When a school asks about your unique skills/abilities, what in the world are they expecting to hear?

[779663]

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This secondary essay question is really throwing me for a loop. What do they expect their applicants to be skilled at? I can juggle, but I don't really see how that's relevant.

I mean, I feel like all applicants that have a good shot at this point are quite similar in their skills. They're relatively committed and hard working students, they've volunteered and are caring etc...

What exactly is anyone supposed to say here? I can't even think of possible skills or abilities that could be had that would make sense. Telepathy?

Can someone shed some light on what this is really asking

 

[trs88]

Could be anything as long as it answers the question. Juggling would fit the prompt as it is a unique skill.

It's pretty much asking, what are you good at? Except for studying, because you know people would put that down.

 

[Catfish-Cupcake]

Do you have any hobbies outside of school? Basically what they are asking. I put stuff like mountain biking and marathoning.

 

[779663]

Could be anything as long as it answers the question. Juggling would fit the prompt as it is a unique skill.

It's pretty much asking, what are you good at? Except for studying, because you know people would put that down.

Do you have any hobbies outside of school? Basically what they are asking. I put stuff like mountain biking and marathoning.

No, they don't mean like hobbies or interests, they literally want skills and abilities that I will "bring to their school and to the osteopathic profession."

 

[Catfish-Cupcake]

No, they don't mean like hobbies or interests, they literally want skills and abilities that I will "bring to their school and to the osteopathic profession."

You're right, I should have been more clear. When I answered that question, I applied my interests in fitness to medicine and how I fit into the osteopathic profession. I personally talked about the obesity epidemic in the US and how my experiences will help me to council future patients on lifestyle changes and how I especially have firsthand knowledge about how to take care of oneself.

For all of these questions focus your answers on how it will make you a better doctor/DO. No matter what your interests/abilities are, turn them towards medicine.

PM me if you want more advice. I could probably help more if I knew a little more about you and what your current ideas are now.

 

[779663]

You're right, I should have been more clear. When I answered that question, I applied my interests in fitness to medicine and how I fit into the osteopathic profession. I personally talked about the obesity epidemic in the US and how my experiences will help me to council future patients on lifestyle changes and how I especially have firsthand knowledge about how to take care of oneself.

For all of these questions focus your answers on how it will make you a better doctor/DO. No matter what your interests/abilities are, turn them towards medicine.

PM me if you want more advice. I could probably help more if I knew a little more about you and what your current ideas are now.

Ok, I'm at work right now, I'll try and think of a starting idea on my own and then ask for your help when I have more to work with. Appreciate your offer!

 

[Goro]

They're looking to weed out people who can't answer very simple questions.

This secondary essay question is really throwing me for a loop. What do they expect their applicants to be skilled at? I can juggle, but I don't really see how that's relevant.

I mean, I feel like all applicants that have a good shot at this point are quite similar in their skills. They're relatively committed and hard working students, they've volunteered and are caring etc...

What exactly is anyone supposed to say here? I can't even think of possible skills or abilities that could be had that would make sense. Telepathy?

Can someone shed some light on what this is really asking

 

[779663]

They're looking to weed out people who can't answer very simple questions.

Yikes!

I'm better wth science questions. Wish secondaries would just ask you to write a science paper instead of some vague introspective crap

 

[Goro]

It is a highly crucial skill for a clinician to be introspective. If you can't master this, it's time for Plan B.

There are six competencies you need to demonstrate evidence of for admission to, and graduation from, medical school.

Scientific knowledge is only one of them. 4.0 automatons are a dime a dozen.

Yikes!

I'm better wth science questions. Wish secondaries would just ask you to write a science paper instead of some vague introspective crap

 

[mathnerd88]

Yikes!

I'm better wth science questions. Wish secondaries would just ask you to write a science paper instead of some vague introspective crap

Just take a skill you're really good at (like juggling) and relate it to medicine. Say something along the lines about how you enjoy making people smile when you juggle and that's what you plan to do as a physician. The connections you make with people are important to you and what makes a good physician (because being a good physician is not just about getting the science/diagnosiss right.) You want to be personable, and bringing something unique will give a different perspective in healthcare. Also, being a juggler means you'll be good with your hands, which can be tied to OMM.

You can cleverly present all these ideas in a nice anecdotal story that is unique to only you. It would also be memorable to the adcoms.

Spin man, spin.

 

[Necr0sis713]

I think they want to know what unique contribution you can make to their institution, and whether or not you can write a nice essay about it.


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[AlteredScale]

This secondary essay question is really throwing me for a loop. What do they expect their applicants to be skilled at? I can juggle, but I don't really see how that's relevant.

I mean, I feel like all applicants that have a good shot at this point are quite similar in their skills. They're relatively committed and hard working students, they've volunteered and are caring etc...

What exactly is anyone supposed to say here? I can't even think of possible skills or abilities that could be had that would make sense. Telepathy?

Can someone shed some light on what this is really asking

It's all the same ish honestly. You're hard working, dedicated, committed to the profession. Those are things they want to hear. Not juggling skills.

The only difference with secondaries as @O731 has said is you are tying it in specifically to the schools mission, vision, and/or goals. So yes, you have community service but no reflect on how that fits THAT particular schools mission. If the school is in a specific region, talk about the target patient populations and how your experiences and skills will help to serve that area THROUGH the school. The school wants to know if you truly understand what they are about and what you offer to their upcoming class. Be genuine and true to your experiences. They'll know if you're whistling dixie to them.

 

[kingkapoor]

Can you lick your Elbow? Its one of the stats that screens people out these days.

 

[DrPatriot]