If a school does not explicitly ask "Why X School", is it still important to embed that answer into your secondaries?

[poijum2]

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Like for UTSW, there's no Why X secondary. I made mentions here and there, but nothing too substantial. I'm just curious if there's some implicit/hidden rule to answer "Why X", even if they don't ask.

 

[Moko]

Like for UTSW, there's no Why X secondary. I made mentions here and there, but nothing too substantial. I'm just curious if there's some implicit/hidden rule to answer "Why X", even if they don't ask.

If a school cared for that answer, they would have asked for it. If you have a strong reason for wanting to attend a particular school though (e.g geographic limitations due to family or spouse, etc), then you should try to make it known. Otherwise, I would leave it be. Just my thoughts.

 

[poijum2]

If a school cared for that answer, they would have asked for it. Just my thoughts.

Perfect, thank you.

 

[M&L]

agree. Dont put it there. Everyone applies to multiple schools nowadays.

UNLESS> Put it there if it is REALLY special, - for example, your dad and granddad went to this school, and you want to make your family proud, or some sort of amazing researcher works in the school and you have followed him/her for years, or it is your state school, and home is important. Basically, applying to medical school is like dating, - if you tell every person why they are special, ppl wont believe you. If you tell only one person why they are the one (and mean it!!!!!), it shows your commitment .

 

[Blueprint Med School]

If a school cared for that answer, they would have asked for it. If you have a strong reason for wanting to attend a particular school though (e.g geographic limitations due to family or spouse, etc), then you should try to make it known. Otherwise, I would leave it be. Just my thoughts.

Agreed. Some schools, Cooper comes to mind, are mission schools and look for that stuff.

Otherwise, only add it is there's some discrete benefit to doing so. If it's your hometown, you have a distinct or unique connection. Don't make it feel forced.

David D MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors