Medical School Secondary Handbook Tips

8/11/2019 Medical School Secondary Handbook Tips

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-2- Copyright 2013 Accepted.com

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3Boston 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......................................21Weill Cornell Medical College................................................................................22

Epilogue....................................................................................................................23

About the Author......................................................................................................23
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Disclaimer: Please double-check the original application on each individual med schoolswebsite to ensure accuracy. Accepted.com is not responsible for any discrepancies in the text orany changes that may have been made to the original applications since the time of publishing.

Note: As you read through this special report youll find that we formatted it as clearly as

possible so you can easily tell where Accepted.com commentary begins and ends. Med schooldirections and questions are typed in standard font, while Accepted.com comments are allitalicized.
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Boston University

BUSMs MD Program offers students theopportunity to work with patients beginning intheir first year of medical school. Students willreceive their clinical training at the prestigious

Boston Medical Center, which has the largesttrauma center in the Northeast. Students also havethe option of pursuing a Masters Degree in Public

Health. The secondary application consists of fiveoptional 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 applicants 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 characterlimit, approximately 280 words)

Medical schools love non-traditional applicants who have life experience. If this essay promptapplies to you, provide a brief explanation of how you spent your time before enrolling incollegedetailing 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 onsignificant responsibility at a young age. Responding to this prompt will only help yourapplication.

2. If you are not expecting to go directly to medical school after completing your undergraduatework, 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, writeabout how you will use your time. Discuss all volunteer work, extracurricular interests orclinical 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 applystate this in your response. Explain where youintend 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 skipthis 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 interestsor double majors will only help your application, as the reader will have the opportunity to learnmore about your unique talents and interests.

4. Please provide a narrative or timeline to describe any features of your educational history thatyou think may be of particular interest to us. For example, have you lived in another country orexperienced a culture unlike your own, or worked in a field that contributed to yourunderstanding of people unlike yourself? Or, have you experienced advanced training in anyarea, 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 writeanything in this section. (2,000 character limit, approximately 400 words)

Though this essay is also optional, I would strongly recommend responding to it. Using anupdated copy of your resume or CV, work backwards from the most current to the oldestexperiences. What are your other interests, outside of medicine? Have you lived or worked inanother country? Did you win any science or non-science awards or fairs in your earlyeducation? Focus this response on educational experiencestalents or skills you developedthrough training or learning opportunities (formal education or self-taught).

5. We have found that for most applicants, an extra essay written expressly for Boston Universityadds little to the information content of the portfolio. While we no longer require an essay, someapplicants feel that additional information is necessary in order to provide us with acomprehensive understanding of their strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine. If youwish, use the space below to offer an essay or any other information, addressing any issue youfeel 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 toAMCAS.

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 yourcommitment to a career in medicine.

Again, this essay is also optional, but by responding to it you will be demonstrating your interestin the BUSM Program. Using a copy of your resume/CV or a timeline of your life experiencescould 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 anapplicant.

BUSM Application Timeline :

AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1, 2013

Secondary Application Deadline: January 3, 2014 (Strong recommendation: Submit within twoweeks 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, Irecommend covering your clinical, research, andcommunity service experience in their secondaryapplication essay. They place special emphasis ontraining physicians to treat medically underservedcommunities. Highlight your personal connections,volunteer work and leadership roles in medicallyunderserved communities.

Georgetown University School of Medicine 2014Essay Questions:

One short essay, with a character limit of 1,000, and one long essay, with a characterlimit of 5,000.

Applicants should use single line spacing and 12 point size font. Responses should be constructed strategically to highlight an applicants 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 bringeducational 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 countriesto 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 yourclassmates in becoming better doctors?

Essay: Why have you chosen to apply to Georgetown University School of Medicine, and howdo you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for thefuture? Please note: Essays should not exceed one single-spaced page at 12 point font (c. 5,000characters).
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Since this is such a long essay, it will be helpful to draw upon your previous experiences todemonstrate why your values align with those of Georgetown. Use concrete, specific examples toexplain 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 anoutline to guide your response.

