2024-2025 McGovern

[wysdoc]

McGovern 2024-2025 Secondary Essay Prompts (question 3 is changed from last year and question 4 is added)
**McGovern has added a video-response portion to their process this year: a link will be sent ONLY to those selected for an interview and should be completed before your interview day.**

Question 1: (2500 character limit)
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)
In your answer include: Why was it challenging? How did you handle it? Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently? What did you learn?

Question 2: (2500 character limit)
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?

Question 3: (2500 character limit)
From what you understand about the rigors of medical school, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you? How do you think you are prepared for these challenges?

Question 4: (2500 character limit)
What hesitations or reservations, if any, do you have about joining the medical profession?


Good luck to all applying!
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University of Texas Medical School - McGovern (Houston) Interview Feedback

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[wysdoc]

I believe the character limit for each of these 4 questions is 2500, but I'll ask someone who has received the secondary to verify for us here.
Thank you!

 

[christopherincorporated]

My app was verified 5/15 and sent 5/23; I know mcgovern sends secondaries to all applicants, but any reason why I wouldn't have received the secondary yet?

 

[wysdoc]

My app was verified 5/15 and sent 5/23; I know mcgovern sends secondaries to all applicants, but any reason why I wouldn't have received the secondary yet?

Always check your spam or promotions folder.
If you are using your college email address, the college system sometimes quarantines emails with attachments.
Otherwise, it’s probably going to reach you soon because they are getting a big influx of primaries

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

I believe the character limit for each of these 4 questions is 2500, but I'll ask someone who has received the secondary to verify for us here.
Thank you!

I haven’t yet, but someone on the TMDSAS thread said they were able to copy paste a whole 5000 characters and nothing happened; same with a friend of mine who received the other day. Might be an early error, but just wanted to share!

 

[CheeesyBoi]

My app was verified 5/15 and sent 5/23; I know mcgovern sends secondaries to all applicants, but any reason why I wouldn't have received the secondary yet?

I am in the same boat. Are you IS or OOS?

 

[wysdoc]

I haven’t yet, but someone on the TMDSAS thread said they were able to copy paste a whole 5000 characters and nothing happened; same with a friend of mine who received the other day. Might be an early error, but just wanted to share!

More isn't always better!

 

[texasvandy]

More isn't always better!

Yep, people will just ignore after a couple of paragraphs.

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

More isn't always better!

Would you suggest sticking to 2500-3000-ish, assuming the "no character limit" stays? I wouldn't mind the extra characters to add depth to certain points (though I doubt I'd get beyond 4000), but I also don't want to bore the poor readers

 

[wysdoc]

Would you suggest sticking to 2500-3000-ish, assuming the "no character limit" stays? I wouldn't mind the extra characters to add depth to certain points (though I doubt I'd get beyond 4000), but I also don't want to bore the poor readers

wait for confirmation, aim for 2500

 

[bball2128]

wait for confirmation, aim for 2500

It is 2500 character limit!

 

[anonymous1234556]

My app was verified 5/15 and sent 5/23; I know mcgovern sends secondaries to all applicants, but any reason why I wouldn't have received the secondary yet?

same I did not get mine either and I was verified and transmitted on 5/17. I have checked all my junk and spam mail. I think maybe they are screening or something to determine the order in which people get secondaries.

 

[texasvandy]

McGovern usually releases secondaries on specific day(s?) of the week and not auto release everytime they have an app come from TMDSAS.

 

[Rite1234]

Incoming MS1 here. Happy to answer any questions!

 

[christopherincorporated]

I am in the same boat. Are you IS or OOS?

IS. Also weird because I've been getting the secondaries for a bunch of other schools

 

[wysdoc]

IS. Also weird because I've been getting the secondaries for a bunch of other schools

I think @texasvandy ’s comment is the most relevant, that McGovern will do a batch weekly and not send them out every hour as they come in.

 

[Watermelon_H]

We got the secondaries on 6/3 from McGovern

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

Is anyone else sad that they changed the 3rd prompt from the “how do you want to be remembered” one? I really liked that one 😔 (also made for a banger why us)

 

[Adiemus]

Just got my secondaries from McGovern. 2500 characters per essay is correct.

 

[wander21]

What could we say for the fourth question that wouldn't be a red flag?

 

[TheDeadrok]

What could we say for the fourth question that wouldn't be a red flag?

Not sure if this would be a red flag or not but I wrote a small blurb about how much family means to me and being worried that I won't be able to provide emotionally for my wife as well as I have historically, but then I mention how much her and I have discussed it and that we both feel prepared. Someone can let me know if this will come off red flag-y

 

[CheeesyBoi]

Not sure if this would be a red flag or not but I wrote a small blurb about how much family means to me and being worried that I won't be able to provide emotionally for my wife as well as I have historically, but then I mention how much her and I have discussed it and that we both feel prepared. Someone can let me know if this will come off red flag-y

I wrote about something very similar to this

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

What could we say for the fourth question that wouldn't be a red flag?

I spoke about burnout with some context from physicians I’ve spoken with, and how I plan to combat it (as well anyone can)

 

[texasvandy]

Stress, burnout, depression, debt, toll on family and/or loved ones - all raise the question of is it worth it.

 

[gym_panda]

I wanted to ask if I could talk about harassment for the first mcgovern question... it happened in middle school and I wanted to use my UTSW secondary question 2 (tweak it a little to better fit the mcgovern question). I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't raise any flags or if it was even appropriate to use here. Essentially my ass was grabbed almost every day in 8th grade and I was going to connect it to speaking up, patient advocacy, creating a safe space (worded way better obvi lol). Any advice if this works?

 

[stratdkt]

This school's MSAR profile lists the latest MCAT considered as January 2024. Is this their unique policy or could it be a mistake? Looking at other schools I've seen nothing else with such an early cutoff for when you can have the test score.

 

[wysdoc]

This school's MSAR profile lists the latest MCAT considered as January 2024. Is this their unique policy or could it be a mistake? Looking at other schools I've seen nothing else with such an early cutoff for when you can have the test score. View attachment 387870

That is the date listed on MSAR this year, but if you want to verify, a quick email to their admissions office to ask would be okay.
Let us know what you find out-

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Remember to schedule your Casper exam.

2024-2025 list of schools and their SJTs

Updated July 2, 2024 (page updated June 11) on The AAMC PREview® Professional Readiness Exam Participating Medical Schools and MSAR reports Look at the 2023 list to see if your school(s) wanted you to take an SJT. PREview scores are automatically released to AMCAS. Examinees do not need to...

forums.studentdoctor.net

 

[quinonoa]

For the 1st question, I have a much stronger essay that would answer the "obstacles" prompt, however I do also have some academic road bumps that could be addressed. Should I go with the stronger essay, or does it seem necessary to address the academic challenges despite being a much weaker essay.

 

[wysdoc]

For the 1st question, I have a much stronger essay that would answer the "obstacles" prompt, however I do also have some academic road bumps that could be addressed. Should I go with the stronger essay, or does it seem necessary to address the academic challenges despite being a much weaker essay.

The choice is yours

 

[stratdkt]

That is the date listed on MSAR this year, but if you want to verify, a quick email to their admissions office to ask would be okay.
Let us know what you find out-

They confirmed that it's for last cycle and to disregard!

 

[AppleDestroyer]

Do y'all think for question 3 it's appropriate to mention how you are ready but also acknowledge the difficulties of medical school and how McGovern can help or should it be focused entirely on how I am prepared now? Ty!

 

[TheDeadrok]

Do y'all think for question 3 it's appropriate to mention how you are ready but also acknowledge the difficulties of medical school and how McGovern can help or should it be focused entirely on how I am prepared now? Ty!

I don't think it's bad at all to recognize the difficulties and challenges that you will face seeing as it says to do so in the question! Just make sure you talk about a challenge that you feel really prepared to tackle.

 

[undeadghost]

Hello! I wanted to know, for the 4th question, I don't really have a lot of immediate reservations regarding medical school. Is it a red flag to say this, but also acknowledge that I'm aware of the immense commitment and grueling course of medical school, which have definitely been daunting but never a reason for me to give up/hesitate?

 

[AppleDestroyer]

I don't think it's bad at all to recognize the difficulties and challenges that you will face seeing as it says to do so in the question! Just make sure you talk about a challenge that you feel really prepared to tackle.

Should it be a singular challenge or can it be multiple? The question asks what the biggest challenge will be (singular) and then how I am prepared for the challenges (plural). I'm probably overthinking it, but I didn't want to not answer the question.

 

[TheDeadrok]

Should it be a singular challenge or can it be multiple? The question asks what the biggest challenge will be (singular) and then how I am prepared for the challenges (plural). I'm probably overthinking it, but I didn't want to not answer the question.

I think narrowing it down to one challenge is not a bad idea and then talking about traits/skills that you have developed that will help you address multiple challenges. I.E. struggling with ADHD and focus, developed resiliency and coping mechanisms to focus better which will help with school and other challenges you face

 

[AppleDestroyer]

I think narrowing it down to one challenge is not a bad idea and then talking about traits/skills that you have developed that will help you address multiple challenges. I.E. struggling with ADHD and focus, developed resiliency and coping mechanisms to focus better which will help with school and other challenges you face

I wrote about multiple challenges instead of focusing on just one, do you think it's worth rewriting it to focus exclusively on one? I talked about how my biggest challenge is about all of the new things I will experience. This includes greater academic expectations, difficult clinical experiences, and navigating my life outside of school alongside medical school requirements.

