1. 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 

2. How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician? 

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.

4. (Optional) Any 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.

Note: The primary mission of the UMN Medical School, Duluth Campus is to educate physicians dedicated to serving rural Minnesota or Native American communities. Only complete the Rural and/or Indigenous Health questions if your application presents a strong commitment to these communities. Most candidates accepted within the context of the Duluth Campus mission will be placed on that campus.

5. (Optional) 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?

6. (Optional) 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?

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

1. 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.

2. 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.

MSTP Applicants

In the space below, write a brief paragraph (max. 500 characters) explaining why you are specifically applying to the Mayo Clinic MD-PhD Program.

**Note**: If you opt for MD-only consideration if rejected from the MSTP, then the application adds the MD prompts that you previously did not have to do.

University of Mississippi School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. Please outline your motivation for pursuing the medical degree. (3000 characters)

William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Mississippi Campus)

Washington university school of medicine.

1. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

2. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? (Optional) Some applicants use this space to describe unique experiences, obstacles, and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (3000 characters)

3. Are you still a full-time student? If no, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (Optional) (2000 characters)

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

1. Will you be a full-time student for the 2023-2024 academic year? If you answer NO:

Please describe your current activities... (max 1,000 characters)

2. Do you have a premedical advisor? If you answer yes: How often do you meet?

3. 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.)? Please explain (1000 characters)

4. Tell us about a time when you were the other: (1000 characters)

5. Were you ever the recipient of any action (e.g. dismissal, disqualification, suspension, etc.) by any college for unacceptable academic performance or conduct violations? If you answer yes:

Please explain fully... (max 1,000 characters)

University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine

1. Why are you interested in attending the University of Missouri School of Medicine? (1200 characters)

2. How will you add a unique perspective to the medical school and the practice of medicine? (1200 characters)

3. How will you contribute to an inclusive learning environment at the medical school and the practice of medicine? (2000 characters)

4. Is there anything that was not fully addressed in your application and/or any additional updates since submitting the AMCAS application? (2000 characters)

5. (Re-applicant essay): Since your last application attempt how has your application improved? (3000 characters)

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

1. How will your diversity/diverse experiences (e.g., gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, veteran status, from rural or underserved community, first generation student status) add to your career in medicine? (1000 Words)

2. 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 Words)

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?

3. 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.

1. What are you currently doing to maintain your academic knowledge? (2500 characters)

2. Describe a time when you had a personal failure. How did you move on from that experience? (2500 characters)

3. We are often too busy to plan future activities. Describe a time when you were so busy you had to react to situations rather than plan for them. (2500 characters)

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. 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.)

2. 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.)

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine

1. If you have been away from full-time academics for more than two years, please explain. (N/A if not applicable) (750 characters)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. What is your personal rationale for applying to the UNMC College of Medicine, especially if you are not from Nebraska? (1000 characters 

5. What are you most proud of in your life? (1500 characters)

6. Tell us about a time when you have had to overcome adversity. (1500 characters)

7. Tell us something about yourself that will enhance the UNMC College of Medicine? (1500 characters)

8. What have you learned from working with people whose background is different from yours? (1500 characters)

Creighton University School of Medicine

1. Please state your reasons for applying to Creighton University School of Medicine. (2000 characters)

2. In Creighton's Jesuit, Catholic tradition, the mission of the School of Medicine is to improve the human condition with a diverse body of students, faculty and staff who provide excellence in educating students, physicians and the public, advancing knowledge and providing comprehensive patient care to all persons. Please describe the role(s) you can play in helping the School of Medicine achieve its mission. (2000 characters)

3. Describe your experiences within multicultural settings and/or with disadvantaged or underserved populations and how they prepared you to for a future as a physician? (2000 characters)

4. 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)

5. 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. (2000 characters)

6. 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 description)

University of Nevada Las Vegas, School of Medicine

1. Why are you interested in the Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV and how does your background and future goals contribute to our mission?

2. Briefly discuss how you envision yourself contributing to the care of our growing and diverse population in the state of Nevada.

3. 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 be a list by years.

4. (This field is not required.) You are welcome to share with the Admissions Committee any disruptions or impact to your application components, the application process, and/or your personal life (for example during COVID-19).

5. 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. You may also explain you ties to Nevada with more detail in this box or any information related to academic/MCAT improvement and resiliency.

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. (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)

Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine

1500-character limit for each

1. Why are you interested in pursuing this degree at Touro Nevada?

2. What award(s) or recognition(s) have you received within the last five years?

3. What volunteer experience have you had during the last three years?

4. What research experience have you had during the last three years?

5. Please tell us about your extracurricular activities or hobbies.

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

1. 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 [email protected] . (no limit)

2. 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 limit)

3. Please tell us specifically why you are interested in Geisel: (no word count)

  4. Geisel School of Medicine values social justice and diversity in all its forms. Reflect on a situation where you were the “other” (250-word limit)

Want to read some Geisel School of Medicine secondary essay examples ?

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

1. Please describe your anticipated educational, employment, volunteer, or other activities between completing your AMCAS application and matriculating to medical school. (1500 characters)

2. Tell us about something that makes you a unique applicant to CMSRU. How will CMSRU help you fulfill your mission? (1500 characters)

3. 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)

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

1500-characters each

1. 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?

2. 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.

3. If you will not be a full-time student between June 2023 and August 2024, please describe in detail your planned activities, including projected time commitment for each activity:

4. If you have chosen to pursue one or more “growth” years prior to your planned matriculation to medical school in 2024, please share insight on your decision

5. If you are a re-applicant, please share what you have done to enhance your candidacy and re-application?

6. 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,):

7. Please discuss any additional information you feel may help us in our review of your candidacy

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. Please feel free to comment on any course grades, GPA trends, or MCAT scores and what you have learned about yourself. (No Word Limit)

4. Please use this space if you would like to provide additional information to the admissions committee. (No Word Limit)

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine

1. Why are you interested in attending the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine? (500 words)

2. 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)

3. 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-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Please select the checkbox(es) that most adequately describes your campus and/or curriculum preferences below. Explain why SGL (small group learning) or PBL (problem-based learning).

2. Please identify your area of professional interest below (i.e. Family Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.)

3. How did you learn about osteopathic medicine and why is it a good fit for you?

4. Explain why you are interested in attending Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

5. Optional: Please describe any significant barriers or challenges you may have overcome in the pursuit of your personal/professional goals.

University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Background and Diversity

1. 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. Share any unique or challenging factors in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity and life and work experiences. How will your background or experiences contribute to the diversity of a medical school class? (2000 characters)

Interest and Suitability for a Career in Medicine

2 . Mentorship and clinical experience are integral to developing and understanding of the challenges and rewards of being a physician? Thinking back to your own road to applying to medical school, what is a patient experience or mentorship moment that was most formative to your progression so far? Please share this experience and explain how it fits into your motivation for pursuing a career as a physician. (2000 characters)

Problem Solving

3. There is a physician shortage in New Mexico. What is your understanding of the contributors to this problem, and what ideas do you have to address it? (2000 characters)

• Public Health

4. What aspects of public health do you think should be emphasized in the UNM SOM curriculum? Why? (2000 characters)

Self-Growth/Teamwork

5. Please describe a personal or professional challenge or conflict that you have experienced. How did you resolve it? What skills, resources and/or strategies did you employ? DO NOT write about the MCAT, a course, or an academic issue. (2000 characters)

COVID-19 Impact

6. 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)

Reapplication:

7. Have you previously submitted an AMCAS application to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine? (Yes/No)

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. 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)

2. In the space provided, please explain the reasoning behind your selection above (why you chose the New Mexico location) (300 words)

3. Describe an experience you’ve had or an activity you’ve participated in that aligns with the mission of BCOM. (300 words max).

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

1. Have you previously applied to Medical School? Comments: (200 characters)

2. If you took time off from your undergraduate studies, please briefly summarize your reasons for doing so. (250 words)

3. 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)

4. If you have graduated from college, please briefly summarize what you have done in the interim. (300 words)

5. Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. (300 words)

6. 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)

7. Is there anything else you would like us to know? (400 words)

For MSTP Applicants:

1. What academic honors have you received (e.g., prizes, scholarships, fellowships, honor societies)? (1000 words)

2. What are your major research interests? (20 words)

3. PhD Goals (1000 words)

4. Additional Information (1000 words)

5. There's also an "Experiences" section similar in format to the AMCAS Work/Activities section (no word limit)

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

1. If you are currently not a full-time student, please briefly describe the activities you are participating in this academic year. (100 words)

2. 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)

3. What is the toughest feedback you ever received? How did you handle it and what did you learn from it? (250 words)

4. 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)

5. (Optional) Were there any adverse circumstances in your premedical preparatory journey including but not limited to impact from COVID-19? (100 words)

For MSTP applicants (note that question #4 above does not have to be completed)

6. (optional) If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity or a commitment to a particular community, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you would like to share with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Aspects might include, but are not limited to significant challenges in or circumstances associated with access to education, living with a disability, socioeconomic factors, immigration status, or identification with a culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. Completing this section is optional. (150 words)

7. What are your career goals? Describe which features of the MD/PhD Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai you will leverage to achieve them? (200 words)

8. Provide a one to three sentence summary of your current research interest. Limit your response to 100 words or less.

State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine

1. 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)

2. What will be your support system while in medical school? (150 words)

3. Describe what personal, urban experiences prepare you to live and study in New York City. (150 words)

4. 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)

5. Why do believe you are a good fit for SUNY Downstate? (300 words)

6. What is your experience with diversity, health equity and social justice? (300 words)

State University of New York Upstate Medical University

500 words or less

1. 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.

2. Which medical specialty do you currently plan to pursue?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. If you are interested in Primary Care, are you interested in receiving more information about potential scholarship opportunities?

6. 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.

New York Medical College

1. 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.

2. Please review the NYMC social media Policy. If you select YES, we ask that you please briefly explain what has been posted.

3. 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.

4. 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.

State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

1. In 500 words or fewer, please explain your reasons for applying to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Please be specific.

2. In 500 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?

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

UNIQUE LIFE EXPERIENCES

1. 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.”

2. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD 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.”

For MSTP applicants, the following are additional prompts in addition to the above that you must complete:

1. In the list below and in the following question, please indicate the field(s) of your prior research experience. Check all that apply.

2. 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. (250c)

3. 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. (9999c)

4. 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.” (9999c)

5. Please indicate which was your favorite course in college and why. (3000c)

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

1. (Optional) Please share any challenges and/or special circumstances that impacted your application. (200 words)

2. If you previously applied to medical school, briefly describe any experiences you have been part of since your previous application. (200 words)

3. Tell us about a community you identify with and how you're involved with it? (200 words)

Stony Brook University School of Medicine

1. Tell us how your past experiences and/or challenges have defined you (500 words or less)

2. Please respond to ONE of the following two questions: (500 words or less)

(1) Please describe how you, as a future physician, plan to address the social determinants of health.

(2) What, in your opinion, is the role of a physician in addressing systemic racism and societal injustices?

3. Will your education be continuous between college and medical school matriculation?

If NO, please explain what you have done or plan to do during the gap period and why. (500 words or less)

If YES, please tell us about your proudest accomplishment to date. (500 words or less)

Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine

1. Explain why the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is a good fit for your medical education journey? 250 words

2. “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.

New York University Long Island

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.

• Internal Medicine
• 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:

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.

(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.

New York University Grossman School of Medicine

MD Questions

1. If applicable, please comment on significant fluctuations in your academic record which are not explained elsewhere on your application. (no limited provided)

2. 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 provided)

3. 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)

4. Answer one of the three of the following (limit 2500 characters):

1) 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?

2) 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?

3) 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?

4) 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. (a drop-down list of specialties will show up for this question)

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)

Cornell Medical School

1. Please write a brief statement giving your reasons for applying to Weill Cornell Medical College.

2. Please describe a challenge you faced and how you addressed it.

3. If applicable, please tell us about any special circumstances related to COVID-19 that could help us understand you better.

4. If you are not attending college during the upcoming (2023-2024) academic year, what are your plans?

  Want to read some Cornell medical school secondary essay samples ?

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York

“This Personal Statement is different than the essay that had been submitted with your AACOMAS application. In no more than three paragraphs that will fit on this single page (if the essay creates a second page, it is too long), please discuss how your background, experience or academic program has prepared you for meeting Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Mission, Goals, or Objectives.”

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

1,000-character limit each

1. 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.

2. 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?

3. Describe a challenge you’ve faced and the steps you took to overcome it.

4. Describe the community in which you see yourself practicing medicine.

5. Have you previously applied to NYITCOM? If yes, what specific steps have you taken to strengthen your credentials for the current application year?

6. How and where did you learn about NYITCOM?

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

2500-character max.

1. When you close your eyes and imagine your professional life 20 years from now, what do you see?

2. Tell us about a time where you felt that your 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.

3. 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?

4. East Carolina University’s motto is Servire- “To Serve.” Tell us about your most meaningful community service project or experience unrelated to patient care.

University of North Carolina School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. How will your life experiences foster a positive educational environment and benefit your future patients? (250 words)

3. 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)

4. What motivates you to apply to the UNC School of Medicine? (200 words)

5. Reapplicant essay available if you are one.

Duke University School of Medicine

1. Tell us Who You Are: 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)

2. Working with Others: 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)

3. Advocacy: 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)

4. Coping with Disappointment: 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)

5. Leadership: 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)

6. Critical Thinking: 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)

7. Understanding the Need for Healthcare Changes: Potential sources of health inequities exist. Duke’s Moments to Movement (M2M) is a collective stand to address these issues. Discuss your experience with disparities in health, health care and society. (400 words)

8. COVID-19 Implications: How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced your journey to medical school? Have these events changed your outlook on medicine’s role in society? (400 words)

9. Further Information: Please let us know of any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application

  Here are some Duke medical school secondary essay examples for inspiration!

Wake Forest University School of Medicine

1. We seek to train physicians who can connect with diverse patient populations with whom they may not share a similar background. Tell us one experience that enhanced your ability to understand those unlike yourself and what you learned from it. (200 words or less)

2. Describe a non-academic challenge you have faced and explain how you overcame it. (200 words or less)

3. 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)

4. Please share an experience that demonstrates how you have collaborated with others. (200 words or less)

5. Describe your future goal(s). Reflect on your past experiences and describe how these experiences will shape your goal(s). (200 words or less)

6. 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)

7. Please tell us an interesting fact about yourself that a casual acquaintance may find surprising or interesting. (50 words or less)

Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

1. The MISSION of Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is to educate and prepare community–based osteopathic physicians in a Christian environment to care for the rural and under-served populations in North Carolina, the Southeastern United States, and the nation. Briefly describe how your career goals align with the CUSOM Mission (4,000-character limit)

2. 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? (4,000-character limit)

3. 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? (4,000-character limit)

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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 socio- economic disadvantaged, diverse cultures, rural, or other backgrounds. (1200 characters)

4. Describe your research activity. Examples include the outcome of a formal research experience, course-dependent undergraduate research, thesis, or capstone project. (600 characters)

5. Describe your creative activity. Examples include the on-going 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. What are your career plans if you do not ever get admitted to medical school? (600 characters)

9.  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)

10. Are you currently enrolled in a grant-funded and/or degree-granting post- baccalaureate program and/or advanced degree? If so, what is your timeline for completion? (600 characters)

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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?

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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 Responses:

1. 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 another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. If you have not completed research/scholarly work, you will be able to indicate this in a radio button embedded within this response. (3,500-character limit)

Note that if you are applying to both the University Program and the CCLCM, the research response will default to the CCLCM required response.

2. 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

2. 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)

4. Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Directed Learning: The most successful medical students at our school are generally those who are intrinsically motivated, self-directed learners. Think of a time when you had to pursue a goal without clear external direction. Describe your approach and any new knowledge, perspectives, or skills that you acquired. (1,000-character limit)

5. Career Essay: What does your ideal career entail fifteen years after medical school graduation? (1,000-character limit)

6. 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)

1. 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

1) NEOMED Personal Statement Please complete a brief personal statement of 5,000 characters or fewer addressing the question below: What do you hope to achieve from your experience as a NEOMED student?

Ohio State University College of Medicine

1. 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.

2. The OSU COM has a goal of assembling a class that is enriched with a broad range of unique experiences. Do you believe this is a desirable goal for a medical school's student composition? Please elaborate.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ESSAYS ONLY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK:

3. Please see our website for more information about applying to our program at medicine.osu.edu/pct. How do you feel ready to choose a career in family medicine? Please provide any examples of exposure and/or experiences not already mentioned in your application.

4. "Health is Primary" is a communications campaign to advocate for the values of family medicine, demonstrate the benefits of primary care, and engage patients in our healthcare system. The aim is to build a primary care system that reflects the values of family medicine, puts patients at the center of their care, and improves the health of all Americans. How do you plan to reflect the values of Family Medicine in your future career?

5. Please see our website for more information about applying to our program at medicine.osu.edu/cmt. Please give an example of a life experience that sparked your desire to practice medicine in a smaller community and apply to the Community Medicine Track.

6. Why are you interested in training in a smaller community, and what is the impact you hope to have by training in this setting?

The University of Toledo College of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. (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)

4. 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)

5. 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.)

6. 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

1. The University of Cincinnati’s Next Lives Here initiative includes three platforms:

Inclusion: Intentionally engaging people and the contribution of diverse ideas.

Innovation: Challenging existing practices and paradigms and discovering the unknown.

Impact: Positively transforming our community and society in measurable ways.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Mission:

We work together in a spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and service: To educate and train the physicians, scientists, and health professionals of tomorrow; To advance knowledge through impactful, innovative research; To improve health and well-being through compassionate, patient-centered care.

Considering the UCCOM mission, tell us why you’re applying here and how our mission aligns with your own.

Your response is limited to 2000 characters.

2. The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Values:

We are committed to excellence, diversity, and integrity in our students, faculty, staff, and all of our activities. We provide an inclusive environment where innovation and freedom of intellectual inquiry flourish.

Please share your personal journey to a career in medicine and let us know how the UCCOM values align with your own.

3. Academic Impact of COVID-19 (optional)

Please explain, if applicable, any ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic specifically and negatively impacted and/or caused significant hardship for your academic performance between the months of March 2020 and September 2022.

4. Non-Academic Impact of COVID-19 (optional)

We understand that all applicants have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please use the space below to describe any personal (ie, non-academic) life-altering experiences or changes to your plans related to the pandemic between March 2020 and September 2022.

MD-PhD Essays

1. Research Projects: Please summarize your past research experience(s). Discuss your role and contributions to the project(s). Explain how these experience(s) have prepared you for a career as a physician-scientist. (4000 characters)

2. Qualifications for MD/PHD: Please discuss your motivation and goals for joining an MD/PhD program. Elaborate on future career plans and how the University of Cincinnati MSTP will help you achieve those goals. (2000 characters)

3. Research Interests: Please discuss your research interests and how these align with the research opportunities provided at the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s. Discuss potential MSTP faculty mentors whose research is of interest to you. (2000 characters)

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. If there has been a significant economic hardship, please explain the circumstances. If none, please enter N/A. (750 characters)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. What is the primary reason that you have chosen to apply to the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine? (750 characters)

7. Are there any specific patient populations that that you desire to serve as a physician? (750 characters)

8. 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)

9. If you consider yourself a non-traditional candidate, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (750 characters)

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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)

14. 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)

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. 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?"

2. 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".

1) 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?

2) 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?

 3) 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?

University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

1. Why are you applying to The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine? (Max 250 words)

2. Do you have family or friends in Oklahoma? Please explain (No word/character limit)

3. Where else are you applying? (no character limit)

If you go for the SCM track: (School of Community Medicine, in Tulsa)

1. Please submit an essay that explains your interest and commitment to Community Medicine. (Max 450 words)

2. Please explain how you expect the SCM track to enhance your medical education. (Max 250 words)

3. Please enter any additional community or volunteer experience not included on your AMCAS application. (Max 250 words)

4. Please highlight any other relevant life experience that you feel might have an impact on your application to the SCM track. (Max 250 words)

University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine

1. Please submit an essay that explains your interest and commitment to Community Medicine. (450 words max)

2. Please explain how you expect the SCM track to enhance your medical education. (250 words max)

3. Please enter any additional community or volunteer experience not included on your AMCAS application. (250 words max)

4. Please highlight any other relevant life experience that you feel might have an impact on your application to the SCM track. (250 words max)

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Are you currently enrolled in classes? Yes/No >> (If not), please describe your current activities (300 words)

2. Please describe something you deserved but didn’t get and how you felt about it. (300 words)

3. (Optional): Is there any additional information you would like the college to know about you? (500 words)

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine

1. What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve? (1550 characters)

2. Tell us about a time you went into a situation completely unprepared. (1550 characters)

3. Discuss a time in your life that demonstrated your resilience and ability to overcome adversity. (1550 characters)

4. 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? (1550 characters)

5. Give an example of personal feedback in the last few years that was difficult to receive. How did you respond? (1550 characters)

6. Please discuss the roles Dignity, Respect and Deference play in how medical teams optimize patient care. (changed from last year) (1550 characters)

7. 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)

8. 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. (2050 characters)

Supplemental Information section with additional prompts:

9. 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)

10. "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)

11. 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)

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

500-words max.

4. How does the COMP Northwest Mission statement align with your values?

5. Why do you want to attend COMP Northwest in Lebanon, Oregon?

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. We are all navigating through challenging times, and physicians and physician-scientists must contend with many instances of uncertainty. 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).

4. Please explain your reasons for applying to the Perelman School of Medicine and limit your response to 1,000 characters

Read some UPenn medical school secondary essay samples !

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

1. 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. (Maximum 75 words)

2. Is there a unique aspect of your application that should be considered by the admissions committee? (Maximum 75 words)

3. Explain why you decided to apply to the Penn State College of Medicine. (Maximum 75 words)

4. Write a short paragraph describing a significant experience you have had working in a team setting. (Maximum 250 words)

5. Write a short statement describing how you envision using your medical education to advance care for under-represented or marginalized populations. (Maximum 250 words)

Drexel University College of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. (optional) 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)

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

1. 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)

2. Do you have additional information that you would like to provide at this time? (4000 characters)

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

1. What is the nature of your interest in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine?

2. The Admissions Committee would like to know more about you. LKSOM 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 LKSOM community.

3. Tell us about your special interest in the campus you selected.

4. What are your plans for the current year - June 2023 until June 2024?

5. 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. Note: 2,000-character limit per essay question, including spaces.

6. Have you completed a pathway/pipeline program offered through LKSOM 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. (Y/N)

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

1500-characater limit

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. (Still answer questions 2-4 below though. Only question 1 is substituted by this prompt)

1. 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.

2. 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?

3. Geisinger Commonwealth values diversity, health equity, inclusion, and social justice. Tell us how you will share in this mission.

4. 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.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

1. Tell us about a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it. Include how the experience contributed to the person you are today. (250 words or less.

2. At UPSOM, diversity and inclusion are measures of distinction, integral to achieving institutional excellence, and essential to the development of future physicians who become leaders in medicine. Describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the past, and how you hope to grow that commitment in medical school. (250 words or less.)

3. Tell the Admissions Committee why you are applying to Pitt Med and why you think this school would be a good fit for you? (250 words or less.)

Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine

ESSAY QUESTION 1:

Why do you want to become a physician, and how are you a good fit for DUQCOM's mission?

PLEASE ANSWER ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FROM QUESTIONS 2 - 4.

(maximum 400 words for each question)

ESSAY QUESTION 2 - Describe a situation in which you had to utilize your beliefs and values to interact with people from different backgrounds. How did those beliefs and values impact the relationship?

ESSAY QUESTION 3 - While there is great emphasis on the physician-patient relationship, DUQCOM also emphasizes the importance of training future physicians to care for diverse communities and populations. Describe how your experiences would contribute to caring for patients in under-resourced communities as they relate to addressing health disparities, which is a key component of the mission of the College of Medicine.

ESSAY QUESTION 4 - Comment upon how you intend to utilize your medical training to impact the healthcare profession. Please include two of the following topics in your answer: application of knowledge in ethics, regional and global health disparities, health policies and economics, innovation and entrepreneurship, medical humanities, patient safety, quality improvement, and scientific discovery.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

No secondary application.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

No secondary application. 

Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

1. Summarize your activities during the 2023-2024 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 Alpert Medical School community? (2000 characters)

3. Reflect on a situation when you had to change course, and how you did so. (3000 characters)

Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

1. Please discuss your primary interest in attending the Medical University of South Carolina. (2000 characters)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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

No word limits.

1. (if applicable) What additional qualifications have you acquired since your last application?

2. (if applicable) Do you have any other ties to South Carolina that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider?

3. What are your medical practice goals?

4. Describe your employment status since you completed your bachelor's degree (part-time, full-time, and dates) (only if you have graduated)

5. In what region of the country do you want to practice medicine? Why?

6. What areas of medicine are you interested in at this time, or what areas do you plan to pursue?

7. Do you have any accomplishments or experiences that make you a unique applicant?

8. Explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational, research, volunteering or employment plans.

9. 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

Question 1: 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)

Question 2: 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)

Question 3: 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)

Question 4: 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)

***Essay Question 1*** 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)

***Essay Question 2*** Please describe a personal work, social or educational experience which felt inclusive and welcoming. (5000 characters)

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

1. Given the mission statement of the school, please explain how your experiences and long-term goals would help meet the mission. (1500 characters)

2. Given the diversity statement of the school, explain how your background and experiences with diversity will bring value to the school. (1500 characters)

3. Describe how your experiences in health care or social care activities will help you become a good physician. (1500 characters)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. For non-South Dakota residents applying to the regular MD program – please describe your ties to South Dakota. (1500 characters)

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. Knowledge and skill are crucial, but why should a physician be kind? (5000 characters)

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine

(All max 1500-character counts)

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

•  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.

Meharry Medical College

1. Why do you wish to attend Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine?

2. 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 about yourself from that situation.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

1. List all courses you are currently taking or plan to take within the current academic year (e.g., Fall 2023 and/or Spring 2024). List course(s), title, and credit hours. (1000 characters) (I think it's only "optional" if you're not currently a student!)

2. (optional) Any additional information not previously provided in the personal comments of your AMCAS primary application? (500 characters)

3. (optional) Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to provide our applicants with an optional essay prompt for the year's UTHSC College of Medicine 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 know if any of your planned experiences in shadowing, volunteering, research, employment, or other activities have been suspended due to the pandemic. (2500 characters)

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. (Optional): If you have completed your undergraduate education, please comment on what you have done or have been doing since graduation. (200 words)

5. (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)

6. (Optional): How did you first become interested in Vanderbilt University School of Medicine? (200 words)"

Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

250 words each

1. BUCOM shares the values of our larger learning community at Baptist Health Sciences University such as integrity, professionalism, continuous improvement, and service as an expression of our Christian values. We foster a Christian environment where servant leadership is modeled in all aspects of learning, teaching, service, and business. Describe what it means to be a servant leader and how it connects to your decision to become an osteopathic physician.

2. Why did you decide to apply to BUCOM, and what personal values will you bring that will enhance our campus community during your time here?

3. After residency, describe the community setting, job role, and type of practice in where you see yourself.

Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Please write and ATTACH the short essay addressing ONE of the following questions:

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.

1. Is there anything you want the admissions committee to know that you haven’t explained on your AACOMAS application?

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. (Optional) 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)

5. (Optional) Please explain any academic discrepancies or extenuating circumstances that you feel the Admissions Committee should know.

Baylor College of Medicine

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.

• Clinical Research
• Healthcare/disparities/medical undeserved communities
• Academic Medicine
• Community Health
• Simulation in medical education
• Health systems science

What knowledge, skills and attitudes have you developed that have prepared you for this career path? (1,000-character limit)

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)

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. (2000-character limit).

MD/PhD Applicants Additional Prompts:

1. Please describe your primary research Interests for PhD training. [Limit of 1000 characters]

2. 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 1500 characters]

3. 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 1000 characters]

4. Published articles, please provide full citations:

5. Plans for the 2023-2024 academic year description [Limit of 1000 characters]

University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine

1. Describe a time when you advocated for someone whose social identity (e.g., race, gender, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, ability status, etc.) differed from yours. Explain the situation and why advocacy was necessary.

2. Describe a time you were wrong. Why were you wrong? How did you respond?

3. How do you define curiosity? Provide an example in which curiosity helped solve or expand your knowledge and experience outside of the academic environment.

4. What attributes do you look for in your physician(s)? Which of these attributes do you need to develop? How will you develop them?

5. John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch serves patients throughout Texas, focusing on Galveston County and Gulf Coast Region. Are there particular characteristics of our school and/or the Galveston area in terms of location, history, or other attributes which make you especially interested in matriculating here?

B. There will also be an asynchronous Video you need to complete via SparkHire, follow the instructions given. Here is the SparkHire site with FAQS and info for candidates: SparkHire FAQS for candidates

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine

No secondary essays.

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School

1. Please discuss one of the following:

a) A challenging situation or obstacle you have faced in the past

b) Any academic road bumps in your academic career (low academic performance, failing course, dropping/retaking of courses)

Why was it challenging? How did you handle it? Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently? What did you learn?

2. 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 characters)

3. What would you like to contribute and be remembered for in medicine? (2500 characters)

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine

Four Required Essays:

1. Which potential barriers and facilitators exist for medicine of the future? How will you make a difference in this regard? (350 words or less)

2. Describe how you decide if a person or source is trustworthy. (350 words or less)

3. Describe a time when the awareness of your own limitations resulted in a favorable outcome for you or someone close to you. (350 words or less)

4. In the event that you are accepted by two or more medical schools, what factors would you consider most important when choosing a school to attend. (100-word max; bullet points are acceptable)

Three Optional Essays: (truly optional)

1. [Optional] If you feel that the Admissions Committee should be aware of any academic discrepancies or extenuating circumstances, please explain them. (350 words or less)

2. [Optional] Describe any major hardships you have overcome to reach this point in your life. (350 words or less)

3. [Optional] How have volunteer work, hobbies, and/or extracurricular activities informed your beliefs about health care and a career in medicine? (350 words or less)

Required Video Response:

Submit a 2-minute video that answers one of the two questions 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 Medical School at Houston

I have prior experience in primary care setting (general internal medicine physician, a general pediatrician, or a family medicine physician).

I have prior experience in a medical practice or social service for an underserved area:

I have prior experience in community or public health:

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. (1500-character limit)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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

1. Please indicate the area(s) of medicine you are interested in and briefly describe your significant activities for each respective interest in the available text box (100 words).

• Practicing in an underserved area
• Rural Health
• Medical Research
• Medical Academics
• Border Health
• Other (Please describe below)

2. Have you experienced any road bumps in your academic career? (Low academic performance, dropping, retaking, or failing courses, etc.). If so, please explain (250 words or less)

3. 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)

4. If you are applying to a dual degree program, please rank them in order of preference.

5. Are you applying to our MD & E program?

6. Are you applying to FMAT?

7. Have you experienced any hardship or adversity, personally or professionally? If yes, please share your experience with us. (200 words or less)

8. Please tell us about your favorite recreational/leisure activities (100 words or less)

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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, then explain? (100 words or less)

12. Have you ever participated in any TTUHSC special programs?

• Middle School to Medical School (M2M)
• Early Dedication to Medical Education (EDME)
• Future Healthcare Professional’s Experience (FHPE)
• Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
• Premedical Enrichment Program (PEP)
• Graduate Medical Education Sciences (GMES)

University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School

Texas a&m health science center college of medicine.

1. 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 chars max)

2. 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 chars max)

3. 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 chars max)

4. OPTIONAL QUESTION: 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.

EnMed - Specific Prompts: All are 250 words.

