2025-2026 USC Keck

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2025-2026 USC Keck Secondary Essay Prompts: (same as last year)

1.The following questions allow the Admissions Committee to become acquainted with you as an individual. Please answer the questions in 3-5 sentences. Each answer must be 65 words or less (max. 550 characters).

• What is the most fun you’ve had lately?
• If you had to give yourself a nickname, what would it be?
• What are three things you don't care about at all?
• Describe a situation in which you didn’t get something you felt you deserved.

2. Is there anything else you would like us to know? Please respond in 200 words or less (max. 1,400 characters).

Good luck to all applying!

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University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine - Admission, Tuition, Ranking & Overview | Student Doctor Network

Detail information of University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine including admission, tuition, ranking, and overview.

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[JPace24]

It seems like as of today (June 30th, 2025) nothing has come out yet. Keeping my eyes peeled as a recent USC undergrad and master's graduate.

 

[mfan11]

Nothing yet so far

 

[beepbeepboopbop02]

Nothing as of today 07/16

 

[premeddddd122]

Nothing yet for this cycle, last cycle I didn't get keck secondaries till 7/24 so dont stress yet!

 

[SilentCavalier]

No stress, folks. Prewrite last year's prompts, this'll be the easiest secondary you'll have this cycle.

 

[wysdoc]

No stress, folks. Prewrite last year's prompts, this'll be the easiest secondary you'll have this cycle.

You can do this, but check very closely when this year’s prompts come out because they do change.

 

[saiyan.uzumaki17]

+1 OOS

 

[throwingthisinthemix]

+1 OOS

Prompts?

 

[purrkinje]

+1 OOS MD-PhD

same prompts as last year

The following questions allow the Admissions Committee to become acquainted with you as an individual. Please answer the questions in 3-5 sentences. Each answer must be 65 words or less (max. 550 characters).

• What is the most fun you’ve had lately?
• If you had to give yourself a nickname, what would it be?
• What are three things you don't care about at all?
• Describe a situation in which you didn’t get something you felt you deserved.

Is there anything else you would like us to know? Please respond in 200 words or less (max. 1,400 characters).

MD-PhD specific:
The following questions provide the Admissions Committee with additional information about Ph.D. applicants.
List your publications and papers submitted including one or two sentences describing your role on each publication. (1,800 characters max)

Please indicate fields of study for which you have a special interest. For example: Anatomy, Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, Systems Biology, Epidemiology, Bioengineering, Human Genetics, Neurosciences, Biochemistry, Immunology Nutrition, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology Biophysics, Physiology, Cancer, Other (500 character)

Please provide the names of faculty at USC and Caltech with whom you would like to meet, if invited for an interview. For each faculty member suggested, provide a sentence or two explaining why you would like to meet that person. (1,800 characters max)

 

[TameImpalaFan]

Anyone else not received it still? Trying to figure out if they are screening applicants.

 

[JPace24]

I know Keck does not historically screen applicants, but I have not received anything yet.

 

[ihavetwobraincells]

same here

 

[texco23]

+1 OOS Secondary

 

[rosegold123]

+1 OOS secondary

 

[Kendo(c)]

+1 IS

 

[userr020104]

+ 1 Canada

 

[QuarterBetter7885]

Heads up, Keck sent an email updating the character count discrepancy, saying that if you follow the maximum character count (1000), you will not be penalized. Are y'all doing this? The instructions clearly state to keep it below 65 words and 550 characters so I feel more confused.

 

[userr020104]

Heads up, Keck sent an email updating the character count discrepancy, saying that if you follow the maximum character count (1000), you will not be penalized. Are y'all doing this? The instructions clearly state to keep it below 65 words and 550 characters so I feel more confused.

I personally jumped the gun and submitted my secondary before they even sent it out, so I stuck to the 65 words/550 characters, to play it safe.

 

[actual789]

anyone still not receive a secondary?

 

[dokiii]

+1 IS

 

[purrkinje]

Heads up, Keck sent an email updating the character count discrepancy, saying that if you follow the maximum character count (1000), you will not be penalized. Are y'all doing this? The instructions clearly state to keep it below 65 words and 550 characters so I feel more confused.

The first time writing them they were 700-800 characters, i tried shortening to 550 and felt they sounded odd. when i got the email i went back to 700-800 and submitted that haha