Secondary question

[akimhaneul]

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I am currently writing a secondary for this prompt that asks if I saw anyone do anything unethical, what I did back then, and my overall reaction. The prompt also asks what I would do differently now.

I wrote about how I saw some of my classmates cheating and asking me to join and how I didn’t join them but did nothing about it. But I ended the essay by saying that I should have talked to them and tell them that either they should turn themselves in or I will and this is important because I want to uphold a high ethical standard.


What do you think? Would the fact that I didn’t do anything hurt me in this essay?

 

[akimhaneul]

@Goro

 

[akimhaneul]

Depends on how long ago it was and what it was for, but there is a change it will hurt you imo. Med school's are pretty strict on professionalism.

It was during undergrad so like 6 years ago for me. They were cheating on an exam.

 

[Engrailed]

I am currently writing a secondary for this prompt that asks if I saw anyone do anything unethical, what I did back then, and my overall reaction. The prompt also asks what I would do differently now.

I wrote about how I saw some of my classmates cheating and asking me to join and how I didn’t join them but did nothing about it. But I ended the essay by saying that I should have talked to them and tell them that either they should turn themselves in or I will and this is important because I want to uphold a high ethical standard.


What do you think? Would the fact that I didn’t do anything hurt me in this essay?

I think if you're reflecting on it in an insightful way, I think it would work. I don't think adcoms will hold it against you for something you did 6 years ago and I think in a classroom environment there's a bit of peer pressure also in not wanting to be the one to tattletale etc. Im not 100% sure how you should write about your reflection but perhaps others advise you on that more clearly

 

[907914]

What do you think? Would the fact that I didn’t do anything hurt me in this essay?

The essay is adequate for this prompt. It will only hurt you if you fail to show introspective reflection. On that note, however, if you write it well (show growth/learning) then this can play to your favor. ADCOMs likely get tired by the "can do no wrong" mentality of so many premeds (ie. we never talk about negative things in our application). If you state you did something wrong (inaction is a form of action) and show how you have grown from it then that is primo essay material and shows you recognize your potential to falter.

 

[Goro]

@Goro

See my sig lines.

Personally, I despise this particular question, becuase I know people are lying when they the answer, which always identical to what the OP wrote.

So, I never, ever ask this question in interviews.