Secondary questions from last year

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Jalby

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I compiled all the questions I had from last year and put them in a roughly alphabetical list. Once you turn in your AMCAS, you might want to start working on some of these.

Baylor secondary

If you have been out of school for a year or more, describe all activities or employment from graduation until planned entry into medical school. (If not applicable use N/A). 2000 character limit.

Describe your most significant non-scientific extracurricular activities and how you use your leisure time. 2000 limit.

Describe your most significant research and medically related experiences and list any awards and accomplishments of which you are especially proud. 2000 character limit.

Case Western

Write two pages about something interesting.

Columbia

What satisfactions do you expect to receive from your activities as a physician?
(PLEASE LIMIT WRITING TO 36 LINES; DO NOT SCROLL) Do not use 'Return' or 'Enter' when entering data into these fields.

2. In what collegiate extracurricular activities did you engage?

3. Please list collegiate honors, awards and memberships in honorary societies.
(PLEASE LIMIT WRITING TO 5 LINES; DO NOT SCROLL) Do not use 'Return' or 'Enter' when entering data into these fields.

4. About how many hours per week, if any, did you spend in work for which you were recompensed during the
college year?
(PLEASE LIMIT WRITING TO 3 LINES; DO NOT SCROLL) Do not use 'Return' or 'Enter' when entering data into these fields.

5. What sort of work did you do (include summer employment)?
(PLEASE LIMIT WRITING TO 16 LINES; DO NOT SCROLL) Do not use 'Return' or 'Enter' when entering data into these fields.

6. If your education has been interrupted for any reason, please indicate briefly the reasons, the duration of the
interruption and how your time was spent.
(PLEASE LIMIT WRITING TO 19 LINES; DO NOT SCROLL) Do not use 'Return' or 'Enter' when entering data into these fields.

Cornell
In the space provided, please write a brief statement, giving you reasons for applying to Weill Medical College of Cornell University. (about this size)

Duke

Emory

Please specify your interest in Emory or convey to the admissions committee anything you feel was not covered elsewhere in your application. (about this size limitation)

George Washington Secondary

All careers in medicine involve both science and people. While we expect all physicians to be competent in both areas, please choose which one you think is more important to you personally in your medical future?

Many of you will receive multiple acceptances to medical school. Briefly detail the considerations that will be important to you in deciding whether to accept our offer of a position.

Gerorgetown

Why have you chosen to apply to GUSOM and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (One Page)

John Hopkins
Describe briefly how you selected your undergraduate school and major area of study.

Are their any areas of medicine that are of particulate interest to you? If so, please comment:

Michigan

List up to six of your most valued recent non-academic activities (such as research, clinical experiences, community service, employment). Include information about hours per week and duration of involvement for each. Then select one experience and in part C, describe in a brief essay how it impacted on your decision to go into medicine. (400 words)

Mount Sinai

Describe a way in which you have taken initiative or shown leadership. (.5 page)

Indicate your reasons for you specific interest in Mount Sinai.
(half a page)

Were there any circumstances which you feel have adversely affected your scholastic performance during college?

Northwestern
Develop a profile of a "good" physician. Choose descriptive attitudes and behaviors you think a physician should possess. How closely do you fit the profile? (400 words)

What processes have you used to explore your commitment to a career in medicine? Describe in detail your evolution of thought and discovery that led to your decision. Be specific. (400 words)

Why do you want to attend Northwestern University Medical School? What contributions will you make to Northwestern University Medical School? (300 Words)

NYU

Is there any information you wish to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee regarding a physical or emotional condition or a family problem which you feel may have affected your scholastic performance, please indicate below or on a separate sheet.

In the space below or on an accompanying sheet of paper please explain the key motivational factors in your decision to apply to medical school.

UC Irvine

Suppose that you have a background and personal history similar to another applicant. However, when the admissions committee reviews your file, they find that you have accomplishments and characteristics that distinguish you from other applicants. What are those? (13 lines)

U Chicago Secondary
Relate an experience in which you felt that you truly helped someone.