1. How did you hear about the EnMed program?

2. How will the Engineering Medicine program meet your career goals and aspirations in ways that a traditional MD program would not?

3. List the knowledge and skills you have participated in outside the classroom, then describe how these have prepared you to create innovative medical technologies.

4. List the knowledge and skills you have acquired inside the classroom, then describe how these have prepared you to create innovative medical technologies.

5. At the end of your career, what do you want to have accomplished in order to consider yourself successful?

TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine

Sam houston state university college of osteopathic medicine.

1. What do you like or dislike most about the area you are from (your hometown or where you graduated high school)? [800-character limit]

2. Describe a moment when you failed to accomplish a task or let yourself down. How did you grow from this experience? [800-character limit]

3. What do you consider the role of physicians in medically underserved Texas communities? [800-character limit]

4. 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-character limit]

5. As a DO physician, how would you plan to incorporate the tenets of osteopathic medicine into your future practice? [800-character limit]

6. Are you a Texas resident? [Yes or No]

7. Please share anything you would like to mention to the SHSU-COM Admissions Committee about yourself to strengthen your application. [500-character limit]

University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

OSTEOPATHIC KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCES, AND/OR RELATIONSHIPS

Please address each topic in a separate paragraph:

1. What experiences and/or relationships have motivated you toward a career in osteopathic medicine? (2,000-character limit including spaces)

ACADEMIC HISTORY

1. If you attended more than two colleges/universities, explain why. Community colleges are not needed. (1,000-character limit including spaces)

2. 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-character limit 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

1. Did you live in a single parent household?

If yes, number of years/months:

Number of Years:

Number of Months:

2. Do you consider yourself financially disadvantaged?

If yes, please explain. (1,000-character limit including spaces)

3. Do you consider yourself educationally disadvantaged?

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 the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Explain your understanding of osteopathic medicine and your interest in pursuing this pathway to becoming a physician.

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. If applicable, please answer the following:

If you are reapplying to UIWSOM, what have you done to strengthen your application since you last applied?

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 Utah School of Medicine

1. Tell us why you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. How does our program align with your personal and professional goals? What can you contribute to our exceptional learning experience? (300 words)

2. Describe how health disparities have impacted you, your community, and/or the communities you have served? What lessons have you learned and how do you plan to use this knowledge to address health equity as a medical student at our program and as a future physician? (300 words)

3. (for reapplicants) "Upon reflection and self-assessment, please share with us your areas of demonstrated growth since your previous application. Please highlight examples of your continued commitment to medicine." (300 words)

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Southern Utah Campus

1. What unique characteristics, abilities or skills will you bring to help advance the mission and vision of RVUCOM? There is no text limit.

Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine

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 Vermont Larner College of Medicine

1. 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. (Maximum 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.

2. 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? (Maximum 400 words)

3. 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. (Maximum 300 words)

4. 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? (Maximum 250 words)

5. (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. (Maximum 250 words) 

University of Virginia School of Medicine

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.

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? Please answer the question in 350 words or less.

How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and the University of Virginia School of Medicine? Please answer the question in 350 words or less.

Tell us about a challenge or obstacle you experienced. How did you manage it? Please answer the question in 350 words or less.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

1. 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 2000 characters. Research on the topic is encouraged)

2. How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past? (2000-character limit)

3. Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application.

4. Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades.

5. If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

1. Explain why integrity is more important than intelligence and perseverance using an example from your life (600 words).

2. Explain how your concept of diversity is both the same and different from the mainstream view (600 words).

3. Choose one aspect about yourself, not already reflected in your application, that you are most proud of. Explain your choice below (600 words).

4. Please describe something you deserved but didn’t get and how you felt about it (600 words).

Eastern Virginia Medical School

1. Briefly describe your exposure to medicine. (2000 characters)

2. What do you think you will like best about being a physician? (2000 characters)

3. What do you think you will like least about being a physician? (2000 characters)

4. Describe yourself and your medical career as you see it ten years from now. (2000 characters)

5. Please indicate your reasons for applying to EVMS. (2000 characters)

6. (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)

7. (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)

University of Washington School of Medicine

Washington state university elson s. floyd college of medicine.

1. 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.

2. What experiences have you had with rural and/or underserved communities/populations? What have you learned from these experiences?

3. Describe your connections to Washington communities and your interests in practicing medicine in Washington.

4. How have you built your resilience?

5. 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 learning environment for your classmates.

6. 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.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

(One Page): 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.

West Virginia University School of Medicine

1. 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?

2. Describe a time when you worked closely and successfully with another person who had a background different from your own.

3. How do you see yourself serving the state of West Virginia if accepted?

4. 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?

5. What is your life motto, and why?

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

1. Why did you decide to apply to Marshall? (5000 characters)

2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you want to serve or practice medicine? (5000 characters)

3. If you are not presently attending school indicate your employment or other plans for the time prior to your planned enrollment in medical school. If still in school, enter N/A. (2000 characters)

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Why do you want to be an osteopathic physician? (500 characters)

2. What advantage do you see in attending WVSOM over other medical schools? (500 characters)

3. Describe an ethically challenging situation you have been in, and how you responded. (500 characters)

4. What do you feel it will take for you to succeed in medical school? (500 characters)

5. Provide a brief comment about your study habits. (500 characters)

6. Describe a situation in work, volunteer activities, or organizations where you demonstrated your ability to work well with others. (500 characters)

7. What experiences (living, working or visiting) have you had in rural areas? (500 characters)

8. Briefly comment on how your volunteer experience benefited you. (500 characters) 

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

1. 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.)

2. 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.)

3. Integrity, accountability, and compassion are UWSMPH core values. Pick one of these and reflect on your lived experience with it. (250 words max.)

4. 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.)

5. (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:

• 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). (250 words max.)

Medical College of Wisconsin

1. Explain how your unique background, identity, interests, or talents will contribute to the MCW learning community. (1000 characters)

2. How will MCW uniquely prepare you for your future goals? (1000 characters)

3. 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)

4. 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)

There are also additional demographic checkboxes:

• 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.

If you choose one or multiple, you have 2000 characters to elaborate.

 5. We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted academic, extracurricular, and personal activities that could affect your application and/or your application preparation. Do you have additional information you'd like to provide? (y/n) (2000 characters)

Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine

No secondary essay required.

Ponce School of Medicine

No secondary essay required. 

San Juan Bautista School of Medicine

University of puerto rico school of medicine.

No secondary essays required. 

As this information changes frequently, we encourage you to verify these details with the program(s) to which you are considering applying. If you see an error here, please notify us with the updated information, and we’ll send you a FREE copy of a BeMo book of your choosing! You can receive our Ultimate Guide to Med School Admissions, our Ultimate Guide to MMI Prep, or our Ultimate Guide to CASPer Prep! Please email our Student Support Team with any corrections, and we’ll arrange to send you your free book upon confirming the information: info [at] bemoacademicconsulting.com

1. What is the purpose of secondary essays?

Secondary essays provide admission committees with a chance to get to know you further to help them determine whether you will be a suitable candidate for their program. Through a variety of questions, admission committee members will learn more about your personal and professional characteristics, values, and unique skill set to see if they are in line with their core values and mission statement. The information you provide should not be copied from your AMCAS work and activities section and in general, should expand or provide new information that isn't found elsewhere in your application materials.

2. Does every medical school send secondary applications?

Not every school uses secondary applications, but a majority do. While some schools send out secondary applications to all students who apply, other schools use primary applications as a way to weed out applicants. In these cases, schools will send secondaries to those they'd like to see continue in the admissions process. Schools that do not use secondary application essays have a different screening process, and typically look at your GPA, extracurriculars for medical school , your medical school personal statement and MCAT scores to help determine whether you should be invited for an interview.

3. Are secondary applications free?

Not usually. In most cases, schools charge a fee that must be included when you send in your secondary essays. On average, this fee ranges from $50-$100, but some schools may charge more and some may charge less.

4. Some of my secondary essay prompts are optional, should I include something in this section?

It's common to see questions such as “is there anything else you'd like the admissions committee to know about you” in your secondary applications. First, it's important to know that even though a certain section may be optional, it could still be used in the overall scoring of your application materials. With this said, it's always important to remember quality over quantity. If you really do have something meaningful to add that could benefit your application, such as explaining any gaps or academic lapses, then it's a good idea to include this information here. An optional section doesn't have to only address a potential weakness in your application, it may also be suitable to use an optional essay to discuss a significant experience or a personal achievement. If on the other hand, you don't have anything else to include that would be beneficial, it's best to leave the prompt blank.

5. If I only have a 300-word limit, how should I structure my medical school secondary essay?

No matter the length of your secondary essay, your format should remain the same:

• Introduction, body paragraph (s) and conclusion
• Begin with an interesting, memorable opening sentence
• Use 1-3 main experiences to address the prompt
• Show, don't tell
• Finish with a strong conclusion that will leave the reviewer wanting to know more about you
• Ensure your essay is free from any grammatical errors or typos

6. Can I use the same answer for more than one program?

If more than one program has similar medical school secondary prompts and has the same word or character limit, yes, you can re-use an answer. However, do ensure you actually read the prompt carefully and adhere to the character limit instead of rushing and just trying to re-use answers. Even if you are re-using an answer or a portion of an answer, ensure you do read through it very carefully to make sure it meets all the requirements of the prompt.

7. Can I re-use an experience I mentioned in my personal statement or sketch?

It’s better to use different experiences if you can. However, if you really wish to, you can re-use an experience, but do not just regurgitate what you wrote word for word on your personal statement or sketch. Programs have most likely already reviewed your primary application so they do not need to read the exact same thing again, and repetition will likely hurt your chances at the program. Instead, think about the experience you want to re-use. Is there a different specific example you can use that is more suitable for the secondary essay? Alternatively, are there different lessons you can highlight that you learned? This way, even if you re-use the same experience, you are using different content to show a separate aspect of it, so it actually deepens the experience and what you gained from it, furthering what you discussed in your personal statement or sketch. Follow this link to find some excellent medical school personal statement examples.

8. How do I address academic lapses, failures, or gaps?

Many students are scared of this type of secondary essay, but there’s no need to panic! This is actually an opportunity for you to address any shortcomings in your application. The key is to take a proactive and positive approach. You should clearly highlight what happened, and any mitigating factors (ex. stress, illness, family situation) but note that these are merely mitigating factors and NOT excuses. You must take responsibility for your shortcomings and end by addressing what strategies you have put in place to ensure this type of situation will not occur again. Be specific when you mention strategies, as this tells adcoms how you will hold yourself accountable.

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• Medical School Application

Primary vs. Secondary Applications for Medical School

All that you need to know to prepare you for the 2024-25 application cycle.

• February 22, 2022

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: primary vs. secondary applications, part 3: the primary application, part 4: the secondary application, part 5: prewriting and preparation, part 6: getting ready for what's next.

The medical school application process can sometimes feel shrouded in mystery to premeds. The application cycle seems to have its own language: AMCAS , AACOMAS , TMDSAS , primary , secondary application …there are new words and acronyms to learn and seemingly little time to learn them. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Understanding exactly what lays in store for your application can be simple, once you’ve got a good grasp of the differences between two of the most important parts of the application cycle: the primary vs. secondary applications. 

We’ll help demystify these two components of the process so that you can feel confident and ready to tackle whatever the application cycle throws at you.

Part 2: Comparing the Primary and Secondary Applications

You’ll need to complete both the primary application and likely more than one secondary application if you hope to apply to medical school. While both primaries and secondaries are written elements of your application, opportunities for schools to assess your motivations, credentials and ability to express yourself on paper, they come at different times and serve different purposes.

The primary application is the first step of your medical school application (after your volunteer work, college courses, MCAT, and shadowing, of course!) Depending on the student, you may fill out between one and three primary applications. These are “generic” applications, if you will. You’ll fill out one primary application if you’re applying to M.D. (allopathic) programs and a separate one if you’re also applying to D.O. (osteopathic) programs. Students who apply to schools in Texas will fill out the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS). 

If you’re applying to MD, DO, AND schools in Texas, you’ll fill out all three…but that’s not usually the case for most applicants. 

Your primary application will ask you to:

• Fill out important biographical information
• List coursework and letter writers
• You may consider submitting a letter of disadvantage with your primary application, if you experienced significant hardships on your way to a medical education. 

The two big components of a primary application, however, are the:

• Personal Statement 
• Activities Section.

This is a lot of writing, but it’s a lot of important writing. In primary applications, you’re demonstrating to your readers that you have thought a lot about medicine and you’re ready to commit to the hardwork and dedication that it takes to become a doctor. You’re showing your activities have prepared you, and through your personal statement, you’re telling stories that shine a light for the readers (the admissions committees) into your passion, motivation, and resilience for the road ahead. 

Think of the primary application as your chance to answer the following questions for medical schools:

• Why do you want to become a physician?
• Why will you be a great physician?

Check out the following resources for more info on the medical school primary application:

• Help with your primary application  
• Essay Brainstorming Sessions 
• Free 30 minute Personal Statement Workshop
• Blog posts 
• Personal Statement Examples 
• Example Reviews 

After you hit submit on your primary application, you might fairly be asking: “what next?”

What happens next depends on several factors: where you applied (and what their secondary application policy is) and the strength of your primary application.

Some schools send secondary applications to everyone who submits a primary. That means that, no matter what your GPA, MCAT score, or the quality of your volunteer work, you get a secondary application. It could mean that your chances of getting an interview are really low, or really high: you still get a secondary.

Other schools filter candidates by GPA or MCAT. If your scores meet a certain threshold, then you’ll get a secondary application. This means a little bit more, because you’ve passed their first “test,” when it comes to considering your application for admissions.

Finally, there are some programs that do a holistic review when considering whom to send a secondary. In these cases, getting a secondary means the most…they’ve already decided that they like you.

Of course, schools don’t always advertise what their policy is…the reality of all this “difference” is that it ends up being hard to tell when/where secondaries mean a LOT to your application (schools that have already decided they like you) versus schools where secondaries don’t mean a whole lot (schools that might chuck your secondary without reading it, because it turns out…your test scores were too low for them). 

What exactly is a secondary?

It’s another collection of essay prompts that are specific to the school to which you applied. Primary applications go to everyone, but secondaries are special questions schools get to ask to learn more about you and how you might fit at their program.

If primaries are your chance to explain “Why YOU” and “Why MEDICINE,” then secondaries are your chance to explain “Why this SPECIFIC school”…and for purposes of secondaries, as cheesy as it sounds, write like that specific school is the only one you have ever imagined attending. (Medical schools, are kind of like prom dates, they want to feel loved and appreciated by you.)

For this reason, you MUST be clear , focused and articulate about the school to which you’re applying in your secondary application. Don’t write that you love the “unique curriculum,” at your dream school. Every school thinks they have a unique curriculum and every premed applicant writes that they are excited to learn that “unique curriculum.” Get in the weeds.

• Do you love that the program tests every week because you’ll stay on top of the curriculum that way?
• Are you enamored with the digital anatomy lab because you think it’s the future of medicine?
• What about their condensed preclinical curriculum? 

Do. Not. Be. General. Cite the mission. Cite the vision. Be specific:

• Write about future mentors you hope to work with
• research projects the school is highlighting on their website
• Find the student activities list and choose the clubs that speak to you
• Ask admissions if you can talk to a current student and write about that in your secondary.
• Draw parallels between YOUR goals, dreams, and accomplishments to opportunities that are available at the school to which you’re applying 

This is not the time to play hard to get. A well done secondary application shows schools that you’ve done your research , you know why they’re special, and if they invested in you, you would pick them as your medical school. 

Check out the following resources for more info on medical school secondary applications:

• Help with your secondary applications
• Secondary Essay Examples 

Is there any way to get a head-start on all this writing? It’s never too early to think about your primary application; it can be helpful to keep a journal or a log during your shadowing and volunteer experiences so that you can remember what was impactful to you. This will make it much easier to find inspiration once it comes time to sit down and write your personal statement.