Focus on the most important points last; they may be forgotten if you include them at thebeginning of such a long essay. For that reason, it will be important to provide a concisesummary of what youve 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 fromdiverse backgrounds who demonstrate a strongdedication to community service through long-term involvement and leadership roles. Implication forapplicants: Highlight the unique characteristics, talentsand experiences that you have had that will enhance thediversity on Icahns campus.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 2014 EssayQuestions:

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 applicants 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 thatdefine your character and identity. What are permanent parts of your personality or definingcharacteristics that have always been important to you? Which are relatively new ones that playa large part in who you are today? Make a listbe creative. Take a short break before rankingthe list. Rank the items based on relevance, meaning use only those characteristics that will behelpful to you and your classmates in your medical education. If you have always had awonderful 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 thisquestion, 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 thebest response, do your research. The more personal connections you can draw between theschools 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 offersopportunities in this specific field. If you can attend pre-med conferences, sometimes they willhave representatives from different medical schools present. Attending such fairs is anothergreat way to gather intel about what medical schools, including Icahn, offer their medicalstudents.

Icahn Application Timeline :


Secondary Application Deadline: December 1, 2013 (Strong recommendation: Submit withintwo 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 ofInternal Medicine , this school is ranked #6 out of 141U.S. medical schools for meeting its social mission toeducate doctors who are underrepresented inmedicine and who will work in underservedcommunities. They have six different campuses spreadacross the state of Michigan so students receiveexposure to diverse patient populations, with theirheadquarters located in Grand Rapids. Their state-of-the-art facilities were competed in 2010.

When drafting your responses to their secondaryquestions its important to review the schoolsmission statement: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is committed toeducating exemplary physicians and scholars, discovering and disseminating new knowledge,and providing service at home and abroad. We enhance our communities by providingoutstanding primary and specialty care, promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, andresponding to the needs of the medically underserved. Since the three short essay questionsrequired in their secondary application are general in nature, what experiences orcharacteristics 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 applicants strengths.


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 yourexploration of a new language and culture or an example in which you worked with a new groupof people as a team or a familiar group of people on a new goal would work as well. Choose anexperience that allowed you to develop and grow as a person that had a clearly positiveoutcome. Journaling may be a helpful way to locate the best example from your life to use.
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2. Describe a personally rewarding experience. What did you learn about yourself through thisexperience? You are permitted to use an experience included in your AMCAS application, aslong as you didnt 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. (350word limit)

The adcom wants to determine what you value by what you find rewarding in your life. Itsimportant to be authentic . I recommend choosing something that is truly fulfilling for you butthat 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 fitthis response nicely. Alternatively, any personal achievements that you have worked towardsmay also workas long as they benefited more than one person.

3. If you could present yourself to the Committee on Admissions, what would you want to makesure they knew about you? (350 word limit)

For such an open-ended question, I recommend that you review your AMCAS application indetail to see if there is anything that you didnt cover. Other important topics to considerdiscussing may have occurred before college or after you submitted your AMCAS applicationthat you can share with the adcom. Its important to take the time and effort to respond to thisquestion as thoughtfully as possible. If youre really struggling for a topic, consider any hobbiesor talents outside of school that will help you maintain your balance and focus in medicalschool.

MSUCHM A pplication 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 isunique in that is has seven student-run clinics:Paul Hom Asian Clinic, Clinica Tepati, ImaniClinic, Shifa Clinic, Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic,

Bayanihan Clinic, and the Willow Clinic. Medicalstudents can begin serving a diverse patient

population early in their education and take oncritical leadership roles in community health. This school also provides several special

programs to provide you with training appropriate to the area you wish to servethe Rural

PRIME Program, Accelerated Competency-based Education in Primary Care (ACE-PC)Program, the San Joaquin Valley PRIME Program, The Transforming Education andCommunity Health Program for Medical Students (TEACH-MS) Program, and the PhysicianScientist Training Program. They are looking for students who can accurately self-assess theirstrengths and weaknesses and who will bring a diverse background, perspective and skill set totheir 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 applicants 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 AdmissionsCommittee. (1,500 character limit)

Here the admissions committee would like to see how accurately you can identify and addressany weaknesses in your application. If it is challenging for you to identify any issues, it may beuseful 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 havealready 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 UCDavis 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 lifeexperiences) that are unique to you. Start by making a list. What was unusual about your family,etc.? After creating a short list for each areaquickly select those that you feel are mostrevealing 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 medicalschool and in your future career? (1,500 character limit)

