2024-2025 UTMB (Sealy)

[wysdoc]

2024-2025 UTMB (Sealy) Secondary Essay Prompts: (most have changed since last year)

Please respond to two of the six essay prompts below. (300 words each)

1. Describe a time when you learned in a team. How will this experience help you as a medical student?
2. Describe a time when you made a mistake. How did you acknowledge it, respond, and remediate the situation?
3. Scientific inquiry is important for being a physician. Define a time when you engaged in scientific inquiry and how do you think it would help you be a better physician?
4. What attributes do you look for in your physician(s)? Which of these attributes do you need to develop? How will you develop them?
5. Do you have any work experience and if so, how do you think those skills will help you as a physician?
6. John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch serves patients throughout Texas, focusing on Galveston County and the Gulf Coast Region. Are there particular characteristics of our school and/or the Galveston area in terms of location, history, or other attributes that make you especially interested in matriculating here?

A second component of the supplementary application is asynchronous video responses to two questions, which will be submitted via the SparkHire platform. Once invited to complete the supplemental application, applicants will receive a link to complete the SparkHire portion.


Good luck to all applying!
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University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston Interview Feedback

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[Rite1234]

Grew up in the area (not going to this school, but was accepted last cycle), happy to answer any questions about the area.

 

[Adiemus]

Secondary Essays​

Please respond to two of the six essay prompts below.

1. Describe a time when you learned in a team. How will this experience help you as a medical student?
2. Describe a time when you made a mistake. How did you acknowledge it, respond, and remediate the situation?
3. Scientific inquiry is important for being a physician. Define a time when you engaged in scientific inquiry and how do you think it would help you be a better physician?
4. What attributes do you look for in your physician(s)? Which of these attributes do you need to develop? How will you develop them?
5. Do you have any work experience and if so, how do you think those skills will help you as a physician?
6. John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch serves patients throughout Texas, focusing on Galveston County and the Gulf Coast Region. Are there particular characteristics of our school and/or the Galveston area in terms of location, history, or other attributes that make you especially interested in matriculating here?

Haven't checked what the video component asks for yet.

@wysdoc

 

[wysdoc]

Secondary Essays​

Please respond to two of the six essay prompts below.

1. Describe a time when you learned in a team. How will this experience help you as a medical student?
2. Describe a time when you made a mistake. How did you acknowledge it, respond, and remediate the situation?
3. Scientific inquiry is important for being a physician. Define a time when you engaged in scientific inquiry and how do you think it would help you be a better physician?
4. What attributes do you look for in your physician(s)? Which of these attributes do you need to develop? How will you develop them?
5. Do you have any work experience and if so, how do you think those skills will help you as a physician?
6. John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch serves patients throughout Texas, focusing on Galveston County and the Gulf Coast Region. Are there particular characteristics of our school and/or the Galveston area in terms of location, history, or other attributes that make you especially interested in matriculating here?

@wysdoc

Can you supply the character limits please?

 

[Adiemus]

Can you supply the character limits please?

300 words for each. My bad, had to select one of the prompts to see it

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Remember to schedule your Casper exam. Duet is required.

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

 

[anonymous1234556]

Grew up in the area (not going to this school, but was accepted last cycle), happy to answer any questions about the area.

Are the video responses required for students that are going for MD only? I submitted my secondary and they asked me to do video responses, but when I got to the link it says it is required for MD/PHD.

 

[Rite1234]

Are the video responses required for students that are going for MD only? I submitted my secondary and they asked me to do video responses, but when I got to the link it says it is required for MD/PHD.

Not sure. I would ask admissions. I know MD applicants were required to do it last cycle.

 

[wysdoc]

Are the video responses required for students that are going for MD only? I submitted my secondary and they asked me to do video responses, but when I got to the link it says it is required for MD/PHD.

send a polite inquiry email to UTMB letting them know about the label on the link, so they can make sure it's the right one for you & other MD applicants.

 

[Adiemus]

Weird question, but for the one-way video interviews, I don't currently have access to stable wifi or my formal wear for the matter. Should I risk getting it done sooner, or wait another half month when I'll have better wifi/clothing?

 

[wysdoc]

Weird question, but for the one-way video interviews, I don't currently have access to stable wifi or my formal wear for the matter. Should I risk getting it done sooner, or wait another half month when I'll have better wifi/clothing?

Are you out of the country?
If it's only going to be 2 weeks you can wait. It's better than having a garbled signal

 

[ricefanatic]

Can anyone provide insight to the SparkHire video interview? I submitted my secondary yesterday and need to do the video interview but im chickening out lol

Any tips on preparing or what to expect? Details on how many questions they ask, how long we have to respond, etc?

How important is it?