When it comes to secondaries, some premed students also like to get a head-start. Google searches can often turn up student accounts of last year’s questions and sometimes, schools don’t change them. While you can prepare and write essays for schools to which you send a primary, this is a bit of a gamble. If they don’t send you a secondary, that’s an awful waste of time; similarly if they end up changing the prompts. 

What can often be a better idea, is reviewing the TYPES of prompts that medical schools frequently ask in secondary applications;

• View examples and the 6 steps to writing the adversity essay
• View Examples and learn how to write the diversity essay
• View examples and tips

Make a list of scenarios that demonstrate how you’ve overcome a challenge. Reflect on what makes you different, or unique, that would be appropriate to a diversity prompt. Prepare to hit the ground running, but don’t make extra work for yourself. When your secondaries start to roll in, you want to be prepared, NOT exhausted.

Writing both primary and secondary applications should take up a lot of time and energy. That might not be what a tired premed wants to hear, but it’s true. You can make the process easier for yourself by thinking a couple steps ahead while you’re slogging through the application cycle. Make a folder for each school to which you apply. Go old-school and write it out or print it. Take notes on what you love about each school. 

While you’re researching for your secondary application, make note of what you talk about in each part of your application, and also make sure that you’re brainstorming new ideas to talk about during your interview.

Keep a copy of your secondary application in the folder along with a running list of questions, reasons why that school is a good choice for you, and things you’re curious about. This will help ensure that you’re being thorough in your approach to writing your secondary, but it will also give you a head-start if you’re offered an interview.

And with prep like that? Of course you’re going to be offered an interview!

Importantly, for both applications, remember that you need to think not just about listing your motivations and achievements, but also how you’re structuring your argument, telling your story, and the quality of your writing . Medical schools want to see that you can make an argument (i.e. an argument for why you should go to medical school–their medical school!) because making an argument is the foundation of diagnostic medical practice.

When you are developing a differential diagnosis, you’re making a case. You’re thinking critically and your application materials, both primary and secondary, are your first chance to demonstrate that you’re capable of doing so. 

To a worn-out premed, it might seem as though the application questions are frivolous and tediously long for no reason. That’s not true. The application is the first time schools can see if you’re committed.

• Do you finish the whole application, and return your secondaries within a week?
• Is the last question you answer as strong as the first?
• Are you making a coherent argument?

These skills: timeliness, thoroughness, critical thinking are all ones you will use as a physician. Primary and secondary applications are not just hoops to jump through. They are important milestones in demonstrating your readiness to care for patients. 

So invest in this process. MotivateMD is here to help you do just that; our advising and editing services make every part of the application cycle, primaries and secondaries, a breeze. It is a long road, but you can do this! We’re here to help every step of the way.

If you’re ever interested in working with us, feel free to text, call, or email Becca. She’s great about getting back to everyone within a day. Her email is: [email protected] and her number is: 917-994-0765 . 

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Emory Secondaries: Essay Prompts and Tips to Stand Out

• Cracking Med School Admissions

On your Emory secondaries, it is extremely important to answer “ Why Medical School. ” Emory looks for future medical students who are interested in serving the Atlanta, Georgia state, and southern United States. 

The Emory  secondary application essay questions have changed very littlein the past couple of years. We highly recommend you pre-write this  secondary so that you can submit it sooner. We would work on the essay prompts that have not changed in the last 2 years.

Read more of our Cracking Med School Admissions tips for Emory secondarie s, and contact us if you have any questions. 

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
• We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school

Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2023 – 2024

Emory secondary application prompts for md candidates.

• List your entire curriculum plan for the current 2023-2024 academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words max)
• 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 max)
• Briefly describe your interest in Emory and the Emory degree program you have selected. (200 words max)
• New Question: 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 max)
• If you have any updates or new information to report since you have submitted your AMCAS primary application, please briefly describe below. (200 words max)

Emory Secondary Application Prompts for MD/MPH Dual Degree Candidates

• (Optional) Please describe your interest in public health and how you wish to combine this interest with a career in medicine. (500 words max)
• (Optional) Please describe your interest in bioethics and how you wish to combine this interest with a career in medicine. (500 words max)

Tips to Answer Emory Secondaries

Emory Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: The Emory Medical School secondary application essay questions have not changed in the past couple of years. We highly recommend you pre-write this  secondary so that you can submit it sooner.

• Download our  Cracking Med Secondary Essay Workbook and Examples .

Emory Secondary Application Tip #1: We think that the most important question is, “ Briefly describe your interest in Emory and the Emory degree program you have selected .” 

• Step 1: Read our high-yield blog post  Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example
• Step 2: Give very specific aspects about Emory School of Medicine’s curriculum, opportunities at Emory University and Atlanta
• Step 3: Link the reasons for “Why Emory School of Medicine” with activities that you have done in the past. For example, if you’ve been an advocate for educating African-American communities about their health throughout college & your gap years, talk about how you want to continue that while you are a student at Emory Medical School. 

Emory Secondary Application Tip #2: If you have done any work or community service in Georgia state, mention it in your Emory secondaries. We have heard that the Emory University School of Medicine Admissions Committee strongly prefers applicants who have affiliations with Georgia and who have worked in clinical settings in the state of Georgia. If you have worked in Georgia, discuss patients and community members you have worked with. What are the issues Georgia patients face? What are your ideas to improve healthcare issues in Georgia? You can include these insights into your secondary responses, especially for the question, “ Briefly describe your health-related experiences. Be sure to include important experiences that are in your AMCAS application, as well as any recent experiences. “

What if you don’t have experiences in Georgia? What we would recommend is to tie your healthcare experiences .

Emory Secondary Application Tip #3: For the question that asks you to explain your healthcare experiences, one mistake we notice is that applicants only mention clinical opportunities. It  is important to mention all of those clinical activities! But, don’t forget to mention any public health, public policy, healthcare research, or healthcare business experiences too. Emory medical school wants to recruit a diversity class, so don’t be shy to mention all your healthcare experiences! 

Emory Secondary Application Tip #4: Ask us for help with tailoring and personalizing your Emory School of Medicine secondary application essays.  We have a track records of our students receiving acceptances at Emory for the past several years! Contact us below if you have questions or want our editing help through our secondary essay packages . 

Emory Secondary Application Tip #5: We still have seen non-Georgia residents receive interview invites from the Emory Medical School Admissions Committee. What these students have in common are the following:

• Commitment to community health and public health, whether that’s community service work at vaccination clinics in the community or conducting epidemiology research.
• Strong research background
• Desire for health equity and quality health care for all individuals
• Ample experiences in clinical settings

Emory Secondary Application Tip #6: Emory has one of the best MD/MPH programs, especially since it’s link with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Medical students in the MD/MPH program have protected time to take MPH classes and have resources to conduct public health research throughout their time in medical school. HOWEVER, we suggest that you have a STRONG public health background if you are going to apply to the dual degree MD/MPH program. Contact us if you want our opinion on whether you should apply MD/MPH to Emory School of Medicine and other medical schools.

[ Read more secondary essay tips: Johns Hopkins , University of Miami , University of Alabama , Harvard  ]

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stand out from other applicants with our secondary essay edit packages

Download your secondary essay guide.

Use this essay guide and workbook to write standout secondaries.

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Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2022 – 2023

Emory secondaries prompts for md candidates.

• List your entire curriculum plan for the current academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words max)
• What do you consider to be the role of the physician in the community? (200 words max)

Emory Secondaries Prompts for MD/MPH Dual Degree Candidates

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Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2021 – 2022

Emory secondary prompts for md candidates, emory secondary prompts for dual degree candidates, emory secondary application essay prompts: 2020 – 2021, emory secondary application essay prompts: 2019 – 2020.

• Briefly describe your exposure to medicine. (200 words max)
• What do you think you will like best about being a physician? (200 words max)
• What do you think you will like least about being a physician? (200 words max)
• Describe yourself and your medical career as you see it ten years from now. (200 words max)
• Please indicate your reasons for applying to EVMS. (200 words max)

Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2018 – 2019

• List your entire curriculum plan for the 2018-2019 academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words max)

Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2017 – 2018

• List your entire curriculum plan for the 2017-2018 academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words max)

Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2016 – 2017

• List your entire curriculum plan for the 2016-2017 academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words max)

Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2015 – 2016

• List your entire curriculum plan for the 2015-2016 academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words max)

Emory Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2014 – 2015

• List your entire curriculum plan for the 2014-2015 academic year. If you are not currently in school, please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. (200 words max)

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Helpful posts about essay writing

The personal statement (ps), amcas prompts, amcas md/phd prompts, tmdsas prompts, aacomas prompts, the work/activities section, the disadvantaged prompt, secondaries, how do i pre-write my secondaries, when's the earliest i can receive secondaries, when do i submit my secondary applications, "why us", the diversity essay (i.e. "why you"), the adversity essay / challenge essay.

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Your medical school application essays are just as important as other components of your app, and it's important to give them your all. For free feedback on your essays by fellow applicants, admitted/current medical students, and physicians, utilize our (bi)weekly Essay Help Megathread sticked to the top of the subreddit (if you sort by "Hot").

IMPORTANT NOTE: No formatting is allowed on AMCAS (etc.) and most (if not all) secondary portals! That means no bolding, no italics, or paragraph indentations. You may hit the Enter key twice to signify a new paragraph, but that's it. Proofread your essays carefully before submitting.

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell medical schools why you're applying to medical school and why you want to become a doctor. This essay can make or break your application, so your goal should be to stand out as much as possible without raising any red flags.

AMCAS has only one essay that MD applicants must submit. It's restricted to 5300 characters and is guided by the following:

Why have you selected the field of medicine? What motivates you to learn more about medicine? What do you want medical schools to know about you that hasn't been disclosed in other sections of the application? Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits. Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

For the few of y'all out there who are interested in applying for MD/Phd programs: lucky you! You get to write two extra essays to be submitted to AMCAS . They essentially boil down to

Why MD/PhD? ( 3000 characters ) Significant research experiences ( 10000 characters )

The significant research experiences essay is kind of a black sheep, so I'll just talk about it really briefly here. It's essentially meant to be a place for you to word vomit about all the research experience you have, all the techniques you've learned, all the projects you've worked on, and what actual contributions you've made for them. Don't feel like you have to use up all the characters. That's outrageously long, and is basically there for those out there who've worked on many, many different projects and had multiple internships/fellowships/what-have-you.

If you're interested in applying to Texas schools (excepting Baylor), then you must write two essay, with an optional third. The prompt for the TMDSAS personal statement has essentially the same idea as the AMCAS personal comments essay, but has a shorter limit of 5000 characters :

Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. Be sure to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.

The second essay is a personal characteristics essay , and is restricted to 2500 characters .

Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others.

The third essay is optional for you to talk about basically anything about yourself. It is highly recommended that you actually write an essay for this. The limit on this essay is also 2500 characters .

If you're applying to DO schools, the personal statement idea is largely the same as for MD schools. The character limit on this essay is 5300 characters , the same limit as for the AMCAS personal statement.

This section is where you can write a statement, which is shared with all your osteopathic medicine schools.

While you could use this space to explain why you are specifically interested in osteopathic medicine, it is better to explain why you are interested in medicine in general. Many secondary prompts for DO schools will ask "Why DO?"

Please read this helpful guide (with FAQs) in addition to the information below: AMCAS Work and Activities: The Definitive Guide (Examples Included)

On your AMCAS primary application, you get 15 slots for your extracurriculars. You do NOT have to use all of them, though you can if you have 15 activities you'd like to include on your app. If you have more than 15 activities you'd like to include, you need to combine multiple activities into one slot.

Here are the components of one activities slot:

• Here are your options: Artistic Endeavors, Community Service/Volunteer - Medical/Clinical, Community Service/Volunteer - Not Medical/Clinical, Conferences Attended, Extracurricular Activities, Hobbies, Honors/Awards/Recognitions, Intercollegiate Athletics, Leadership - Not Listed Elsewhere, Military Service, Other, Paid Employment - Medical/Clinical, Paid Employment - Not Medical/Clinical, Physician Shadowing/Clinical Observation, Presentations/Posters, Publications, Research/Lab, Teaching/Tutoring/Teaching Assistant
• Do your best. If an activity fits into multiple categories, put the one it fits into better (the one where you spent more of your time). If your activity had both clinical and non-clinical components, put down the one you need more hours of (usually clinical).
• Do NOT split up an activity into multiple slots just because you think it fits into multiple categories. That is not the point, and it will look like you're trying to snag extra characters to describe the same activity/organization (which is unfair to other applicants).
• NOTE: Leadership should only be used for an activity that does not fit into another category (a common example is involvement in Greek Life leadership).
• PSA: Activity description matters more than how you categorize it.
• Experience Name: Put the name of the activity.
• Dates: Select the dates covering the length of your involvement in the activity. You are only permitted to input months and years (e.g. a start date of May 20th, 2018 would be put down as 05/2018). You can input four date ranges (e.g. if you were a TA for three Fall semesters, you could put 08/2016-12/2016, 08/2017-12/2017, and 08/2017-12/2017 as three separate date ranges on the same activity). Since you cannot include future activities on AMCAS, you cannot have a start date that has not already happened.
• Total Hours: Calculate the total number of hours spent doing that activity. You are allowed to project future hours for activities that have already begun. You may project up until the time you would be matriculating into medical school.
• Contact Name: Put down the name of someone who can verify the work you did, for how long, and over what time. AMCAS / medical schools will rarely if ever contact this person. I've never heard of someone having their activity contact contacted.
• Title: Put the title of your contact as it relates to the activity in question. For example, for your research, you might put "Associate Professor of Biology, Principle Investigator" etc. For shadowing, you can put MD/DO or the physician's job title (Professor of whatever, Director of whatever), or both.
• Contact Email: Put down your contact's work email address, if available. If not, use a personal email. You need either an email OR a phone number, but you may input both if both are available.
• Contact Phone: Put down your contact's work phone number, if available. If not, use a personal phone number. You need either an email OR a phone number, but you may input both if both are available.
• Organization Name: Put down the name of the organization/university/employer/etc. (e.g. American Red Cross, University X Department of Biology, etc.)
• City / State / Country: Put down the location of the activity. If the activity was virtual, put down the place where you were located when you completed the activity.
• Experience Description: You get up to 700 characters (including spaces) to describe the activity, what your role was, and a reflection on your experience.
• Most Meaningful Activities: You may select up to three (3) of your activities to be designated as "most meaningful". For these activities, you must still write your 700 character activity description, but in addition, you get an additional 1325 characters to describe the impact of this experience on your path to medicine.
• Writing Your AACOMAS Activities—What You Need To Know
• How to Ace the AACOMAS Activity Essays
• 5 Ways to Stand Out in the AACOMAS Experience and Achievements Sections
• TMDSAS Application Handbook EY2021
• TMDSAS Ultimate Guide in July 2020
• What to Include in the Activities Section of the TMDSAS Application

If you believe you are a disadvantaged applicant and would like this to be taken into consideration by medical schools, AMCAS has an optional 1,325 character prompt to explain your disadvantaged status.

"This subsection asks if you wish for your designated medical schools to consider you a disadvantaged applicant. You might consider yourself disadvantaged if you grew up in an area that was medically underserved or had insufficient access to social, economic, and educational opportunities. If you answer Yes, you will have 1,325 characters to explain why you consider yourself a disadvantaged applicant. This has no impact on the Socioeconomic Status (SES) Disadvantaged Indicator calculated by the application."