Through this response, they are looking again for accurate self-assessment. By using ananecdote 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 everyonelike time managementwill 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 careerwill allow you to demonstrate your long term planning and goal setting

skills.4. What have you been doing since submitting your AMCAS application? Include contactinformation 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 responseto this essay question. Be sure to include everything youve done since submitting theapplicationincluding hobbies, exercise goals (for example, marathons or triathlons), volunteerwork, travel, publications, full or part time work, research, care-giving for friends or familymembers, etc. The more meaningful activities that you can include, while demonstrating that youestablish 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 enhancementsinclude: weekly seminars in the first and second years, leadership, community engagement andcultural competency, hands-on skill sessions, mentorship and teaching with rural physicians,clinical rotations in rural communities in the third year, leadership and research opportunitiesrelated to rural health in the final year.

To apply to Rural PRIME, please respond to the following 3 questions. Otherwise please insertnot 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 therelevant webpages and taken notes about what interests you about their program, you can beginto attack the three-part essay question. In the first part, youll want to have a concrete reason to

practice in a rural area, for example, personal experience living in a rural community, at anytime in your life. In the second part, youll want to discuss the work you have done to help thosein needpatients from the most vulnerable populations. This could include a diverse list ofcommunities that youve 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 responsewith 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 carecareers, 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 yearsand 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 programand who plan a career in primary care Internal Medicine or Family Medicine will be consideredfor the program.

If you would like to be considered for Davis ACE-PC, please tell us what attributes orexperiences would make you a good fit for the program. If you are not interested, please insertNot 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 ashorter 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 MedicalEducation (SJV PRIME ) is a tailored leadership pathway for students committed to providingcare for the medically underserved in the San Joaquin Valley.

To apply to SJV PRIME, please respond to the following 3 questions. Otherwise please insertnot 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 JoaquinValley.

C . After you complete your medical training, where (city or county) do you intend to practice and why?
http://www.accepted.com/http://www.accepted.com/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/rural_prime/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/rural_prime/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/rural_prime/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/ACE-PC/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/rural_prime/http://www.accepted.com/


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This program is mainly for students who grew up in the San Joaquin Valley or who have a directconnection to it. The website has more information about their curriculum. If you do not haveany connection to the area, I do not recommend that you apply. The essay responses all revolvearound 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 (TEACH-MS ) program is a four year tailored program for students committed to primary care and care forthe 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 (InternalMedicine, Family Medicine, or Pediatrics).

B. Please describe an experience that has shaped your commitment to underservedcommunities.

C. Please tell us how participating in the TEACH-MS program will enhance your careeras a primary care physician for urban underserved communities.

This is another program that is specialized in focusing your education on primary care with anemphasis on community health education. This website provides lots of useful information andlinks. Dr. Tonya Fancher and Dr. Jorge Garcia are the co-directors. They are two incredibleindividualswith 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 thoseareas? Have you completed relevant research? Secondly, do you have experience in workingwith patients who were uninsured, unable to assess medical care until their health issues becamelife-threatening, or only able to access care through government aid programs? If yes, describethose experiences and why they inspire you to continue working with this community. Third, howwill 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 becomingclinician 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 inthis program, please describe your research experience, qualifications, and future goals.Otherwise, please insert Not applicable.
http://www.accepted.com/http://www.accepted.com/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/index.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/TEACH-MS/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/sjvprime/http://www.accepted.com/


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This is a highly competitive program because they have such a limited number of spots availableas there is a large investment of time required for MD/PhDs to complete their training. Beforeapplying, 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 arelooking for applicants with a strong, long-term background in research. To respond to thisessay, use your CV to draft an outlinehighlighting the most relevant experience to this

program, as described on their website .

UCDSOM Application Timeline :


Secondary Application Deadline: Strong recommendation to submit within two weeks afterreceipt.

