Thoughts on Optional Essays for MD/PhD applicants

[leverp2000]

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What do you guys think of the optional essays (such as tell us anything that is not mentioned elsewhere)? I feel that for the most part, I include everything that I would like to talk about in other parts of the application. A lot of times, these questions seem to be a front for explaning a weak aspect of one's application or disadvantages that one has had. Being a white middle-class male, I haven't had too many disadvantages that I would want to eccentuate. (I am an immigrant, but I came here when I was 4; so it would seem childish to talk about how I adjusted to American life, etc.)

So, I had a few specific questions about these essays. Is it bad to leave them blank, or should I talk about a hobby or something else that might set me apart? Is there any difference in the way I should approach this question as an MD/PhD applicant rather than an MD applicant (is it as important or important at all?)?

Thanks for the advice and opinions.

leverp2000

 

[microTAS]

I'd like to hear opinions on this as well, especially from previous applicants. I believe some said to leave no essay blank.

I'm planning to write briefly about an extracurricular challenge in college. I'm also an immigrant, but no URM/poor status.

 

[tedrik]

I believe some said to leave no essay blank.

I've heard this too, but sometimes you end up stretching it too much, then you don't really answer the question. I'm having the same problem as you guys with the NYU question: "If there is any information you wish to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee regarding a physical or emotional problem that you feel may have affected your scholastic performance, please indicate below. "

Well, I have one low grade that I have a good explanation for, but it had nothing to do with a physical or emotional problem. I'm still not sure what I'll do, but I'd like to hear what you guys have to say about the OP's question.

sorry I don't have anything to contribute here, but good quesiton leverp2000!

 

[BDavis]

Although it has been a long time since I have looked at my MSTP applications (I graduated college in 98), I seem to remember using the essay to describe interesting memories from my childhood. My essay had nothing to do with science or medicine, it was just my own personal touch to add a story behind the application. I noticed that often interviewers would use information from this section to open up the interview (sort of a warm up before the usual Why MD/PhD? and Where do you see yourself in 10 years?) I have no idea if this helped or hurt my application for different programs though so maybe someone who recently applied might have more insight.

 

[microTAS]

I didn't apply for NYU, but if I did, I wouldn't answer their question (unless really relevant). It would make me sound too phony, and perhaps hurt the rest of the application.

 

[leverp2000]

I was mainly referring to the Pitt and Wisconsin secondaries:

"What additional information, if any, would you wish to provide the Admissions Committee that you think would be important in the evaluation of your candidacy? You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant.

For example, many applicants have encountered various challenges in their backgrounds (e.g., coming from a low-income family, having to work a large number of hours per week while going to college, experiencing educational disadvantages in their pre-college years, following an unusually difficult course of study, changes in schools, time away from school, etc.). The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when assessing performance. If your path to medicine has not been direct, please elaborate. If you feel that you have encountered significant disadvantages and would like the Admissions Committee to take them into consideration, you are invited (not required) to provide this additional information. "

and

"The recruitment of a diverse student body is a major goal of the University of Pittsburgh's Medical School Admissions Committee. Please tell us whether facets of your life and education to date would contribute to the achievement of this goal. Such facets might include your early education, socioeconomic status, culture, race/ethnicity and work experience."

Both seem to be geared towards the same type of diversity/disadantage essay.

Thanks for the responses thus far.

Any one else have any thoughts on these questions in general, and these two in specific?

 

[Vader]

It doesn't really matter. Don't feel pressured to answer these questions. I often left them blank or talked about some other experiences I had (i.e. interest in the classics).

 

[leverp2000]

Would it be appropriate for me to write about a high school activity (computer animation) in which I participated for the UWisc and UPitt questions? Is it fine to write about how this activity influenced my development or what should I gear the essay towards?

Thanks for the help.

I keep holding off on submitting the Pitt and Wisconsin secondaries, because I'm reluctant to leave an essay blank.

 

[Vader]

Would it be appropriate for me to write about a high school activity (computer animation) in which I participated for the UWisc and UPitt questions? Is it fine to write about how this activity influenced my development or what should I gear the essay towards?

Thanks for the help.

I keep holding off on submitting the Pitt and Wisconsin secondaries, because I'm reluctant to leave an essay blank.

I wouldn't hold off any longer on the applications. Unless your experience pertains to your qualifications for medical and/or graduate school, you really shouldn't include it. That being said, I doubt it would hurt your application.

It is really your choice.

 

[abeanatrice]

I am having the same sort of trouble. While I can think of quite a few "obstacles" or "circumstances" I am not sure that any of them are appropriate. For example, my mother died of cancer when I was a junior in high school, which has had a great emotional impact on me and has had an effect on my decision to go into medicine, though I can't say that it has really influenced me academically since i got to college. Also, just before I came to college my best friend's family was killed in a plane crash and from there all my friends from that group ended up dropping out of high school/becoming drug addicts, which definitely affected my academic performance one semester (though I wasn't involved with the drug aspect). And then there was my mistake of working 40 hours a week to pay rent, and struggling during 2nd semester orgo. And then I got ill from a trip to Mexico (and no, I didn't drink the water), and was on my couch for 2 weeks unable to go to class. Of course, I definitely wouldn't call my life a sob story, but these are "circumstances" I guess that have affected who I am today.
So, I guess the main question is, should I discuss any of these sort of things in my application? Should I even bring any of it up in an interview?

Any help would be appreciated