Medical School Secondary Handbook Tips

Medical School Secondary Essay Handbook:

School Specific Tips for Top Programs

An Accepted.com Special Report by Alicia Nimonkar Copyright © 2013 Accepted.com

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................3 Boston University.......................................................................................................5 Georgetown University School of Medicine.............................................................8 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai................................................................10 Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.........................................12 UC Davis School of Medicine..................................................................................14 University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine................................................19 University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine......................................21 Weill Cornell Medical College................................................................................22 Epilogue....................................................................................................................23 About the Author......................................................................................................23

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Introduction

The best way to ace your application essays is to ANSWER THE ESSAY QUESTIONS. This may sound like an easy feat, yet so often applicants go into the essay writing process with ulterior motives: to write their preconceived essays based only loosely on the given essay topics. Newsflash: No matter how compelling and well-written your essays are, if they don’t answer the questions as they are presented to you on the application, they will not impress the admissions committee—or at least not in the way you want them to. In this special report you will receive the guidance you need to a) understand exactly what each essay question is asking, and to b) answer the question in the most compelling and impressive fashion. To make sure you make the most of this special report, I recommend that you keep the following in mind: •

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These questions were originally used in the 2013-2014 med school application cycle. Whenever you read this, don’t assume they are unchanged. Check the schools’ websites for the current version. Each school asks different questions; therefore, each essay you draft should be unique to each essay question and to each program. While it may be tempting to use the same essay for a few different applications, adcoms can usually tell the difference between a recycled essay and an essay that was written specifically to answer their question— and they certainly prefer the latter. In our analyses below, you’ll find valuable tips on what to include in your answers, as well as advice on what you should avoid at all costs. Don’t stop reading after the “do’s”; the “don’ts” can be just as valuable, if not more so. Since “fit” is so crucial to each of these schools, be sure to research each program you apply to and to envision yourself at that particular school—on its campus, in its classrooms, interacting with its professors, etc.—while drafting your essay. If you want the adcoms to believe you will be an irreplaceable fixture in their next class, then you’ll have to convince them that your ideals and goals are one with theirs.

Finally, at the end of each section of this special report, I provide additional application tips and advice, as well as how Accepted.com can further assist you with your application efforts. Our editors and consultants are standing by, ready to be of service to you. Enjoy the report… and answer those questions directly. Effectively.

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Disclaimer: Please double-check the original application on each individual med school’s website to ensure accuracy. Accepted.com is not responsible for any discrepancies in the text or any changes that may have been made to the original applications since the time of publishing. Note: As you read through this special report you’ll find that we formatted it as clearly as possible so you can easily tell where Accepted.com commentary begins and ends. Med school directions and questions are typed in standard font, while Accepted.com comments are all italicized.

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Boston University

BUSM’s MD Program offers students the opportunity to work with patients beginning in their first year of medical school. Students will receive their clinical training at the prestigious Boston Medical Center, which has the largest trauma center in the Northeast. Students also have the option of pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Health. The secondary application consists of five optional essays. Boston University 2014 Secondary Application Essay Questions: • • •

Five optional short essays with varied word limits are requested. Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicant’s strengths.

Application Tip: Check out the BUSM Viewbook with admissions information: The following are required in the Secondary Application: 1. If you did not go to college directly after high school, please explain: (1,400 character limit, approximately 280 words) Medical schools love non-traditional applicants who have life experience. If this essay prompt applies to you, provide a brief explanation of how you spent your time before enrolling in college—detailing any awards or accomplishments you earned before entering higher education. If you worked to help support your family, this is admirable and demonstrates that you took on significant responsibility at a young age. Responding to this prompt will only help your application. 2. If you are not expecting to go directly to medical school after completing your undergraduate work, please explain. (1,400 character limit, approximately 280 words) Be honest in this response. If you need to take a break before applying to medical school, write about how you will use your time. Discuss all volunteer work, extracurricular interests or clinical experience that you plan to participate in. If you have a goal for this period, provide it. If you need to work to save up money to apply—state this in your response. Explain where you intend to work and your anticipated responsibilities.

