2025-2026 Northwestern

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2025-2026 Northwestern Secondary Essay Prompts: (MD) (question 2 has changed compared to last year)

1. Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders who will serve their patients, communities and society. Explain how specific elements of the FSM integrated curriculum will support your future goals in medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve these professional aspirations. (200 Words)

2. Describe a new hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time outside of school. (200 Words)

3. If you have one year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans, including the extent of your involvement. (200 words)

4. If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to enhance your application. (200 words)

5. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with the Feinberg School of Medicine? Yes/No, if Yes 50 word response

6. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

***Current MD/PhD Secondary Specific Prompts ***
1. Why did you choose your undergraduate major? How does the subject appeal to you? (200 words)

2. Name a scientific paper that you have read recently that had a strong impact on you and describe what impact it had. (200 words)

3. Discuss a current unanswered question in biomedical research that you find particularly interesting and what research you would like to see done to address it. (200 words)

4. If you have (or expect to have) a year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans. (200 words)

5. If you are reapplying this cycle, please address steps taken to enhance your application. If not a reapplicant, please enter "N/A". (200 words)

6. What is the most gratifying research experience you have had to date and why? What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in research and how did you overcome it? (200 words)

7. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with Feinberg School of Medicine? (Y/N) 50 words if Y

8. Please provide a brief statement explaining why you are specifically applying to the Northwestern University Medical Scientist Training Program. (200 word max)

9. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words max)



Good luck to all applying!

Interview Feedback:

www.studentdoctor.net

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - Admission, Tuition, Ranking & Overview | Student Doctor Network

Detail information of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine including admission, tuition, ranking, and overview.
www.studentdoctor.net www.studentdoctor.net
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I will be attending Northwestern this fall, and I just wanted to emphasize this as you all prepare to apply here!

Unlike other T-20s, this school has AMAZING financial aid and is very open to negotiation with regards to matching scholarship offers (from places like Vanderbilt, UChicago, etc.) as well as cheaper attendance at in-state schools (UNC, UTSW, UMich, etc). Unlike other T-20 schools that do primarily need-based aid (Cornell, Emory) or assign merit scholarships independently of negotiation (Vanderbilt, UTSW, WashU, Mayo), this school cares a lot about student interest, and the dean of admissions will work with you to make this school affordable. The recent cuts to funding at Northwestern did not seem to affect the financial aid I received, and we were assured during Second Look Weekend that NW will stand strong and keep supporting its students. There are two waves of acceptances (December and late February), but preliminary financial aid offers are NOT released with acceptance as they are in other schools (Vanderbilt), but rather in batches in mid-to-late March depending on when you were accepted. You can negotiate all the way up until April 30th!

I will say that the Northwestern undergrads are well-represented in the class, but I was still successful as someone with no ties to Chicago and as a January interview invitee. They also do NOT review in order, and you can be invited to interview well into January, with interviews concluding in mid-February. DM me if you want me to read over your secondary for this absolutely amazing school or need any advice with applying! I've got plenty of time this summer! Best of luck! 🙂
 
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+1 OOS MD/PhD secondary received.

Prompts are the same as previous years, but I believe #8 is new, @wysdoc

1. Why did you choose your undergraduate major? How does the subject appeal to you? (200 words)
2. Name a scientific paper that you have read recently that had a strong impact on you and describe what impact it had. (200 words)
3. Discuss a current unanswered question in biomedical research that you find particularly interesting and what research you would like to see done to address it. (200 words)
4. If you have (or expect to have) a year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans. (200 words)
5. If you are reapplying this cycle, please address steps taken to enhance your application. If not a reapplicant, please enter "N/A". (200 words)
6. What is the most gratifying research experience you have had to date and why? What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in research and how did you overcome it? (200 words)
7. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with Feinberg School of Medicine? (Y/N) 50 words if Y
8. Please provide a brief statement explaining why you are specifically applying to the Northwestern University Medical Scientist Training Program. (200 word max)
9. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words max)
 
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chilly_md said:
2025-2026 Northwestern Secondary Essay Prompts: ( 1,2,3,6,9 required, answer 4,5,7,8 if they apply to you

1. Why did you choose your undergraduate major? How does the subject appeal to you? (200 words)

2. Name a scientific paper that you have read recently that had a strong impact on you and describe what impact it had. (200 words)

3. Discuss a current unanswered question in biomedical research that you find particularly interesting and what research you would like to see done to address it. (200 words)

4. If you have (or expect to have) a year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans. (200 words)

5. If you are reapplying this cycle, please address steps taken to enhance your application. If not a reapplicant, please enter "N/A". (200 words)

6. What is the most gratifying research experience you have had to date and why? What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in research and how did you overcome it? (200 words)

7. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with Feinberg School of Medicine? (Y/N) 50 words if Y

8. Please provide a brief statement explaining why you are specifically applying to the Northwestern University Medical Scientist Training Program. (200 word max)

9. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words max)



Good luck to all applying!

