Pritzker Secondary Question

[mdsh00]

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Hi Everyone. I suppose this question applies to other schools as well, but in general, is it not good to talk about experiences not in college?

In Pritzker's part 3A (relate when you truly helped someone) I wanted to talk about how I took care of my ill grandfather when I was a kid. Also for part 3C(challenge in your life and how you overcame it) I wanted to describe a class of mine in middle school where I would have failed, but managed to work hard and still get an A..being the first time I learned the value of hard work.

So, would the fact that the events were before college be outweighed by their significance to me?

 

[the other Dr.]

Thumbs up for taking care of your grandfather, but I would be hesitant about the middle school story... almost failing a class before it even affects your college applications might not be what the adcoms are looking for, unless there was some other circumstance (learning disability, trauma at home) that makes it more than a "lazy unmotivated teenager coming-of-age" story.

 

[brynn7]

what i am thinking is that they want to hear about something that meant a lot to YOU. i dont think they want the normal premed crap that spews forth out of our mouths every time we open them. 😍 i am definitely going to write about something totally random that just made me and the person that i helped have a much better day. in your case, helping an ill family member is definitely a significant experience that adds to your character and shapes your personality. anything if it was important to you and you want to share it, is definitely worth the paper space! 👍 👍

 

[nina512]

I don't think so...All that matters is that they were significant to you and make you who you are today.

 

[adamj61]

Here are the 3 things I wrote about:

1. I convinced a friend not to committ suicide...it was recent, so I just told the story.

2. Difficult situation: ex girlfriend and I decided to live together last year...she turned out to be crazy and she moved out, I described the whole situation and the impact on school etc It was great because it fit everything of the question. Coping skills, seeking advice....

3. Values and influences: I thought this question was ridiculous, and should never be asked. I basically described going to private school...learning about jesus etc, then it turned into how I value humor, and actually mentioned Seinfeld as an influence.....do you guys think that was a bit random?

 

[vtucci]

I am going back and forth with these essays as well.

1 and 2) It is funny because I talked someone out of committing suicide as well and was thinking about using that but it was college and I am a post-bac. Alternatively, I thought of using a situation where I got a colleague some help for his substance abuse. Both of these situations involve difficult issues. What do you guys think?

3) I know this sounds trite but my values really are from my family. I wish there was an interesting way to handle this essay- The seinfeld reference is amusing, at least to me.

 

[kmjannie]

Here is my Pritzker secondary so far...
1) Helped my father in law label scrapbooks and pictures after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
2) Described how I reacted and coped when my fiancee had to quit his job due to a previously unknown medical condition.
3) Talked about my parents, role models in my life.

 

[nina512]

I finally figured what I'm going to write about...
1. Being a mentor...didn't know the impact I had till the student I "unknowingly" mentored thanked me.

2. Coping skills question...when a loved one told me about the drug problem (crack) he's been hiding for the past 3yrs.

3. Values and influence questions...religion, my ethnicity/culture, family

At first these questions were a bit overwhelming, but after a little thought, I was able to get some ideas. Now comes the hard part...writing it up without sounding to trite and boring.

 

[mdsh00]

It seems to me like the first and third questions of the secondary will be the most important as a lot of people will be talking about their family. But hey...if thats the truth.. 👍

 

[wends]

all your secondaries sound great!

for 3c, teh challenge one, im having trouble deciding what to write, there are two options....1. getting over my fear of deep water by finally learning how to swim or 2. dealing with bullies in elementary school...these girls were nasty!

any suggestions?

 

[anitat]

BULLIES! talk about the bullies, you could make that one funny while conveying how traumatic it was for you at the same time (if it was traumatic 😛)

 

[calstudent]

i would personally say the bullies one because you are interacting with people, and that might relate more to med.
although the swimming is good in terms of psychological barriers, but i favor the bullies.

thanks guys for at least getting my wheels rolling. this secondary is like 4 different secondaries!