2024-2025 Michigan

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2024-2025 Michigan Secondary Essay Prompts:

Essay 1
How do you hope to impact medicine and improve patient care in the future and why do you need a medical degree to fulfill these goals? (1500 characters)
-OR - if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. If relevant, please describe your gap/growth year plans. (1500 characters)

Essay 2
Please describe the impact of your identity and experiences on your growth and development, and how it may impact your career as a physician. (1500 characters)

Essay 3
The University of Michigan Medical School strives to be a place of equity and belonging for diverse patients, learners, and healthcare professionals. Please describe your experience advancing inclusion and how you envision contributing to our community’s mission.
(1500 characters)

Essay 4
Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore. (1500 characters)

Follow @UMichMedSchool on "X" to see #UMichMedMonday - every Monday they post how many interviews they sent out
Good luck to all applying!
Interview Feedback:
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University of Michigan Medical School Interview Feedback

Review of University of Michigan Medical School Interview Feedback. Get the latest information, opinions of fellow students, and LizzyM and SDN Rankings.
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Last edited:
@wysdoc

Secondary prompts for 2024-25 (posted online):

Essay 1
How do you hope to impact medicine and improve patient care in the future and why do you need a medical degree to fulfill these goals? Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words). 

OR if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. If relevant, please describe your gap/growth year plans. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

Essay 2
Please describe the impact of your identity and experiences on your growth and development, and how it may impact your career as a physician. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

Essay 3
The University of Michigan Medical School strives to be a place of equity and belonging for diverse patients, learners, and healthcare professionals. Please describe your experience advancing inclusion and how you envision contributing to our community’s mission. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words). 

Essay 4
Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).
 
How are people approaching the fourth essay? Is this similar to what are you passionate about outside of medicine? Or is this more of a, what's something you find interesting outside of medicine?
 
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Tony121 said:
How are people approaching the fourth essay? Is this similar to what are you passionate about outside of medicine? Or is this more of a, what's something you find interesting outside of medicine?
Click to expand...
You could go so many different ways with this. It could be a hobby, learning languages, a certain topic that you enjoy reading about like philosophy or historical literature. It could be that you like to travel and experience different cultures. I'm interpreting it as more of a "tell us more about who you are and the ways you like to think, and a pursuit you've done that exemplifies those qualities".
 
In state secondary received 6/28

Primary submitted 5/28 13:00
Verified 6/5 9:17
 
Last edited:
OOS Secondary Received 07:14 PST

Submitted 05/28 18:01
Verified 06/06 13:49
 
+1 OOS Secondary Received
Submitted 5/28 @ opening
Processed 5/29
 
+1 OOS Secondary Received for MSTP program
Submitted on 5/28 evening
Verified 6/18 following academic change request
 
+1 OOS Secondary Received!

Submitted on 5/31 at around 21:03 CT
Verified 6/21 9:12 CT
 
+1 OOS Secondary

Submitted on 5/29 at 9 PM

Verified 6/13 at 4 PM
 
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+1 OOS Secondary
Submitted 6/3 1 AM; verified 6/27 10 AM
 
+1 OOS secondary received
(submitted 05/31, verified 06/21)
 
+1 OOS secondary received and submitted
Primary submitted 5/28 , verified 6/3
 
wysdoc said:
2024-2025 Michigan Secondary Essay Prompts:

Essay 1
How do you hope to impact medicine and improve patient care in the future and why do you need a medical degree to fulfill these goals? (1500 characters)
-OR - if applying to the Medical Scientist Training Program: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. If relevant, please describe your gap/growth year plans. (1500 characters)

Essay 2
Please describe the impact of your identity and experiences on your growth and development, and how it may impact your career as a physician. (1500 characters)

Essay 3
The University of Michigan Medical School strives to be a place of equity and belonging for diverse patients, learners, and healthcare professionals. Please describe your experience advancing inclusion and how you envision contributing to our community’s mission.
(1500 characters)

Essay 4
Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore. (1500 characters)

Good luck to all applying!
Interview Feedback:
www.studentdoctor.net

University of Michigan Medical School Interview Feedback

Review of University of Michigan Medical School Interview Feedback. Get the latest information, opinions of fellow students, and LizzyM and SDN Rankings.
www.studentdoctor.net www.studentdoctor.net
Click to expand...
For the question

"If applicable, indicate substantive experiences since high school in which you invested a SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL COMMITMENT of 10 hours or more per week. Indicate the total number of years you engaged in the experience. Please leave the field blank if less than one year."