Interview Feedback:

www.studentdoctor.net

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - Admission, Tuition, Ranking & Overview | Student Doctor Network

Detail information of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine including admission, tuition, ranking, and overview.
www.studentdoctor.net www.studentdoctor.net
Click to expand...
Are these prompts specific for MD/PhD applicants or also for MD only applicants?
 
marquee_moon said:
Also curious about this. These prompts appear to be hyperfocused on research interests/experience.
Click to expand...
These are the prompts I got as an MD/PhD applicant…but their prompts are always different for MD only applications
 
Md/phd applicant still waiting on secondaries, do they not send them to everyone at once?
 
@chilly_md

+1 OOS Secondary Received, MD Only

1. Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders who will serve their patients, communities and society. Explain how specific elements of the FSM integrated curriculum will support your future goals in medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve these professional aspirations. (200 Words)

2. Describe a new hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time outside of school. (200 Words)

3. If you have one year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans, including the extent of your involvement. (200 words)

4. If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to enhance your application. (200 words)

5. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with the Feinberg School of Medicine? Yes/No, if Yes 50 word response

6. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)
 
TXTripleDore said:
@chilly_md

+1 OOS Secondary Received, MD Only

1. Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders who will serve their patients, communities and society. Explain how specific elements of the FSM integrated curriculum will support your future goals in medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve these professional aspirations. (200 Words)

2. Describe a new hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time outside of school. (200 Words)

3. If you have one year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans, including the extent of your involvement. (200 words)

4. If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to enhance your application. (200 words)

5. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with the Feinberg School of Medicine? Yes/No, if Yes 50 word response

6. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)
Click to expand...
So basically the same as last year's prompts, with the exception of #2?
 
chilly_md said:
2025-2026 Northwestern Secondary Essay Prompts: (MD) (question 2 has changed compared to last year)

1. Feinberg’s mission is to train future leaders who will serve their patients, communities and society. Explain how specific elements of the FSM integrated curriculum will support your future goals in medicine and how FSM, located in Chicago, will help you achieve these professional aspirations. (200 Words)

2. Describe a new hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time outside of school. (200 Words)

3. If you have one year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans, including the extent of your involvement. (200 words)

4. If you are reapplying to medical school, please address steps taken to enhance your application. (200 words)

5. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with the Feinberg School of Medicine? Yes/No, if Yes 50 word response

6. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

***Current MD/PhD Secondary Specific Prompts ***
1. Why did you choose your undergraduate major? How does the subject appeal to you? (200 words)

2. Name a scientific paper that you have read recently that had a strong impact on you and describe what impact it had. (200 words)

3. Discuss a current unanswered question in biomedical research that you find particularly interesting and what research you would like to see done to address it. (200 words)

4. If you have (or expect to have) a year or more between college graduation and medical school matriculation, describe both your completed activities and anticipated plans. (200 words)

5. If you are reapplying this cycle, please address steps taken to enhance your application. If not a reapplicant, please enter "N/A". (200 words)

6. What is the most gratifying research experience you have had to date and why? What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in research and how did you overcome it? (200 words)

7. Do you or an immediate family member have an existing relationship with Feinberg School of Medicine? (Y/N) 50 words if Y

8. Please provide a brief statement explaining why you are specifically applying to the Northwestern University Medical Scientist Training Program. (200 word max)

9. The Feinberg School of Medicine values the totality of our students’ experiences. As everyone has their own narrative, please describe how your unique experiences would enrich the Northwestern community. (200 words max)



Good luck to all applying!

Interview Feedback:

www.studentdoctor.net

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - Admission, Tuition, Ranking & Overview | Student Doctor Network

Detail information of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine including admission, tuition, ranking, and overview.
www.studentdoctor.net www.studentdoctor.net
Click to expand...
Hi, I had a question regarding prompt #4 on Northwestern's secondary.

If I applied to other medical schools in a previous cycle but did not apply to Northwestern, and I am applying to Northwestern for the first time this cycle, would I still be considered a re-applicant in their eyes? Or does “reapplying” only refer to reapplying specifically to Northwestern? Unsure of how to answer this question.

Thanks for the clarification!
 
SynonymAntonym said:
Hi, I had a question regarding prompt #4 on Northwestern's secondary.

If I applied to other medical schools in a previous cycle but did not apply to Northwestern, and I am applying to Northwestern for the first time this cycle, would I still be considered a re-applicant in their eyes? Or does “reapplying” only refer to reapplying specifically to Northwestern? Unsure of how to answer this question.