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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.) If applicable, create a list of all the reasons why you were not able to graduate in four years. After ranking your list in order of importance, use this as your outline. Having multiple interests or double majors will only help your application, as the reader will have the opportunity to learn more about your unique talents and interests. 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. It is not necessary to write anything in this section. (2,000 character limit, approximately 400 words) Though this essay is also optional, I would strongly recommend responding to it. Using an updated copy of your resume or CV, work backwards from the most current to the oldest experiences. What are your other interests, outside of medicine? Have you lived or worked in another country? Did you win any science or non-science awards or fairs in your early education? Focus this response on educational experiences—talents or skills you developed through training or learning opportunities (formal education or self-taught). 5. We have found that for most applicants, an extra essay written expressly for Boston University adds little to the information content of the portfolio. While we no longer require an essay, some applicants feel that additional information is necessary in order to provide us with a comprehensive understanding of their strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine. If you wish, use the space below to offer an essay or any other information, addressing any issue you feel is of importance. If you choose to use the space, please do not duplicate information provided elsewhere in this Supplemental Application or in material you have submitted to AMCAS. For most applicants, no supplementary essay will be necessary and this space can be left blank.

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In this response, you could focus on any clinical, research, or science related experiences that you have not already covered in detail in your personal statement that would reveal your commitment to a career in medicine. Again, this essay is also optional, but by responding to it you will be demonstrating your interest in the BUSM Program. Using a copy of your resume/CV or a timeline of your life experiences could assist you in deciding what to write about in this response. Be strategic in your selection— cover information that you have not yet discussed that will highlight your strengths as an applicant. BUSM Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1, 2013 Secondary Application Deadline: January 3, 2014 (Strong recommendation: Submit within two weeks after receipt.) Interviews Conducted Early October 2013 to Mid-February 2014 Earliest Notice of Acceptance Mid-January 2014

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Georgetown University School of Medicine Given the Jesuit influence on their school and their adoption of the Cura Personalis philosophy, I recommend covering your clinical, research, and community service experience in their secondary application essay. They place special emphasis on training physicians to treat medically underserved communities. Highlight your personal connections, volunteer work and leadership roles in medically underserved communities.

Georgetown University School of Medicine 2014 Essay Questions: • • •

One short essay, with a character limit of 1,000, and one long essay, with a character limit of 5,000. Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicant’s strengths.

The following essay is required in the Secondary Application: Short answer: Georgetown University School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of diversity. Please describe how any personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the diversity of, and bring educational benefits to, our student body. (1,000 characters) Using an updated draft of your resume or CV as well as a copy of the activities section of your AMCAS application, select those experiences that you feel will be most helpful in sharing with your classmates. Did you learn to speak another language? Have you traveled to other countries to assist medically underserved communities? Do you have experience working with a particular patient population? More personally, what characteristics stand out most about you? How will your particular perspective of the world, based on this individuality, allow you to assist your classmates in becoming better doctors? Essay: Why have you chosen to apply to Georgetown University School of Medicine, and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? Please note: Essays should not exceed one single-spaced page at 12 point font (c. 5,000 characters).

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Since this is such a long essay, it will be helpful to draw upon your previous experiences to demonstrate why your values align with those of Georgetown. Use concrete, specific examples to explain how and why you will integrate easily into their study body. The second part of this essay prompt requires that you focus on the future. After researching their curriculum and special programs, you can explain how each of these will enhance your medical education and allow you to pursue your life goals and career interests as a physician. Make a list and use this as an outline to guide your response. Focus on the most important points last; they may be forgotten if you include them at the beginning of such a long essay. For that reason, it will be important to provide a concise summary of what you’ve covered in the conclusion. Georgetown Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: October 31, 2013 Secondary Application Deadline: December 18, 2013 Check out our Med School Admissions 101 pages for in-depth resources and tips on these topics and more!

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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

In 2009, Icahn SOM received the Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Service because it places special emphasis on recruiting students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a strong dedication to community service through long-term involvement and leadership roles. Implication for applicants: Highlight the unique characteristics, talents and experiences that you have had that will enhance the diversity on Icahn’s campus. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 2014 Essay Questions: • • •

Two short essays, with a character limit of 250 and 200 words. Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicant’s strengths.

The following essays are required in the Secondary Application: 1. What makes you unique, someone who will add to the Mount Sinai community? (250 words) Since this question is intentionally broad, this is your opportunity to reflect on all the factors that define your character and identity. What are permanent parts of your personality or defining characteristics that have always been important to you? Which are relatively new ones that play a large part in who you are today? Make a list—be creative. Take a short break before ranking the list. Rank the items based on relevance, meaning use only those characteristics that will be helpful to you and your classmates in your medical education. If you have always had a wonderful sense of humor and have performed at comedy clubs or at hospitals, mention this! There are so many possibilities and combinations of characteristics. If you are stuck on this question, you can ask friends and/or family to help you identify your defining characteristics.

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2. Indicate the reasons for your specific interest in Mount Sinai. (200 words) Basically, the adcom wants you to demonstrate your knowledge of their program. To provide the best response, do your research. The more personal connections you can draw between the school’s values and your volunteer and life experiences, the stronger your response will be. If you are interested in continuing research in a particular area, find out if Icahn offers opportunities in this specific field. If you can attend pre-med conferences, sometimes they will have representatives from different medical schools present. Attending such fairs is another great way to gather intel about what medical schools, including Icahn, offer their medical students. Icahn Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: October 15, 2013 Secondary Application Deadline: December 1, 2013 (Strong recommendation: Submit within two weeks after receipt.) Rolling Admissions: Begins November 15, 2013

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Michigan State University College of Human Medicine According to a 2010 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, this school is ranked #6 out of 141 U.S. medical schools for meeting its social mission to educate doctors who are underrepresented in medicine and who will work in underserved communities. They have six different campuses spread across the state of Michigan so students receive exposure to diverse patient populations, with their headquarters located in Grand Rapids. Their state-ofthe-art facilities were competed in 2010.

When drafting your responses to their secondary questions it’s important to review the school’s mission statement: “Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is committed to educating exemplary physicians and scholars, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing service at home and abroad. We enhance our communities by providing outstanding primary and specialty care, promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, and responding to the needs of the medically underserved.” Since the three short essay questions required in their secondary application are general in nature, what experiences or characteristics can you identify in your life or yourself that align with the schools values? Michigan State University College of Human Medicine 2014 Essay Questions: • • • •

Three short essays are required with a limit of 350 words. Six optional short essays are requested for students interested in the special programs that they offer with word limits of 350. Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicant’s strengths.

The following essays are required in the Secondary Application: 1. Discuss a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone. What were the challenges? What did you learn? (350 word limit) There are many possible ways to approach this response. Using an experience that covers your exploration of a new language and culture or an example in which you worked with a new group of people as a team or a familiar group of people on a new goal would work as well. Choose an experience that allowed you to develop and grow as a person that had a clearly positive outcome. Journaling may be a helpful way to locate the best example from your life to use. © Copyright 2013