 

[wysdoc]

Can anyone provide insight to the SparkHire video interview? I submitted my secondary yesterday ande need to do the video interview but im chickening out lol

Any tips on preparing or what to expect? Details on how many questions they ask, how long we have to respond, etc?

How important is it?

It’s important, spend some time on the platform pages to see what to expect.
You will answer probably 2 questions on video, you don’t get the questions in advance, but you will get to think about your answer briefly before the video-ing begins.
To be fair so nobody goes in knowing what the questions are, I’m going to ask y’all not to reveal them on SDN.
Dress as if you were in a business interview and keep your pets (and your parents!) out of the room while you are taping.

 

[xtrahotcheeto]

Can anyone provide insight to the SparkHire video interview? I submitted my secondary yesterday and need to do the video interview but im chickening out lol

Any tips on preparing or what to expect? Details on how many questions they ask, how long we have to respond, etc?

How important is it?

I did it last year and I’d say it’s pretty important. I know it sounds cliche but be your authentic self and answer from your heart. Say what your truly feel/believe. It’s not scary at all like a real interview would be, but more so like a first date. They’re just trying to get to know you and see if y’all could be a good match. That’s the best I can say while keeping what [mention]wysdoc [/mention] said above in mind.

 

[ricefanatic]

I did it last year and I’d say it’s pretty important. I know it sounds cliche but be your authentic self and answer from your heart. Say what your truly feel/believe. It’s not scary at all like a real interview would be, but more so like a first date. They’re just trying to get to know you and see if y’all could be a good match. That’s the best I can say while keeping what [mention]wysdoc [/mention] said above in mind.

Thank you ! Any tips for preparing for it?

 

[xtrahotcheeto]

Thank you ! Any tips for preparing for it?

I didn’t prepare for it personally but if you wanted to, maybe you could open up zoom and practice recording yourself answer some basic interview style questions which you can find online. Then go back and watch that recording to assess how you did. That way you can practice eye contact, coming up with answers on the spot, and pacing your response. But again, I don’t think it requires practice or anything, it was pretty chill last year

 

[Adiemus]

Thank you ! Any tips for preparing for it?

2 questions, 2 minutes to prepare for each, 2 minutes to answer, and 1 take each only. There's another question, but it's required for MD-PhD applicants only. I say prepare for it like any interview. Review your experiences, and practice speaking about them as you might have done when preparing for CASPer. That's all I can say without revealing anything else, so keep it chill and have fun.

 

[BluthBananaStand]

Hi, quick question about option 6 for the prompts, this is essentially serving as a "why us?" prompt, correct? So it would alright if we discuss features of the program that we are interested in and draw us toward the school?

 

[wysdoc]

Hi, quick question about option 6 for the prompts, this is essentially serving as a "why us?" prompt, correct? So it would alright if we discuss features of the program that we are interested in and draw us toward the school?

yes

 

[gym_panda]

Should I stick to only answering 2 of the prompts or should I try to answer more. I don't want to come off as try-hard or anything but if writing more COULD help my chances I want to take it LOL. What is y'alls input on this...

 

[wysdoc]

Should I stick to only answering 2 of the prompts or should I try to answer more. I don't want to come off as try-hard or anything but if writing more COULD help my chances I want to take it LOL. What is y'alls input on this...

Choose 2 as those are the directions

 

[Lab2Doc]

It’s important, spend some time on the platform pages to see what to expect.
You will answer probably 2 questions on video, you don’t get the questions in advance, but you will get to think about your answer briefly before the video-ing begins.
To be fair so nobody goes in knowing what the questions are, I’m going to ask y’all not to reveal them on SDN.
Dress as if you were in a business interview and keep your pets (and your parents!) out of the room while you are taping.

To be clear, there is only one chance at the video interview, right?

Once completed, I:
1) See an option to 'Delete' on SparkHire
and
2) If I click the interview link on the email, which was even resent after I completed the interview, I receive a message that says,
"Repeat This Interview? Looks like you've already completed this interview before. To continue, please confirm you want to repeat this interview. If you think this is a mistake, please contact support."

These lead me to believe that perhaps it can be repeated, but I also doubt that given only one take was allowed during the interview.

 

[wysdoc]

To be clear, there is only one chance at the video interview, right?

Once completed, I:
1) See an option to 'Delete' on SparkHire
and
2) If I click the interview link on the email, which was even resent after I completed the interview, I receive a message that says,
"Repeat This Interview? Looks like you've already completed this interview before. To continue, please confirm you want to repeat this interview. If you think this is a mistake, please contact support."

These lead me to believe that perhaps it can be repeated, but I also doubt that given only one take was allowed during the interview.

I have been told there is just one take for this.
Sparkhire is a platform used by a lot of different companies, so maybe that option is just on the site for other reasons

 

[Adiemus]

To be clear, there is only one chance at the video interview, right?

Once completed, I:
1) See an option to 'Delete' on SparkHire
and
2) If I click the interview link on the email, which was even resent after I completed the interview, I receive a message that says,
"Repeat This Interview? Looks like you've already completed this interview before. To continue, please confirm you want to repeat this interview. If you think this is a mistake, please contact support."

These lead me to believe that perhaps it can be repeated, but I also doubt that given only one take was allowed during the interview.

Only one take, do not retake even if SparkHire has the option.

 

[Sparklegirl90263]

Hiiii! Do you all know if UTMB begins rejecting this early? I already submitted my application and secondary, and it is complete! They are not waiting on anything else from me!

I received an email that states: “We hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your interest in our medical school program and for submitting your application. After our initial screening of your application, we recognize your potential and commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.

While we were impressed by many aspects of your application, we noticed that your MCAT score falls below our program's competitive range. We understand that the MCAT is a challenging exam and that a single test score may not fully reflect your capabilities and potential as a future physician.”

And then it goes on to tell me about a yearlong virtual program (Representation for Primart Care Program) that they offer , the program requirements, the cost, the scholar eligibility, etc.

This email was sent from JSSOM Outreach, but it was signed JSSOM Admissions and Recruitment Team.

 

[anonymous1234556]

Hiiii! Do you all know if UTMB begins rejecting this early? I already submitted my application and secondary, and it is complete! They are not waiting on anything else from me!

I received an email that states: “We hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your interest in our medical school program and for submitting your application. After our initial screening of your application, we recognize your potential and commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.

While we were impressed by many aspects of your application, we noticed that your MCAT score falls below our program's competitive range. We understand that the MCAT is a challenging exam and that a single test score may not fully reflect your capabilities and potential as a future physician.”

And then it goes on to tell me about a yearlong virtual program that they offer , the program requirements, the cost, the scholar eligibility, etc.

This email was sent from JSSOM Outreach, but it was signed JSSOM Admissions and Recruitment Team.

If you do not mind, can you say your stats? If not, no worries. I think UTMB requires a 500 mcat score as far as I know.

 

[Sparklegirl90263]

If you do not mind, can you say your stats? If not, no worries. I think UTMB requires a 500 mcat score as far as I know.

Yes! I have above a 500 and less than a 510 but a high GPA (3.8+)! Also instate applicant!

 

[anonymous1234556]

Yes! I have above a 500 and less than a 510 but a high GPA (3.8+)! Also instate applicant!

When did you submit your application because 500-510 this early in the cycle and being "ghost rejected" this early is definitely a really niche case.

I just checked msar: UTMB has a 10th Percentile Score of 506. Maybe it has something to do with your subscores, no idea just speculation. But regardless, I am sure you will do well with the remainder of the cycle!

 

[Sparklegirl90263]

When did you submit your application because 500-510 this early in the cycle and being rejected this early is definitely a really niche case.

I just checked msar: UTMB has a 10th Percentile Score of 506. Maybe it has something to do with your subscores, no idea just speculation. But regardless, I am sure you will do well with the remainder of the cycle!

Complete on 06/12, but no worries! I’m not gonna worry about it until I receive a “we’re sorry to NOT offer you admission” email haha!

But thank you so much for looking into it for me. You are truly very kind. 🥹

 

[Eldenring22]

Hiiii! Do you all know if UTMB begins rejecting this early? I already submitted my application and secondary, and it is complete! They are not waiting on anything else from me!

I received an email that states: “We hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your interest in our medical school program and for submitting your application. After our initial screening of your application, we recognize your potential and commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.

While we were impressed by many aspects of your application, we noticed that your MCAT score falls below our program's competitive range. We understand that the MCAT is a challenging exam and that a single test score may not fully reflect your capabilities and potential as a future physician.”

And then it goes on to tell me about a yearlong virtual program (Representation for Primart Care Program) that they offer , the program requirements, the cost, the scholar eligibility, etc.

This email was sent from JSSOM Outreach, but it was signed JSSOM Admissions and Recruitment Team.

I got the same email so I’m just as confused.

 

[Eldenring22]

Hiiii! Do you all know if UTMB begins rejecting this early? I already submitted my application and secondary, and it is complete! They are not waiting on anything else from me!

I received an email that states: “We hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your interest in our medical school program and for submitting your application. After our initial screening of your application, we recognize your potential and commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.

While we were impressed by many aspects of your application, we noticed that your MCAT score falls below our program's competitive range. We understand that the MCAT is a challenging exam and that a single test score may not fully reflect your capabilities and potential as a future physician.”

And then it goes on to tell me about a yearlong virtual program (Representation for Primart Care Program) that they offer , the program requirements, the cost, the scholar eligibility, etc.

This email was sent from JSSOM Outreach, but it was signed JSSOM Admissions and Recruitment Team.

