Optional Essays

[imsotired]

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Hey guys....Hope everyone is doing well with filling out applications. We've got a long journey ahead of us. I was just wondering, if you have pointed out in your application everything and anything you could possibly think of, should you still go ahead and write something in the section that says "if there's anything else you would like us to know.."? I don't want to keep repeating myself over and over again in fear that it might get tiring for the adcomms to read. Is it ok to leave sections like that blank? Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks and good luck to everyone that's applying!

 

[xanthines]

Never leave that space blank! NEVER!!!

These are probably the hardest essays, especially when you've spent a lot of time on the others. Try going into more detail about something you said previously. You may want adjust some other essays so it isn't so repetitious. It's a pain, I know, but don't leave a big gaping space in your app.

-X

Hey guys....Hope everyone is doing well with filling out applications. We've got a long journey ahead of us. I was just wondering, if you have pointed out in your application everything and anything you could possibly think of, should you still go ahead and write something in the section that says "if there's anything else you would like us to know.."? I don't want to keep repeating myself over and over again in fear that it might get tiring for the adcomms to read. Is it ok to leave sections like that blank? Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks and good luck to everyone that's applying!

 

[leverp2000]

If you've said everything that you've wanted to, I feel like it is better to leave it blank than to repeat yourself or start rambling. I left most of them blank and it was fine. However, if you have something good to add, then you should definitely put it in.

Hey guys....Hope everyone is doing well with filling out applications. We've got a long journey ahead of us. I was just wondering, if you have pointed out in your application everything and anything you could possibly think of, should you still go ahead and write something in the section that says "if there's anything else you would like us to know.."? I don't want to keep repeating myself over and over again in fear that it might get tiring for the adcomms to read. Is it ok to leave sections like that blank? Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks and good luck to everyone that's applying!

 

[troszic]

What section of the AMCAS are we talking about? I only saw three essays.

 

[imsotired]

Thanks guys for you input. I don't feel right leaving the space blank but I also don't want to ramble. But it is good to hear different perspectives. There is one more thing that I am thinking about putting in the applications, but I feel that it might seem disrespectful (not to the adcomms). Some people have told me that it is not necessary to go into detail about anything on the primary and secondary applications and to leave the details for the interviews. Others tell me to write as much as I can about myself. I still haven't decided which route to take.....

Also, what do you do if the secondaries ask the same exact questions as the AMCAS application? Should I change the wording or can I use the same exact essay?

Sorry for asking so many questions.....I just want to get this right! =) Thanks!

 

[imsotired]

What section of the AMCAS are we talking about? I only saw three essays.

Sorry for not making myself clear. I am specifically referring to secondary applications.

 

[Mitro]

I never did these optional essays because I felt I had nothing to add. As far as redundant essays - they exist. Do your best to not just copy and paste. At the very least customize something to the school. I'm sure many schools still have the "why MD/PhD?" essay in their secondaries. I would see this as an opportunity to briefly reaffirm your desire for the dual degree while also telling them why their school would be a good place for you to do an MD/PhD. Best of luck with the application process - it sucks.

 

[bottles999]

Sorry for not making myself clear. I am specifically referring to secondary applications.

you already have secondaries to fill out??? That fast? This is for 2006?

 

[imsotired]

you already have secondaries to fill out??? That fast? This is for 2006?

Yes....but not many. There are a couple of schools in Texas that tell you to fill out their secondaries as soon as you submit your TMDSAS app. I figured that I might as well just take a look and start thinking of things I want to say. 😀

 

[bottles999]

Yes....but not many. There are a couple of schools in Texas that tell you to fill out their secondaries as soon as you submit your TMDSAS app. I figured that I might as well just take a look and start thinking of things I want to say. 😀

Gotcha, was worried, since I was anticipating atleast a pause between submitting AND then getting hit with secondaries. - Whew... Back to normal now.

Good luck to ya Imsortired

 

[Reimat]

Never leave that space blank! NEVER!!!

This is not true. If you don't have anything new or insightful to add you are wasting an adcom's time to flll that space. This will annoy them and take away from your application.