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2. Describe a personally rewarding experience. What did you learn about yourself through this experience? You are permitted to use an experience included in your AMCAS application, as long as you didn’t go into great detail in your AMCAS application (including personal statement and experiences) or in Essay One, or you can discuss a different aspect of the experience. (350 word limit) The adcom wants to determine what you value by what you find rewarding in your life. It’s important to be authentic. I recommend choosing something that is truly fulfilling for you but that also will demonstrate how well you will fit in with the culture of service created at MSUCHM. A response that focuses on any form of service that you have most enjoyed will fit this response nicely. Alternatively, any personal achievements that you have worked towards may also work—as long as they benefited more than one person. 3. If you could present yourself to the Committee on Admissions, what would you want to make sure they knew about you? (350 word limit) For such an open-ended question, I recommend that you review your AMCAS application in detail to see if there is anything that you didn’t cover. Other important topics to consider discussing may have occurred before college or after you submitted your AMCAS application that you can share with the adcom. It’s important to take the time and effort to respond to this question as thoughtfully as possible. If you’re really struggling for a topic, consider any hobbies or talents outside of school that will help you maintain your balance and focus in medical school. MSUCHM Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1, 2013 Secondary Application Deadline: November 30, 2013 (Submit within two weeks after receipt.)

Create a secondary essay that expands the school's image of who you are, while seamlessly complementing the other parts of your application. Delve into the tips on our Secondary 101 advice page.

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UC Davis School of Medicine

According to the U.S. News and World Report, UCDSOM is ranked #19 for primary care and #42 for research. This medical school campus is unique in that is has seven student-run clinics: Paul Hom Asian Clinic, Clinica Tepati, Imani Clinic, Shifa Clinic, Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic, Bayanihan Clinic, and the Willow Clinic. Medical students can begin serving a diverse patient population early in their education and take on critical leadership roles in community health. This school also provides several special programs to provide you with training appropriate to the area you wish to serve—the Rural PRIME Program, Accelerated Competency-based Education in Primary Care (ACE-PC) Program, the San Joaquin Valley PRIME Program, The Transforming Education and Community Health Program for Medical Students (TEACH-MS) Program, and the Physician Scientist Training Program. They are looking for students who can accurately self-assess their strengths and weaknesses and who will bring a diverse background, perspective and skill set to their campus. UC Davis School of Medicine 2014 Secondary Application Essay Questions: • • • •

Four 1,500-character essays are required. Five additional essays are requested for applicants interested in applying to the special programs that they now offer with a character limit of 1,500 for each one. Applicants should use single line spacing and 10 or 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight all of an applicant’s strengths.

The following essays are included in the Secondary Application: 1. Discuss any elements of your application that you feel might be concerning to the Admissions Committee. (1,500 character limit) Here the admissions committee would like to see how accurately you can identify and address any weaknesses in your application. If it is challenging for you to identify any issues, it may be useful to have an advisor or medical school consultant review your application with you to select an appropriate topic to cover. The best responses will be those that are accurate and that have already been addressed so that you can end this essay on a high note. 2. How will your family, community, academic, work or other life experiences enhance the UC Davis School of Medicine community? (1,500 character limit)

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The best way to approach this type of general question on diversity is to identify those aspects of your background in the areas requested (“family, community, academic, work, or other life experiences) that are unique to you. Start by making a list. What was unusual about your family, etc.? After creating a short list for each area—quickly select those that you feel are most revealing of your character and identity. The more diverse the combination of characteristics and experiences, the better! 3. Based upon your personal life experiences, what do you foresee as challenges in medical school and in your future career? (1,500 character limit) Through this response, they are looking again for accurate self-assessment. By using an anecdote from your past of a challenge you overcame—you can put a positive spin on this essay. Choosing an issue that is a common problem for everyone—like time management—will allow you to be honest and demonstrate the creativity and discipline required of your strategy. Projecting how your strategy will allow you to be successful in medical school and beyond— through your career—will allow you to demonstrate your long term planning and goal setting skills. 4. What have you been doing since submitting your AMCAS application? Include contact information for any references related to these experiences. (1,500 character limit) Using an updated draft of your resume or CV, you can easily create an outline for your response to this essay question. Be sure to include everything you’ve done since submitting the application—including hobbies, exercise goals (for example, marathons or triathlons), volunteer work, travel, publications, full or part time work, research, care-giving for friends or family members, etc. The more meaningful activities that you can include, while demonstrating that you establish a healthy balance in your life, the more helpful your response will be. 5. The Rural-Program In Medical Education is designed for students interested in becoming physician leaders in rural California communities. Rural-PRIME curricular enhancements include: weekly seminars in the first and second years, leadership, community engagement and cultural competency, hands-on skill sessions, mentorship and teaching with rural physicians, clinical rotations in rural communities in the third year, leadership and research opportunities related to rural health in the final year. To apply to Rural PRIME, please respond to the following 3 questions. Otherwise please insert “not applicable”. A. Please tell us why you would like to be considered for the program. B. Please describe your experiences working with underserved communities. C. What are your future plans to practice in a rural underserved community?

