Chances with "okay" Secondary

[Bluto385]

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Okay.

Cummulative GPA is 3.97 and Science GPA is a 4.0.

MCAT is a 32 (11 PS, 10 VR, 11 BS).

Shadowed an ER doc for 20 hours during spring break, and shadowed other doctors and performed clinical work in South America for a week during another spring break.

Two years experience as an executive board member of a prehealth organization; extensive volunteer work with same organization.

1 year volunteering off-and-on with hospice.

Worked as a tutor for a year now through the university.

Not a lick of research experience.


Here is my question. I'm new, so I hope this is the right board to ask this. I'm not wondering what my chances are of getting into medical schools. I am well aware of the averages of the schools that I have applied to. What I am wondering is how significant are my secondaries in determining whether or not I get an interview at schools. In other words, secondaries are a good chance for other applicants to stand out. I, on the other hand, have pretty much told everything that is impressive on my primary. Could you confidently say that with my numbers, experiences, and personal statement (I've been told that it is solid) that an "okay" secondary would be fine for an interview offer? Can an "okay" secondary possibly do much harm to me at this point? Btw, I only applied to one school that I think may see my lack of research as a significant drawback.

 

[red doctober]

The importance of the secondary application depends on the school. Some schools do not have any additional essays, some have a ton. The secondary essays generally ask less about what you did (because that's already on the primary) and ask more about who you are, why you're interested in their med school, what your interests are, etc. So, the strength of your secondary application depends on you and your ability to show them that you would be a good fit for their school. I will say though that you should give as much effort and care on the secondary essays as you did for personal statement and activities essays. Don't just write crap to get them done.

 

[boshtrich]

The "why our school?" secondary essays can be very important. If you can find specific things you like about each school and relate your own experiences to that, it can really help your chances of being interviewed. Keep in mind that every school has thousands of well qualified applicants and just having good stats won't guarantee an interview. They will be more likely to interview applicants who legitimately want to go to their school and "fit" becomes a key factor. Secondary essays are often your best chance to show how you fit that specific school's mission.

 

[seahawks2013]

you need to try as hard as possible on secondaries... dont aim for just okay