Thanks for the clarification!
Click to expand...
Hi! I am interpreting it as re-applying in general, even if you did not apply to Northwestern in a past cycle. I have seen wording for other schools be more specific to indicate that they are only asking the question if you are reapplying to their specific school. If others have different ideas, please let us know - I am also a re-applicant.
 
Ms. miRNA said:
Hi! I am interpreting it as re-applying in general, even if you did not apply to Northwestern in a past cycle. I have seen wording for other schools be more specific to indicate that they are only asking the question if you are reapplying to their specific school. If others have different ideas, please let us know - I am also a re-applicant.
Click to expand...
I interpret it the same as a re-applicant. It feels distinct from the other wording you mentioned where they specifically name the school.
 
Hi! Applying MSTP - wanted to ask how people approached question 6? The 'most gratifying research experience' and 'greatest challenge' I have in mind are rather separate, so I'm not sure if I can just spend ~100 words on each, or if I should try to find two events that can be connected more in the essay.
 
seine said:
Hi! Applying MSTP - wanted to ask how people approached question 6? The 'most gratifying research experience' and 'greatest challenge' I have in mind are rather separate, so I'm not sure if I can just spend ~100 words on each, or if I should try to find two events that can be connected more in the essay.
Click to expand...
I connected the two. For Q3, did you choose a question close to what you plan to study, or was it a random question that you had?
 
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SingleStrandOfSpaghetti said:
I connected the two. For Q3, did you choose a question close to what you plan to study, or was it a random question that you had?
Click to expand...
Gotcha, thanks!

I already discussed my preferred research topic quite heavily in both Q2 and in my 'why MSTP' primary essay, so in Q3 I chose to write about a different question that was still in my broader field (i.e. neuroscience-related).
 
Does "new" in new hobby mean something we've only taken up recently? There's a hobby I've done almost all of my life that I didn't talk about on my primary that I'd love to bring up... but the "new" is kind of throwing me off lol
 
Had another quick question regarding the MSTP Q1: if I double majored, I'm guessing I should probably discuss both in my response. If that's the case (is it?), roughly how much of the essay should I devote to the two majors?

My primary major was neuroscience, which I believe better represents my academic and research interests both in undergrad and for a PhD. I added a secondary major in applied math mostly for its utility, as I'm particularly interested in computational approaches to neuroscience/research. However, given that the word count is already rather limited, I'm finding that the space I set aside for the applied math major is preventing me from discussing my reasons for pursuing neuroscience as much as I would like.
 
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BigDawg101 said:
I will be attending Northwestern this fall, and I just wanted to emphasize this as you all prepare to apply here!

Unlike other T-20s, this school has AMAZING financial aid and is very open to negotiation with regards to matching scholarship offers (from places like Vanderbilt, UChicago, etc.) as well as cheaper attendance at in-state schools (UNC, UTSW, UMich, etc). Unlike other T-20 schools that do primarily need-based aid (Cornell, Emory) or assign merit scholarships independently of negotiation (Vanderbilt, UTSW, WashU, Mayo), this school cares a lot about student interest, and the dean of admissions will work with you to make this school affordable. The recent cuts to funding at Northwestern did not seem to affect the financial aid I received, and we were assured during Second Look Weekend that NW will stand strong and keep supporting its students. There are two waves of acceptances (December and late February), but preliminary financial aid offers are NOT released with acceptance as they are in other schools (Vanderbilt), but rather in batches in mid-to-late March depending on when you were accepted. You can negotiate all the way up until April 30th!

I will say that the Northwestern undergrads are well-represented in the class, but I was still successful as someone with no ties to Chicago and as a January interview invitee. They also do NOT review in order, and you can be invited to interview well into January, with interviews concluding in mid-February. DM me if you want me to read over your secondary for this absolutely amazing school or need any advice with applying! I've got plenty of time this summer! Best of luck! 🙂
Click to expand...
i am not able to message you but would really appreciate the help!
 
seine said:
Had another quick question regarding the MSTP Q1: if I double majored, I'm guessing I should probably discuss both in my response. If that's the case (is it?), roughly how much of the essay should I devote to the two majors?

My primary major was neuroscience, which I believe better represents my academic and research interests both in undergrad and for a PhD. I added a secondary major in applied math mostly for its utility, as I'm particularly interested in computational approaches to neuroscience/research. However, given that the word count is already rather limited, I'm finding that the space I set aside for the applied math major is preventing me from discussing my reasons for pursuing neuroscience as much as I would like.
Click to expand...
I think 50/50 makes sense. If you have more to say about neuroscience vs math, I think that's probably fine as well.
 
seine said:
Gotcha, thanks!

I already discussed my preferred research topic quite heavily in both Q2 and in my 'why MSTP' primary essay, so in Q3 I chose to write about a different question that was still in my broader field (i.e. neuroscience-related).
Click to expand...
out of curiosity, how specific are you being with discussing your preferred research topic? Is it ok if I dm you about this lol.
 
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