I also retook my mcat on June 14th so I’m gonna email and ask what this means if my score comes back and it’s good enough would it still be looked at? Or is this a flat no lol

 

[anonymous1234556]

I also retook my mcat on June 14th so I’m gonna email and ask what this means if my score comes back and it’s good enough would it still be looked at? Or is this a flat no lol

when did yall fullly complete your application like video and everything?

 

[Eldenring22]

when did yall fullly complete your application like video and everything?

6/18

 

[ryanh77]

So I submitted the secondary essays on 6/27 (received 6/24) and was planning on doing my interview this morning because I had family staying over. However, my dad was sent to the hospital this morning. I have until next Monday (7/8) before I hit the 2-week soft deadline, so am I ok to postpone this interview a couple more days? I want to give it my all but also don't want to be looked at negatively for taking a bit on the interview. I could mention why I was delayed in said interview, but I feel like wasting time on that would do more harm than good.

 

[wysdoc]

So I submitted the secondary essays on 6/27 (received 6/24) and was planning on doing my interview this morning because I had family staying over. However, my dad was sent to the hospital this morning. I have until next Monday (7/8) before I hit the 2-week soft deadline, so am I ok to postpone this interview a couple more days? I want to give it my all but also don't want to be looked at negatively for taking a bit on the interview. I could mention why I was delayed in said interview, but I feel like wasting time on that would do more harm than good.

Your application will be reviewed to consider you for interviews when complete, which includes the taped interview component.
Complete it when you are in a good frame of mind, and send it when you can.
I don't think you need to email them, unless you will be delayed by more than 1-2 weeks.

 

[jasminetea001]

Hi everyone! Does anyone know how heavily weighted Casper and the asynchronous video are? UTMB is my dream school but I don't think i did too well on either of these. I always feel so awkward when I am on camera recording by myself and I often blank out, losing the response I think of in my head 🙁

 

[robxice1234]

Hi everyone! Does anyone know how heavily weighted Casper and the asynchronous video are? UTMB is my dream school but I don't think i did too well on either of these. I always feel so awkward when I am on camera recording by myself and I often blank out, losing the response I think of in my head 🙁

Retweet

 

[deleted1085576]

Hi everyone! Does anyone know how heavily weighted Casper and the asynchronous video are? UTMB is my dream school but I don't think i did too well on either of these. I always feel so awkward when I am on camera recording by myself and I often blank out, losing the response I think of in my head 🙁

n=1, but I had a close friend last year who received an II even though she felt she "bombed" the video interview. It's just one part of the application overall, and I'm sure the adcoms understand the nerves involved with a one-take video interview. Have hope, it's very early in the cycle and good luck y'all!!

 

[booksnmedicine]

I’m an incoming MS1 at UTMB. I don’t think the asynchronous video matters a lot if you made some mistakes. I remember feeling nervous and a bit scattered brains in 2 of my videos. Just shake it off and try to represent yourself as authentically as possible. I’m happy to answer any other questions regarding my recent cycle.

 

[BluthBananaStand]

For the video secondary, should we dress business professional (like an entire suit?) or business casual? I don't want to under or overdress for it 😳

 

[booksnmedicine]

I dressed professional, so I would advice that you dress professional throughout the entire process. Even during the second look everyone dressed professional.

 

[FlyingJit]

Does UTMB need committee/rec letters before sending out interviews?

 

[texasvandy]

Does UTMB need committee/rec letters before sending out interviews?

Most schools require your file to be complete before they pass it onto the reviewers who decide on interviews. rec letters are considered essential at every school. TCU says they will start review even with one letter but not many others do that.

 

[FlyingJit]

Most schools require your file to be complete before they pass it onto the reviewers who decide on interviews. rec letters are considered essential at every school. TCU says they will start review even with one letter but not many others do that.

Gotcha I thought the same too but i got an email from UTMB telling me that my app is complete without my committee letter being in.

 

[texasvandy]

Gotcha I thought the same too but i got an email from UTMB telling me that my app is complete without my committee letter being in.

that is quite interesting.

 

[deleted1085576]

Gotcha I thought the same too but i got an email from UTMB telling me that my app is complete without my committee letter being in.

+1 to this, still waiting on committee letter but got an email saying my app is complete and under review right now.

 

[Specia1K]

Gotcha I thought the same too but i got an email from UTMB telling me that my app is complete without my committee letter being in.

I received an email saying my app was completed and in review despite only having two LORs delivered when I received the email.

 

[FlyingJit]

Yeah that is odd but hey I'm not complaining

 

[Vader_FE]

+1 IS II LM 74

The sign up link is also not working for me!

 

[Arbitas]

+1 IS II LM 75

The sign up link they provided isn’t working for me. Anyone else?

Same here. +1 IS II LM 70.