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If interested in applying to this program, research its website. After you have read through the relevant webpages and taken notes about what interests you about their program, you can begin to attack the three-part essay question. In the first part, you’ll want to have a concrete reason to practice in a rural area, for example, personal experience living in a rural community, at any time in your life. In the second part, you’ll want to discuss the work you have done to help those in need—patients from the most vulnerable populations. This could include a diverse list of communities that you’ve worked with. Lastly, explain how this program will help you achieve your goals in choosing to serve a rural community as a physician. Talk through your response with a friend, advisor, or med school consultant, or create an outline to provide your best work. 6. In 2014, UCDSOM will launch a new 3-year pathway for students committed to primary care careers, the Accelerated Competency-based Education in Primary Care (ACE-PC) program. Davis ACE-PC allows a select group of eligible students to complete medical school in 3 years and receive a conditional acceptance to a UC Davis or Kaiser Permanente Northern California residency program in primary care. Students who are accepted to the UCDSOM 4-year program and who plan a career in primary care Internal Medicine or Family Medicine will be considered for the program. If you would like to be considered for Davis ACE-PC, please tell us what attributes or experiences would make you a good fit for the program. If you are not interested, please insert “Not Applicable”. This is a brand new program that UCDSOM will be offering to address the primary care physician shortage by offering students the chance to complete their medical educations in a shorter time frame. Review their website in detail here. If this sounds like the program, for you— apply! Highlight information that shows your ability to successfully complete educational goals, projects, and publications at a record speed with high quality work. If you thrive under pressure, give examples of doing so. 7. The UC Davis – UCSF Fresno – UC Merced San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education (SJV PRIME) is a tailored leadership pathway for students committed to providing care for the medically underserved in the San Joaquin Valley. To apply to SJV PRIME, please respond to the following 3 questions. Otherwise please insert “not applicable”. A. Please tell us about your ties to the San Joaquin Valley. B. Please describe an experience where you learned about a challenge in the San Joaquin Valley. C. After you complete your medical training, where (city or county) do you intend to practice and why?

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This program is mainly for students who grew up in the San Joaquin Valley or who have a direct connection to it. The website has more information about their curriculum. If you do not have any connection to the area, I do not recommend that you apply. The essay responses all revolve around the strength of this connection. Several of my former students who grew up in the San Joaquin Valley are now participating in this program. 8. The Transforming Education and Community Health Program for Medical Students (TEACHMS) program is a four year tailored program for students committed to primary care and care for the urban underserved. If you would like to apply to TEACH-MS, please respond to the following 3 questions. Otherwise, please insert “not applicable”. A. Please tell us about your motivation to pursue a career in primary care (Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Pediatrics). B. Please describe an experience that has shaped your commitment to underserved communities. C. Please tell us how participating in the TEACH-MS program will enhance your career as a primary care physician for urban underserved communities. This is another program that is specialized in focusing your education on primary care with an emphasis on community health education. This website provides lots of useful information and links. Dr. Tonya Fancher and Dr. Jorge Garcia are the co-directors. They are two incredible individuals—with the ability to inspire and guide community change. In responding to this three-part essay, make a list for the first part. Why internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics? Do you have clinical and/or shadowing experience in those areas? Have you completed relevant research? Secondly, do you have experience in working with patients who were uninsured, unable to assess medical care until their health issues became life-threatening, or only able to access care through government aid programs? If yes, describe those experiences and why they inspire you to continue working with this community. Third, how will their support and program allow you to reach your goals as a doctor for this particular patient population? 9. The Physician Scientist Training Program is designed for students interested in becoming clinician investigators and leads to a dual degree (MD-PhD). The program includes 4 years of dedicated research in addition to the standard medical school curriculum. If you are interested in this program, please describe your research experience, qualifications, and future goals. Otherwise, please insert “Not applicable”.

