What has attracted you to our school?

[ImSoStreesedOut]

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For those of you who are applying to many schools and have many secondary applications to complete, I know you have come across the question: "why do you want to go to this school?" Its hard to answer this question sometimes when you have applied to so many schools. Does anyone know what type of answer these people want? what are the do's and dont's. Please respond ASAP!

 

[Cali Anteater]

I always do a little research by looking through the school's website and really trying to find that one thing that looks really attractive to me. I then center my essay around that. MSAR helps a bit too...but follow up with the school's website.

 

[Robizzle]

Do's: Talk about the schools strengths and why you want to go to that school. This can easily be looked up on the school website or by talking to medical students there.

CURRICULUM, CLINICAL EXPOSURE, BOARD SCORES, RESIDENCY MATCHES, DISTINGUISHED FACULTY, RESEARCH YOU FIND INTERESTING, LOCATION.. cmon man the list goes on and on.

Don'ts: Tell them that you applied to a lot of schools and you just wanted to increase your chances of acceptance.

 

[DrZeke]

ok I definitely agree with what these other people are saying, but the goal of these essays is not just to say "oh I want to go here because you have X, Y and Z"...that's too simple and they know that they have "X, Y and Z".

You want to tell the school why you are a good fit with them, while telling them what attracted you. For example, if you're impressed with a schools curriculum because they have lots of problem based learning, tell them that you like that, and refer back to a time where you show that you've done that type of work and that's why you think/know that you'd fit in there. You need to substantiate your reasons for wanting to attend a school. Remember, past behaviour is the best predictor of the future...schools like it when you have examples for you reasons because then they can believe that you really would be a fit with their school.

As you probalby know, if you have amazing stats and you write a coherent essay, and have nice EC's, a lot of the time a school will give you an interview. but if you need an extra boost, try to substantiate your reasons with examples...

 

[BucsFan813]

the hot women?...

 

[ImSoStreesedOut]

Thanks alot.... I looked at the websit, but i just didnt want to sound cliche... For example, I am attracted to your school because of ur focus on biomedical research and clinical exposure...." blah, blah...

 

[ImSoStreesedOut]

I LOVE u Jessy Erin....

 

[DrZeke]

I LOVE u Jessy Erin....

LOL...I try...

 

[Cali Anteater]

Thanks alot.... I looked at the websit, but i just didnt want to sound cliche... For example, I am attracted to your school because of ur focus on biomedical research and clinical exposure...." blah, blah...

Try to be more specific...For example, I see that you offer Course X which is different and unique. I think Course A would fit well into my education to become a doctor. Or talk about a specific professor that you might want to work with b/c you have read and studied their work. Then you can link all this back to why you feel you would fit well in that school. Your goal is simply to tell adcoms that you spent some time thinking about their school.

 

[new_doc]

I know that location of the school is a valid reason to want to go there when stated as a preference for urban vs. rural practice experience. Is it okay/not okay to mention that the location of the school is attractive because it allows you to stay near family? Near spouse?

 

[A Tree]

I know that location of the school is a valid reason to want to go there when stated as a preference for urban vs. rural practice experience. Is it okay/not okay to mention that the location of the school is attractive because it allows you to stay near family? Near spouse?

I am an applicant too, but maybe if you want them to know that, say that it influenced your initial consideration of the school and then after looking into it you were thrilled to see X,Y,and Z because it resonates with your own experience doing A, B, and C. Someone smack me down if that's a terrible idea.

I always try to give myself a little credibility by referencing published information or specific communication with people at the school if possible. I don't know...at least if you're spitting back info from the website, have a little self awareness about it. I have an interview at least at one school where I wrote an essay like this. 🙂

 

[Law2Doc]

I know that location of the school is a valid reason to want to go there when stated as a preference for urban vs. rural practice experience. Is it okay/not okay to mention that the location of the school is attractive because it allows you to stay near family? Near spouse?

It can be one of many things to list. However all schools think they are unique for reasons beyond their zip codes. They have likely taken great efforts to make themselves a world class institution and expect for you to pick up on some aspect of that in this kind of question.