Can I write activities that are included in the primary application? If I have activities like this, I already include them in my primaries.
 
EmilyX said:
For the question

"If applicable, indicate substantive experiences since high school in which you invested a SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL COMMITMENT of 10 hours or more per week. Indicate the total number of years you engaged in the experience. Please leave the field blank if less than one year."

Can I write activities that are included in the primary application? If I have activities like this, I already include them in my primaries.
Click to expand...
Unless it says not to include things you already described in your primary, I would definitely include them here (if they meet the criteria).
 
Essay 4
Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore. (1500 characters)

so, essay #4. if we've talked about a hobby unrelated to science or medicine in W&A, is it asking us not to write about that for this? one only has so many passions and curiosities (that we actually have time for lol)
 
For: "If applicable, indicate substantive experiences since high school in which you invested a SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL COMMITMENT of 10 hours or more per week. Indicate the total number of years you engaged in the experience. Please leave the field blank if less than one year."

I have two questions:

(1) I worked seasonally for 3 years at a ski resort, only during the winter months (Nov-April). Does it seem reasonable to lump these together and call it one year? E.g.: "Alta Ski Area/ 1".

(2) I worked at two different research labs for 9 months each. Would it make sense to lump these together? "Research Lab 1 and Research Lab 2/ 1.5"
 
EmilyX said:
For the question

"If applicable, indicate substantive experiences since high school in which you invested a SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL COMMITMENT of 10 hours or more per week. Indicate the total number of years you engaged in the experience. Please leave the field blank if less than one year."

Can I write activities that are included in the primary application? If I have activities like this, I already include them in my primaries.
Click to expand...
I think so. It seems like they're just trying to get us to highlight the experiences in our AMCAS we spent A LOT of time on?
 
zarastars said:
Essay 4
Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore. (1500 characters)

so, essay #4. if we've talked about a hobby unrelated to science or medicine in W&A, is it asking us not to write about that for this? one only has so many passions and curiosities (that we actually have time for lol)
Click to expand...
I didn’t necessarily talk about a hobby but just how much I love exploring nature? So I guess a hobby but just like exploring the world around me instead of like “I’m interested in coding” or something like that
 
just_a_gal said:
For: "If applicable, indicate substantive experiences since high school in which you invested a SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL COMMITMENT of 10 hours or more per week. Indicate the total number of years you engaged in the experience. Please leave the field blank if less than one year."

I have two questions:

(1) I worked seasonally for 3 years at a ski resort, only during the winter months (Nov-April). Does it seem reasonable to lump these together and call it one year? E.g.: "Alta Ski Area/ 1".

(2) I worked at two different research labs for 9 months each. Would it make sense to lump these together? "Research Lab 1 and Research Lab 2/ 1.5"
Click to expand...
I think that’s reasonable. They’re just looking to see what commitments you’ve held for extended periods
 
Hey everyone, I haven’t received my secondary yet because they don’t send one till they get my MCAT score, which won’t be coming out till end of July. I was wondering if anyone knows how behind that will make me? I’m currently pre writing and I plan on submitting my secondary the day I get it so I don’t delay much longer. Does anyone have experience being complete in August for U of M?
 
Why do I feel like my answer to question 1 is just gonna be a reprise of my PS ugh 🙁
The last paragraph of my PS practically answers this question but I obviously can't say the same thing, lol - I'll just have to find some way to make the same point using different wording I guess.
 
How are people responding to Essay #3? What does "advancing inclusion" mean? I thought I'd just use the standard diversity essay, but that fits more with Essay #2... Not sure how to approach this.
 
Paragraph breaks In Michigan secondary

Hey guys I submitted my michigan secondary today but when I look at the html form of my submission my essays just looks like one big paragraph even tho I put enter between paragraphs. Should I call admissions on Monday to ask abt this? How can I prevent this next time? freaking out
 
Is it okay the treat Essay#2 as an adversity essay? I am thinking about writing about my weight loss journey....
 
tryingmyverybest said:
Paragraph breaks In Michigan secondary

Hey guys I submitted my michigan secondary today but when I look at the html form of my submission my essays just looks like one big paragraph even tho I put enter between paragraphs. Should I call admissions on Monday to ask abt this? How can I prevent this next time? freaking out
Click to expand...
Paragraph breaks are not necessary. You will be fine!
 