Resources to better understand disadvantaged status:

Factors to Consider When Applying as a Disadvantaged Applicant from SDN

Meaning of Disadvantaged Med School Applicant from US News

Am I Disadvantaged? How Applicants Decide Whether to Use the Disadvantaged Status in the American Medical College Application Service from Journal of the AAMC

The Disadvantaged Status in the American Medical College Application Service: Medical Students Reflect on Their Application Service: Medical Students Reflect on Their Experiences Experiences a dissertation by Adam Lowrance

How to Write the Statement of Disadvantage a blog post from Get Accepted

AACOMAS does not have an equivalent disadvantaged essay, but the application does have a series of questions that indicate aspects of disadvantaged status. The questions as they appear on the primary are as follows:

Check if any of the following apply to you: I graduated from a high school from which a low percentage of seniors receive a high school diploma. I graduated from a high school at which many of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches. I am from a family that receives public assistance (e.g. Aid to Families with Dependent Children, food stamps, Medicaid, public housing) or I receive public assistance. I am from a family that lives in an area that is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area or a Medically Underserved Area. I participated in an academic enrichment program funded in whole or in part by the Health Careers Opportunity Program. I am a high-school drop-out who received AHS diploma or GED. I am from a school district where 50% or less of graduates go to college or where college education is not encouraged. I am the first generation in my family to attend college (neither my mother nor my father attended college). English is not my primary language. By designating any of the above, you are considered to have met the criteria for educationally/environmentally disadvantaged as defined by the above guidelines. To determine if you come from an economically disadvantaged background, you are asked to compare your parental family's size of household (number of exemptions listed on parent's Federal 1040 income tax forms) and adjusted gross income against the chart provided in the link below. The chart is based on 200 percent of Federal low-income poverty guidelines. You should use your parent's most recent tax forms regardless of age. Your parent's family income falls within the table's guidelines and you are considered to have met the criteria for economically disadvantaged. (yes/no) What is the type of geographic area where you were raised? Options range from Isolated Rural (pop <2,500) to Urban (1,000,000) Pell Grant Information Did you receive a Pell Grant at any time while you were an undergraduate student? (yes/no)

You've submitted your primary application to AMCAS...great! Now it's time to spend more money and submit some secondary applications.

Helpful posts:

My Guide to Pre-Writing Secondaries on 4 Simple Steps by /u/just_premed_memes

How to Write Secondaries by /u/Arnold_liftaburger

PSA: How To Write "Why Our School" Essays by /u/Athorcommens

Writing "Why Us" Secondaries: Understanding what to research. by /u/educationliberation

Pre-writing your secondary essays is highly highly recommended since time to completion makes such a large impact on your chances in the application cycle.

To pre-write your secondaries, go check out the MD and DO school-specific threads on the Student Doctor Network (SDN) from the previous application cycle. Most schools use the exact same prompts from year to year, and even those that don't will probably only change one essay. Once secondaries start rolling out, the current year's prompts will be posted to the current application cycle's school-specific threads.

For AMCAS, it can be as soon as your primary gets transmitted to schools in late June. A few schools send secondaries before verification.

When do secondaries get sent to applicants? When is the earliest possible date to receive a secondary?

For AACOMAS, it can be as soon as your primary gets transmitted to schools.

AACOMAS Verification Aacomas verified now what?

TL;DR As soon as possible. But preferably within two weeks of receiving the secondary.

Taken from u/Yallstvent 's post here :

If you submit your primary on June 1 but don't get your secondaries in until September 30, you have given yourself no advantage by "applying early". The day you submit your primary has no bearing on when your app gets looked at unless you get your secondaries in too. Again, if you have all of this stuff in in July, you're doing great . If you send your secondaries in August, also okay! If you are submitting in September, you're starting to hurt your application, as the majority of interview invites are actually sent out in August and September, which means your app might not get looked at until after a good proportion of a school's interviews have already been sent out. The 2-week rule is a rule of thumb that says you should try to send back a secondary within 2 weeks of receiving it. Some schools have explicit deadlines for when you need to send in your secondary after receiving it; others don't, but even if they don't, sticking to 2 weeks will help you keep on top of your secondaries and prevent them from building up. Some schools operate on an earlier timeline than others. If you are applying to any of these schools, it might be advantageous to try to submit your primary/secondaries as early as possible. The ones I'm aware of are Tulane (majority of interviews sent by July) UChicago (seems to send interviews to all high-stat applicants who apply early) UCLA (interview season ends in December) NYU (interview season ends in December) Pitt (interview season ends in December) If y'all know of any others, I can amend this post to add them. Another note I want to make is that Duke seems to be notorious for changing up its secondary essays every year. Since it has like 9 500-word essays altogether, don't bother prewriting this one with last year's prompts. Wait until this year's prompts are released on June 28 to start working on it. I hope this cleared up some confusion on when to apply! This cycle is a stressful process and I hate to see people stress themselves out even more about things like not submitting on the first day. You want to submit your best application possible, and if that means taking a few weeks to work on your essays and activities, or waiting until you start a really cool gap year job at the end of June so you can include it on your primary, so be it.

The "Why us?" essay is intended to gauge your interest in the medical schools you're applying to. You should never tell a school it is your #1 choice unless it actually is; however, you should try to make every school feel like it is your #1 choice, and this essay is your chance to do it.

"Writing "Why Us" Secondaries: Understanding what to research." by /u/educationliberation

This question can be annoying since most of the time, the honest answer is "You offer an MD/DO degree, and I want an MD/DO degree." However, I think it's an important question that they do consider and can help you learn a bit more about those schools. I've put together a short list of things to look at on a school's website. I am no expert, but some of them do really ask for specific examples and I think this is a good way to go. It is going to depend on what you are interested, as well as what experiences you bring to the table. For example, if you have heavy research experience, you can use that to back up why you want to go to that school. I have an ethics minor, so I always check if they have a medical humanities program and write a bit about how I am interested in that and how I could contribute. Here's usually how I go about researching a school:

• Start with the mission statement. Honestly, a lot of them look the same, but it can help tell you their key philosophies and goals. Look for certain words that tend to pop up. "Community" or "Innovation" are often signifiers of their focus; you want to try to touch on these.
• You could watch some of the videos they have up. I find they sometimes have useful stuff. I usually start with whatever is one their website, then maybe go over to youtube and search for their channel.
• Look at the curriculum and see if you want to write about that.
• Specific opportunities: capstones, programs, free clinics, extra trainings, electives, and so on. If there is something specific you're looking for, it could be easier to search google. The website are all different and it can take a long time to figure out the navigation.
• You can look on SDN and reddit for med students talking about their program.

Cal Northstate: Why have you chosen to apply to CNUCOM? (250 words) Creighton: Please state your reasons for applying to Creighton University School of Medicine. (2,000 characters) Emory: Briefly describe your interest in Emory and the Emory degree program you have selected. (200 words) George Washington: What is your specific interest in the MD Program at GW? What opportunities would you take advantage of as a student here? Why? (2000 characters)

The diversity essay is about YOU. Medical schools receive thousands and thousands of applications each year, and many applicants have similar stats, extracurriculars, etc. As you can imagine, it can be very difficult to decide who should get an interview and who shouldn't when everyone looks so similar. The diversity essay is your chance to show a school why you are unique and why they should interview you over other applicants. Diversity comes in many forms. The topic of your essay could be an identity with which you identify, such as a race/ethnicity, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, etc. However, it could also be based on the experiences you've had.

Creighton: In Creighton's Jesuit, Catholic tradition, the mission of the School of Medicine is to improve the human condition with a diverse body of students, faculty and staff who provide excellence in educating students, physicians and the public, advancing knowledge and providing comprehensive patient care. Please describe the role(s) you can play in helping the School or Medicine achieve its mission. (2,000 characters) George Washington: What makes you a unique individual? What challenges have you faced? How will these factors help you contribute to the diversity of the student body at GW? (1000 characters) Georgetown: The Georgetown University School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the Georgetown University School of Medicine community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (1000 characters, including spaces) Stanford: *The Committee on Admissions regards the diversity (broadly defined) of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. The Committee on Admissions strongly encourages you to share unique, personally important, and/or challenging factors in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and life or work experiences. Please discuss how factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (2000 characters, including spaces) * Tufts: Do you consider yourself a person who would contribute to the diversity of the student body of Tufts University School of Medicine? (1000 characters)

The adversity essay comes in a few different forms, but it's intended to assess 1) What kinds of hardships you've had in life and 2) How you have shown resilience or perseverance. For this essay, it's best to pick a personal anecdote, describe the situation, describe how you handled it, and what you learned. Bonus points for how it improves your ability to be a physician.

The wording of the adversity essay is extremely important, so make sure to pick an anecdote that matches the wording of the prompt. You may end up writing different adversity essays for different schools, and that's okay. NEVER turn in a secondary essay that doesn't directly answer the question posed in the prompt.

UC Irvine: Please describe to the Admissions Committee a challenge or disappointment you have overcome and what you learned about yourself from that experience. (1500 characters, excluding spaces) Creighton: 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. (2,000 characters) Kaiser: During your career as a physician, you will potentially encounter many obstacles and be required to overcome many challenges. Resilience is a prerequisite for success in medical school and beyond. Describe your experience with a situation that had an unfavorable outcome. How did you react, and how might you have responded differently? What did you learn about yourself? (250 words)

Get Expert Help With Your Secondary Essays!

What Are Secondary Applications?

The secondary application refers to a set of essays that each medical school wants you to write. Depending on the school, other aspects like the situational judgment tests might also be considered part of the secondary application. This guide will focus on the essay writing element of the secondary application.

Most schools will give you 2-5 prompts and a character count within which to answer the prompt. These prompts allow the school to ask you more targeted questions to better understand whether you are a good fit for their class. They want to only interview students who fit their mission, so secondary essays can play a role in deciding who to interview.

The most important thing to remember is to answer the specific question that is asked. This is true even if the question seems very generic. Answer the prompt as well as you can and use your research into the school to show how you fit the school’s mission.

Am I Screened Beforehand?

Some schools screen applicants before sending the secondary prompts, but most do not and send them to every applicant. The application process is already long and resource-intensive for schools. Prescreening applicants before sending secondary prompts would only intensify this, so the vast majority automatically send secondaries to all applicants. The majority of those who do prescreen applicants don’t publish their cutoffs.

When Do I Receive Secondary Prompts?

Medical schools don’t receive your application from AMCAS until mid-to-late June, so that is typically the earliest you will receive secondary applications. Some, though, will send them earlier than this, potentially before your application is verified. This is especially true for AACOMAS and TMDSAS. These application services transmit your application to schools more quickly than AMCAS, accelerating the entire process.

Once schools have begun receiving applications, you might receive your secondary prompts immediately after submitting your application. You might receive them before your application is verified. This speed is part of why it’s important to prewrite your responses.

Turnaround Time

You will receive many prompts at once and are expected to turn them around within two weeks. Because of this, it is a good idea to write your responses before officially receiving the prompt. Some may have specific deadlines requiring a shorter turn-around time than two weeks. Prioritize those first.

Most prompts don’t change yearly, so you can look at secondaryapps.com and begin answering them in advance. Most schools give multiple prompts, so the number of essays you need to write can pile up very quickly if you’re not careful to plan.

Common Secondary Application Prompts

Secondary applications are a chance for schools to find out if you are a good fit, so most prompts will be designed to understand who you are. Common prompts might include what drew you to the school, diversity, and your plans for the future. Others might ask you to talk in detail about specific aspects of your journey, like failure and interruptions in your education.

For more examples of common secondary prompts and samples of how other students have answered them, check out the secondary application section of The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Application Process .

Prewrite Your Secondaries

Any work you can do on your secondaries ahead of time will help keep the process from becoming overwhelming and help you meet the expected two-week turnaround.

Double-Check Your Work

Some schools give character limits, and others provide word limits, so you need to double-check that. Be especially careful if you’re using one essay for multiple schools. Even if you change some things, the length may be wrong, and you want to give yourself sufficient time to make any needed edits.

While your secondary essays won’t require as much editing as your personal statement, you should still reread them to ensure you answered the question and check for typos or other mistakes.

More Resources

Secondary Essay Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

How to Answer Secondary Prompts About “Why Us”

Secondary Essay Database

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A Guide to Medical School Secondaries

• June 25, 2024
• MCAT Blog , Med School Admissions
• Reviewed By: Liz Flagge

So you submitted your primary applications—cue major feelings of relief! But wait, you’re not done yet! Medical school secondaries will soon hit your inbox after they receive your completed primary applications. Secondaries are a chance for you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and dedication to the field of medicine.

In this guide, we’re diving into the world of med school secondaries with tips on how to best complete them and sample prompts from top medical schools .

What Are Secondary Essays?

Medical school secondaries are follow-up questions issued by medical schools after you submit your primary application . These prompts dive deeper, asking about specific interests, experiences, and personal reflections.

They’re a school’s way of getting to know you beyond your medical school personal statement , GPA, and MCAT score , seeking insights into how you align with their values and mission.

Who Gets Med School Secondaries?

After submitting your primary application, nearly every medical school will send you secondary essay prompts. Some schools specifically state they will only send secondaries to screened applicants. The key is to be ready; these essays can arrive anytime from days to weeks after your primary submission. The application fee to submit your medical school secondaries can be as high as $200.

When Are Medical School Secondaries Due?

Deadlines can vary, ranging between 15 days from the day you received them to much later in the admissions cycle. However, the rule of thumb is to submit your secondaries as soon as you can. With rolling admissions, seats in a medical school’s incoming class can go quickly. Anything that can delay your application/interview invite might hurt your chances of admission.

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Tips for completing medical school secondaries, 1. prewrite as much as you can.

Medical schools will often recycle their secondary essay prompts, allowing you to plan out your responses. At a minimum, you can brainstorm what your response will be and how you might be able to change it for another similar prompt from another school.

The goal is to plan ahead so you at least have possible topics and answers you can easily call upon when writing your responses.

2. Don’t Just Copy and Paste

We know….we know. We just said schools will often have similar prompts. You might also be tempted to copy and paste a section from your personal statement.

However, you still need to take the time to answer each prompt from every school thoughtfully and authentically. Tailor your responses to each school as much as you can. The last thing you want to do is write a wonderful response about the wrong school!

This is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that make you a strong candidate for their program. It’s important to demonstrate your passion, motivation, and dedication towards pursuing higher education in the specific field of study.

3. Answer the Prompt

When writing your responses, always be sure to answer the prompt. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get carried away with your thoughts and ideas and forget to actually address the question at hand. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you before diving into your response. Another important aspect of writing is organization. A well-structured piece of writing will make it easier for readers to follow along and understand your points. Try to avoid clichés and generic statements. Admissions committees read through hundreds of applications, so it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd and show your individuality.

Sample Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts

Let’s have a look at secondary essay prompts from medical schools across America, so you can understand what to expect and start preparing your responses to highlight your best qualities and fit for each program.

( Note: This list is continually updated. If you notice that a certain school’s prompts need to be updated, please send us an email !)

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

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:

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

• 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)
• (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)

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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/postgraduate 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

• 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)
• Upload a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, which will include, but not be limited to the following information
• Optional: List any relative who is an osteopathic physician (1500 characters)

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

Time-sensitive considerations: “30 days after invitation or December 1st”

• I previously applied to any medical school yes/no (select yes if you submitted a primary or secondary application). 
• If yes, please provide specific examples that illustrate how you are a stronger applicant this cycle. (1000 characters)
• 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 UA COM-Tucson within 21 days from the date it was originally sent by 11:59pm AZ time, or December 15, 2023 – whichever day comes FIRST.”

• 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)

Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

• 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.

California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

• Why have you chosen to apply to CNUCOM? (250 words maximum)
• In the medical profession, you will be exposed to students, faculty, colleagues, and patients of various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. How has your involvement with diverse populations prepared you for potentially four years in Elk Grove, the greater Sacramento area, and the rest of the Central Valley? (250 words maximum)
• 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)
• In which direction would you like to see healthcare progress over the next decade? (250 words maximum)
• 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)
• If you have previously applied to medical school, what have you accomplished since that time that would warrant your admission now? (250 words maximum)
• Is there anything you would like the Admissions Committee to know that is not reflected elsewhere in your application? (250 words maximum)
• 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

• Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills. What did you do? (1500 characters)
• Provide us with a specific example of something you did which helped build enthusiasm in others. (1500 characters)
• How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team? (1500 characters)
• Describe the last time you were criticized by a peer or supervisor. How did you handle it? (1500 characters)
• What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent? How have you effectively used your skills in emotional intelligence in the past? (1500 characters)
• 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? (1500 characters)
• What would be the best example that shows you are a person of integrity? (1500 characters)
• If given the opportunity to attend medical school, where would you see yourself in ten years? (1500 characters)
• Diversity comes in many forms. How do you think you might contribute to the diversity of the class? (1500 characters)
• [Optional] 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. (500 characters)

Drew/UCLA Joint Medical Program Drew University of Medicine and Science

Time-sensitive considerations: “28 days after receipt of the supplemental application invitation”

• 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

• 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)
• (OPTIONAL): Please describe how you have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. (No limit.)

