***FAQs on Secondaries - Your Inputs Appreciated***

[kiggar4l2000]

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Hello SDNers
I have a few questions about the secondaries. I hope that with the input of those who have already gotten their secondaries (or had gone through with the application in previous years) that people like myself who are waiting for them can know what to expect and prepare as best as we can. Thank you, in advance, for all your responses.

Q1: How long does it take for the secondaries to arrive? Does it really take 4-6 weeks?

(I submitted my AADSAS application on 8/11/05 and on the AADSAS website the status shows: "not mailed yet.")

Q2: Approximately, how long does it take to finish a secondary? (I've heard that UCSF secondary is pretty long.)


Q3: What kind of questions are asked? Specifically, what were some of your guys' mini-essay questions?

That's all. I think it'd be helpful for all of us if you mention the school from which you've got the secondaries from...for example: [Name of School] - your input

Thanks guys! 🙂

 

[iambatman]

Hello SDNers
I have a few questions about the secondaries. I hope that with the input of those who have already gotten their secondaries (or had gone through with the application in previous years) that people like myself who are waiting for them can know what to expect and prepare as best as we can. Thank you, in advance, for all your responses.

Q1: How long does it take for the secondaries to arrive? Does it really take 4-6 weeks?

(I submitted my AADSAS application on 8/11/05 and on the AADSAS website the status shows: "not mailed yet.")

Q2: Approximately, how long does it take to finish a secondary? (I've heard that UCSF secondary is pretty long.)


Q3: What kind of questions are asked? Specifically, what were some of your guys' mini-essay questions?

That's all. I think it'd be helpful for all of us if you mention the school from which you've got the secondaries from...for example: [Name of School] - your input

Thanks guys! 🙂

I think secondaries are just an application for the 'application fee' for each school.

Is it true that Loma Linda only sends this 'application fee' if you are invited for an interview?

 

[spc213]

I have a few questions about the secondaries.

Q1: How long does it take for the secondaries to arrive? Does it really take 4-6 weeks?

(I submitted my AADSAS application on 8/11/05 and on the AADSAS website the status shows: "not mailed yet.")

First, you are mixing a few terms here. You are still waiting for your initial AADSAS application to be sent to schools. I sent my app last year on 8/12, and it was not sent until early OCT! You may get lucky and have yours sent by AADSAS sooner, but don't count on it.

Secondary applications, if any, are varied. Download the file from the ADEA website that lists all the schools and their admissions office addresses. It lists application deadlines, $$ involved, and when to send the information and money. For example, some schools ask you to send the $ right away (UOP), so don't wait for AADSAS, send it out now! Some schools tell you to wait until they contact you. Some have no secondary app at all (for example, Case).

Q2: Approximately, how long does it take to finish a secondary? (I've heard that UCSF secondary is pretty long.)

The answer is: It varies. Some schools have none, some have lengthy ones. Many are available on the schools' web site, so you can download it and send it off now with your check (UNLV, OK, Penn work this way, as I recall). Some schools make you wait to hear from them. For example the secondary for Temple is a one page data sheet where you input information that they should already have from AADSAS. 😕 Loma Linda has an extensive secondary that included recommendations from colleagues and a religious leader. Arizona gives you a password to a private website where you input your answers and can even pay your secondary fee online via credit card.

Q3: What kind of questions are asked? Specifically, what were some of your guys' mini-essay questions?

Many will ask about your community service and extra-curricular involvement. Arizona asked to comment on your community service and also explain why you were applying there -- something you should be prepared to answer at ANY school interview this fall, so it shouldn't be difficult. Loma Linda asked about your lifestyle choices, ability to follow a restrained lifestyle and willingness to attend services regularly. Nova has a series of short answer questions that allows you to expand upon your background.

Some of these schools and processes may have changed since last year, but that's the basics from my perspective.