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
http://www.accepted.com/http://www.accepted.com/http://blog.accepted.com/2012/06/20/the-six-commandments-for-a-successful-cv/http://blog.accepted.com/2012/06/20/the-six-commandments-for-a-successful-cv/http://blog.accepted.com/2012/06/20/the-six-commandments-for-a-successful-cv/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/about.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/admissions/how-to-apply.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/admissions/how-to-apply.htmlhttp://reports.accepted.com/five-fatal-flaws-to-avoid-in-your-med-school-essays?utm_campaign=Secondaryessay&utm_source=SUBSCRIBERS&utm_medium=PDF&utm_content=CTAhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/admissions/how-to-apply.htmlhttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/MD_Ph.D/about.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/2012/06/20/the-six-commandments-for-a-successful-cv/http://www.accepted.com/


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University of Chicago Pritzker School ofMedicine

This medical school is looking for student leaders

from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a strongscientific foundation, thrive in team settings, and findsolutions to complex issues. In this secondaryapplication, I recommend focusing on what makes

you a unique applicantyour love of science orlearning and how youve pursued that interest, yourconnection to medically underserved communities,and your commitment to providing assistance to thosein need, and the qualities and talents that you willshare 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 a400-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 applicants 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 promiseto 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 andeducational philosophy. In particular, it highlights the value we place on diversity since weregard the diversity of the entering class as essential for educational excellence. Please write anessay on how you would enhance diversity at Pritzker and advance the Pritzker mission. Wesuggest 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. Youcan include anything from your ethnicity, language and cultural background to work experienceand hobbies or talents. For example, if you are a talented artist or teacher, how would you sharethese 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.


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Essay Question 2. Tell us about a difficult or challenging situation you have encountered andhow you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills you called upon to resolvethe dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice. We suggest that you limityour 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 highlighthealthy coping mechanisms you have developed. Or you could use a professional example. In thelatter 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 asuccessful 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 additionalinformation that you might wish the Committee to know. We suggest that you limit your text toabout 200 words.

Use this essay to update the adcom on your recent activities and publications. If you havealready 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 :


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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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 problem-based learning. Clinical experience is integrated in the first

years of study. They have an impressive range of researchopportunities and global health programs available. Given thestructure of their curriculum, they will be looking for studentswith 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 applicants strengths.


1. Why Cornell? (200 words)

To provide the strongest response to this question, review the whole range of educationalopportunities available at WCMC. The complete list of special M.D. programs offered is listedon their website . Demonstrate how well you know their school and how much research you havedone 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 selectonly 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 agencyand 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 demonstratewhy the choices you made, based on your thought process, allowed you to navigate the situationto create the best short and long term outcomes for you and anyone else involved.

WCMC Application Timeline :


Acceptance Notifications: Begins in Early March

School Begins: Third Week of August 2014
http://www.accepted.com/http://www.accepted.com/http://weill.cornell.edu/education/curriculum/http://weill.cornell.edu/education/curriculum/http://weill.cornell.edu/education/curriculum/http://blog.accepted.com/2013/09/04/ugh-those-word-limits-2/http://blog.accepted.com/2013/09/04/ugh-those-word-limits-2/http://blog.accepted.com/2013/09/04/ugh-those-word-limits-2/http://blog.accepted.com/2012/08/01/7-signs-an-experience-belongs-in-your-application-essay/http://blog.accepted.com/2012/08/01/7-signs-an-experience-belongs-in-your-application-essay/http://blog.accepted.com/2012/08/01/7-signs-an-experience-belongs-in-your-application-essay/http://weill.cornell.edu/education/admissions/app_faq.htmlhttp://weill.cornell.edu/education/admissions/app_faq.htmlhttp://weill.cornell.edu/education/admissions/app_faq.htmlhttp://blog.accepted.com/2012/08/01/7-signs-an-experience-belongs-in-your-application-essay/http://blog.accepted.com/2013/09/04/ugh-those-word-limits-2/http://weill.cornell.edu/education/curriculum/http://www.accepted.com/


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-23- C i ht 2013 A t d

Epilogue

Thank you for downloading this exclusive Accepted.com special report. We hope you will usethe valuable tips in this report to optimize your medical school applications by writingcompelling, thoughtful answers to the essay questions.

If you are still not confident about your ability to write effective application essays, or just wantto save time, please contact Accepted.com . While our experienced professional editing staffwont write your essays for you, we can help you from the beginning, as youre defining yourtopics 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 healthcareadmissions. Prior to joining Accepted, Alicia worked for five years as StudentAdvisor at UC Davis postbac program where she both evaluated applications andadvised students applying successfully to med school and related programs. Aliciais happy to advise you and edit your primary and secondary medical schoolapplication essays
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Medical School Secondary Handbook Tips