UPenn secondary - global activities? (International student)

[realnameishidden]

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UPenn has this question in their secondary: Have you participated in any global activities outside of the U.S. prior to submitting your AMCAS application? (1000 Characters)

I am an Canadian and completed my undergraduate degree in Canada. I understand that the question states "outside of the U.S.", but I am inferring that the original meaning of this question was to ask about any activities in say, Europe or other possibly underserved countries? I am just not sure how I would approach this question, as a lot of my activities in undergrad are in Canada/outside of the U.S., but I don't know if they should be considered "global" in this case.

Thank you in advance for your help!!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thread '2025-2026 Pennsylvania (Perelman)'

Apr 18, 2025

2025-2026 Penn (Perelman) Secondary Essay prompts: (many have changed from last year)

1. Were there challenges related to your academic professional and/or personal circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic that you would like to share with the committee? (Y/N) (500 characters if yes)

2. During the Covid-19 pandemic, if you were offered an option to continue courses with a standard grading system or switch to Pass/Fail, and you elected Pass/Fail, please describe the reason(s) for your decision here. (500 characters)

3. Have you taken or are you planning to take...

• wysdoc
• Replies: 108
• Forum: 2025-2026 MD Medical School-Specific Discussions

I suppose you can ask the admissions office if they could clarify.

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Application Tips: Showing a Global Health Focus | Student Doctor Network | SDN

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[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

UPenn has this question in their secondary: Have you participated in any global activities outside of the U.S. prior to submitting your AMCAS application? (1000 Characters)

I am an Canadian and completed my undergraduate degree in Canada. I understand that the question states "outside of the U.S.", but I am inferring that the original meaning of this question was to ask about any activities in say, Europe or other possibly underserved countries? I am just not sure how I would approach this question, as a lot of my activities in undergrad are in Canada/outside of the U.S., but I don't know if they should be considered "global" in this case.

Thank you in advance for your help!!

Experiences in Canada would count as outside of the U.S. Although medical schools are usually looking for discussion of underserved populations and similar groups, they are not looking for specific countries or regions. Further, they aren't necessarily looking for medical things either. If you've done something, then discuss it and it's impact on you. Discussing your undergrad experience in Canada and why you're interested in doing MD in the U.S would be applicable.

If you are a Canadian applying to U.S MD programs, consider how important it is to make sure that ADCOMs are confident that you will stay in the U.S to work as a physician. This would be a good area to mention this exact thing.

If you want total clarity to settle nerves, contact UPenn directly and ask, as suggested by Mr.Smile12