Loma Linda University School of Medicine

• 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

• 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

• 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 affect 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

• (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.
• Rural-PRIME: 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.”

• 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 

• 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

Time-sensitive considerations: “2 weeks from the date and time of invitation”

• 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)

University of California – Riverside School of Medicine

• 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 

• 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. 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. (6000 characters)
• (OPTIONAL): Please describe how educational disparity, health disparity and/or marginalization has impacted you and your community? (4800 characters)
• 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. 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. DO NOT LIST ANY ACTIVITY MORE THAN ONCE. (For each activity you add, there is a 100-character limit.)
• 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 career pathways listed below. In addition to this selection, please provide a brief description of your future career goals. (400 characters)
• 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

For special programs:

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. (4800 characters)

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. (4800 characters)

Applicants to the UCSD 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. (4800 characters)

University of California – San Francisco School of Medicine

• 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. (350 words)

University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

• 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)
• Are you a member of a group that is under-represented in medicine? (Yes/No)
• If yes: Which Group? How does underrepresentation affect your community? (200-word limit)
• Have you previously applied to medical school (M.D., D.O., international)? (Yes/No)
• If yes: Upon reflection, what do you think went wrong? (200-word limit)
• (Optional): Is there anything else you would like us to know? If yes, please answer the question in 200 words or less.

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

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)

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

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 healthcare environment and/or with patients?
• Provide a specific example of when your work or performance was criticized. Explain how you 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

• 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

• 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)

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What unique characteristics, abilities, or skills will you bring to help advance the mission and vision of RVUCOM? (No limit)

University of Colorado School of Medicine

• 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.
• (For reapplicants): Please explain how you and your application has changed since your previous submission. Limit this response to 1500 Characters.
• 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).
• Rural Track: Describe your personal and professional goals in becoming a rural physician. In particular, describe your interest and ability to spend your clinical year in a rural community. You may also include how past experiences living and/or working in a rural area and your ties to or interest in rural Colorado communities aligns with your goals. Limit your statement to 1500 characters, including spaces (approximately 300 words).

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).
• In the Colorado Springs Branch LIC, students work in multiple health systems across Southern Colorado (e.g. Colorado Springs, Cañon City, Pueblo) to understand the interface between academic and community medicine and participate in a curriculum focused on how physician leadership in quality improvement and community engagement can impact health equity. Please describe how participation in the Colorado Springs Branch LIC would advance your career goals, and how your life experiences have led you to an interest in our program. You may also note any ties to Colorado Springs or the Southern Colorado community, if applicable. Please limit your statement to 300 words.

Connecticut

Quinnipiac university frank h. netter md school of medicine.

• 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)
• What quality or attribute do you think is most important in being a physician? Please explain. (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. How have your experiences, personal/family background or personal identity impacted your values and attitudes in working with others who will be both similar and different from you? (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

Time-sensitive considerations: “Regardless of when the secondary is received, applicants should aim to complete their secondary applications within two weeks.”

• 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)

Yale School of Medicine

• If you are not currently in college, what are your plans for this year?
• 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? (500 words limit)
• Please select one of the following questions. 

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.

• 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. (500 words)
• 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. (500 words)
• Optional Section: 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.

District of Columbia

George washington university school of medicine and health sciences.

Character limits do not include spaces. 

• Have you ever registered at an institution under a different name? (Y/N) If Yes, please enter the name and institution.
• Select the campus you prefer (main campus preferred, regional medical campus preferred, main campus only, regional medical campus only).
• If you selected regional medical campus preferred or regional medical campus only, please explain in detail your interest in regional medical campus and how it will be a good fit for your clinical education? (1750 characters)
• 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 2024. (750 characters)
• 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)
• What makes you a unique individual? What challenges have you faced? What have you learned from your experiences? (750 characters)
• 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)
• Have you previously interacted directly with the MD Admissions Office through events, tours, fairs, webinars, or interviews? (Y/N) If Yes, please explain (250 characters)

Georgetown University School of Medicine

• Are you/will you be enrolled in any program during the 2023-2024 academic year?
• Have you ever completed one of the following Georgetown Programs? (check all that apply):
• The Georgetown University Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES)
• Pedro Arrupe S.J. Scholarship for Peace (ARRUPE)
• Gateway Exploration Program (GEP)
• Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP)
• Georgetown University School of Medicine Summer Immersion Program (GUSOM SCS)
• Cultivating Opportunity & Realizing Excellence (CORE) Leadership Program
• Graduated from Georgetown Experimental Medical Studies Program (GEMS)
• Graduated from Special Master’s Program (SMP)
• 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

•  Was your childhood home located in a rural, urban or suburban area? (Choose one.)
•  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) (3000 characters, max)
• 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) (3000 characters, max)
•  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) (3000 characters, max)
•  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)

Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

Prerequisites: (1600 character limit including spaces)

• Use this area to justify and/or explain any academic hardships on your transcripts (any failed and/or repeated courses due to any reason)
• Use this area to explain exceptions to these prerequisites at your institution.

About Self:

• 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)
• 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):

• Describe your most meaningful community service experience that is unrelated to direct patient care. Why did you select this particular experience? In what way did you grow and learn from this experience? What did you enjoy most?
• What traits do you feel you have developed through your experiences thus far (such as paid or unpaid work experiences) that will help prepare you to be successful in medical school and a future physician. Experience does not need to be related to patient care.
• Leadership can be defined in many ways. One way of defining leadership is as a set of behaviors used to help people align their collective direction, or lead a group or an organization. Tell us about a time you executed your leadership skills.
• Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped shape you as a person. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during challenges you may face during medical school and as a future physician. Describe any support system and/or resources you had available and how you utilized them.

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Primary Activity/Employment

• 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

• 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 diverse backgrounds. 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, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Focus on what you learned about yourself and how it will help you during the challenges you might face in medical school. Describe any support system you had at your disposal and how you utilized these resources. (1200 characters)
• If you are accepted into medical school, how do you envision your lifestyle will change, and what challenges may await? Similarly, what do you think will be the most rewarding and difficult 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)
• Please share any disruptions and/or challenges you have experienced this application year as a direct result of COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider in conjunction with your application. The following are some examples of topics for consideration, but are not limited to: academic preparations; extracurricular activities and/or experiences; personal and/or professional opportunities; or lessons and insights gained as a result of COVID-19. (1000 characters)

For those who are not Florida residents, the following prompt will appear:

• Please describe any connection to FIU, FIU HWCOM, or South Florida.

Florida State University College of Medicine

“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. 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)

C. Additional Questions (500 words)​

• In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please list no more than three (3) specialties. 
• Write a short statement describing how you envision using the specialty/ies you listed above to advance our mission.
• The Admissions Committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (Optional)

D. Florida Resident (200 characters)​

• The Florida State University College of Medicine accepts very few out-of-state applicants. Except under rare circumstances, out-of-state applicants are considered for admission only if their county of residence is geographically contiguous with the State of Florida, or if they can demonstrate significant ties to the State of Florida.
• Is Florida currently your legal State of residence? (Yes/No)
• Has it ever been your legal state of residence? (Yes/No)
• If “yes,” please briefly explain: (Optional) (200 characters)
• If you have never been a Florida resident or are not currently residing in Florida (answered “no” to both questions above), please briefly describe any significant ties that you have to the State of Florida (Examples of significant ties include- but are not limited to- attending college within Florida; having strong family ties to Florida, owning property in Florida, etc.) (Optional) (200 characters)

E. Disclosures (500 characters)​

• Have you ever been charged with a violation of the law which resulted in, or is still pending could result in, probation, community service, a jail sentence, or the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license (including traffic violations which resulted in a fine of $200 or more)? If “yes”, please explain. (Optional)
• Have you ever been or are you now under investigation for any academic or legal/conduct problems at any undergraduate or graduate institution? If “yes”, please explain. (Optional)

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine

• 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)
• 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. (Maximum 4000 characters)
• Do you believe that you are a member of a group that is under-represented in medicine? If yes, please explain. (Maximum 4000 characters)
• Please explain any gaps or inconsistencies in either academic or standardized test performances throughout your undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate career. 

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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” (1000 character limit)
• 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

• (5) If you are NOT a Florida resident, please describe any connection to UCF COM, UCF, or Florida. (500 characters)
• (7) If you do not expect to spend the academic year enrolled in an academic program, please explain how you will use this time. (500 characters)
• (8.1) In this space, provide brief details regarding academic difficulties, grades below “B minus,” or course withdrawals. (500 characters)
• (13) What breakthrough in clinical or research medicine would you like to see occur within the span of your career in medicine? Why? (750 characters)
• (14) The complexity of healthcare delivery increasingly requires interdisciplinary teamwork. What lessons have you learned from sports, music, business or other experiences have prepared you to succeed in this environment? (750 characters)
• (15) 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? (750 characters)
• (16) Please share with the Admissions Committee why you are specifically interested in UCF COM. (750 characters)
• (18) Please provide a short essay to help us understand who you are. This essay should be different from your AMCAS Personal Statement. UCF COM places great value on the broad diversity of our students within the classroom. We believe the diverse characteristics of each individual in the class are important factors in serving the educational missions of this school and of our community. Please discuss any unique, 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. We are also interested on your thoughts about what you can contribute to your class and the medical profession in general. (Up to 4,000 characters)

University of Florida College of Medicine

• 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.”

500 words each​:

• What have you done during the recent COVID-19 pandemic that will better prepare you to be a medical student and future physician?
• Why have you selected the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for your medical education? Please be as specific as possible.
• Please provide a chronological list with dates AND a brief description of your clinical experiences/shadowing.
• Please provide a chronological list with dates of your community service/volunteering.
• Please discuss a situation where you had to use your leadership skills.
• Please briefly discuss your research experience.
• Please provide a chronological list with dates of your employment.
• What have you done to help identify, address and correct an issue of systemic discrimination?
• Choose one of the following prompts (you can’t do both):
• Provide a description of any activities involving the FINE ARTS (dance, drama, music, art, photography, etc. OR 
• Provide a description of any activities involving SPORTS (organized team sports, recreational activities that you play, watch or follow)
• [OPTIONAL]: Describe your most meaningful involvement in STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS.
• [OPTIONAL]: Provide a description of your most memorable TRAVEL experience.
• [OPTIONAL]: Provide a description of your HOBBIES and what you do for fun and relaxation.

University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine

• 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 character max)
• 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)? Describe the knowledge, skills, and attributes you have developed in preparation for the career path you have chosen in the previous question. (1500 character max)
• (OPTIONAL): 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)
• If you have chosen the SELECT program or BOTH, please explain how your experiences and career goals match with the mission of the SELECT program. (MD SELECT Program | USF Health) (1500 characters)

Emory University School of Medicine

• List your entire curriculum plan for the 2023-2024 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 you have any updates or new information to report since you have submitted your AMCAS primary application, please briefly describe below. (200 words)

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.”

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 #, % , &, etcetera).

• Please discuss your primary interest in attending the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. (300 words)
• Please describe your motivation for becoming a physician. What contributions do you feel that you could make to the medical profession in the future? (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.”
• The Admissions Committee regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of MCG and meeting the healthcare needs of a diverse patient population. Please describe how your own personal attributes, background, or life experiences, would contribute to the diversity of the class. (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 part of something that failed. What did you learn from this experience? (300 words)
• Please describe the geographical area in which you would most likely practice medicine and why. Please include the country, region, state, city and/or town in your response. (300 words)
• Please explain any inconsistencies in your academic record. This may include below-average course performance, grade trends, MCAT scores, etc. Please enter N/A if not applicable. (300 words)
• If applicable, indicate any special experiences, unusual factors, or other information you have not already addressed in your application. Please enter N/A if not applicable. (300 words)
• Please discuss any disruptions to your medical school application as a result of COVID-19. This may include but is not limited to academic performance, clinical, volunteer, research and extracurricular activities. (300 words)

Mercer University School of Medicine 

• 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) (230 words)
• 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)

Morehouse School of Medicine

• Briefly explain the reasons for your selections in the Perceptions of Your Medical Career Section. 
• 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. 

University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine

Please provide responses to essays A, B, and C. If you are a re-applicant, also respond to essay D. Please limit responses to 600 words per essay.

A) Resilience is “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.” Consider a challenge you have experienced. How are your attitudes and actions regarding your challenge a reflection of resilience? (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 your interest in attending 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)

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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)

Carle Illinois College of Medicine

Note: Carle uses a unique format for its secondary. Please read the instructions carefully. There is a video response that you have to do in addition to the below.

Carle Illinois is looking for everything most other medical schools are looking for – and something more. If you are completing our secondary application, you have already passed the threshold for our competency checklist. Well done. Now we want to find out more about you.

Our secondary application is unique. We are looking for physician-innovators. Does that describe you? Our secondary application is your chance to demonstrate that you have the compassion, curiosity and creativity we believe a physician-innovator needs. We are asking you to complete a portfolio comprised of three artifacts and three very short essays (100 words each). The portfolio provides an opportunity to SHOW US and TELL US how compassion, curiosity, and creativity have played out in your life through visual artifacts and short essays. How do you exemplify these values? How have you grown in these areas? Show us and tell us the connections between these values and your experience. The artifacts should be somewhat reflective in nature so share your thoughts and insights. 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 actually did, how YOU contributed, and if you were able to be innovative. 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? Show us and tell us who you are, and why you are a strong applicant for our program.

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. 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. You may repeat experiences listed on your AMCAS application and/or include new ones. 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 noteworthy or significant (an example would be full-time caregiver for a family member for a period). As you are completing your portfolio, please keep in mind that 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.

Captions or other brief notes can be included on the artifact to help the screener understand your images. Don’t provide an essay in place of a visual artifact unless you are an extraordinarily skilled writer! In addition to any notes included on your artifact, each artifact will be accompanied by a very brief essay (maximum 100 words) to give context to your artifact. 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.

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.
• Upload Compassion PDF artifact.
• Tell Us – In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Compassion.

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.
• Upload Curiosity PDF artifact
• Tell Us – In 100 words or less, explain how this artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Curiosity.

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.
• Upload Creativity PDF Artifact
• Tell Us – In 100 words or less, explain how your artifact reflects Carle Illinois College of Medicine’s value of Creativity.

Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

• Please specifically discuss how, if admitted to our program, your admission would contribute to the diversity of the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science community. (150 words)
• Briefly share your plans for the upcoming academic year. Do you plan to work, conduct research, volunteer in a health care setting, participate in community service, attend school, travel, participate in leisure activities or other activities? (150 words)
• Have you ever had a major setback? What was the cause and how did you overcome it? (150 words)
• What areas of your life need the most improvement, and what plans have you made to improve it? (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.”

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 each person by virtue of their own inherent human dignity, is an essential dimension of education at SSOM. Describe what you have learned about yourself from your concrete social justice experiences. Explain how you plan to sustain your efforts to advocate for current social justice issues as a medical student and as a physician. 
• Serving underserved and under-resourced communities is an expression of social justice. Describe an impactful experience in 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.
• 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. 
• Have you or any of your relatives attended or been employed by Loyola University Chicago or the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine?

Complete the following questions if applicable:

• 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.

Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

MD application questions

• FEINBERG CURRICULUM: Describe which part (s) of Feinberg’s integrated curriculum you are most excited to engage in and best align with your learning style. (200 words)
• COPING STRATEGIES: Describe specific steps you take to manage your stress and maintain wellness while balancing personal, educational, and professional responsibilities. (200 words)
• FUTURE CAREER PLANS: Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders in medicine who will serve their patients, communities and society. Describe one specific goal within medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve this professional goal. (200 words)
• 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 future plans during the gap period. (200 words)
• REAPPLICANT (if applicable): If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to improve your application. (200 words)
• FEINBERG SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RELATIONSHIP: Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with Feinberg School of Medicine? (200 words)
• Personal Narrative: The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please provide more detail about how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)

MSTP application questions

• 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

• 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 worldview or enhanced your ability to understand those unlike yourself and what you learned from this experience. (1000 characters)
• As an anchor institution, Rush is embedded in its strategies to improve the societal and structural determinants of health, which improve the economic vitality of Chicago’s west side neighborhoods and help residents achieve better health. Using your own experiences, describe how you have impacted and/or changed a person or community. (1000 characters)
• (OPTIONAL): If applicable, describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your application to and/or preparation for medical school. (1000 characters)
• (OPTIONAL): Use this space to provide additional information, which is non-COVID related, you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your application. (1000 characters)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

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.
• 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

• 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. (450 words)

• (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. (450 words)
• 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. (450 words)
• 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

• 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.

Indiana University School of Medicine

There are no secondary essay prompts for the 2023–2024 cycle.

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Do you have experience shadowing or working with a physician (DO or MD)? If so, describe the experience (name & location of hospital/clinic, name & specialty physician, and amount of time spent shadowing).
• Please share any other relevant information that you would like the MU-COM Admissions Committee to know about you. (300 words)
• 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.)
• Are you interested in practicing medicine in Indiana? If yes, please describe your interest and reasons why. If no, please explain why not. (300 words)
• Describe your motivation for attending MU-COM and osteopathic medicine. Please be specific.
• Please explain any gaps in education or employment longer than holidays and semester breaks
• In which area of medicine are you most interested in practicing and why? (choose up to 3)

Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine

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.”

• 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. (Up to 15 entries and 175 characters per description)
• If you are a reapplicant to the Carver College of Medicine, how have you strengthened your application? (1500 characters)
• 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)

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Time-sensitive considerations: “Secondary applications are due within 21 days of your invitation.”

• Describe a time that you experienced a personal failure. What did you learn from the experience? How did it affect your personal growth? How did you show grit after the failure?
• What kinds of things are you not good at? Why? How could this present a challenge in medical school?
• Describe a situation in which you believe you or someone else were not treated fairly. How did you respond? What changes did you make or could be made to prevent someone being treated in this way in the future?

University of Kansas School of Medicine

Answer the questions that apply to you. All applicants will answer questions 1-5.

• 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. (1000 characters)
• Describe examples of leadership experience in which you have significantly influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. (1000 characters)
• Beyond academics (grades and MCATs), describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. (1000 characters)
• Give an example of what you have done to make your community a better place to live. (1000 characters)
• Patients come from various backgrounds. Please describe how you will engage with patients whose backgrounds may differ from yours. (1000 characters)
• If you are not a Kansas resident, what is your specific interest in applying to the University of Kansas School of Medicine? (1000 characters)
• 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. (1000 characters)
• 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. (1000 characters)
• If you are no longer a full-time student, briefly describe your current employment, community, medical, and/or educational activities. (1000 characters)
•  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. (1000 characters)
• For Combined MD/PhD Program Applicants: Do you also want to be considered as an “MD-only” applicant? (1000 characters)

University of Kentucky College of Medicine

• Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine? (1500 characters)
• 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. (1500 characters)
• If you are a non-Kentucky resident, you are required to elaborate on your Kentucky ties if applicable (personal, familial e.g.) (700 characters)
• UKCOM provides MD programs at four campuses including the Lexington Campus, the Morehead Campus (Rural Physician Leadership Program), the Bowling Green Campus, and the Northern Kentucky Campus. You will apply to one of the four UK College of Medicine campuses. Please indicate your campus choice. Please elaborate on why this is your preferred campus. (700 characters)
• What competencies and qualities do you feel a physician should possess? (1500 characters)
• Describe a personal activity involving advocacy and/or community service that has impacted your personal values about delivering equitable patient care. (2000 characters)
• Describe an experience or situation which made you feel grateful? (1500 characters)
• It is impossible to have predicted the drastic impact caused by the novel coronavirus identified as COVID-19. Describe how this has impacted your social interactions, connections with peers, and perception of teamwork. (1500 characters)
• 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. (2500 characters)
• Describe a situation where you were not in the majority. (1500 characters)

University of Louisville School of Medicine

• Why are you choosing to apply to the University of Louisville School of Medicine? (500 char)
• List the individuals who are providing letters of recommendation as a component of your complete secondary application (for example, Committee letter/institution name, Professor Smith/academic subject, etc.) The letter of recommendation policy can be found by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser Submit Letters of Recommendation — School of Medicine University of Louisville. (500 char)
• Describe your most significant personal accomplishments and/or experiences and how these may relate to your potential to contribute to the medical community. (1000 char)
• 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 char)
• 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 char)
• 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 char)
• List and describe any additional experiences, interests, hobbies, or skills not included in other areas of your application or that you have completed since submitting your AMCAS application. (500 char)
• Discuss briefly why you have decided to pursue medicine and how your personal characteristics align with those you believe are most needed by physicians. (500 char)
• Practice after residency: How do you see yourself practicing medicine after residency training? (Please include choice of medical practice and location). (500 char)
• If you are a reapplicant, what has changed from your previous application or your approach to this year’s admissions cycle? (250 char)
• 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 char)
• Please list each place of permanent residence, beginning from birth, including the City, County, State, years in residence, and estimated population size. (1000 char)

University of Pikeville–Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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.

Louisiana State University – New Orleans School of Medicine

LSU uses forms (rather than essays) for most of its secondary. The following two prompts are the optional essays for this year: 

• (Optional) Disadvantaged scholarship information letter specifying disadvantage & copy of parent’s federal income tax return.
• (Optional) Supplemental essay – 500 to 600 words of your values.

Prompts for applicants to Primary Care Scholars program and Rural Scholars Track:

• 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

• 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)
• Second prompt for reapplicants: PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION ONLY IF YOU ARE A RE-APPLICANT TO LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT. Since your previous medical school application, what academic, employment, volunteer experiences or other progress have you made that make you a more competitive applicant? (2000 characters)

Tulane University School of Medicine

• 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? These include groups oriented around, but not limited to: ethnicity, race, sexuality, religion, disability, and economic background. (60 words)
• (OPTIONAL) In what ways did the COVID-19 pandemic alter/interrupt your medical school application? (No limit)

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

• a) Have you ever applied to ANY academic program (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) at the University of New England? If yes, please indicate the program and year in which you applied. If no, please respond N/A.

b) Describe your interests in attending UNE COM and any contact you’ve had with our students, alumni, or faculty. If you are related to a UNE COM graduate, please list that person’s full name, year of graduation, and relationship to you. (2000 characters)

• a) How many Osteopathic Vs Allopathic medical schools have you applied to this cycle?

b) If you previously only applied to Allopathic medical schools, why are you now applying to Osteopathic Medical schools? Please be concise and specific.

c) 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 team-based education. Give an example of when you worked on an effective team, either academically or professionally. Explain why a team-based approach is the right model for your medical education. (2000 characters)
• If everything goes according to plan, how and where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? How come? (2000 characters)

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

•  (Optional) If you have already received your bachelor’s degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation and your plans for the upcoming year. (2000 characters)
• (Optional) If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time. (2000 characters)
• Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (2500 characters)
• Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (2500 characters)
• 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. (2500 characters)
• Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (2500 characters)
• Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention … it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years that 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? (2500 characters)
• (Optional)The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. 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 sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it. (2500 characters)

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.)

• 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) Were there any significant disruptions in your academic/volunteer/work/personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider in reviewing your application? (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

• 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 2023-2024 academic year. If you graduated/will graduate in 2023, 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)

Massachusetts

Boston university school of medicine.

•  Did you go on to college directly after high school? (1400 characters)
• Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree? (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)
• 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)
• 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. (3000 characters)
• Re-Applicant Comment – This section may be used by re-applicants who wish to highlight specific areas of their application or to outline specific changes since their last application. (3000 characters)

Harvard Medical School

• If you have already graduated, briefly summarize your activities since graduation. (4000 characters)
• 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)
• (Optional) The Committee on Admissions understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the Committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (This is an optional essay; the Committee on Admissions will make no judgment based on your decision to provide a statement or not.)
• The interview season for the 2023-2024 cycle will be held virtually and is anticipated to run from mid-September through January 2024. Please indicate any significant (three or more weeks) restriction on your availability for interviews during this period. If none, please leave this section blank.

Tufts University School of Medicine

• Do you wish to include any comments (in addition to those already provided in your AMCAS application) to the Admissions Committee at Tufts University School of Medicine? (1000 characters)
• Please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. Include in this explanation if you will be a student, working, conducting research, volunteering, etc. (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)
• Tufts values include a commitment to social responsibility; to serve and advocate for all people, especially underserved and vulnerable patients and populations, by addressing social determinants of health, health equity, social justice, and stewardship of social resources. Have you done substantial work or volunteer service in such communities? (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 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. We understand that many applicants encounter academic hardships along the way. Please comment on any academic difficulties that you have encountered since completing high school (grades and MCAT scores). 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)
• Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile 2) any convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court, or 3) any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation has been completed and the case dismissed by the court (in states where applicable)? For more information please visit our web site. (1000 characters)

University of Massachusetts Medical School 

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.
• 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

Central Michigan University College of Medicine

Time-sensitive considerations: 2 weeks from the time of invitation (This information was confirmed with the school.)

• 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 select from). (250 words)
• 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)
• [REAPP ONLY]: 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. (500 words)

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

• Imagine and reflect upon your life and medical career at the time of retirement. What do you envision being your proudest/most significant accomplishment? (500 words)
• American society has been reckoning with a variety of systemic injustices throughout its history. Considering your life experiences up to now, share your thoughts and perspectives about this statement using the lens from which you view the world around you. (500 words)
• Consider three or four words and/or phrases from your medical school application that you use to describe or characterize yourself. Pick one (or a completely different one) that is underdeveloped to provide additional written narrative to the committee as to why you’ve decided to pursue a career in medicine. (500 words)
• Use the space below to reflect upon your COVID-19 public health crisis experiences, challenges, and/or insights. (500 words)
• If you could present yourself to the Admissions Committee, what would you want to make sure they knew (or remembered) about you? (500 words)

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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 does professionalism mean to you as a future physician? (300 words)
• 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 (500 words)
• For reapplicants: What has changed since your last application? (500 words)

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

• Oakland County has a diverse patient population with a health equity divide that has resulted in a vulnerable group of patients that are underserved. Given your understanding of social determinants of health, how would you go about addressing these inequities? (400 words)
• Describe how OUWB’s mission and values align with your professional goals and objectives. (400 words)
• Master adaptive learners in medicine represent a combination of both efficient problem-solvers and possess the ability to learn and innovate when faced with a novel challenge to deliver high-quality healthcare. Think back to your educational journey and describe how you embodied the definition of a master adaptive learner. (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)
• (Optional) If you are a reapplicant to OUWB, please describe improvements you have made to your current application from previous cycles (please include academics, experiences, etc.). (400 words)

University of Michigan Medical School

• Respond to either of the following, depending on which program you are applying to:
• MD applicants: Comment on how you hope to impact medicine in the future. If examples are needed, feel free to refer to our seven Paths of Excellence. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).
• MSTP applicants: Describe why you decided to apply 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. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).
• Please respond to ONLY one of the following two prompts. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).
• Describe how your identity impacts the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients.
• If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.
• How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).
• Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

Wayne State University School of Medicine

• When reflecting on the roles and responsibilities of a physician, discuss what appeals and does not appeal to you. (1250 characters)
• How would you address the inconsistencies between medical information and disinformation? How do these inconsistencies impact patients and society? (1250 characters)
• List healthcare issues faced by marginalized communities and include their impact on social determinants of health. How would you address them? (1250 characters)
• Which of your experiences or activities align with WSU SOM’s mission? Please discuss how. (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) Please mark N/A if this does not apply to you.

Western Michigan University School of Medicine

• 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)
• WMed 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)

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

MD Applicants

• 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

• 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.”

• 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. (1500 characters)
• How have your individual experiences and identity shaped who you are and who you will be as a physician? (1500 characters)
• 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)
• (Optional) Any 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)

Note: The primary mission of the UMN Medical School, Duluth Campus is to educate physicians dedicated to serving rural Minnesota or Native American communities. Only complete the Rural and/or Indigenous Health questions (below) if your application presents a strong commitment to these communities. Most candidates accepted within the context of the Duluth Campus mission will be placed on that campus.

• (Optional) 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)
• (Optional) 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)

Mississippi

University of mississippi school of medicine.

• 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

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.

A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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.)

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

• Will you be a full-time student for the 2023-2024 academic year? If you answer No: Please describe your current activities.(1,000 characters)
• Do you have a premedical advisor? If you answer yes: How often do you meet?
• 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.)? Please explain (1,000 characters)
• Tell us about a time when you were the other: (1,000 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? If you answer yes: Please explain fully. (1,000 characters)

University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine

• 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

• 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:
• 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.
• How will your diversity/diverse experiences (e.g., gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, veteran status, from rural or underserved community, first generation student status) add to your career in medicine?

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…”

• 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)
• (OPTIONAL) Are you still a full-time student? If no, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

Creighton University School of Medicine

• Please state your reasons for applying to Creighton University School of Medicine. (2000 characters)
• In Creighton’s Jesuit, Catholic tradition, the mission of the School of Medicine is to improve the human condition with a diverse body of students, faculty and staff who provide excellence in educating students, physicians and the public, advancing knowledge and providing comprehensive patient care to all persons. Please describe the role(s) you can play in helping the School of Medicine achieve its mission. (2000 characters)
• Describe your experiences within multicultural settings and/or with disadvantaged or underserved populations and how they prepared you to for a future as a 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. (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 description)

University of Nebraska College of Medicine

• 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)
• 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)
• 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)

Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

• Why are you interested in the Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV and how does your background and future goals contribute to our mission? (250 words)
• Briefly discuss how you envision yourself contributing to the care of our growing and diverse population in the state of Nevada. (250 words)
• 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 be a list by years. (250 words)
• (This field is not required.) You are welcome to share with the Admissions Committee any disruptions or impact to your application components, the application process, and/or your personal life (for example during COVID-19). (250 words)
• 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. You may also explain you ties to Nevada with more detail in this box or any information related to academic/MCAT improvement and resiliency. (250 words)

University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine

• 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)

New Hampshire

Geisel school of medicine at dartmouth.

• 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 [email protected]. (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)

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

• 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

• 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)
• Have you ever been convicted of any crime or offense, whether State or Federal, including offenses categorized as misdemeanors, high misdemeanors, or felonies? You should include convictions under any circumstances such as, but not limited to, a plea of guilty, Non Vult, Nolo Contendere, No Contest, etc., or a finding by a judge or jury. You do not need to include convictions that were overturned on appeal. (500 words)

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Please select the checkbox(es) that most adequately describes your campus and/or curriculum preferences below. Choose one of the following:

Explain why SGL or PBL.

• Please identify your area of professional interest below (i.e. Family Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.)
• 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

• 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? (1500 character limit)
• 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. (1500 character limit)
• If you will not be a full-time student between June 2023 and August 2024, please describe in detail your planned activities, including projected time commitment for each activity: (1500 character limit)
• If you have chosen to pursue one or more “growth” years prior to your planned matriculation to medical school in 2024, please share insight on your decision. (1500 character limit)
• If you are a re-applicant, please share what you have done to enhance your candidacy and re-application? (1500 character limit)
• 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,): (1500 character limit)
• Please discuss any additional information you feel may help us in our review of your candidacy. (1500 character limit)

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

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)

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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.”

• 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)

Albany Medical College

• 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).

