2025-2026 Washington University in St. Louis

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wysdoc

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2025-2026 Washington University in St. Louis Secondary Essay Prompts: (same questions, different order)

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year?
If yes, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school.
(optional) (3000 characters)

Good luck to all applying!

Interview Feedback:
 
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@wysdoc

+1 OOS Received

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year? If yes, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)

2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)

3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (optional) (3000 characters)
 
+1 OOS recieved

I am confused on the mstp part where you have to add recommenders. What do they mean by start date and end date?
 
MSTP Essay: Briefly describe the area of research you would like to explore in graduate school (1800 Char)
 
For "describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)" are we expected to list all our activities and leave it at that, or should we expand on some things we might not have gotten to in the primary (if it's continued work) along with what we hope we can learn etc?
 
For "describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (2000 characters)" are we expected to list all our activities and leave it at that, or should we expand on some things we might not have gotten to in the primary (if it's continued work) along with what we hope we can learn etc?
i briefly mentioned the nature of the activity and then talked what i learned and how that has better prepared me for being a physician. all i did to address the "chronological order" part of the prompt was add something about when that activity started and when it ended.
 
For question 3, I feel like I've already addressed my background and lived experiences elsewhere, I don't know what else to talk about. Should I seriously just leave it blank?
 
Question 3: is it a good idea for a WHY US essay or better share something else?
if you don't have a unique background/perspective or been through significant challenges (or have anything concerning academically to report), why us is probably best
 
I'm an incoming student at WashU Medicine. If you have any questions or need any advice, feel free to reach out. Good luck everyone!
 
My research mentor had her fellowship at WashU. How do I explain it? Should I just simply list the fact or I need to add on some connections to the school? It has a 4000 character limit😳
 
I have a minor in Chemistry, but I do not seem to have the general chem courses they need. Should I still apply and try to explain my courses if I get admitted or not even try. I emailed the school and they told me they don't do review of prereqs until after admission.
 
@wysdoc Can you confirm that secondary prompts in the comments are accurate? They appear to be identical to last year's prompts.
 
@wysdoc @ziggy_stardust Here are this year's prompts:

1. Have you already completed your undergraduate education, have you had your college or graduate education interrupted, or do you plan not to be a full-time student during your application year?
Yes/No
Describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student.
2. Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (3000 characters)
3. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions? Some applicants use this space to describe their unique backgrounds, lived experiences, obstacles and/or challenges they faced in their journey to medical school. (optional, 3000 characters)
 
Submitted on Monday this week but am still waiting on my Letters of Rec to be "verified" by the adcom for my application marked as complete. Anyone in the same boat?
 
bit urgent: im trying to submit my secondary before the 2 week turnaround but my secondary application is greyed out and i cant click on any of the boxes? anyone know how to fix this?
 
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