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This is a highly competitive program because they have such a limited number of spots available as there is a large investment of time required for MD/PhDs to complete their training. Before applying, review your resume or CV in detail. If you do not have years of research experience or any publications, I would recommend that you reconsider applying to this program. They are looking for applicants with a strong, long-term background in research. To respond to this essay, use your CV to draft an outline—highlighting the most relevant experience to this program, as described on their website. UCDSOM Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: October 1, 2013 Secondary Application Deadline: Strong recommendation to submit within two weeks after receipt. Interview Invitations: July 2013 - January 2014 Interviews Conducted: Mid-August 2013 - February 2014 Acceptance Notifications: October 15, 2013 - July 15, 2014 Waitlist Notifications: May 15, 2014 - July 15, 2014 School Begins: Early August 2014

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University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

This medical school is looking for student leaders from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a strong scientific foundation, thrive in team settings, and find solutions to complex issues. In this secondary application, I recommend focusing on what makes you a unique applicant—your love of science or learning and how you’ve pursued that interest, your connection to medically underserved communities, and your commitment to providing assistance to those in need, and the qualities and talents that you will share with your classmates and that will enhance your approach to patient care. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine 2014 Medical School Essay Questions: • • • •

Two essays are required; the first essay has a 550-word limit and the second essay has a 400-word limit. An additional optional essay is requested, with no word limit. Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicant’s strengths.

The following are required in the Secondary Application: “At the University of Chicago in an atmosphere of interdisciplinary scholarship and discovery, the Pritzker School of Medicine is dedicated to inspiring diverse students of exceptional promise to become leaders and innovators in science and medicine for the betterment of humanity.” Essay Question 1. Our Mission Statement above is an expression of our core purpose and educational philosophy. In particular, it highlights the value we place on diversity since we regard the diversity of the entering class as essential for educational excellence. Please write an essay on how you would enhance diversity at Pritzker and advance the Pritzker mission. We suggest that you limit your essay to about 550 words. Create a list of what you would contribute in terms of diversity. Approach this list creatively. You can include anything from your ethnicity, language and cultural background to work experience and hobbies or talents. For example, if you are a talented artist or teacher, how would you share these skills with your classmates? Selecting only the most relevant and important items from your list, use this as your outline. Explain clearly how each characteristic you cover will benefit your classmates and community. © Copyright 2013

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Essay Question 2. Tell us about 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. We suggest that you limit your essay to about 400 words. For this response, it would be appropriate to discuss a death in the family or serious illness of a family member or friend. This essay would demonstrate your level of maturity and highlight healthy coping mechanisms you have developed. Or you could use a professional example. In the latter case, be sure to select an example that has a clearly positive outcome as a direct result of your efforts. Once you have selected the situation, explain how you were able to identify a successful approach and create a positive outcome, even if only to gain closure. (Optional) Additional Information. Please feel free to use this space to convey any additional information that you might wish the Committee to know. We suggest that you limit your text to about 200 words. Use this essay to update the adcom on your recent activities and publications. If you have already covered all significant experiences in your primary application and in the essays above, discuss how you have spent your time since submitting the primary application. Pritzker SOM Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: October 15, 2013 Secondary Application Deadline: December 2, 2013 11:59 PM CST (Strong recommendation: Submit within two weeks after receipt.) Interviews Conducted: August 27, 2014 - January 30, 2014 Rolling Admissions: Begins October 15, 2013

Is your MCAT score or GPA not as high as you'd like it to be? That doesn't mean you're doomed to top med school rejection. It does mean you have choices and options. Explore your options on our Dealing with a Low MCAT or GPA advice page.