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University

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)

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

• 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

• 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

• If you are currently not a full-time student, please briefly describe the activities you are participating in this academic year. (100 words)
• 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)

MSTP applicants: 

[ Note: Question #3 above does not have to be completed. Also, Questions #5-7 below (bolded) are additional essays.] 

• 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-word count)
• If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity or a commitment to a particular community, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you would like to share with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Aspects might include, but are not limited to significant challenges in or circumstances associated with access to education, living with a disability, socioeconomic factors, immigration status, or identification with a culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. Completing this section is optional. (150 words)
• Describe a time when you needed to ask for help. (200 words)
• What are your career goals? Describe which features of the MD/PhD Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai you will leverage to achieve them? (200 words)
• Provide a one to three-sentence summary of your current research interest. Limit your response to 100 words or less.

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.”

• 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)

New York Medical College

• 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

• 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 only one of the following three 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. 

CV required

MSTP specific questions

• 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).
• What area of research would you like to pursue in your graduate training? (200 words max)
• Please describe your ideal career. (200 words max)

New York University Long Island School of Medicine

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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?
• 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.

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

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

• In 500 words or fewer, please explain your reasons for applying to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo. Please be specific.
• In 500 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.

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

• (Optional) Please share any challenges and/or special circumstances that impacted your application. (200 words)
• If you previously applied to medical school, briefly describe any experiences you have been part of since your previous application. (200 words)
• Tell us about a community you identify with and how you’re involved with it? (200 words)

Weill Cornell Medical College

• 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)

North Carolina

Campbell university jerry m. wallace school of osteopathic medicine.

• 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

• Tell us Who You Are: 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)
• Working with Others: 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)
• Advocacy: 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)
• Coping with Disappointment: 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)
• Leadership: 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: 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)
• Understanding the Need for Healthcare Changes: Potential sources of health inequities exist. Duke’s Moments to Movement (M2M) is a collective stand to address these issues. Discuss your experience with disparities in health, health care and society. (400 words)
• COVID-19 Implications: How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced your journey to medical school? Have these events changed your outlook on medicine’s role in society? (400 words)

Further Information: Please let us know of any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application

For PCLT (Primary Care Leadership Track) applicants:

• 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)

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine

• 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

• 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

• We seek to train physicians who can connect with diverse patient populations with whom they may not share a similar background. Tell us one experience that enhanced your ability to understand those unlike yourself and what you learned from it. (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)

North Dakota

University of north dakota school of medicine and health sciences.

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? 

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 [email protected]. 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? 

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

**Updated: July 11, 2023, in light of updates CWRU released.**

• 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) 
• 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)
• 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)
• 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 another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. If you have not completed research/scholarly work, you will be able to indicate this in a radio button embedded within this response. (3,500 character limit)

Note that if you are applying to both the University Program and the CCLCM, the research response will default to the CCLCM 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 (5 yr. MD) Applicants

• 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)
• The most successful medical students at our school are generally those who are intrinsically motivated, self-directed learners. Think of a time when you had to pursue a goal without clear external direction. Describe your approach and any new knowledge, perspectives, or skills that you acquired. (1,000 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 time. (1,000 character limit) 
• 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

• 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) 
• 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)

Northeast Ohio Medical University

• What do you hope to achieve from your experience as a NEOMED student? (5000 characters, max)

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

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

Required essays for those applying to the regular M.D., M.D./PhD, Primary Care, and the Community Medicine tracks:

• 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)
• The OSU COM has a goal of assembling a class that is enriched with a broad range of unique experiences. Do you believe this is a desirable goal for a medical school’s student composition? Please elaborate. (250 words)

Additional required essays only for those applying to the Primary Care track:

• Please see our website for more information about applying to our program at medicine.osu.edu/pct. How do you feel ready to choose a career in family medicine? Please provide any examples of exposure and/or experiences not already mentioned in your application. (250 words)
• “Health is Primary” is a communications campaign to advocate for the values of family medicine, demonstrate the benefits of primary care, and engage patients in our healthcare system. The aim is to build a primary care system that reflects the values of family medicine, puts patients at the center of their care, and improves the health of all Americans. How do you plan to reflect the values of Family Medicine in your future career? (250 words)
• Please see our website for more information about applying to our program at medicine.osu.edu/cmt. Please give an example of a life experience that sparked your desire to practice medicine in a smaller community and apply to the Community Medicine Track. (250 words)
• Why are you interested in training in a smaller community, and what is the impact you hope to have by training in this setting? (250 words)

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences 

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

The University of Cincinnati’s Next Lives Here initiative includes three platforms:

• Inclusion: Intentionally engaging people and the contribution of diverse ideas.
• Innovation: Challenging existing practices and paradigms and discovering the unknown.
• Impact: Positively transforming our community and society in measurable ways.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Mission:

We work together in a spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and service: To educate and train the physicians, scientists, and health professionals of tomorrow; To advance knowledge through impactful, innovative research; To improve health and well-being through compassionate, patient-centered care.

• Considering the UCCOM mission, tell us why you’re applying here and how our mission aligns with your own. (Your response is limited to 2000 characters.)

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Values:

We are committed to excellence, diversity, and integrity in our students, faculty, staff, and all of our activities. We provide an inclusive environment where innovation and freedom of intellectual inquiry flourish.

• Please share your personal journey to a career in medicine and let us know how the UCCOM values align with your own. (Your response is limited to 2000 characters.)

Academic Impact of COVID-19 (optional)

• Please explain, if applicable, any ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic specifically and negatively impacted and/or caused significant hardship for your academic performance between the months of March 2020 and September 2022. (Your response is limited to 2000 characters.)

Non-Academic Impact of COVID-19 (optional)

• We understand that all applicants have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please use the space below to describe any personal (ie, non-academic) life-altering experiences or changes to your plans related to the pandemic between March 2020 and September 2022. (Your response is limited to 2000 characters.)

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

• 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)

Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

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)

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine

• 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? (1550 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. (2050 characters)

Supplemental Information section with additional prompts:

• 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)
• [“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)
• 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)

Pennsylvania

Drexel university college of medicine.

• 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)

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

• 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)
• 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 2023–2024 cycle. 

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

• 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

• 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

• 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 

• 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. LKSOM 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 LKSOM 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 2023 until June 2024? (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 LKSOM 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. (Y/N)

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine 

• 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).
• 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, and physicians and physician-scientists must contend with many instances of uncertainty. 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).
•  Please explain your reasons for applying to the Perelman School of Medicine and limit your response to 1,000 characters.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

• Tell us about a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it. Include how the experience contributed to the person you are today. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)
• At UPSOM, diversity and inclusion are measures of distinction, integral to achieving institutional excellence, and essential to the development of future physicians who become leaders in medicine. Describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the past, and how you hope to grow that commitment in medical school. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)
• Tell the Admissions Committee why you are applying to Pitt Med and why you think this school would be a good fit for you? (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

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

University of puerto rico school of medicine, rhode island, brown university the warren alpert medical school .

• Summarize your activities during the 2022–2023 academic year. Describe how your activities are preparing you for a medical career. (2000 characters)
• How will your unique attributes, life experiences, and interests add to the Alpert Medical School community? (2000 characters)
• Reflect on a situation when you had to change course, and how you did so. (3000 characters)

South Carolina

Medical university of south carolina college of medicine.

• 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

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

• 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)
• 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)

South Dakota

University of south dakota sanford school of medicine.

• 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)

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.”

• 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.”

• 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

Time-sensitive considerations: “The Admissions Committee prefers if the candidate has completed the Supplemental application before their interview.”

• 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)

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

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

• 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)

Baylor College of Medicine 

• 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
• What knowledge, skills and attitudes have you developed that have prepared you for this career path? (1,000 characters)
• 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)
• 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:

• 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

• 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)
• As a DO physician, how would you plan to incorporate the tenets of osteopathic medicine into your future practice? (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)

TCU School of Medicine

• TCU School of Medicine does not employ a written secondary application. Instead, they use an online tool that allows invited applicants to record audio answers to questions given at the time of recording.

Texas A&M University College of Medicine

• 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: 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.

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

• 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

Areas of Interest:

• Please indicate the area(s) of medicine you are interested in and briefly describe your significant activities for each respective interest in the available text box (if checked, a box will appear with a 100 word limit)
• Practicing in an underserved area
• Rural health
• Medical Research
• Medical Academics
• Border Health
• Public Health
• 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)
• (Required) 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?
• Are you applying to FMAT?
• Have you experienced any hardship or adversity, personally or professionally? If yes, please share your experience with us. (200 words or less)
• (Required) Please tell us about your favorite recreational/leisure activities. (200 words or less)
• (Required) 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, then explain. (100 words or less)
• Have you ever participated in any TTUHSC special programs?
• Middle School to Medical School (M2M)
• Early Dedication to Medical Education (EDME)
• Future Healthcare Professional’s Experience (FHPE)
• Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
• Premedical Enrichment Program (PEP)
• Graduate Medical Education Sciences (GMES)

University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

• (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

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?

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 

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

Part A. Choose two of the following prompts to respond to (300 words maximum each):

• Describe a time when you advocated for someone whose social identity (e.g., race, gender, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, ability status, etc.) differed from yours. Explain the situation and why advocacy was necessary.
• Describe a time you were wrong. Why were you wrong? How did you respond?
• How do you define curiosity? Provide an example in which curiosity helped solve or expand your knowledge and experience outside of the academic environment.
• What attributes do you look for in your physician(s)? Which of these attributes do you need to develop? How will you develop them?
• John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch serves patients throughout Texas, focusing on Galveston County and Gulf Coast Region. Are there particular characteristics of our school and/or the Galveston area in terms of location, history, or other attributes which make you especially interested in matriculating here?

Part B. There will also be an asynchronous video you need to complete through SparkHire. 

University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston 

Please discuss one of the following: 

• A challenging situation or obstacle you have faced in the past
• Any academic road bumps in your academic career (low academic performance, failing course, dropping/retaking of courses)
• Why was it challenging? How did you handle it? Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently? What did you learn? (2500 characters)
• 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 characters)
• What would you like to contribute and be remembered for in medicine? (2500 characters)

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine

• Which potential barriers and facilitators exist for medicine of the future? How will you make a difference in this regard? (350 words or less)
• Describe how you decide if a person or source is trustworthy. (300 words or less)
• Describe a time when the awareness of your own limitations resulted in a favorable outcome for you or someone close to you. (350 words or less)
• In the event you are accepted to two or more medical schools, what factors would be most important in determining which school would be the “best fit” for you. (150 words max; bullet points are acceptable)
• OPTIONAL: If you feel that the Admissions Committee should be aware of any academic discrepancies or extenuating circumstances, please explain them. (350 words or less)
• OPTIONAL: Describe any major hardships you have overcome to reach this point in your life. (350 words or less)
• OPTIONAL: How have volunteer work, hobbies, and/or extracurricular activities informed your beliefs about health care and a career in medicine? (350 words or less)
• [Video 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

• 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

 Answer these checkbox questions:

• 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)
• Why are you interested in applying to UT Tyler’s SOM? (500 words)
• Describe any experiences/information you have in/about East Texas as it relates to our Mission Statement. (500 words)
• Please share with the committee what unique skills, experiences, and/or qualities/characteristics and/or ideas you may have/possess that will help you contribute to the mission of UT Tyler School of Medicine if selected for the class. (500 words)
• Please review the SOM Values and select the value that most resonates with you. Explain why. (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)

Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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 

• Tell us why you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. How does our program align with your personal and professional goals? What can you contribute to our exceptional learning experience? (300 words)
• Describe how health disparities have impacted you, your community, and/or the communities you have served. What lessons have you learned and how do you plan to use this knowledge to address health equity as a medical student at our program and as a future physician? (300 words)
• (For reapplicants) “Upon reflection and self-assessment, please share with us your areas of demonstrated growth since your previous application. Please highlight examples of your continued commitment to medicine.” (300 words)

RUUTE Scholars questions:

• 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:

• 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)

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

• 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)

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Time-sensitive considerations: 30 days from the date of invitation (This information was confirmed with the school.)

• 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

• 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

• 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.”

• 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?

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute

• Explain why integrity is more important than intelligence and perseverance using an example from your life. (600 words)
• Explain how your concept of diversity is both the same and different from the mainstream view. (600 words)
• Choose one aspect about yourself, not already reflected in your application, that you are most proud of. Explain your choice below. (600 words)
• Please describe something you deserved but didn’t get and how you felt about it. (600 words)

University of Virginia School of Medicine

• 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. 
• 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? Please answer the question in 350 words or less.
• How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and the University of Virginia School of Medicine? Please answer the question in 350 words or less.
• Tell us about a challenge or obstacle you experienced. How did you manage it? Please answer the question in 350 words or less.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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

• 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

• How have societal inequities in the U.S. affected you or people you have worked with? (250 words)
• 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)
• What obstacles have you experienced and how have you overcome them? (250 words)
• 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)
• For re-applicants: From your most recent application until now, how have you strengthened your application? (250 words)
• For Wyoming applicants: Describe your experiences in Wyoming that have influenced and/or informed your decision to pursue a medical career? (250 words)

West Virginia

Marshall university joan c. edwards school of medicine .

• Why did you decide to apply to Marshall? (5000 characters)
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you want to serve or practice medicine? (5000 characters) 
• If you are not presently attending school indicate your employment or other plans for the time prior to your planned enrollment in medical school. If still in school, enter N/A. (2000 characters)

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

• 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 date of invitation (This information was confirmed with the school.)

• Why do you want to attend the WVU SOM? (150 words)
• Describe a time when you worked closely and successfully with another person who had a background different 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 is your life motto, and why? (150 words)

Medical College of Wisconsin

• 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

• 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:
• 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)

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More From Forbes

Harvard business school announces 3 new application essays.

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Harvard Business School.

Harvard Business School announced a surprising departure from its single, open-ended application essay to three short essays with specific prompts. The HBS website sums up the kind of applicant the school is seeking: “We are looking for future leaders who are passionate about business, leadership, and growth.”

The prompts for the class that will begin in fall 2025 instruct applicants to address each topic in turn.

• Business-Minded Essay : Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)
• Leadership-Focused Essay : What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words)
• Growth-Oriented Essay : Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

The prompts ask applicants to go beyond simply asserting their allegiance to the ideals of business, leadership and growth. Each of the three questions asks for evidence: “experiences,” “experiences” and “an example,” respectively.

The prompts do not expect a straightforward list of what happened in the past. Rather, they encourage reflection on how these experiences affected present realities and future goals.

Applicants are asked to reflect on past, present and future as an ongoing process of becoming who they are now and who they wish to become. Even the “Business-Minded Essay” is about past choices and future impact; it also assumes you “plan to serve.” The “Leadership-Focused Essay” does not ask applicants to recite a list of titles, but to discuss who they are and how they relate to others; not what title they aspire to, but “what kind of leader you wish to become.”

Perhaps the most surprising essay prompt is No. 3, which asks about curiosity. It opens the door for applicants to discuss a more personal aspect of their candidacies. The prompt asks not about end result, but about the process of change. Once again, the emphasis is on “growth.”

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In short, the prompts ask about person and process.

How The 3 New Prompts Differ From Last Year’s Single Question

This year’s prompts give applicants more direction than the previous open-ended instruction, which was: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?”

Applicants may find it easier to follow these more detailed instructions and to stay on topic. They no longer need to face an open question and a blank page.

Another aid is the shorter word limit. The essay on being business-minded has a limit of 300 words, and the essays on leadership and growth through curiosity are limited to 250 words each.

A third difference is the specific inquiry about business. Last year’s prompt allowed candidates to choose anything they thought would be important for HBS to consider. Some applicants struggled to decide whether to focus on business or something beyond work. While the “Business-Minded Essay” is still personal, it does ask applicants to reflect on their careers.

One might also speculate that the new, more directive prompts makes it easier for the admissions committee to compare essays across applications, while still leaving room for considerable variation in how applicants choose to address the essay prompts.

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