secondary application tips

Many medical schools include an optional essay in their secondary applications. Obviously, this “optional” essay is not required, and the essay prompt sometimes emphasizes this point. Often, the question will include the stipulation that you cannot include anything that was already mentioned in...

Now that you’ve (hopefully) finished up your primary med school application, what’s next? Ideally, not stressing yourself out by reading the forums on SDN for the next six months…you’ll go mad! Instead, how about conquering your anxiety by slicing through all the noise and misinformation about...

Stony Brook SOM is located in New York. It has a three-part mission that includes research, education and service. For students interested in applying to SBU SOM, you will need to do thorough research and use secondary sources to learn more about the school. If it is one of your top choices or...

Yes, another thread asking for advice about what to write for those secondary diversity essays... In terms of demographics, I'm nothing special (22, white, female, middle class, parents still married, grew up in suburbia). I've brainstormed a few topics, but I'm not feeling too compelled about...

Hey, so I'm wondering others' opinions on a topic I'm considering writing on for some of the 'additional comments' sections of secondaries. Essentially, I'm a Bio major and English minor, and my science GPA is a 3.7 from mostly A/A-'s, however, my cumulative GPA is a 3.6 because I found my...

The curriculum and goals of George Washington SMHS center on its ability to graduate “Physician Citizens.” Since the school is located in the most powerful city in the U.S., Washington D.C., GW emphasizes the opportunities to treat the area’s diverse communities. It is essential to have years of...

Look through our full article on SDN here! The Art of Writing Med School Secondaries - Student Doctor Network 5 Tips You Must Implement on your Secondaries There are tons of articles explaining the generic to-do’s and not-to-do’s for secondaries, so I won’t spend a ton of time on them. There...

You’ve taken the MCAT, completed all the pre-reqs, and maybe shadowed a physician, done some research, and volunteered. Now it’s time to make sure you’re all in for the last legs of this long journey. In this series, we’ll discuss how you can continue to navigate your way to a med school...

Given UWSOM’s top ranking in primary care, they will be looking for applicants with a strong interest in patient education and community health. This secondary application will require that you provide an autobiographical essay and answer three to four short essay questions. In constructing your...

UPSOM places special emphasis on their collaborative problem-based curriculum and the fact that their medical students begin interacting with patients in their first year of medical school. Providing the best care to patients through research, education, leadership and diversity is central to...

Thomas Jefferson Medical College is located in Philadelphia and prides itself on educating physicians who will provide integrated community healthcare. For example, one of their unique programs focuses on providing physicians for rural areas. The new curriculum integrates basic sciences with...

Duke University’s Medical School is ranked 8th among its peers with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and inclusiveness among the student body. They aim to use medical research to solve global problems. Duke emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and attention to community health problems. The...

This medical school places special emphasis on the relationships formed during medical school with classmates and faculty. Students participate in small group learning activities through the four colleges. In the first two years of medical school, students create their own project to self-direct...

Our recent webinar, Secondary Application Strategies for Essays That Score Interviews, was a huge success! If you missed it (or want to see it again), it’s available for viewing and download here. If you have any questions about your secondary applications, or would like to speak with one of...

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...