If you pursued research as part of your academic experience (or summer experience), what did you learn from this type of endeavor worth recommending to others?

What is a difficult situation that you encountered and how did you deal with it? In your response, identify both coping skills that you have called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support persons you turned to for advice.

UCLA application

Extracurricular interests and activities:
a. Describe involvement in one most important non-academic activity that has been important in your life?

b. What has been the one most unique leadership, entrepreneurial or creative activity in which you participated?

c. What has been the one most important volunteer work you have done and why was it meaningful?

Scholastic Activities:
a. What is the most important honor (one) you have received? Why do you view this as important?

b. What has been your most scholarly project (thesis, research or field of study in basic or clinical science or in the humanities)? Describe one and give number of hours, dates and advisor.

Personal

a. Describe a problem in your life. Include how you dealt with it and how it influenced your growth.

USC (all about 250 words)
Are you reapplying to Keck School of Medicine? If yes, please describe your activities since you last applied.

Describe the unique qualities and abilities you possess which would contribute to the diversity of our entering class.

UCSD secondary
Write a short autobiography of your life. You should include childhood, elementary school experiences, all the to college.

Describe the unique qualities and abilities you possess which would contribute to the diversity of our entering class

Give examples of your leadership experience. I. E. Groups you have formed, successes in working with and through other people.

Please describe activities in which your meaningful participation has benefited those less fortunate and/or underserved.

The new curriculum, first implemented in 2001, is designed to enhance the understanding and clinical relevance of the basic sciences and to improve student's problem-solving and independent study skills. The curriculum will be based upon the use of cases and will increasingly incorporate small group learning, directed self-study and newer instructional technologies.

Do you see yourself thriving in this type of educational environment? Please give examples of why you think you would be well suited for this type of curriculum.

In addition to providing first class clinical training with our unique public/private hospital partnership, the Keck School of Medicine is providing leadership in biomedical research as we acknowledge that the future lies in molecular medicine. The four primary research initiatives are Cancer, Genetics, Neuroscience and Transplantation. A number of other multidisciplinary and interdepartmental research programs are emerging from our laboratories, classrooms and hospitals. At USC we feel it is vital to have both excellent clinical training as well as opportunities for a career in academic medicine.

Please express your level of interest in a career as a full-time faculty member in a medical school and provide examples of your research experience, if any.

Tulane (all ??s one paragraph)
Although interests may change, at the present time, in what field of medicine are you most interested? Why?

Briefly describe your interests in Tulane University School of medicine.

All Schools

Is there anything else that you would like to cover that is not covered in the AMCAS or otherwise?
 
you're awesome Jalbrekt. I think you deserve to be president of SDN or something... 🙂
Thanks
Tweet tweet
 
Also on <a href="http://forums.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002582#000021" target="_blank">this thread by baylor21</a>, there are more secondary questions.

And courtesy of Drako, <a href="http://www.geocities.com/lvnh6791/paperamcas2002.htm" target="_blank">http://www.geocities.com/lvnh6791/paperamcas2002.htm</a>--this is the website for all online applications

😀

Jal, ur awesome as always. 🙂 Thanks :clap:
 
PS: forgot to mention, there's a website out there with all the "online secondaries" ...anybody have it? It's on my laptop and I don't have it with me right now.

Tweetie
PS: how do you like my new avatar? 🙂
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Tweetie_bird:
•PS: forgot to mention, there's a website out there with all the "online secondaries" ...anybody have it? It's on my laptop and I don't have it with me right now.

