The Why "X Med School" Secondary Question

[anotherpremed]

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So anyone have any advice on filling out the inevitable Why X school question? I received GW's secondary today and was not surprised to see this question. Any tips on making these essays standout would be helpful.

 

[monkeymeg2]

Ok so 2 out of the 3 schools I applied to asked this question. For the 1 that was my top choice I had no problem at all writing about it and I'm sure my answer came across as really enthusiastic and sincere. For the school that asked that I really didn't see myself attending, I searched their website for opportunities at the institution that matched my professional goals. Not sure if that was the best approach, since whenever I compared my responses I laughed at how you could totally tell I wasn't too excited about that school (I actually never even ended up going to my interview at that school, since I had gotten into the others at that point). If you are excited about the possibility of GW, don't worry too much...I think it'll show in your answer--just make sure you also show them you know something about their school and you have a reason for applying. For the most unique answer I would recommend going off of what you already know about the school (assuming you know some things) and how its great for you, because everyone who is trying too hard to prove themselves unique in their answers will do the school website search business.

 

[anotherpremed]

bump

 

[TheRealMD]

Location
Staff
Opportunities

 

[GoSouthernGo]

Look at the school's mission statement, current research, elective opportunities, student resources and tie those in to what you're personally interested in and looking for in a med school.

I hesitate to use location as a factor because adcoms can think you're there to study not enjoy the nightlife, etc. But I suppose it can be a factor to have good family support.

 

[TheRealMD]

Look at the school's mission statement, current research, elective opportunities, student resources and tie those in to what you're personally interested in and looking for in a med school.

I hesitate to use location as a factor because adcoms can think you're there to study not enjoy the nightlife, etc. But I suppose it can be a factor to have good family support.

When I say location, I mean the fact that you might have grown up near there. But obviously, that usually only applies to one school at most.