How to write a "Why ________ School" secondary essay? Advice, anyone?

[Ruby109]

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I'm not sure if there is another thread specific to this (if there is, sorry! can someone attach the link?). Anyways, I'm looking ahead at a number of the secondaries I'll need to write and it looks as though I've got 5-7 "Describe your particular interest in _____ school" essays. Does anyone have a tried and true method on how to write these essays to make them stand out from the 5000+ other applicants (especially if I am OOS with no ties to the area)? Where do I start, what should I focus on, etc? Thanks!

 

[Amba]

Read through some of the previous application cycle's school-specific threads. Often, current students provide great advice, info, and insights throughout the year that can be used in your essays.

Also, make sure that what you write about aligns with your application. For example, if you say that you're really excited about the school because of the "opportunities to work with the underserved," you better at least have some of that on your application... Same for research, etc.

 

[snowflakes]

Also, make sure that what you write about aligns with your application. For example, if you say that you're really excited about the school because of the "opportunities to work with the underserved," you better at least have some of that on your application... Same for research, etc.

Yup, and I'd actually recommend going one step further and directly tie your interests in the school to your previous experiences. So say something like, "I am drawn to X aspect of your program because my previous experiences working with Y led to a strong interest in Z." But obviously, worded much better. Doing this shows the school not only why you're interested in them but also how you are a good fit for their mission.

 

[NickNaylor]

Yeah, make your response sound authentic and actually back it up with tangible examples of why going to X school would be helpful to your ultimate career goals as you have currently formulated them. Research the school and try and identify things that are unique or seem to be emphasized and tie your application to those things (in addition to the posts above).

There's no secret here. It's tough to do well. Give bull**** answers and you're likely to get bull**** decisions. These essays are worth spending time on - they can pay off if you do a good job.

 

[claduva94]

Read through some of the previous application cycle's school-specific threads. Often, current students provide great advice, info, and insights throughout the year that can be used in your essays.

Also, make sure that what you write about aligns with your application. For example, if you say that you're really excited about the school because of the "opportunities to work with the underserved," you better at least have some of that on your application... Same for research, etc.

In many of mine I talk about how I want to help underserved communities in free clinics (and this is really what I value in a medical career and is what want to do), despite lacking the ability to volunteer in a free clinic thus far. However, I will be volunteering in a free clinic starting this fall. Is it sufficient that my other ECs involve tutoring underprivileged children and providing educational opportunities to underserved populations? And should I try to accentuate these activities if it wasn't clear from the primary application? Or should I nix the whole approach altogether?

 

[Amba]

In many of mine I talk about how I want to help underserved communities in free clinics (and this is really what I value in a medical career and is what want to do), despite lacking the ability to volunteer in a free clinic thus far. However, I will be volunteering in a free clinic starting this fall. Is it sufficient that my other ECs involve tutoring underprivileged children and providing educational opportunities to underserved populations? And should I try to accentuate these activities if it wasn't clear from the primary application? Or should I nix the whole approach altogether?

If anything, I think it may make your essay stronger if framed correctly - i.e. you enjoy working with underserved populations, have evidence to support that, haven't worked with this group of people medically (explain some why), and that you're really looking forward to the opportunities at school x to work with the underserved in a healthcare setting.

 

[TheBossDoctor]

Go to the SDN Interview Feedback page for that school and find out what the strengths of the school are. Write about those strengths and how they pertain to you (and tie them to past school/EC experiences).

That page gave me a much better idea of what the schools were about than the schools' websites did.

 

[claduva94]

If anything, I think it may make your essay stronger if framed correctly - i.e. you enjoy working with underserved populations, have evidence to support that, haven't worked with this group of people medically (explain some why), and that you're really looking forward to the opportunities at school x to work with the underserved in a healthcare setting.

Thanks! That is a lot of help!