Your secondaries are the last step to get you over the finish line.
Once you file the AACOMAS application and choose your schools, the process is not yet over. You will start to receive secondary essays in the mail for each school. While some may be similar (e.g. biggest challenge, significant volunteer experience), others will ask you to explain why you would like to attend their school. Below are a few tips to help you through the process.
1. Plan.
One of the hardest parts of this process is allotting enough time to get the secondary applications done in a timely manner. So, plan ahead. Don’t leave them all for the last minute. The turn-around time can be as tight as two weeks, so start early and leave time to revise.
2. Emphasize fit.
Secondary essays are all about assessing whether you are a right fit for the school. So, research the schools and emphasize the qualities that are important for each school.
3. Dedicate the time.
Often, applicants run out of steam when they reach the secondaries. But, you should make sure that you put as much time into these essays as you did the AACOMAS application. This is a way to show schools that you are serious about the process and their time.
4. Research the schools.
Applicants sometimes apply to schools without looking into their missions or specific programs. But, schools want applicants that want to go to attend their institutions. So, the time you spend researching and asking questions is well worth it.
5. Don’t repeat.
Make sure that the anecdotes and information in the secondary applications don’t repeat stories in the personal statement. You want to present new materials to the school.
The AACOMAS secondary essays are incredibly important for schools and are an opportunity for you show that you are a good fit. Make sure that you spend the time and effort to make the final push for acceptance.
Related Resources:
• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School & Secondary Essays
• Successful Medical School Secondary Application Strategies
• 5 Tips for Researching Medical Schools
This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.
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