 

[TheDeadrok]

I wrote about multiple challenges instead of focusing on just one, do you think it's worth rewriting it to focus exclusively on one? I talked about how my biggest challenge is about all of the new things I will experience. This includes greater academic expectations, difficult clinical experiences, and navigating my life outside of school alongside medical school requirements.

I don't think that's bad, as long as you make it clear that you're well prepared to face all of the challenges.

 

[topochips]

Hello! I wanted to know, for the 4th question, I don't really have a lot of immediate reservations regarding medical school. Is it a red flag to say this, but also acknowledge that I'm aware of the immense commitment and grueling course of medical school, which have definitely been daunting but never a reason for me to give up/hesitate?

i feel like i'm going this route as well!! i'm in my fourth gap year and a reapplicant, so i've had a lot of time to think about whether or not this is something i wanna do

also, how are yall finishing secondaries so fast - i need to step it up

 

[ricefanatic]

Hello! I wanted to know, for the 4th question, I don't really have a lot of immediate reservations regarding medical school. Is it a red flag to say this, but also acknowledge that I'm aware of the immense commitment and grueling course of medical school, which have definitely been daunting but never a reason for me to give up/hesitate?

Yes, I think it's important to put a positive spin on it at the end and confirm that this is still the path for you. I think they ask this question to admit realists. There are ugly parts to this profession/healthcare system as well.

 

[ricefanatic]

i feel like i'm going this route as well!! i'm in my fourth gap year and a reapplicant, so i've had a lot of time to think about whether or not this is something i wanna do

also, how are yall finishing secondaries so fast - i need to step it up

Not gonna lie the first few secondaries took me sooooo long. I felt like I had writer's block. Once you get a solid skeleton for what you want to say, it gets easier. Even easier as you continue writing for more schools and realize the prompts are the same just different fonts. Hang in there!

 

[bean-sprout]

Yes, I think it's important to put a positive spin on it at the end and confirm that this is still the path for you. I think they ask this question to admit realists. There are ugly parts to this profession/healthcare system as well.

I agree with the realist part 100%. I'm a current McGovern student and also edits tons of applications on the side (though I'm not affiliated with admissions), and I can say that the adcoms here are almost certainly looking for students who are realistic about a career in medicine. If anything, it might be more of a red flag to say you have no reservations as it might come off as naive. My biggest piece of advice to applicants is to speak honestly about their hesitations (and try to come up with something other than work/life balance since this is what basically everyone says) and reaffirm their commitment to medicine despite these/have a plan to cope with these.

 

[eb124101]

Incoming MS1 here. Happy to answer any questions!

Hi and congrats! I am having a hard time talking about my reservations in question 4 for being a physician without adding in positive aspects of being a physician or explaining why I am still eager to be a doctor even with my reservations. Is this okay? Do you have any advice about answering this question? Do I need to fill 2500 characters when I don't have much more to say?

 

[CYaL8Er01]

So, I’ve heard that there’s a “soft” two week deadline for McGovern. If I received my secondary on June 6 and I submitted earlier today on the 20th, would i be at a disadvantage if I turned it in at exactly 14 days? I know this sounds neurotic 😭

 

[wysdoc]

So, I’ve heard that there’s a “soft” two week deadline for McGovern. If I received my secondary on June 6 and I submitted earlier today on the 20th, would i be at a disadvantage if I turned it in at exactly 14 days? I know this sounds neurotic 😭

Instead of asking go write the darn essay

 

[CYaL8Er01]

Instead of asking go write the darn essay

sorry 😭. What I meant to convey is I already submitted the essay 😅… but at like 11:46 pm

 

[wysdoc]

sorry 😭. What I meant to convey is I already submitted the essay 😅… but at like 11:46 pm

Don’t fret

 

[topochips]

So, I’ve heard that there’s a “soft” two week deadline for McGovern. If I received my secondary on June 6 and I submitted earlier today on the 20th, would i be at a disadvantage if I turned it in at exactly 14 days? I know this sounds neurotic 😭

the earlier the better <3 you're okay! i need to get on your level

 

[CYaL8Er01]

Does anyone know how Letter of Recommendations affect your completed time? Would I be negatively viewed upon if I submitted my secondary within 2 weeks but my letters arrive after that? I know Long doesn’t require letters for review. Although McGovern needs all 3 letters, do they just not look at you until all 3 letters arrive? Or do they look at you and hold your invitation until all ur letters arrive?

 

[texasvandy]

All schools have an application completion requirements for your app to be reviewed for an interview.

Most schools want all pieces of your app they consider important before they hand it off to the reviewers. Until the school says your file is complete on their portal, you can assume it most likely will not be reviewed.