Tweetie
PS: how do you like my new avatar? 🙂 •••••I posted the link in my above post! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
 
Thanks Jalbret! Truly nice of you to do that! 🙂
 
OMG,I'm impressed at the extent of information provided in this thread. <img border="0" alt="[Wowie]" title="" src="graemlins/wowie.gif" />

Jalbrekt,
No means to criticize but you need to spellcheck on the thread title. :wink:
 
For the George Washington secondary, which one did you guys think was more imp.- science or people? I think both are just as important, but if I say that, I won't look like I am following directions. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by lady bug:
•For the George Washington secondary, which one did you guys think was more imp.- science or people? I think both are just as important, but if I say that, I won't look like I am following directions. 🙁•••••I chose people. 😛 It went along with my personal statement better.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Doctora Foxy:
•I chose people. 😛 It went along with my personal statement better.•••••me too! and guess what? i'm on indefinite pre-interview hold! 🙂
 
hjgghjkrhjddghjhffhjg
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Jalbrekt:
•hjgghjkrhjddghjhffhjg•••••What was that Jalbret?? I'm still curious to know which one other people chose for their GW secondary- people or science?
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by lady bug:
• •••quote:•••Originally posted by Jalbrekt:
•hjgghjkrhjddghjhffhjg•••••What was that Jalbret?? I'm still curious to know which one other people chose for their GW secondary- people or science?•••••It's a personal decision. There is no wrong answer, just explain whichever you choose. 🙂 The interviewers will never even see it anyway since they have closed file interviews, so you will never be asked about it.

I chose people because my personal statement was about communication.
 
what was the question anyway about people versus science?
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Tweetie_bird:
•what was the question anyway about people versus science?•••••George Washington Secondary

All careers in medicine involve both science and people. While we expect all physicians to be competent in both areas, please choose which one you think is more important to you personally in your medical future?
 
oh, good question.
I suppose we'd all pick "people" since that's what distinguishes us from the researchers. oui ou non?

Tweetie
 
well, let me rephrase that...
MOST of us would pick "people" since we are going into medicine b/c (most likely) we are drawn to it's compassionate side. If we cared mroe about research, we'd most likely be doing PhD or MD/PhD. I suppose it's important to know what fulfills you more--people versus science. For me, no amount of science I'd know would make me feel like I am doing a good job at "healing" until I saw the direct aspects of it on the people I work with. There, that would be my answer. 😀 I suppose that's why I couldn't do just research, b/c I would not be able to see the faces of the people I'd be helping. How's that? 😀

Tweetie
 
I chose people and got an interview, then accepted. Of course, I'm not implying any correlation. I'd be curious to know who chose what and if they received interviews. Just a thought.
 
Hope other SDNers will add to this list if they still have copies hanging around.

Problem in your life, how you dealt, who helped, what you learned (UCLA, UC Davis, Pritzker)

Autobiographical sketch, incl. family, childhood, school years, future career goals with
motivation and obstacles (UCSD)

Personal motivational factors towards medicine, how they have influenced your preparation
and goals (Stanford, Johns Hopkins)

Detailed explanation of volunteer activities (Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UCLA)

Level of interest in being career medical faculty (USC)

Explanation of research experience (USC, Pritzker)

Why do you want to attend our school in particular? (Northwestern, Yale, Mt. Sinai, Tufts,
Georgetown)
 
Jal, you rule! :clap: I was just going to put up a post asking about secondaries.

My pre-med club at school puts out a handbook walking you through the med app process and has some secondary questions in it. I am not sure how outdated they are, but it couldn't hurt to post them up.

I am compiling a super, duper, mega-fantastic, mind-blowing master list of secondary questions based on what SDNers have posted and including the secondaries in abovementioned handbook. I will try to get on that ASAP if I don't get buried by secondaries first.
 
Jalbrekt you are awsome I sencond the nomination for your presidency...... :wink: Thanks :clap:
 
Did anyone find themselves writing individual essays for all of their schools, or did you find that their was considerable overlap in many essays?

It took so long writing the personal statement, I'm worried about now writing 19+ LONG essays! 🙄 It would be easy, if only you didn't have to talk about yourself. :wink:
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Bikini Princess:
• It would be easy, if only you didn't have to talk about yourself. •••••I see where your coming from.
 
I am personally not looking forward to writing secondary essays. Even though I have a lot of last years questions and I'm only applying to 13 schools it will still take me forever. Reason: I am an English major, therefore I write like a turtle. Also, for me, time is a tortilla.
Good luck, you princes of Maine...you kings of New England.
 
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