I’m just curious how yall are interpreting the first essay question. The wording has me a little confused- is this asking about why MD and not PA/NP? Or am I reading into it too much and its legitimately just asking why I want to be a doctor? Thanks a bunch!
 
medstudent2516 said:
I’m just curious how yall are interpreting the first essay question. The wording has me a little confused- is this asking about why MD and not PA/NP? Or am I reading into it too much and its legitimately just asking why I want to be a doctor? Thanks a bunch!
Click to expand...
I don’t think you’re meant to compare careers here—what I did was simply state what I want to do as a physician (combine my research interests in a specific type of innovation with actually using these innovations in my practice as a doctor) and stated what features of a physician’s training/qualifications would allow me to do this
 
E0001234 said:
I don’t think you’re meant to compare careers here—what I did was simply state what I want to do as a physician (combine my research interests in a specific type of innovation with actually using these innovations in my practice as a doctor) and stated what features of a physician’s training/qualifications would allow me to do this
Click to expand...
perfect thank you so so much!
 
how are you guys going about writing in the experiences? do you just put the years or do you write a brief title for the experience? EG: biochem research (1yr). I keep running out of characters so I have to be formatting this wrong
 
medstudent2516 said:
how are you guys going about writing in the experiences? do you just put the years or do you write a brief title for the experience? EG: biochem research (1yr). I keep running out of characters so I have to be formatting this wrong
Click to expand...
It’s just the number of years no? I don’t think we have to specify the name of the experience?
 
tryingmyverybest said:
Paragraph breaks In Michigan secondary

Hey guys I submitted my michigan secondary today but when I look at the html form of my submission my essays just looks like one big paragraph even tho I put enter between paragraphs. Should I call admissions on Monday to ask abt this? How can I prevent this next time? freaking out
Click to expand...
when you submitted did your status change to complete, mine shows nothing
 
How are people addressing essay 2? Like an adversity essay or something else?
 
beanie12 said:
How are people addressing essay 2? Like an adversity essay or something else?
Click to expand...
I think it's however you best see fit. I am explaining how certain aspects of my life have impacted why specifically I want to go into medicine, and what specialties as well. I'm talking a lot about my family and their impact on me given my personal background
 
For the Activity (Beyond High School) / # Of Years section -
I completed lab research at the same place for 4 years total (2 years HS, 2 years college). Would I list this as 2 years?
 
I got the secondary on the 28th. will it be too late if i submit on Friday? just working on finalizing it.
 
pickleball2048 said:
lolol idk ive seen ppl say to submit like the day u get umich secondaries so i was tweaking
Click to expand...
Did the invitation specify anything earlier than two weeks as a deadline? There's no way you'd be disadvantaged by using the full two weeks, when you received the secondary on the first day possible. You're fine.
 
For the last prompt asking about our interests outside of medicine ("Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore), does it have to be non-medicine related? I want to talk about my interest in nutrition but it ties into healthcare.
 
www1223 said:
For the last prompt asking about our interests outside of medicine ("Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, tell us what you are curious about or what you have chosen to explore), does it have to be non-medicine related? I want to talk about my interest in nutrition but it ties into healthcare.
Click to expand...
I'd say avoid connecting it back to medicine because it feels pretty explicit in the question. I think they're trying to get to know you beyond the pre-med students we are so I would probably focus on another aspect or hobby.
 
for the "experiences" section of the application, are we supposed to list the name of the activity and the # of years, or just the # of years? also wondering if we have two activities that fit in that category, I assume we should list both with the separate # of years at them?
 
Can someone clarify if for question 3 speaking about my upbringing, my values, experiences with underserved communities, tutoring during college and working with students from many different backgrounds and how those all will help me contribute to the class's diversity and the school's mission in advancing inclusion? I am slightly conflicted because for question 2 I wrote about my background and experiences and how those experiences influenced my career choices, the activities I pursued, and the impact it will have on my future career as a physician.
 
Adpotential2025 said:
Can someone clarify if for question 3 speaking about my upbringing, my values, experiences with underserved communities, tutoring during college and working with students from many different backgrounds and how those all will help me contribute to the class's diversity and the school's mission in advancing inclusion? I am slightly conflicted because for question 2 I wrote about my background and experiences and how those experiences influenced my career choices, the activities I pursued, and the impact it will have on my future career as a physician.
Click to expand...
I haven't even started so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I feel like it wants you to delve deeply into how you specifically molded your interactions to be inclusive of a certain person/group. Not just "I joined X thing to help Y group" but maybe how you had to confront your biases, adapt to a new setting, etc. Tutoring is good but emphasize how you proactively worked to include new types of people.
 
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