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University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine With excellent ratings in research and primary care, UPENN is looking for students with strong communication skills who can articulate their motivations to study medicine and serve as community leaders. Providing further information and insight in this secondary application about the reasons why you are motivated to study medicine at UPENN will be important. Even better, if those motivations illuminate character and how your life goals have shaped you as a person and leader, you will impress the adcom. University of Pennsylvania 2013 Medical School Essay Question: • • •

One short essay with a 1,000 character limit is required. Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight all of an applicant’s strengths, especially to demonstrate how they align with the UPENN mission statement and goals.

The following are required in the Secondary Application: Please explain your reasons for applying to the Perelman School of Medicine and limit your response to 1,000 characters. Since this secondary question requests a short essay, be succinct in your response. Start by doing your research on UPENN; read their mission statement, standards for admission, and basic requirements. Check out the structure and focus of their curriculum. What excites you about their school? Do you have a connection to their location? Do they offer any special programs or specialties that you are interested in? In what ways are the school’s goals similar to your own? How will their faculty, curriculum, or special programs better prepare you for a career in medicine? UPENN 2014 Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: October 15.

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Weill Cornell Medical College

WCMC has seven core values that they emphasize: Integrity, Mission Driven, Vision, Excellence, Customer Service, Accountability and Teamwork. In upholding these high standards, they are ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as #16 in Research and #58 for Best Primary Care. Students are taught in small groups with a focus on problembased learning. Clinical experience is integrated in the first years of study. They have an impressive range of research opportunities and global health programs available. Given the structure of their curriculum, they will be looking for students with a sophisticated level of critical thinking skills. Weill Cornell Medical College 2014 Essay Questions: • • •

Two short essays are required with a limit of 200 words. Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicant’s strengths.

The following essays are required in the Secondary Application: 1. Why Cornell? (200 words) To provide the strongest response to this question, review the whole range of educational opportunities available at WCMC. The complete list of special M.D. programs offered is listed on their website. Demonstrate how well you know their school and how much research you have done by establishing a clear understanding of what they offer that will most benefit you by helping you reach your career goals. Since space is limited, keep this essay focused and select only the most relevant and important reasons why you want to attend their medical school. 2. What is a challenge you faced and overcame? (200 words) In selecting an experience to share, choose one in which you exercised a high level of agency and critical thinking skills to create a clearly successful outcome. This could be a personal or professional obstacle. Outline how and why the obstacle was so challenging and demonstrate why the choices you made, based on your thought process, allowed you to navigate the situation to create the best short and long term outcomes for you and anyone else involved. WCMC Application Timeline: AMCAS Application Deadline: October 15, 2013 Acceptance Notifications: Begins in Early March School Begins: Third Week of August 2014

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Epilogue

Thank you for downloading this exclusive Accepted.com special report. We hope you will use the valuable tips in this report to optimize your medical school applications by writing compelling, thoughtful answers to the essay questions. If you are still not confident about your ability to write effective application essays, or just want to save time, please contact Accepted.com. While our experienced professional editing staff won’t write your essays for you, we can help you from the beginning, as you’re defining your topics and themes, or we can edit your essays to ensure that your application is as strong as it can be. If you have any questions about this report, or questions about med school admissions in general, please feel free to post them to our Facebook wall, or LinkedIn group. We look forward to hearing from you!

About the Author

Alicia Nimonkar is an Accepted.com advisor and editor specializing in healthcare admissions. Prior to joining Accepted, Alicia worked for five years as Student Advisor at UC Davis’ postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and related programs. Alicia is happy to advise you and edit your primary and secondary medical school application essays

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